Council lays groundwork for home‑rule charter information campaign and commission formation

Council members and staff used the March work session to firm up outreach and scheduling for a potential home‑rule charter effort, including information materials, public forums and planning for petition circulation if proponents move forward.

Staff said they will prepare an FAQ and a postcard that includes a QR code linking to a survey on wireless infrastructure and separate information on the home‑rule process. The borough also plans to use festival outreach to distribute information and recruit volunteers.

Councilors discussed hosting an in‑person information session at a June or July meeting to explain what a home‑rule commission would do, how nomination petitions are circulated, and the calendar for petitions and ballot placement. As one councilmember said, the forum should be “two‑way” and geared to educate residents rather than pre‑decide the policy question.

Members raised the administrative workload a charter commission would face — clerical support, recordkeeping and meeting facilitation — and discussed whether the borough should retain a consultant to advise the commission. Staff said a consultant might be called on only if the commission requests assistance and that local consultants and volunteers with relevant experience may be available.

On logistics, staff noted the nomination/petition calendar ties to the general election schedule and that the borough will circulate exact dates and develop a simple guide for volunteers who might collect signatures. Councilors agreed to further procedural preparation and outreach before any formal ordinance introduction; no ordinance or commission appointments were made.