Section 2.02. - General powers adopted.

The enumeration of particular powers in the charter shall not be held or deemed to be exclusive, but in addition to the powers enumerated herein, or implied thereby, or appropriate to the exercise such powers. thereof, It is intended that the city shall have and may exercise all other powers which, under the Constitution and laws of the State of Texas, it that would be competent for the charter to specifically to enumerate herein. The City of Richardson city shall have and exercise all powers conferred upon cities by what is known as the Home Rule Amendment to the Constitution of the State of Texas and the enabling Act relative thereto, and all other laws passed by the Legislature of the State of Texas relating thereto or which may hereafter be passed by said Legislature in relation to such matters.

Section 9.12. – Civil service appeals board.

(b) Powers. The civil service appeals board shall have final jurisdiction to hear and decide all appeals made to it by any suspended, reduced, demoted or discharged employee in the classified service, and the judgment or decision of a majority of the members of the civil service appeals board at a hearing shall be final. Any aggrieved employee who desires to appeal to the civil service appeals board must do so promptly and within ten (10) days from the date that the aggrieved employee received notification of the suspension, demotion, reduction or dismissal action by giving written notice to the civil service appeals board of appeals. The civil service board shall set a hearing date within twenty (20) days after receipt of the notice of appeal, and an a civil service appeals board shall be convened to hear the appeal. The aggrieved employee may be represented by counsel and shall have the right to an open hearing and to compel the attendance of witnesses to testify on behalf of the aggrieved employee. The appeal to the civil service appeals board shall not suspend the execution of the order of suspension, reduction, demotion or discharge pending final decision of the civil service appeals board. The civil service appeals board may either sustain or reverse the action taken against the employee, or may modify or amend the action as it may deem justified, appropriate and equitable in light of all the facts and circumstances of the particular case.

Section 18.05. - Public library.

The city shall establish and maintain a public library or libraries within the city free to the residents of the City of Richardson and to cooperate with any person, firm or corporation under such terms the city council may prescribe for the establishment of such public library or libraries, and to that end the city council shall appropriate annually out of the general revenue of the city a fund for the support and maintenance of the public library.

Section 2.04. - Streets and Infrastructure and public improvements.

The city shall have the full power, authority and right to exercise in any manner authorized or permitted by the Constitution and laws of the State of Texas when necessary or desirable to construct, develop, improve, expand, widen and maintain or cause to be constructed, developed, improved, expanded, widened and maintained, within or outside the city limits any public streets, sidewalks, alleys, drainage facilities, sanitary sewer facilities, water and storm drainage facilities and public buildings, facilities or other public improvements and to impose, levy and collect assessments or other charges for the costs of such development and improvements in any manner not prohibited by state law.

Section 3.03. - Mayor pro tem.

The city council shall elect one (1) of its members to serve as mayor pro tem, who shall temporarily perform the duties of mayor in case of the absence or inability of the mayor to perform the duties of office, and who shall for such time be vested with all the powers belonging to the mayor. In such event, the mayor pro tem does not assume the office of the mayor and no vacancy is created in the office of the mayor or mayor pro tem. In case of the absence of both the mayor and the mayor pro tem, the remaining council members shall select one (1) of their members to act in the place of the mayor. The mayor pro tem shall be selected after elected following each election or runoff election, if applicable and shall serve for the remainder of such person’s term a period of two (2) years, subject to removal as mayor pro tem at any time by a vote of two-thirds of the total membership of the council. A councilmember may be elected to serve as mayor pro tem for more than a single term.

Section 3.04. - Compensation

Each member of the city council shall receive as compensation the sum of one hundred fifty dollars ($150.00100.00) per diem for each city council meeting attended by such member, said compensation in no event to exceed the sum of seven five thousand eight two hundred dollars ($7,800.005,200.00) per annum; provided however beginning January 1, 2030 the city council shall receive as compensation the sum of two hundred dollars ($200.00) per diem for each city council meeting attended by such member, said compensation in no event to exceed the sum of ten thousand four hundred dollars ($10,400.00) per annum. In addition to the above, all necessary expenses incurred by members of the city council in the performance of their official duties shall be paid by the city.

Section 3.06. - Council misconduct.

