Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Definitions topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Commission expands definitions section, considers dropping newspaper notice requirement
Summary
Consultant recommended a consolidated definitions section and removing mandatory newspaper notice from the charter where state law does not require it; commissioners agreed to update language and produce explanatory text for voters.
Commission consultant Steve Pimentek recommended adding a clear definitions section to the charter and modernizing the public-notice rules.
Pimentek said many charters are clearer when common terms are defined up front and suggested removing newspaper-publication mandates where they are not statutorily required, favoring digital posting and an explanatory ballot text. He cautioned the commission to comply with statutory notice requirements where they apply, and he offered to prepare redline language that would show proposed changes and explanatory text for the ballot.
Commissioners agreed that clearer definitions would make the charter more accessible and that explanatory text is important for voter understanding. The commission moved and approved an instruction for counsel/consultant to continue drafting the definitions and to provide a markup by the next meeting.
