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Commission establishes Charter Review Committee, asks staff to draft standing review ordinance
Summary
The City Commission voted unanimously to form a Charter Review Committee this year and directed staff to make the group ongoing rather than adjourn after initial recommendations. Commissioners asked staff to draft an ordinance requiring periodic charter reviews and to ensure wide staff and public participation in the committee's work.
The City Commission on July 15 authorized creation of a Charter Review Committee and directed staff to keep the panel active beyond an initial October deadline so it can perform a broader review over time.
Structure and timeline: The resolution directs each commissioner and the mayor to nominate committee members; nominees must be city electors who have lived in Boynton Beach at least one year. The clerk will verify nominees and present the confirmed committee on Aug. 5. The resolution as amended by the commission directs the committee not to adjourn at the October reporting date but to continue its work into 2026.
Scope and staff support: City Attorney Shawna Lam said the shortened initial timeline will allow the commission to address some immediate items this year, but she recommended a longer, ordinance-driven review process to permit a full, citywide charter review in a subsequent period. Lam and commissioners agreed city staff and the city attorney's office will support the committee, that meetings will be open to the public and that staff will post minutes and notices.
Qualifications and expectations: The resolution asks that at least three of the nominees have backgrounds such as attorneys, former elected officials, experienced local government professionals, academics familiar with local government, historians or public finance professionals. Commissioners asked that staff solicit input across departments and include long-tenured staff perspectives when the committee seeks technical clarifications.
Vote and next steps: Commissioners voted unanimously to approve the resolution as amended to make the committee continuing rather than adjourned at the October report date. Staff was directed to draft a follow-up ordinance that would require periodic charter reviews every five years and to return with a recommended schedule and implementation details.
