Commission keeps charter-review timing "as often as necessary, but no less frequently than every 10 years"

The Sunbury City Charter Review Commission voted at its April 2025 meeting to keep a flexible schedule for future charter reviews, adopting recommended language that the charter be reviewed “as often as necessary, but no less frequently than every 10 years.”

Commissioner Shannon moved the amendment; Commissioner Amy seconded. The commission then conducted a roll call and recorded six yes votes: Miss Stark, Mister Thomas, Miss Berger, Miss Heller, Mister Ernst and Mister Hochberg. The motion passed.

The discussion leading to the motion centered on whether to shorten the mandated review interval (members discussed 8 years and 5 years alternatives). Commissioners who favored retaining the 10-year floor said the current approach gives the city flexibility to request reviews sooner if needed, and that council retains authority to convene a commission earlier. Supporters noted significant structural changes under consideration — including shifting the police department’s reporting relationship from the mayor to the city manager — but said that council and the mayor could request an earlier review if there is a pressing reason.

Commissioners asked staff to circulate the full set of draft edits and transitional provisions before the next meeting, scheduled for May 13; staff said it will do so. The commission also approved routine minutes from the previous meeting earlier in the evening and voted to adjourn; those procedural motions passed by recorded voice votes with six yeses each.