Committee tables recall ordinance to allow attorneys to draft compromise language

Committee members debated proposed amendments to a city recall ordinance that would change petition thresholds and timing and sought a compromise covering term length and recall for convictions. After a recess and discussion, the committee voted to table the item and directed municipal attorneys to prepare the proposed amendment language for review.

Councilor Michael Moran (moved) and other councilors discussed narrowing recall applicability to offices with terms longer than two years or, alternatively, allowing recall for any office in cases where the officeholder is convicted of a crime during the term. Councilor Moran asked Attorney David Garatowski to draft language that would permit recall for elected officials with terms greater than two years and to include a provision allowing recall for any officeholder convicted of a crime during the term. Attorney Garatowski indicated he could draft language consistent with those directions.

After a short recess to allow attorneys to work on the wording, the committee reconvened and the chair entertained a motion to table the recall items until attorneys circulate amended language; the motion passed. Councilors also instructed the city solicitor and counsel to circulate the draft amendment within two weeks for review by committee members.

The committee’s action was procedural: it did not change the ordinance text but paused consideration while solicitors prepare proposed compromise language.