A wWillful violation of any provision of this charter by any member of the city council [council] shall constitute grounds for a charge of official misconduct. Any complaint or charge of official misconduct against a member of the city council shall be made in writing on a form provided by the city, sworn to before a notary public, and filed of record with the city secretary. Such complaint shall describe in detail the act or acts complained of, and the specific section(s) of this charter alleged to have been violated. The city secretary shall immediately provide a copy of the complaint to the entire city council including the implicated member of the city council,  and immediately refer the complaint to the city attorney, who shall initially review the complaint to determine if the complaint contains sufficient detail and alleges a violation of the charter. The non-implicated members of the city council may reject the complaint or may appoint outside legal counsel or direct the city attorney, or the city attorney in the city attorney's discretion may appoint outside legal counsel, to investigate the complaint and to submit a written report to the entire city council as soon as possible but not later than 15 business days after the filing of the complaint with the city secretary. Such report shall be comprehensive and explain in detail all facts, findings, and conclusions in support of the investigating attorney’s opinion as to whether a violation of this charter occurred. Not later than ten (10) days nor more than thirty (30) days after receipt of the investigating attorney’s report the non-implicated members of the city council shall either reject the complaint or schedule the complaint for a public hearing before the non-implicated members of the city council. At such public hearing, the member of the city council charged with official misconduct shall have the right to present evidence in defense but shall be disqualified from voting as to such person’s innocence or guilt. At the conclusion of the hearing, a vote shall be taken, and upon the affirmative and shall authorize the council, by a vote of two-thirds of the total membership, not including the member charged with  official misconduct, to expel such offending member shall be removed from the council if found guilty after a public hearing, and thereby create a vacancy in the place held by such member. The investigating attorney and city council shall have the power to subpoena witnesses and require the production of documents, records, and files of any type relevant to the charge of misconduct. The decision of the council in the exercise of such power of removal shall be subject to review by the courts.

Section 3.10. -  Open Meetings.

All meetings of the city council shall be open to the public except as otherwise permitted by state law, and the rules of the city council shall provide that with the exception of emergency meetings and authorized closed meetings of the city council, the public citizens of the city shall have a reasonable opportunity to be heard at the meetings of the city council, in regard to any matter there considered.

Section 3.13. - Summoning witnesses.

The city council shall have power to summon and compel the attendance of witnesses and the production of books and papers before it whenever it may be necessary for the more effective discharge of its duties and shall have the power to punish for contempt before it with the same fines and penalties as the County Judge may punish for contempt before the County Court. All processes shall be signed by the mayor, attested by the city secretary and shall be served by any peace the chief of police or any police officer or other person authorized to serve process of the said city.

Section 3.13. - Summoning witnesses.

The city council shall have power to summon and compel the attendance of witnesses and the production of any documents, records and files of any type books and papers before it whenever it may be necessary for the more effective discharge of its duties, and shall have the power to punish for contempt before it with the same fines and penalties as the County Judge may punish for contempt before the County Court. All processes shall be signed by the mayor, attested by the city secretary and shall be served the chief of police or any police of the said city.

Section 6.07. – Investigations.

The council, the city manager or any person or committee authorized by either or both of them shall have power to inquire into the conduct of any department or office of the city, to make investigations as to city affairs, and for that purpose may subpoena witnesses, administer oaths and compel the production of any documents, records and files of any type pertinent books, papers and other evidence material to said inquiry. The council shall establish by ordinance penalties for contempt in refusing to obey any such subpoenas or failure to produce any documents, records, and files of any type, books, papers and other evidence, and shall have the power to punish any such contempt in the manner provided by ordinance. 

Section 9.12. – Civil service appeals board.

(f) Appeals proceedings. In any appeals proceeding conducted by the board, it shall have the power to subpoena and require the attendance of witnesses and the production thereby of any documents, records and files of any type books and papers pertinent to the proceeding and to administer oaths to such witnesses.

Section 3.14. – Administering oaths.

The mayor, city secretary, municipal judge, city attorney, or any member of the city council shall have the authority to administer oaths in any matter pertaining to the municipal affairs.

Section 4.02. - Designated places.

The places of the several council members shall be designated as Places No. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6. Council members in Places 1, 2, 3 and 4, shall have been a resident of reside in their correspondingly numbered districts for at least one (1) year prior to the date of election and remain shall continuously reside in that district for the period of time that they serve in that place. The mayor and council members in Places 5 and 6, may reside in any district. The council place for the mayor shall be designated as Place 7. All six (6) council members and the mayor shall be elected by all of the qualified voters of the city.

Section 4.04. - Qualifications.

Each member of the city council shall, in addition to the other qualifications prescribed by law, be on the date of the election a qualified voter, a resident of the city for at least one (1) year prior to the date of election, and at least twenty-one (21) years of age. Council members designated Places No. 1, 2, 3, and 4, shall, in addition to the other qualifications prescribed by law and this charter, be a resident of their corresponding districts for at least one (1) year prior to the date of election and continuously reside in that district during that person’s term of office.

