City attorney outlines the purpose and duties of North Las Vegas charter committee

Deputy City Attorney Adrian Viesca told the committee that "the charter is basically the foundational governing document for the city of North Las Vegas" and that the charter committee exists to review the charter periodically and recommend amendments to the city council. He said the committee was created by Assembly Bill 55 of the 81st Legislative Session and that members are appointed by the mayor, mayor pro tem, council members and members of the legislature and must be residents and registered voters of the city.

Viesca reviewed the charter’s major articles — the city’s organization and powers, duties of the mayor and council, duties of the city manager and staff, municipal court provisions and other articles on elections, bonds and revenue — and summarized the committee’s function as an advisory body that makes recommendations to city council, which retains final authority. He encouraged committee members to identify sections of the charter for review and to work with staff to draft items for future agendas.

Committee members asked whether individual members may pursue BDRs and whether the committee’s recommendations could bypass council. Viesca advised the group to focus on charter changes they wish the committee to recommend to the city council; he said the council determines whether to send proposals to the legislature or place amendments before voters.