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Council debates charter changes on appointment authority; some members call for delay before ballot placement
Summary
Council members debated an ordinance proposing charter changes that would reallocate appointment authority for several boards and commissions. The measure drew mixed reactions; several council members asked for more time to solicit public input and to avoid crowding the November ballot that will include a fire/EMS levy.
Council discussed Ordinance 25-003, a proposed charter amendment that would revise appointment authority for several boards and commissions including planning and zoning, board of zoning appeals and the charter commission. The ordinance would move certain appointment powers from the mayor to a split of mayor and council appointments (for example, changing planning and zoning to a 3/2 split between council and the mayor, as described by a presenter).
Council debate was robust. Some members supported putting the question to voters, saying the public should decide; others opposed changing appointment authority and characterized the proposal as unnecessary, expressing concerns about a possible appearance that planning and zoning would become an extension of council if council appoints a majority. Several council members asked for time to solicit public comment and cited the Charter Review Commission’s decision not to advance the change. One council member noted concerns that the ordinance was presented late in the filing cycle; others noted tradition to grant requests for time. The laws and ordinances committee chair said there is a deadline for ballot submission but that the committee has historically granted time when requested.
The committee did not finalize an immediate vote during the meeting. Several members said they preferred to place the measure on a future November ballot rather than in an off-cycle or low-turnout May election; others urged public outreach and additional review before proceeding. Council members also asked for clarity about transitional provisions for current board members, and the presenter said the ordinance contains language allowing current members to serve the remainder of their terms but acknowledged the Board of Elections and Secretary of State would review ballot language.
No final ordinance adoption was recorded at the meeting; council deferred further action pending additional public input, legal review, and scheduling considerations.