Section 4.03. - District revisions.

The city council shall appoint a commission, starting in January 1992 and every ten (10) years thereafter, to review the district boundaries in order to maintain a substantial equality of population in each district. They shall advise the city council, who shall within six (6) months of appointment fix the boundaries by ordinance, if necessary. The commission shall be made up of qualified voters from all the districts of the city.

Section 14.02. - Examination of initiative petition.

Within ten (10) days from the date of filing an initiative petition, the city secretary shall examine the same and ascertain from the list of qualified voters of the city whether or not said petition is signed by the requisite number of qualified voters of the city, and shall attach to said petition a certificate showing the result of such examination. If by the secretary's certificate, the petition is shown to be insufficient, it may be amended within ten (10) days from date of said certificate. The secretary shall within ten (10) days after receipt of such amendment make like examinations of the amended petition. If the secretary's certificate shall show the same to be insufficient, the petition may not be further amended, however, a new petition may be filed to the same effect. The city attorney shall review the petition to determine that it is a proper subject and in proper form. If the petition shall be found to be sufficient, the secretary shall submit the same to the city council without delay.

Section 5.01. – Recall of mayor and city council members.

The mayor and any council member of this city may be recalled and removed from office by the qualified voters of the city. electors qualified to vote

Section 5.02. – Procedure.

(a) Before the question of recall of the mayor or a council member shall be submitted to the qualified voters of the city, a petition addressed to the city council of the City of Richardson demanding the recall of the mayor or a council member shall first be filed with the city secretary, which petition shall name the mayor or council member whose removal is sought, and must distinctly and specifically state the ground or grounds upon which the petition for removal is predicated such as incompetency, misconduct, or malfeasance in office with such certainty as to give the mayor or council member sought to be removed, notice of the matters and things with which such officer is charged contain a complete statement of the grounds for which the removal is sought. A separate petition shall be required for the mayor and each council member whose removal is sought.

(b) The petition shall be signed by qualified voters of the city equal in number to at least ten percent (10%) percent of the total number of qualified voters of the city on the date of the last regular municipal election of the city.

(c) Notice shall be given in writing to the city secretary by five (5) registered qualified voters of the city on the first day that such petition is circulated, and the total signatures required must be secured and the petition filed within thirty (30) days thereafter.

(e) Within ten (10) days after the filing of such petition, the city secretary shall examine the same and from the list of qualified voters of the city ascertain whether or not said petition is signed by the requisite number of qualified voters of the city. The city secretary shall attach to said petition a certificate showing the result of such examination.

(f) If by the secretary's certificate the petition is shown to be insufficient, it may be amended within ten (10) days from the date of said certificate. If an amended petition is filed The the city secretary shall, within ten (10) days after such filing examine amendment is filed, in the event one is filed, make like examination of the said amended petition, and if the city secretary’s certificate shows shall show the amended petition to be insufficient, it shall not be further amended. 

 (g) If the petition is found to be sufficient, the city secretary shall within five (5) days or at the next regular city council meeting, whichever is later, submit it and the certificate declaring the petition to be sufficient to the city council, and notify the affected mayor or council member sought to be recalled. The city council, in In the event that the mayor or council member fails to resign, the city council shall order and set an election to be held on the earliest date allowed by law following the submission of the certified petition to the city council. 

Section 5.03. – Appeal.

Should the city council fail or refuse to order an election as herein provided for the recall of the mayor or a council member, when all the requirements for such election have been complied with by the petitioning residents citizens, in conformity with this article of the charter, then it shall be the duty of any one of the district judges of Dallas County, Texas, upon proper application being made therefore, to order such election and to enforce the carrying into effect of the provisions of this article of the charter.

Section 6.01. - Appointment.

The council shall appoint a city manager, who shall be the chief administrative and executive officer of the city. The city manager shall be accountable to the council for the proper administration of the city. The city manager may be appointed without a definite fixed time. The city manager shall be removable at the will and pleasure of the council by a vote of the majority of the entire council. The city manager shall receive such compensation as may be fixed by the council.

Section 6.04. - Removal.

The city manager shall be removable at the will and pleasure of the council by a vote of the majority of the entire council. If the city manager is removed by a vote of the majority of the entire council after serving three (3) months, unless otherwise set out in any contract, the city manager may demand written charges and the right to be heard thereon at a public meeting of the council prior to the date on which the city manager's final removal shall take effect, but pending such hearing the council  may suspend the city manager from office. The action of the council in suspending or removing the city manager shall be final, it being the intention of this charter to vest all authority and fix all responsibility for such suspension or removal in the council.

