Council agrees to prepare to reconvene Charter Review Committee after upcoming election

The council discussed reconvening the Charter Review Committee on March 4 and agreed to delay formal appointments until after the upcoming election so new council members could participate in selections.

Erin Flores, deputy director of administrative services and deputy city secretary, reminded council that the charter review is scheduled for July 2028 by ordinance but can be reconvened every two years. Council members said the prior committee met quickly and recommended a longer meeting timeframe and clearer direction from council when a new committee is appointed.

Councilman Grama said stretching meetings out over a longer period would make review more palatable to residents and council alike; Councilman Rowland and others asked for more time to define the committee’s charge so the committee can focus on items the council wants examined. Several council members suggested a six-month review window with biweekly or monthly meetings rather than an intensive three-month schedule.

Councilman Neal suggested tabling the item until after the election so new councilmembers can appoint representatives; after discussion councilmembers asked staff to be prepared to bring the reconvening resolution and appointment process to council in June after the new council is sworn in. The council did not appoint any committee members at the study session; staff will return with proposed appointment procedures and timelines.