Committee asks clerk to compile testimony, explore nonbinding referendum and return with options

The Municipal and Legislative Operations Committee concluded the public hearing by asking staff to produce a written synthesis of the testimony and to identify which proposals could be advanced administratively, by ordinance or by special act and which would require a charter commission.

Chair Councilor Sacha B. Mitra directed City Clerk Nico Vangjeli to compile the residents' testimony and to work with the city solicitor on legal mapping; the committee also asked the clerk to return with options and timing for a nonbinding ballot question that could be placed as early as the 2027 municipal election cycle if the council elects to pursue that path.

Council members debated whether the committee should formally ‘bless’ petition organizers; Councilor Gary Rosen encouraged active outreach and described a voluntary campaign scenario (100 people collecting 200 signatures each), while Councilor Morris Bergman emphasized caution and recommended a piecemeal approach for changes that do not require a full charter review. The committee voted by roll call to hold certain agenda items, file others and to request the clerk report back.