HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-11-07 Charter Review Commission meeting packetCHARTER REVIEW COMMISSION
Thursday, November 7, 2024
5:30 PM
Emma J. Harvat Hall, City Hall
1.Call to Order and Roll Call
41 O East Washington Street
2.Adopt Draft Minutes as Presented or Amended
•Draft minutes for 10/24/2024
3.Motion to Accept correspondence (if any)
4.Review of City Charter: Section 2.02 Division into Council Districts
5.Voter Engagement
6.Tentative Meeting Schedule - 2
nd Tuesday and 4th Thursday@ 5:30 p.m., upcoming
tentative meeting dates as follows:
•Monday, November 25
•Tuesday, December3
•Tuesday, December 17
7.Community Comment
Charter Review Commissioners cannot engage in discussion or debate in accordance withopen meeting laws.
Individuals will be provided 3 minutes to speak. The Community Comment period will lastno more than 15 minutes. The Chair reserves the right to reduce the 3-minute period basedon the number of individuals desiring to speak.
Additional comments can be sent to the Charter Review Commission via ICCharter@iowacity.org.
8.Adjournment
If you will need disability-related accommodations to participate in this program/event, please
contact Kellie Grace at 319-356-5041, kgrace@iowa-city.org. Early requests are strongly encouraged to allow sufficient time to meet your access needs.
DRAFT
Minutes Charter Review Commission October 24, 2024 - 5:30 p.m.
Emma J. Harvat Hall, City Hall
Members Present: John Balmer, Susan Craig, John Deeth, Gerene Denning, Mackenzie
DeRoo, Matt Hayek, Molly Kucera, Bijou Maliabo (5:33 p.m.), Jennifer Patel
Staff Present: City Attorney Goers, City Clerk Grace
(Videos of the meetings are available at citychannel4.com typically within 48 hours)
Recommendations to Council: (to become effective only after separate Council action):
None
1.Call to order and roll call
2.Motion to adopt draft minutes as presented or amended
Moved by Kucera, seconded by Patel to approve the October 8 draft minutes aspresented. Motion carried 8-0, Maliabo absent.
3.Motion to Accept Correspondence
Moved by Patel, seconded by Deeth to accept correspondence from Rick Dobyns,
Richard Fosse, and Anna Moyers Stone. Motion carried 8-0, Maliabo absent.
4.Staff response to Commission questions previously posed
City Attorney Goers stated staff was asked to look at the Charter for other uses of the word"they" to ensure that the use would not wrongly imply plural parties are permissible when a
singular party is required. Goers noted there were no other problematic uses of the word,
"they."
5.Review of City Charter: Section 2.06 Mayor
Chair Balmer noted that the Commission had received a lot of input and that the
Commission needed to discuss whether the Mayor should remain selected by Council, or
elected directly by voters.
Commissioner Patel asked to confirm if there was anyone who wanted to change the job
description or the power of the Mayor. Chair Balmer stated the only thing that had been
discussed was if there should be direct election of the Mayor.
Chair Balmer started the discussion with his thoughts noting his previous experience asMayor and serving on City Council. Balmer stated the present method lends stability andcohesiveness on the Council which he appreciated and believes staff appreciated. Balmer
stated his worry with a direct election would be if there was an individual that would run forMayor with no experience and once elected had a specific agenda that now had
endorsement from the community to put forward. Even though it is only one vote it could
lend itself to some problems and issues, not to say you couldn't get good candidatesrunning. Balmer stated there have been some very good Mayors over the last 50 plus years
Charter Review Commission
October 24, 2024 Page 3
communications from the public, although small, it seemed the majority was not in favor of making a change to the current system. Hayek also noted the correspondence and perspective from those who are familiar with City Hall and understood how the system works
such as a former City Clerk, former Department Heads, former City Councilors, and a former
City Attorney who all had various reasons to not make a change.
Commissioner Maliabo noted she was in favor of the current system and when speaking to
immigrants and refugees that do not understand the law they see the Mayor as a very powerful person no matter how they are elected. Maliabo stated she would be afraid of
someone moving into Iowa City and running for Mayor without knowing anything about
them, their purpose or their opinions verses someone who is currently on Council and being elected Mayor by the Council. Maliabo also referenced the input from the public that has
been received noting the majority seemed to want no change. Maliabo pointed out she
would like to see term limits for the Mayor to give others on the Council a chance. Individual Commission members expressed their views on terms for Mayor.
Commissioner Craig stated she would support leaving the system the way it is for many of the reasons other Commissioners have said. Craig disagreed with Commissioner Patel in saying the Mayor could get more people actively involved than the Council and didn't know
who would benefit from a directly-elected Mayor from a citizen's perspective. Craig said she believes all citizens benefit from a system that provides a working body that works together and has chosen a person to be their nominal leader. Craig also likes the two-year term for
Mayor so someone can be elected to Council and get some experience before becoming Mayor and the ability to look at that position every two years to see if they have the right
person as Mayor or not.
