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, as relates to the modernization of certain city functions. These amendments are based on the recommendations of the 2022 Columbus Charter Review Commission.
On July 6, 2022, the Charter Review Commission, appointed by Mayor Andrew J. Ginther and Council President Shannon Hardin, adopted five (5) comprehensive recommendations. A report summarizing those recommendations was submitted to Council on July 9, 2022 and is attached to this ordinance.
Based on council's consideration of the commission's recommendations, council proposes a ballot question regarding the modernization of certain city operations. Proposed Charter Amendment No. 3, City Modernization, addresses the following:
• Allowing for a special or emergency meeting of council to be called as provided for by the charter and ordinance of council, rather than by the general laws of the state
• Maintaining that public bodies of the city hold all meetings in accordance with general laws of the state, with the exception that council, by ordinance, may allow for conducting business by virtual means (teleconference, video conference, or other similar technology), and provide for the circumstances by which this occurs
• Changing the statement from the city auditor for the mayor’s estimate to include revenues of the general fund, rather than just income from taxes
• Removing the requirement to specify upon the warrant the funds upon which the warrant is drawn
• Giving the city auditor the ability to determine the form of a warrant as provided by state law or council ordinance
• Simplifying the section allowing council to determine by ordinance how and where city investment monies are deposited and sold.
• Updating language referring to how outstanding utility debt is paid or transferred to a fund in order to pay interest on said debt
• Changing the keeper of records relating to oaths of office of elected officials from the city auditor to the city clerk
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 8, 2022, the question of amending the Charter of the City of Columbus, such question to be known as "Proposed Charter Amendment No. 3, City Modernization"; and to declare an emergency.
Body
WHEREAS, on January 10, 2022, Council President Shannon Hardin and Mayor Andrew J. Ginther appointed a five-member Charter Review Commission to conduct a review of the city's charter; and
WHEREAS, the highly regarded community leaders who served on the commission held eleven public working meetings, solicited public comment via two public hearings, an online portal, and a dedicated email address, and, based on such deliberations, submitted recommendations to the mayor and council president on July 9, 2022; and
WHEREAS, the Charter Review Commission made five comprehensive recommendations, all of which necessitate changes to the charter; and
WHEREAS, this council finds that the residents of Columbus will be well-served by proposed charter amendments detailing the city’s modernization efforts; and
WHEREAS, an emergency exists in the usual daily operation of the various departments of the city, in that it is immediately necessary to authorize submission of Proposed Charter Amendment No. 3, City Modernization to the electors to assure timely filing with the boards of elections for placement on the November 8, 2022 ballot, thereby preserving the public health, peace, property, safety and welfare; 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 not be held in 2022. Therefore, pursuant to City Charter Section 45-2, a special election is hereby called to place the question hereinafter set forth on the November 8, 2022 ballot at a special election to be held concurrently with the general election, a date not less than 60 nor more than 120 days from 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 Modernization) 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. 3, City Modernization."
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. 3, City Modernization" upon the ballot to be submitted to the electors as provided for and upon the date set forth herein.
SECTION 6. That for the reasons stated in the preamble hereto, which is hereby made a part hereof, this ordinance is hereby declared to be an emergency measure and shall take effect and be in force from and after passage and approval by the Mayor, or ten days after passage if the Mayor does not approve the same.