Mayor Pizzillo called the Work Session to order at 5:00 p.m.

City Attorney Roric Massey gave an overview of the city charter, noting that it has been amended multiple times since its original adoption in 1987. He then explained that the Council created the Charter Review Committee consisting of committee members: John Cox (Chair), Susan Schmelzer (Vice Chair), Fran Fee, David Halm, Jason Kish, Robert Paine and Rodie Purcell. He reviewed the process that included the committee meeting three times and being focused on key areas including the City Manager's administrative authority, the city's finance and taxing authority, land use and planning authority and the City Council Compensation Committee. Mr. Massey then introduced John Cox, Chair, and Susan Schmelzer, Vice Chair of the Charter Review Committee to present the committee's recommendation. 

Chair John Cox outlined the proposed amendments to the city charter. He highlighted that Article IV would shift authority to create, delete or reorganize city departments to the City Manager. He continued that Article VI clarifies that the City Council may impose transaction privilege taxes, including on residential property rentals, by simple majority and preserves the city's bond and debt issuance authority by simple majority.

Vice Chair Susan Schmelzer then addressed additional proposed amendments including preserving local control related to land use planning and adjustments to City Council compensation. 

Mr. Massey concluded with an overview on the special election timeline and stated that staff is seeking Council direction to proceed with preparing for a May 2025 charter amendment. 

Council expressed support for the proposed recommendations and emphasized preserving local control. Council thanked the committee for their work on the recommendations. 

Committee members Rodie Purcell, Jason Kish and Bob Paine introduced themselves and thanked the city for the opportunity and support during the process.

Council asked if there would be one question on the ballot and how would people know what changed. Mr. Massey explained that there would be four questions on the ballot and will include a strike-through version to show all the changes. When asked about the effective date if passed by the voters, he added that the Governor must sign the charter amendments following a successful election.

Council inquired about adding a petition signature requirement.  Mr. Massey responded that state statute establishes the minimum number of signatures that any city candidate must collect to qualify for the ballot and includes an option that cities may pass an ordinance setting 1,000 as the minimum number. Council asked staff to draft an ordinance for Council review establishing the criteria outlined in the statute.