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Committee backs modernizing ordinance publication, switching printed books to website posting
Summary
Clerk-recommended language would remove anachronistic requirements to keep ordinance books and allow full publication of ordinances and initiative/referral texts on the city website while ensuring access for residents without internet; staff proposed combining related items for ballot placement.
The clerk's office recommended updating the charter to replace antiquated requirements for printed ordinance books with website publication.
Jennifer Gregerson described the change as modernization: the charter currently says ordinances must be "available in a book and three copies shall be made," language the clerk’s office considers obsolete. "They were very on board with cleaning this up to to just say that put them on the city website, which as it is today," Gregerson said. Staff confirmed the clerk would still provide printed access on request and that library computers and the public‑records process ensure access for residents without internet.
Members agreed the web-notice items (propositions three and eight) could be combined for the ballot. Staff said initiative and referendum full text would also be published online under the proposed language. No vote was taken at the meeting; staff will include the combined language in draft ordinance materials if the council elects to proceed.