Commissioner DeRoo stated she was in favor of keeping the current Council selection of Mayor as it is for many of the reasons other Commissioners had already shared. DeRoo
noted she sees the Charter as the City's constitution and has a high threshold for making
changes to it because there had been so many people who have endorsed it and supported it. DeRoo also noted that from public comment and conversations the Commission has had
she didn't feel that it was meant for radical change to what has been reinforced through the
Charter history.
Chair Balmer stated that after discussion it appeared that the majority was in favor of no
change in the present system, and they could note the Commissioners that had the opinion
they would like to see something else. Balmer commented on the thoughtfulness of the Commissioners and thanked them for the time they have spent thinking about this issue.
Individual Commissioners expressed their views.
6.Review of City Charter: Section 2.02 Division into Council Districts
Commissioners agreed to defer discussion of Council Districts to the next meeting.
7.Voter Engagement
Commissioners agreed to defer discussion of Voter Engagement to the next meeting.
8.Tentative Meeting Schedule
Commissioners discussed upcoming meeting dates. The commission agreed to reschedule the November 12 meeting to Thursday, November 7.
Charter Review Commission October 24, 2024 Page 4
Chair Balmer noted that the Division of Council Districts would be discussed at the November 7 meeting and asked for clarification for the Voter Engagement discussion.
Commissioner Patel stated she wanted to discuss how to make the public more comfortable with a different way of doing elections and to add a note to the Report of the 2024-2025
Iowa City Charter Review Commission to City Council that when new election forms come
up they would like the City Council to take a look at them. Commissioner Denning noted that Commissioner Craig had suggested a more general item, asking if the Commission should
write a letter and ask City Council to think about how they could form a commission to
gather public input. Commissioner Craig added it should also encourage them to work with
other entities since it should be countywide. Chair Blamer noted the League of Women Voters would be a natural group to help with that and encourage voter participation.
Commissioner Patel also pointed out that the public needs to have a better understanding of
City government and what the City does since City and county government have a direct impact on daily lives. Commissioner Maliabo suggested that Council members should go
into the schools and speak to the students about how City government works. Individual
Commission members expressed their views.
9.Community Comment
No one appeared.
10.Adjournment:
Moved by Kucera, seconded by Denning to adjourn the meeting at 6:29 p.m. Motioncarried 9-0.
NAME
John Balmer
Susan Craig
John Deeth
Gerene Denning
Mackenzie DeRoo
Matt Hayek
Molly Kucera
Bijou Maliabo
Jennifer Patel
Key: X = Present
0 = Absent
O/E = Absent/Excused
NM= No meeting ---= Not a member
TERM
EXP.
4/1/25 X X X
4/1/25 X X O/E
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4/1/25 X X X
4/1/25 X X O/E
4/1/25 X X X
4/1/25 X X X
4/1/25 X X X
4/1/25 X X X
Charter Review Commission -2024
ATTENDANCE RECORD
X X X X X
X X X X X
X X X X X
O/E O/E X X X
X X X X X
X X X X X
X X X X X
O/E X X X X
X O/E X X X
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Kellie Grace
From:
Sent:
To:
Cc:
Subject:
Attachments:
�
Vicki Lensing <vicki@lensingfuneral.com>
Monday, October 28, 2024 2:52 PM
*IC Charter Review Commission
vickilensing@gmail.com
Charter Review 2024 letter
We sent you safe versions of your files; Charter Review 2024.docx
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1
October 28, 2024
Members of the Iowa City Charter Review Commission,
As a lifelong resident of Iowa City, I appreciate the many opportunities available to residents and the
overall environment in which we live, work, raise families and pursue interests. This is reflected in our
neighborhoods, our educational systems, our businesses, our economy, and our community
engagement. Like other cities, we have to incorp orate fairness, inclusivity and diversity as we
make laws and policies to create our framework for local government.
To review that framework and recommend any changes to how the city operates and how the City
Council functions, a Charter Review Commission is created every ten years to accomplish that task.
I had the opportunity to serve on that Commission in 1994-1995. It was an educational experience for
me and one that allowed residents to voice their concerns and ask for changes and to also support what
they viewed as policies that were working well.
Now as a resident, I would like to use this occasion to express my support for continuing the current
form of how City Council members are elected. Currently three Council members are elected from one
of the three specific districts and four are elected at-large.
This system has worked well and attracts candidates who are interested in the future of our community
by becoming actively involved in local government. Iowa Citians are able to become familiar with the
Council person who will represent their district as well as those who represent the community as a
whole.
Having served in state government for many years, I recall constituents wanting to vent their
frustrations or lobby for their causes directly to their representative. This is also how district
representation works at the City level.