Section 6.02. - Qualifications.

The city manager shall be chosen by the council solely on the basis of executive and administrative training, experience and ability, and without regard to political consideration. The city manager need not, when appointed, be a resident of the City of Richardson or the State of Texas, but shall be a resident of the city within six (6) months after appointment. No member of the council shall, during the time for which elected, and one (1) year thereafter, be chosen as city manager.

Section 6.04. - Removal.

Unless otherwise provided in an employment agreement with the city manager, if If the city manager is removed from office by a vote of the majority of the entire council after serving the first three (3) months following appointment to office, unless otherwise set out in any contract, the city manager may demand written charges and the right to be heard thereon at a public meeting of the council prior to the date on which the city manager's final removal shall take effect, but pending such hearing the council may suspend the city manager from office. The action of the council in suspending or removing the city manager shall be final, it being the intention of this charter to vest all authority and fix all responsibility for such suspension or removal in the council.

Section 6.05. – Powers and duties.

(c) To exercise control over all departments and subdivisions thereof created by the charter, or that may hereafter be created by the council or by the city manager, except as otherwise provided herein.

Section 6.05. – Powers and duties.

(e) To attend all meetings of the council, except for absences due to illness, vacation, or city business, with the right to take part in the discussion but having no vote. The city manager shall be entitled to notice of all special meetings.

Section 6.05. – Powers and duties.

(e) To attend all meetings of the council, with the right to take part in the discussion but having no vote. The city manager shall be entitled to notice of all special meetings. The city manager shall designate an employee to represent the city manager during any absence from any meetings of the council.

Section 6.06. – Bond of city manager.

The city council shall require the city manager, before entering upon the duties of the office, to execute a good and sufficient bond with a surety company doing business in the State of Texas, and approved by the city council, as surety thereon, said bond to be in such amount as the council may demand, payable to the City of Richardson, and conditioned for the faithful performance of the duties of office; premium of such bond to be paid by the city..

Section 18.08. - Bonds of city official, employee or department director. Insurance for city officials and employees.

In addition to any bonding provision herein provided, the  city council may require any city official, department director or city employee, before entering upon such person's duties, to execute a good and sufficient bond with a surety company doing business in the State of Texas, and approved by the city council, as surety thereon, said bond to be in such amount as the council may demand, payable to the City of Richardson, and conditioned for the faithful performance of the duties of the office; premium of such bond to be paid by the city. The city council shall obtain a crime policy, errors and omissions liability policy or other appropriate insurance coverage to protect the city from any loss caused by any city official, and city employee, including the city manager, deemed necessary by the city council, with the premium to be paid by the City.

Section 7.03. – Municipal court judge.

The judge of the municipal court, while in office, shall be a bona fide resident of the City of Richardson, a duly licensed, practicing attorney in the State of Texas, and shall be appointed by the city council for a term of two (2) years, subject to removal by the city council by a vote of two-thirds of the total membership of the city council.

Section 7.05. – Compensation

The judge, alternate judge, prosecutor and alternate prosecutor shall receive compensation as is approved by the city council.

Section 8.03. – Responsibility of department directors

The directors of departments appointed by the city manager shall be immediately responsible to the city manager for the administration of their departments, and their advice in writing may be required by the city manager on all matters affecting their departments. They shall prepare operating budgets departmental estimates, which shall be open to public inspection, and they shall make all their reports and recommendations concerning their departments at stated intervals, or when requested by the city manager.

Section 9.02. - Appointments.

The council shall appoint members to all boards and commissions, who are qualified voters of the City of Richardson, who have been residents of the State of Texas for at least one (1) year and residents of the city for at least one (1) year six (6) months immediately prior to the date of such appointment, and who hold no elected public office and are not in arrears in taxes or other liability due the city.

Section 9.10. – Zoning board of adjustment.

(b) Second Paragraph -  In exercising the above-mentioned powers, such board may reverse or affirm, wholly or partly, or may modify the order, requirement, decision or determination appealed from and may make such order, requirement, decision or determination as ought to be made, and to the end shall have all the powers of the administrative official from whom the appeal is taken.

(b) Third Paragraph - The concurring vote by at least of seventy-five percent (75%) of the members of the board shall be necessary to reverse any order, requirement, decision or determination of any such administrative official or to decide in favor of the applicant on any matter upon which it is required to pass under any such ordinance or to effect any variation in such ordinance.

