Council establishes seven-member charter review committee to examine municipal governance

Hermiston — The Hermiston City Council unanimously adopted a resolution July 28 creating a citizen charter review committee to examine potential changes to the city charter. City Manager Smith explained the proposed resolution calls for seven members drawn from city electors (residents within city limits who could vote), with the council recruiting applicants and appointing the committee chair. The resolution allows the council to appoint a nonvoting council liaison. The scope enumerated in the resolution included a nonexhaustive list of suggested review topics: geographic representation and ward boundary adjustments, whether the municipal court judge should be elected or appointed, whether a city manager residency requirement should exist, the ordinance adoption process and city attorney supervision and hiring. Smith said the list was a starting point and that the committee would be free to review other charter topics. He noted committee meetings will include public input and that council members may speak to the committee as members of the public. Councilors asked no substantive questions. Councilor Hayward moved to adopt the resolution and Councilor McCarthy seconded; the motion carried on a unanimous roll call. The committee will deliver recommendations to the council, and any charter changes proposed by the council would go to voters if the council decides to place items on the ballot.