Explanation
This ordinance provides for the submission to the electors of the city of Columbus the question of amending the Charter of the City of Columbus ("charter"), as hereinafter described. Such question is based on the recommendations of the 2016 Columbus Charter Review Committee ("committee").
On September 6, 2016, the Charter Review Committee, appointed by Mayor Andrew J. Ginther and Council President Zachary M. Klein, adopted seven (7) recommendations. A report summarizing those recommendations was submitted on February 16, 2017 and is attached to this ordinance.
Based on council's consideration of the commission's recommendations, council proposes a ballot question regarding city administration. Proposed Charter Amendment No. 1, City Council, addresses the following:
• Amends the charter to change the total members of council from seven to nine;
• Changes the form of council from at-large to at-large, by-place;
• Requires council hold one (1) public hearing, at a minimum, prior to the appointment of an individual to a vacant seat on council;
• Extends the time period for filling a vacancy from 30 days to 45 days
Title
To submit to the electors of the city of Columbus at a special election to be held concurrently with the regular general election on November 7, 2017, the question of amending the Charter of the City of Columbus, such question to be known as "Proposed Charter Amendment No. 1, City Council."
Body
WHEREAS, 102 years after the adoption of the City Charter and in the aftermath of 2016’s failed referendum on City Council, Council President Zachary M. Klein and Mayor Andrew J. Ginther appointed a nine-member Charter Review Committee to conduct a limited review of the city's charter relative to council; and
WHEREAS, the highly regarded community leaders who served on the commission held seven public working meetings, solicited public comment at every meeting of the committee, an online form, and a dedicated email address, and, based on such deliberations, submitted a final report of recommendations to the mayor and council president on February 16, 2017; and
WHEREAS, the Charter Review Committee made five (5) recommendations, of which four (4) necessitate changes to the charter; and
WHEREAS, after due deliberation and consultation with the mayor, auditor, and city attorney, this council finds that the residents of Columbus will be well-served by the proposed charter amendments regarding city council; NOW THEREFORE
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
SECTION 1. The city council hereby finds that a regular municipal election will be held in 2017. Therefore, pursuant to City Charter Section 54-2, the question hereinafter shall be set forth on the November 7, 2017 ballot at the general election, a date not less than 60 nor more than 120 days from the passage of this ordinance.
SECTION 2. That there be submitted to the electors of the city of Columbus the question of amending the Charter of the City of Columbus, such question and proposed amendments being set forth as an attachment ("FINAL PROPOSED AMENDMENT TO THE CHARTER City Council ") hereto and hereby made a part hereof.
SECTION 3. That the question submitted in Section 2 be and hereby is known as "Proposed Charter Amendment No. 1, City Council."
SECTION 4. That the city clerk is directed to forthwith serve a certified copy of this ordinance upon the boards of elections of Franklin County, Delaware County, and Fairfield County, Ohio.
SECTION 5. That the boards of elections of Franklin County, Delaware County, and Fairfield County, Ohio be and hereby are requested to place the question, "Proposed Charter Amendment No. 1, City Council" upon the ballot to be submitted to the electors as provided for and upon the date set forth herein.
SECTION 6. That this ordinance shall take effect and be in force from and after the earliest period provided by law.