Agenda Date: 05/12/2026
Subject:
Title
2026 Potential ballot questions discussion
Body
From:
James L. Becklenberg, City Manager
Prepared by:
Colleen L. Norton, City Clerk
Mike Gent, Deputy City Manager
Presentations:
Mike Gent, Deputy City Manager
Colleen L. Norton, City Clerk
PURPOSE:
To review specific findings of the Charter Review Committee's (CRC) with consideration of potential future ballot questions.
LONG-TERM OUTCOME(S) SERVED:
High-Quality Governance
DISCUSSION:
The CRC, after comprehensive review of the City's Charter, made recommendations to council of 39 sections that may be considered for amendment through council-initiated ballot questions to the electors of the City.
At the April 14, 2026 City Council study session, the CRC focused its presentation on the top 11 committee recommended sections:
1. Sec. 8. Amending the Charter
2. Sec. 23. Qualifications of Council
3. Sec. 27. Council Meetings; Open and Executive Sessions
4. Sec. 34. Procedures (related to Recall)
5. Sec. 36. Ordinances, Resolutions, and Motions
6. Sec. 45. Initiative
7. Sec. 46. Submissions (related to Initiative and Referendum)
8. Sec. 47. Referendum
9. Sec. 65.5. Preservation of Neighborhood Land Use Restrictions
10. Sec. 70. Submission of the Budget
11. Sec. 89. General Obligation Bonds
Council directed staff to bring forward the following for further discussion and consideration:
* Sec. 8. Amending the Charter
* Sec. 24. Presiding Officer
* Sec. 27. Council Meetings; Open and Executive Sessions
* Sec. 36. Ordinances, Resolutions and Motions (this will be a conversation to add definitions of each to Sec. 7. Definitions)
* Sec. 70. Submission of the Budget (timing of submission may be tied to Sec. 22 regarding start of council terms)
* Sec. 89. General Obligation Bonds
The CRC submitted recommendations and reasoning for change without crafting specific ballot language; staff, at council's direction, will be responsible for any proposed ballot language, ensuring it...
Click here for full text