Richlands council adopts resolution to amend charter language on ordinance readings and manager residency

Following executive session, the Richlands Town Council adopted Resolution R‑22 24‑1101 to amend two provisions of the town charter.

The first amendment changes section 3.8.B to replace the word "read" with "presented" regarding the procedure for passing ordinances, which council and legal counsel said aligns better with current practice of presenting ordinances in writing rather than requiring an oral reading on the dais. The second amendment alters section 3.9(1) to replace the phrase "during the tenure of office" with wording requiring residency "within the contractually stated grace period," clarifying when a newly appointed manager must establish local residency.

Council voted to adopt the resolution by roll call. Town attorney Mike explained that certified minutes reflecting the charter changes will be sent to the town's state legislators as part of the amendment process; council set a special meeting to approve and certify the relevant minutes so staff can submit them to the General Assembly members who handle charter amendments.

Why it matters: Changing 'read' to 'presented' removes potential ambiguity about whether an ordinance must be read aloud at two meetings and gives staff flexibility for modern meeting practices; clarifying the residency timing for the town manager reduces legal uncertainty about when the requirement takes effect.

Next steps: Council scheduled a short special meeting to approve the meeting minutes necessary for the charter submission process and will transmit certified minutes and the adopted resolution to the town’s state senator and delegate.