Gahanna Charter Review Commission adopts work plan, sets April–May schedule for deliberations

The Gahanna Charter Review Commission adopted a work plan and prioritization framework at its March 12 meeting, voting 6–1 to move the commission into a structured deliberation phase.

The motion to adopt, made by a commissioner and seconded from the dais, passed after a roll-call vote in which six commissioners voted yes and one voted no (Malarski). The chair said the framework will guide how proposed charter amendments are classified and evaluated once the public solicitation phase closes.

The framework sets a timetable tied to the commission’s April meetings. Commissioners heard that the sequence will include: presentations from invited city council members, boards and commissions in late March and early April; a prioritization meeting in late April; and drafting sessions in the first week of May. The city attorney said drafts of items advanced to drafting could be produced roughly two weeks after prioritization decisions are made.

Commissioners emphasized that public comment opportunities will remain available at every meeting during this stage, and that the commission can add meetings if necessary with proper public notice. One commissioner urged avoiding a last-minute “all at once” drafting process and encouraged earlier handling of substantive proposals to prevent bottlenecks for city legal staff.

The clerk was asked to post the administrative materials and the PowerPoint presented at the meeting to the shared drive; the chair said redline draft language provided by the administration will be uploaded as it becomes available. The commission adjourned at 7:55 p.m.

What happens next: the commission will receive redline drafts from administration and proceed with scheduled prioritization and drafting meetings in April and May, per the framework the body adopted.