Council approves charter amendment allowing council to contract with appointed city manager

The Chandler City Council on May 22 voted unanimously to approve Resolution 5914, a charter amendment to update Article 3 language on appointment and removal of the city manager.

City Attorney Ton told the council the current charter language (dating to 1965) treats the city manager as an appointee with an “indefinite” term and a two-month severance; the office’s practice for many years has been to negotiate employment contracts for appointed officers, including severance and other terms. Ton said the amendment would clarify that the council may contract with an appointed city manager on terms the council and manager mutually agree upon, bringing the charter into alignment with modern practice.

Council discussion supported the amendment as corrective. Supporters said clarifying the charter reduces legal uncertainty and assists the city’s ability to recruit and retain senior management through negotiated contracts. Several residents spoke in favor at the podium; one resident, Ruth Jones, warned the council to exercise caution in any practice that could create the appearance of conflicts if council both sets compensation terms and evaluates performance.

Councilmember Orlando moved approval; a second was recorded and the council approved the resolution unanimously. Staff will proceed with required steps to place the charter amendment on the ballot for voter consideration in accordance with election rules, if the council chooses to submit it to voters as part of the charter-change process.