(d) Procedures. A chairperson and vice-chairperson shall be appointed by the city council. Meetings shall be held monthly or as required. All matters heard by the board of adjustment shall be heard by a  the minimum of seventy-five percent (75%) of the members of the board.

The board shall adopt rules in accordance with the provisions of any ordinance adopted pursuant to this section. Meetings of the board shall be held at the call of the chairperson and at such other times as the board may determine. Such The chairperson, or in the absence of the chairperson, the acting chairperson, may administer oaths and compel the attendance of witnesses. The board shall keep minutes of its proceedings, showing the vote of each member upon each question, or, if absent or failing to vote, indicating such fact, and shall keep records of its examinations and other official actions, all of which shall be immediately filed in the office of the board and shall be a public record.

Section 9.11. - Civil service board.

(c)Membership and terms. The civil service board shall consist of five (5) members who shall be appointed for two (2) year terms.

Section 9.10. – Zoning board of adjustment.

(d) Procedures. A chairperson and vice-chairperson shall be appointed by the city council. Meetings shall be held monthly or as required. All matters heard by the board of adjustment shall be heard by the minimum of seventy-five percent (75%) of the members of the board.

The board shall adopt rules in accordance with the provisions of any ordinance adopted pursuant to this section. Meetings of the board shall be held at the call of the chairperson and at such other times as the board may determine. Such chairperson, or in the absence of the acting chairperson, may administer oaths and compel the attendance of witnesses. The board shall keep minutes of its proceedings, showing the vote of each member upon each question, or, if absent or failing to vote, indicating such fact, and shall keep records of its examinations and other official actions, all of which shall be immediately filed in the office of the board and shall be a public record. No member of the board shall be excused from voting on any matter before the board unless otherwise required by law.

Section 9.11. - Civil service board.

(b) Powers. The civil service board, subject to the approval of the city council, shall adopt, amend, and enforce a code of rules and regulations providing for appointment and employment in all positions in the classified service which shall have the force and effect of law; also rules regulating reduction of forces of employees and in what order they shall be dismissed and reinstated;, and shall assure the enforcement of the civil service sections of this charter and of the rules adopted under the powers herein granted.

Section 9.11. - Civil service board.

(e) Minimum standard. The civil service board shall fix a minimum standard of conduct and efficiency for each grade in the service, and whenever it shall appear from the reports of efficiency made to the said board that the conduct and efficiency of any employee has fallen below this minimum, that employee may be called before the board to show cause why such employee should not be removed, suspended or reduced in grade, as the board shall determine.

(f) Payroll certified by the board. The city shall not make payment of any salary or compensation for service to any persons holding a position in the classified service unless the payroll or account of such salary or compensation shall show that the persons named therein have been appointed or employed and are performing service in accordance with the provisions of the charter and of the rules established thereunder.

Section 9.12. – Civil service appeals board.

(d) Minimum standard. The civil service board shall fix a minimum standard of conduct and efficiency for each grade in the service, and whenever it shall appear from the reports of efficiency made to the said board that the conduct and efficiency of any employee has fallen below this minimum, that employee may be called before the board to show cause why such employee should not be removed, suspended or reduced in grade, as the board shall determine.

(e) Payroll certified by the board. The city shall not make payment of any salary or compensation for service to any persons holding a position in the classified service unless the payroll or account of such salary or compensation shall show that the persons named therein have been appointed or employed and are performing service in accordance with the provisions of the charter and of the rules established thereunder.

Section 10.04. - Promotions in the classified.

The board shall provide rules for the classified service, competitive class that affords all employees an opportunity for promotion prior to a position being posted to external candidates. The board shall provide for promotion to all positions in the classified service competitive class.

Section 10.05. - Probation period.

Appointment or promotion in the classified service shall not be deemed complete until a probationary period has been completed. A probationary period not to exceed six (6) months shall be determined by the civil service board for each employee classification. 

 Section 10.07. - Appeals board.

The civil service appeals board shall be established as provided in the preceding article of this charter for the purpose of hearing and determining any charges made against any employee of the city in the classified service.

Section 11.04. - Public hearing.

At the council meeting when the budget is submitted, the council shall name the date and place of a public hearing. The hearing shall be no less than fifteen (15) days after the budget is filed. Public notice of the hour, date and place of such hearing shall be published in a newspaper of the city or by such means as may be allowed by state law, not less than ten (10) nor more than thirty (30) days before the hearing. At this hearing, citizens of the city may be present and express their opinions concerning items of expenditures and revenue.

Section 11.04. - Public hearing.

