City staff told the Jamestown City Council on Oct. 20 that the New York Department of State requested language be added to the city's charter to incorporate code enforcement. The change is being handled as a local law; staff said they opened a 30-day public comment period on Oct. 6 and plan to schedule a public hearing before adoption.

Crystal, a city staff member, told council members the Department of State flagged required language in the spring and the city updated the draft to include the items identified by the state. Crystal said the highlighted text in council packets shows the additions and that staff expect to post a 30-day public comment period that started Oct. 6. She said staff are seeking a vote by Oct. 27 but are waiting for a final legal review from the city attorney’s office before scheduling a hearing and completing the change.

Council members clarified procedural steps. Crystal said that because the change is a local law the council must hold a public hearing and allow the full public-comment period before filing the final update with the Department of State. She also said the city will await review by the city attorney’s office to ensure the draft meets the Department of State's guidance.

No final vote was taken on Oct. 20; staff asked the council to keep the item on the near-term agenda and to accept public comment during the 30-day period.