@tcb It’s my understanding that the by-laws template (latest version I know of here) only serves as guidance to CT. At present, they can disregard it or change it any way they wish, and most do. This is probably why it’s been drafted administratively; it’s informal.
Contact Team reform will likely involve implementing a mandatory template. This takes away some flexibility for neighborhoods to create a framework more appropriate to their specific needs, but will also help restrain the rampant abuses going on. This requirement will probably mean the template needs to be adopted by the City Council. We’ll have to keep tabs on the matter to make sure.
The template should also be created with features aimed at those abuses. This should be open to the general public and NOT just exalted members of CT! There should be no burdensome residency rules for membership. It should specify the format of the ballot so CT can’t craft an election process designed to eliminate specific candidates. Like my lovely Dawson Neighborhood Plan Contact Team did to me Dec 14th.
As I understand it based on reading some backup and hearing discussion today, the proposed Contact Team reform has 3 pieces, more or less:
Gives the Director of Planning the authority to require CT’s to follow the bylaws template
The template specifies which parts are required, and which parts may be modified
If a CT doesn’t follow bylaws or the template, there will be an official procedure to file a complaint and seek resolution.
Currently, I think (and IANAL), city code suggests the bylaws template, but doesn’t really empower the Director of Planning to require changes. There also is no formal complaint process.
I am taking more time to review the bylaws template suggestions, and at CM Gallo’s request sent her some info I’ve found on the different types of bylaws, so I think there is a decent effort to get all CTs operating under more similar rules.
The Contact Team Dispute Resolution Forms are now on line
Purpose of Neighborhood Plan Contact Team Dispute Resolution Process
Individuals who feel that the Neighborhood Plan Contact Team for their area is operating in a way that is inconsistent with the requirements of City Code or the standardized bylaws template may request the City to investigate and facilitate a dispute resolution process as described under LDC Subsection 25-1-805 (G) https://www2.municode.com/library/tx/austin/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=TIT25LADE_CH25-1GEREPR_ART16NEPLAM_S25-1-805NEPLCOTE (This process is summarized by the flow chart on page 2 of these instructions.)
· Submit a complaint to the Planning and Zoning Department within 45 calendar days following the occurrence of the alleged incident; and
· Submit the complaint in writing using the “Contact Team Dispute Resolution Complaint Form” provided by the Planning and Zoning Department.
· Submittal of a written complaint to the Planning and Zoning Department will initiate the dispute resolution process.
There is no fee associated with submitting a complaint as part of the dispute resolution process.