At the council meeting when the budget is submitted, the council shall name the date and place of a public hearing. The hearing shall be no less than fifteen (15) days after the budget is filed. Public notice of the hour, date and place of such hearing shall be published in a newspaper of the city, not less than ten (10) nor more than thirty (30) days before the hearing. At this hearing, the public citizens of the city may be present and express their opinions concerning items of expenditures and revenue.

Section 14.01. - Power of initiative.

The people of the City of Richardson reserve the power of direct legislation by initiative, and in the exercise of such power may propose that any ordinance, except those not legally authorized to be considered by initiative by the state constitution or state law, be submitted to the qualified voters of the city council by submitting a petition to the city secretary which shall contain the full text of the proposed ordinance, signed by qualified voters of the city equal in number to ten (10%) percent of the total number of qualified voters on the date of the last regular municipal election. The petition may consist of one (1) or more papers circulated separately, and the signatures thereto may be upon the paper or papers containing the form of the petition, or upon other paper attached thereto. For a petition signature to be valid, a petition must contain, in addition to the signature: the signer's printed name, residence address, county of residence, date of signing, and either voter registration number or date of birth, and must comply with any other applicable requirements prescribed by state law.  The signatures to the petition need not all be appended to one (1) paper, but all signers shall in addition to their signature provide their residence address, county of residence, printed name, date of signing and comply with any other applicable requirements prescribed by state law. One (1) of the signers to each of such papers shall make oath before an officer of the State of Texas competent to administer oaths that each signature is that of the person whose name it purports to be and was signed by such person on the date indicated. All petition papers comprising an initiative petition shall be assembled and filed with the city secretary as one instrument on the same day.

Section 14.01. - Power of initiative.

The people of the City of Richardson reserve the power of direct legislation by initiative, and in the exercise of such power may propose that any ordinance, except those not legally authorized to be considered by initiative by the state constitution or state law, be submitted to the qualified voters of the city council by submitting a petition to the city secretary which shall contain the full text of the proposed ordinance, signed by qualified voters of the city equal in number to at least ten (10) eight percent (8%) of the total number of qualified voters on the date of the last regular municipal election. The signatures to the petition need not all be appended to one (1) paper, but all signers shall in addition to their signature provide their residence address, county of residence, printed name, date of signing and comply with any other applicable requirements prescribed by state law. One (1) of the signers to each of such papers shall make oath before an officer of the State of Texas competent to administer oaths that each signature is that of the person whose name it purports to be and was signed by such person on the date indicated. All petition papers comprising an initiative petition shall be assembled and filed with the city secretary as one instrument on the same day.

Section 14.09. - Power of referendum.

The qualified voters of the city may require that any ordinance enacted by the city council be submitted to the qualified voters of the city for approval or disapproval by filing a petition with the city secretary within forty-five (45) days after passage of said ordinance or within forty-five (45) days after its publication, whichever is later. The petition may consist of one (1) or more papers circulated separately, and the signatures thereto may be upon the paper or papers containing the form of the petition, or upon other paper attached thereto. For a petition signature to be valid, a petition must contain, in addition to the signature; the signer's printed name, residence address, county of residence, date of signing, and either voter registration number or date of birth, and must comply with any other applicable requirements prescribed by state law. Said petition shall be signed by qualified voters of the city equal in number to at least ten (10%) percent of the total number of qualified voters of the city on the date of the last regular municipal election. Within ten (10) days after the filing of the petition the city secretary shall examine the same and from the list of qualified voters of the city ascertain whether the petition is signed by the requisite number of qualified voters of the city. If by the city secretary's certificate, the petition is shown to be sufficient, the petition shall be presented to the city council, the ordinance shall thereupon be suspended from taking effect, and it shall be the duty of the city council to reconsider such ordinance, and if the same is not entirely repealed the city council shall submit the ordinance to the vote of the qualified voters of the city at the next uniform election date or other date allowed by state law. Such ordinance shall be suspended from taking effect and shall not later take effect unless a majority of the qualified voters of the city voting on the same shall vote in favor of the ordinance. The power of referendum shall not apply to ordinances levying taxes, appropriating money, authorizing the issuance of bonds, zoning and any ordinance not the proper subject of referendum by the state constitution or state law.

Section 14.09. - Power of referendum.

