Broomfield Council reviews six proposed charter amendments for November ballot

The Broomfield City Council convened on July 9, 2025, to discuss several significant agenda items, including a proposed resolution and six ordinances aimed at amending the Broomfield Charter.

The meeting began with the council's consideration of proposed resolution number 2025-98-BOE, which authorizes the mayor to review and sign the 2025 abstract of assessment. Mayor Pro Tem Schaff moved to approve the resolution, and Council Member Joe Goodillo seconded the motion. The resolution passed unanimously following an electronic vote.

Next, the council turned its attention to the first reading of six proposed ordinances related to potential ballot questions for the November 2025 election. This discussion is part of an ongoing effort to update the Broomfield Charter, which has not undergone a comprehensive review since its adoption in 1974. The proposed changes stem from recommendations made by the Charter Review Committee, which was established to address necessary updates.

The six proposed ordinances include:

1. **General Charter Update**: This ordinance aims to revise the charter to reflect Broomfield's status as a city and county, updating outdated language and ensuring clarity in terms used throughout the document.

2. **Elected Officials Holding Office**: This proposal would prohibit elected officials from holding another publicly elected office, ensuring that conflicts of interest are minimized.

3. **Council Vacancies**: This ordinance introduces an attendance requirement, stating that a council member who fails to attend 50% of meetings within a rolling 12-month period would create a vacancy. It also extends the time frame for filling vacancies from 30 to 60 days.

4. **Code of Ethics Requirement**: This amendment would formalize the requirement for a code of ethics in the charter, ensuring that ethical standards are maintained for elected officials.

5. **Emergency Ordinances**: The proposed change would allow emergency ordinances to take effect immediately upon passage, rather than after an eight-day waiting period, facilitating quicker responses to urgent situations.

6. **Intergovernmental Agreements (IGAs)**: This ordinance seeks to allow IGAs to be approved by a simple majority vote instead of the current two-thirds requirement, and it would formalize the ability of the council to delegate signature authority for these agreements.

The council emphasized that these proposed ordinances are not final changes to the charter but rather steps to place these questions on the ballot for voter consideration in November. A second reading of any ordinances that pass the first reading is scheduled for August 12, 2025.

Public comments were invited, with one resident raising a concern about the attendance requirement and its implications for temporary medical incapacity. Council members engaged in discussions regarding the proposed changes, seeking clarity on various aspects, including the rationale behind the attendance requirement and the implications of the proposed changes to IGAs.

Overall, the meeting highlighted the council's commitment to updating the Broomfield Charter and ensuring that it reflects current governance needs while maintaining transparency and ethical standards. The council plans to provide additional information to residents about the proposed changes to facilitate informed voting in the upcoming election.