Title
Discuss reconvening the Charter Review Committee and the appointment of members.
Body
REQUESTOR:
Councilwoman Tina Bennett-Burton
BACKGROUND:
At the December 10, 2024, City Council meeting, Councilwoman Bennett-Burton requested a future agenda item to discuss reconvening the Charter Review Committee.
The most recent Charter review was conducted in 2023, with an election held on May 4, 2024. Per the City Charter, the Charter is required to be reviewed every five years, with the next review and election scheduled for 2028. However, a Charter Review Committee can be convened before that time. State law states that a City Charter can be amended not more than every two years but at least every five years.
DISCUSSION:
Per Section 9.20 of the City Charter, each Councilmember will appoint up to at least two (2) members from their district and up to at least two members will be appointed by the Mayor. The City Council will appoint a Chairperson for a total of 13 members. The City Attorney will lead the Charter Review meetings and provide legal advice.
Should the City Council decide to proceed with reconvening the Charter Review Committee, each Councilmember and Mayor will submit their two (2) appointments to the City Manager by March 21, 2025, along with any proposed items within the Charter they would like the Committee to review and discuss. Each appointed member will be asked to fill out a board application so that appropriate background checks can be performed. At this time, the Council will also need to choose a resident to serve as Chairperson. This person is separate from the two appointments made by each Councilmember and would be considered the 13th member of the Committee.
At the April 1, 2025, Study Session, an item will be brought before the Council to review the slate list of appointments and topics for consideration to be submitted to the Charter Review Committee. The City Council will also decide the appointment of a Chairperson.
Once the...
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