The qualified voters of the city may require that any ordinance enacted by the city council be submitted to the qualified voters of the city for approval or disapproval by filing a petition with the city secretary within forty-five (45) days after passage of said ordinance or within forty-five (45) days after its publication, whichever is later. Said petition shall be signed by qualified voters of the city equal in number to at least ten eight percent (810%) percent of the total number of qualified voters on the date of the last regular municipal election. Within ten (10) days after the filing of the petition the city secretary shall examine the same and from the list of qualified voters ascertain whether the petition is signed by the requisite number of qualified voters. If by the city secretary's certificate, the petition is shown to be sufficient, the petition shall be presented to the city council, the ordinance shall thereupon be suspended from taking effect, and it shall be the duty of the city council to reconsider such ordinance, and if the same is not entirely repealed the city council shall submit the ordinance to the vote of the qualified voters of the city at the next uniform election date or other date allowed by state law. Such ordinance shall be suspended from taking effect and shall not later take effect unless a majority of the qualified voters voting on the same shall vote in favor of the ordinance. The power of referendum shall not apply to ordinances levying taxes, appropriating money, authorizing the issuance of bonds, zoning and any ordinance not the proper subject of referendum by the state constitution or state law.

Section 17.01. - Church and school p Property assessments.

No property of any kind, religious organization church, school or otherwise, in the city of Richardson shall be exempt from any of the special taxes and assessments authorized by this charter or state law; except as provided by state law.

Section 17.03. - Execution, garnishment and assignment.

City property is not subject to any kind of execution and Except as provided by state or federal law, property, real and personal, belonging to the city shall not be liable to be sold or appropriated under any writ of execution or cost bill. Except as otherwise provided for by the laws of the State of Texas or Federal law, city funds are not subject to garnishment and the city is not required to answer in any garnishment proceeding. The city shall not be obligated to recognize any assignment of wages or funds by its employees, agents, or contractors, except as required by the laws of the State of Texas. , nor shall the funds belonging to the city, in the hands of any person, be liable to garnishment on account of any debt it may owe or funds it may have on hand due any person, nor shall the city or any of its officers or agents be required to answer to any writ of garnishment on any account whatsoever, nor shall the city be liable to the assignee of any wages of any officer, agent or employee of the city, whether earned or unearned, upon any claim or account whatsoever, and as to the city and such assignment shall be void.

Section 18.05. - Public library.

The city shall establish and maintain a public library or libraries within the city free to the residents of the City of Richardson and to cooperate with any person, firm or corporation under such terms the city council may prescribe for the establishment of such public library or libraries, and to that end the city council shall appropriate annually out of the general revenue of the city a fund for the support and maintenance of the public library or libraries.

Section 18.07. - Condemnation of dangerous structures.

Whenever, in the opinion of the city council, the city manager, or other appropriate city official, any buildings, fence, shed, awning or structure of any kind or part thereof is liable to fall down and injure persons or property, the city council may order the owner or agent of the same or occupant of the premises to take down and remove the same within such time as it may direct, and may punish by fine all persons failing so to do. The city council shall have the additional power to remove the same at the expense of the city on account of the owner of the property and assess the expenses thereof, including condemnation proceedings, as a special tax against the land, and the same may be collected as other special taxes provided for in this charter, or by suit in any court of competent jurisdiction. The city council shall have full power to condemn all dangerous buildings or obstructions of any kind and may provide regulations therefore by ordinance.

Section 18.09. – Continuity of Government.

1. Notwithstanding any other law, a quorum of the city council is not required to act if the city is wholly located or partly located in the area of a disaster declared by the President of the United States or the Texas Governor and a majority of the members of the city council are unable to be present at a meeting of the city council as a result of the disaster.


2. In case of a local disaster when a legal quorum of the elected city council is unable to be present at a meeting, due to multiple deaths or injuries rendering such person(s) unable to perform the duties of a member of the city council due to physical or mental incapacity, the surviving member or members of the city council who are able to perform the duties and not otherwise physically or mentally incapacitated, or highest surviving city official, if no members of the city council remain, must within twenty-four (24) hours of such disaster, request the County Judge of Dallas County Texas to appoint a commission consisting of not more than five (5) members who are city residents qualified to hold the office of a member of the city council, which shall include all surviving members of the city council, who are able to perform the duties and are not otherwise physically or mentally incapacitated, or the surviving city official, if applicable, to govern the city during the disaster and within fifteen (15) days of such appointment call a city election to be held as soon as practicable, or as provided in the Texas Election Code, for the election of a required quorum of the city council, if for good reason it is known that a quorum of the present city council will never again meet.

Section 18.10.- Code of Ethics.

The city council shall enact a code of ethics for the members of the city council and for appointed members of a city board, commission, or committee established by ordinance, this charter, or state law, as defined in such enactment, to serve not only as a guide for official conduct of such public officials, but also as a basis for discipline for those that refuse to abide by its terms, the overriding interest being that such public officials shall at all times strive to avoid the appearance of impropriety. The city council shall review the code of ethics at least once every two years following its adoption.

