Council agrees in principle to pursue council-led charter review; sets November deadline for proposals

Council discussed whether to pursue city-charter changes for the May 2, 2026 election date and considered three process options: (1) council review with a small council committee; (2) a combined council-and-citizen charter review committee; or (3) a citizen-led review. Council members voiced differing views about public involvement, attorney fees and timeline.

Several councilmembers said they favored public input but concluded the most efficient path to meet election deadlines was a council-led review with opportunities for public comment. Councilmember Jessica said she preferred public involvement if taxpayer money would be spent; Councilmember Richard supported a streamlined council process; others asked that the council solicit proposed changes from residents and submit them to staff for initial vetting.

The council settled on a process to collect charter-change proposals from councilmembers and the public with a suggested internal deadline in November so the city attorney can review items, staff can assemble a consolidated packet and council can act before the Jan. 20 cut-off for ballot placement. No formal ordinance or resolution was adopted at the meeting; the direction was procedural guidance to staff and council.

Ending: Staff was asked to publish the timeline and to accept proposed charter-change language or descriptions in November for attorney review and subsequent council action.