Commission discusses timing and scope of city charter review; attorney to provide process map

City commissioners resumed a conversation on June 23 about whether to initiate a review of the City Charter ahead of the 2026 election and how to structure any review process.

Commissioners reviewed the prior charter-review timeline and discussed alternatives for triggering and limiting a review. The staff summary recounted a past review timeline that began with August appointments, October organizational meetings and multiple hearings before returning proposed amendments to the commission for placement on the ballot.

Commission discussion focused on process questions: whether to request a review by ordinance (which gives the commission control over the items examined) or allow citizen petitions (which can broaden the scope). Commissioners noted common review items historically included districting, compensation and process matters for the city manager; some suggested ethics provisions might be added though others observed enforcement provisions for ethics may require additional statutory or ordinance mechanisms.

Commissioner requests included a succinct, step-by-step process map explaining options and timelines. City Attorney Green (referenced) said staff would prepare a simplified map outlining steps, deadlines and the implications of ordinance-driven review versus petition-driven measures. The commission did not adopt amendments during the work session and no ballot measures were placed; instead the group asked staff and legal counsel to return with procedural guidance and a recommended schedule if the commission chooses to act.

If the commission authorizes a formal review, staff noted the process in previous cycles included appointment and ratification of a charter review committee, a public meeting schedule, and a 120-day committee period that produced recommended amendments for commission consideration.