Section 19.03. - Charter amendment.

This charter may be amended no more than once every two (2) years. Amendments to this charter may be proposed and submitted to the qualified voters of the city for approval at an election:

1. By action of the city council submitting a proposed amendment to the voters for approval; or


2. By action of the city council following a report of a charter commission created by ordinance; or


3. By the submission of a petition signed by the required number of qualified voters, of the city consistent with state law. Proposal of an amendment by the voters of the city shall be by petition containing the full text of the proposed amendment and shall be governed by state law. There shall be no limitation as to the subject matter.

Section 19.06. – Non-Substantive Changes Renumbering.

The city council shall, without approval of the qualified voters of the city, have the power, by the adoption of an ordinance, to make the following revisions and changes to the renumber articles, sections, subsections, and subparagraphs of this Charter or any amendments thereto, without making any substantive changes, as it shall deem appropriate.

1. Renumber articles, sections, subsections, and subparagraphs; and


2. Correction of spelling, punctuation, and cross references.

The revisions and changes adopted by ordinance under this section are not intended to and shall not be interpreted as making any substantive change to the Charter or any amendments thereto. Upon passage of any ordinance authorized in this section, copy thereof, certified by the City Secretary, shall be forwarded to the Secretary of State.

Section 19.07. – Definitions.

The following words, terms and phrases, when used in this Charter, shall have the meanings ascribed to them in this section, except where the context clearly indicates a different meaning:

“Business Day” means any day that is not a Saturday, Sunday, a federally recognized holiday, the day after Thanksgiving, or Christmas Eve. The use of the word “day,” when not used as part of the phrase “Business Day,” means a calendar day.

“City” means the City of Richardson, Texas.

"City Council", "Council", "Member(s) of the City Council" and "Member(s) of the Council" means and includes the mayor and the six (6) council members of the City Council of the City of Richardson, Texas.

“Constitution” means the Constitution of the State of Texas.

"Councilmember(s)" or "Council member(s)" means the six (6) members of the City Council of the City of Richardson, Texas excluding the mayor, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

“Day” shall mean calendar day.

“Laws of Texas" shall include the Constitution and statutes of the State of Texas, the common law as it exists in the State of Texas, and appropriate case law.

“Manager” means the City Manager of the City of Richardson, Texas.

“Month” shall mean a calendar month.

“State” shall mean the state of Texas

“State law” or “the laws of the state of Texas” means the laws of the state of Texas

“Person” shall mean any individual, trust, estate, partnership (general, limited, or limited liability), joint venture, company, corporation, association, limited liability company, or other legal entity, business organization or enterprise.

“Qualified Voter” or “Qualified voter of the City” shall mean a person who: (1)  is 18 years of age or older; (2)  is a United States citizen; (3)  has not been determined by a final judgment of a court exercising probate jurisdiction to be: (A)  totally mentally incapacitated; or (B)  partially mentally incapacitated without the right to vote; (4)  has not been finally convicted of a felony or, if so convicted, has: A)  fully discharged the person's sentence, including any term of incarceration, parole, or supervision, or completed a period of probation ordered by any court; or (B)  been pardoned or otherwise released from the resulting disability to vote; (5)  is a resident of this state; and (6)  is a registered voter. For purposes of Subsection (4), a person is not considered to have been finally convicted of an offense for which the criminal proceedings are deferred without an adjudication of guilt.

“Registered Voter” shall mean a Qualified Voter of the City registered to vote.

Section 3.07. - Council vacancies.
(b) Council members. Vacancies in the city council other than in the office of mayor, where the same do not exceed one (1) at any one time, shall be filled by appointment by majority vote of the remaining members of the city council, by a person meeting the qualifications of the charter to serve the remainder of the unexpired term; provided however a member of the city council who has resigned or otherwise vacated their position, may not vote on the appointment of such council member’s replacement on the city council to fill the unexpired term of office. When there are two (2) or more vacancies at any one time, the vacancies shall be filled by special election to be held on the earliest date allowed by law for the purpose of allowing the qualified voters of the city to elect a person to serve the remainder of the unexpired term unless the date of the next general election for city council occurs first.

Section 3.07 – Council vacancies.
(c) Should the mayor or a council member announce such person’s candidacy for  another elective public office, other than the office then held or for another place on the city council,  or becomes a candidate in any general, special or primary election for any elective public office other than the office then held, such candidacy shall constitute an automatic resignation of the office then held.