Council sets timeline, scope and reporting expectations for Charter Review Commission

The Cape Coral City Council on April 23 discussed timelines, meeting frequency and scope for the newly formed Charter Review Commission and directed staff on steps to support the commission’s work and the council’s review process.

At the start of the item the council reiterated that the commission, a nine‑member volunteer panel, will examine the city charter and return recommendations to council. City Attorney remarks outlined the process for placing charter amendments on a ballot: the city attorney must prepare ordinance and 75‑word ballot language, council must vote to place items on the ballot and statutory timing deadlines could affect whether a change appears in a primary or general election.

What council decided: Council members generally endorsed a minimum cadence of monthly meetings for the commission and asked that the commission complete its work with final recommendations no later than the Committee of the Whole meeting on December 10, 2025. Council directed the city clerk to provide meeting minutes to all council members after each commission meeting and asked the council liaison to report to council periodically; several council members also requested one or more midterm appearances by the commission so the body could receive progress reports and, where appropriate, give early guidance.

Scope and priorities discussed: Council members listed topics they want the commission to examine, including but not limited to council compensation and duties, petition‑to‑council rules, mayor pro tem rules, residency and qualifying rules for candidates, term‑limits language and inconsistencies between charter language and city ordinances. City Attorney advised that pending state legislation (House Bill 1581 as referenced in the meeting) could affect compensation language and timing; council acknowledged state law may constrain local changes.

Ballot process and rollout: The city attorney recommended a rolling workflow: as commission recommendations mature, the attorney will prepare ordinance and ballot language and bring it before council for direction rather than waiting until all items are complete. Council accepted that approach to avoid last‑minute rushes and ensure the 75‑word ballot limit is met when the council approves placement on a ballot.

Follow‑up: The council asked staff to prepare a summary letter listing each topic raised by council members for the commission, with the city clerk to distribute that list and provide minutes. The council also scheduled the commission to appear with a final recommendation at the Committee of the Whole meeting on December 10, 2025; the council liaison will provide interim status reports to council during the work period.

Ending: Council members emphasized the commission is advisory and that the eight elected council members will make final decisions about which proposals, if any, to place on a ballot.