Charter review commission approves updated redline charter, will send to City Council

The Canal Winchester Charter Review Commission voted unanimously on May 7 to approve an updated redline version of the city charter and directed the chair to work with the law department to finalize the report for City Council and the Board of Elections.

The vote came after the commission conducted a line-by-line review of drafted changes across multiple charter articles. Chair Chuck Milliken moved to approve the redline package; the motion was seconded by Mister Connor and carried on a roll call in which all members present voted yes. The commission also approved, by voice vote, a separate motion authorizing the chair to finalize the report with the law department.

Commission members said the edits were intended to modernize language, simplify organization, and clarify procedures. Amanda (staff member) walked commissioners through changes to the table of contents, officer duties, notice procedures and the organization of articles so related provisions are easier to find. Commissioners discussed revisions to council and mayor salary language, vacancy procedures, and several operational sections.

Commissioners noted calendar constraints for the next steps. The commission discussed the Board of Elections deadline and the city schedule, and agreed to work with the chair and staff to meet the timetable for submission ahead of the July Board of Elections cutoff. Chair Chuck Milliken said, "This is a fun process for me personally," while thanking commissioners for their participation.

Next steps: the finalized draft will be delivered to City Council, which may adopt it whole, modify it, or place portions on the ballot per its discretion. Commissioners said they plan to provide notice of the Council meeting when the charter package is transmitted so members may attend the Council presentation.