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Committee considers removing 1980s dates and clarifying staggered-term language
Summary
Members asked whether charter language that references 1985/1989 dates can be modernized to avoid future amendments while preserving the staggered-term structure; staff said dates currently establish staggered seats and will explore options to retain staggered timing without fixed years.
A committee member flagged language in Section 3.2 that references specific years (1985, 1989) used to set staggered council seats and asked whether the charter can be edited to remove those historic dates. The member argued removing fixed years could avoid repeated amendments in the future and asked for wording that would preserve the staggered-seat logic without listing calendar years.
Staff said the dated references currently set the staggered seats and that removing them could be possible but would require clear replacement language so the staggered pattern remains enforceable. Committee members also reviewed the regular election and term schedule: elections occur in November of odd-numbered years and council and mayoral terms begin in January, which shapes how staggered seats are calculated.
Why it matters: Removing historic dates could streamline the charter and reduce future housekeeping amendments, but the committee must ensure the replacement language preserves staggered terms and avoids unintended vacancy or election consequences.
Staff agreed to research drafting options that remove hard-coded years while maintaining staggered terms and will present alternatives at a future meeting.
