• Primary Objective: To update the Charter in alignment with the will of the people and the powers they intend to vest in their elected officials and employees.
• Secondary Objectives:
  • Resolve power struggles between governmental bodies.
  • Increase efficiency, direction, and assignment of powers.
  • Enhance transparency and accountability.
• Initial Timeline: Recommendations to be made over two years for Council debate and implementation.
• Recurring Audit Review: Every 4 years after the initial implementation Audit. This four year cycle will start in May of 2025 with the second audit occurring. 
• Convene Outside of Audit: Committee may convene as requested by Mayor & Council to make recommendations on Charter debates & authority questions. 

• Alignment of the Charter with the will of the people.
• Greater citizen input and oversight on elected officials.
• Accountability, transparency and oversight by the citizens of the powers that they vest in their government.
• A Charter that is routinely up to date & accurate to the people.

• Application Window: 1 month.
• Appointment: By the Mayor, confirmed by the Council.
• Committee Composition: 6 people, one chairperson, one community outreach member, and one member assigned to take the minutes and act as the clerk of the committee.
• Methods: Surveys and community outreach.

• Solicit Positions: The Committee may ask for input from elected officials by soliciting for official positions. When done, a position must be presented by Mayor, Council and the City Manager. 
• Refrain from Influence: The Committee is intended to be free from influence of elected officials & City Officials/Employees. Unless solicited or asking for clarification, interaction between officials and this committee should not be entered in an attempt to influence this process. 

• Legal Review: By City Attorney or assigned legal agency.
• City Manager's Role: To provide insight on current structure, code, and charter.

• Recommendations are subject to Council amendment or citizen referendum.

•  Election Issues
•  Legislative Body
•  Executive Body
•  Structure of Government
•  Financial Structures & Power
•  Executive Privilege & Executive Orders
•  Citizen Petition, Recall, Amendments

Why a Committee?

It is more common for oversight and suggested changes to city charters to go through a committee rather than individual efforts. This approach minimizes natural bias and ensures a broader range of community input.

Example

Frederick City, Maryland, has an Ad Hoc Charter Review Committee that meets regularly to discuss various aspects of their city charter. The committee's meetings are open to the public, and they actively solicit input from residents, elected officials, and staff. This example demonstrates the effectiveness of a committee-based approach in ensuring that the charter reflects the will of the people.

Importance of the Charter

The Charter is the people's vestment of power in their City Government. Ensuring that the Charter reflects the will of the people is crucial for democratic governance.

Public Involvement & Need for Committee

When the issue of Charter review was initially brought up, public comment had ended, and it was not on the agenda. Forming a committee centered around community input ensures that the direction taken is what the citizens want, not any particular elected official.