While many issues that face the Council remain from year to year like the economy, mobility and safety
remain constant, other issues like affordable housing, parking, rental housing, and challenges for
students and seniors often arise. The current system for electing councilors allows constituents with
concerns about these and other issues to access their elected officials and express them directly as well
as to elect individuals who reflect shared views.
I urge the Commission to continue this practice by keeping Districts as the framework for electing our
City Councilors.
Sincerely,
Vicki Lensing,
2408 Mayfield Rd.
Iowa City, Iowa 52245
Kellie Grace
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
A
Terry & Jo Dickens <joterdickens@yahoo.com>
Friday, November 1, 2024 2:29 PM
*IC Charter Review Commission
Charter review
** This email originated outside of the City of Iowa City email system. Please take extra care opening any links or
attachments. **
I am responding to the call for reviewing the City Charter. I have served two terms on the City Council, one as a at large
councilor and one District councilor. I am in favor of keeping the charter the way it has been, knowing that the having been elected in a district I received more
calls from people in my district. They felt having a elected councilor in their neighborhood was important because I knew the strengths and the weaknesses of the district.
While serving as an at large Councilor the calls were, more varied concerning issues not always related to the districts. I believe no matter whether you are representing a district or at large all voters should be able to cast their vote for the
councilor of their choice as they will be representing the whole City. My Wife and I are both lifelong Iowa City residents. My wives grandfather and father both served on the city council, in the
current form of city government and were involved in these charter reviews and chose to keep what was working .
Terry Dickens
1
Kellie Grace
From:
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Subject:
Attachments:
A
Paul Burns <pburns425@gmail.com>
Sunday, November 3, 2024 6:02 PM
*IC Charter Review Commission
Charter Review Commission Comments
We sent you safe versions of your files; Charter Review Commission Comments.pdf
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Dear Commissioners: I respectfully submit the attached comments for your consideration.
Thank you.
Paul Burns
425 Beldon Ave, Iowa City
1
Isl Paul Burns
Kellie Grace
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Gerene Denning <gerenedenning@gmail.com>
Wednesday, October 30, 2024 5:02 PM
Kellie Grace
Memo for Nov 7 meeting
We sent you safe versions of your files; Final submitted comments in support
amendment.docx
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Please add this to the next packet. Thanks so much.
1
To: The City Charter Review Commission
Re: Final comments supporting electing district council members by district voters
From: Commissioner Denning
For selection of the mayor, there are two equally good selection methods and the choice is a matter of
preference. In contrast, for election of district council members, there is a fact and evidence-based,
logic-based, expert-approved better method than our current one, that is, election of district council
members by district voters.
Ask yourself the following:
Why would we want to continue violating the basic voting rights of district voters? Who are these voters
we don't trust to exercise their rights?
Why would we want to further risk diluting minority voting power?
Why would we want to continue missing out on the benefits that come from a district system and that
counter balance the limitations of electing council members at large?
Why would we not want to use a system with a strong likelihood of increasing public engagement, a
system where council candidates could spend more time and resources to meet and get to know their
constituents, could learn more about the specific struggles that they have and could be judged based on
the quality of their advocacy for district-specific needs?
Why would we not want to end the confusion and controversy and take a little stress off our
community? Wouldn't that be a valuable service to the people?
What about concerns about electing district council members by district?
•Are we concerned that electing district council members the way every other charter city does it
would somehow fail to work for our city? In what way are we that different?
•Are we concerned that electing district council members by district would result in less diverse,
less qualified city councils than we currently have? Why would that happen?
•Are we concerned that some radical political agenda exists that wants us to go from being an
outlier to doing things in the normal way? How is being normal a radical thing?
•Is this change so scary we should not even consider it? What makes it that scary?
•Should we be concerned that how we select the mayor dictates how we elect city council
members? See below for why we should not be concerned.
I do not mean to suggest that there are no valid concerns about the change. Change is never perfect.
That said, the preponderance of evidence suggests that reasons for concern, in this case, are far less
compelling than the reasons for the change.
With respect to how does election by district voters relate to selecting the mayor:
The short answer is If we were to elect district council members in the way everyone else does, by
district voters, this is fully compatible with both mayoral selection methods.
Selection by Council: Even though there would be a much greater difference in vote count, at-large vs.
district, than exists now:
•The current selection method is meant to be merit-based not vote count-based.
•The argument for the current method is that the council members best know each other and can
best decide who would make a good mayor based on that knowledge.
•In this method, no one should be ranked and/or discriminated against because of vote count. If
that happens, it's the application of the method that should be fixed not the way district council
members are elected.
•So, as long as the current method is used appropriately, there will be no conflict with election of
district council members by district voters.
Selection by popular vote: Similarly, there is no conflict between electing district council members by
district and directly electing the mayor should that someday be the majority preference. The easiest way
to have both is to:
•Have one at-large seat be a mayoral seat.
•Have three at-large council seats.
•Have three district seats.
•The total number of council members would remain the same (7 members) and the ratio of
council members elected at-large vs. by district would remain 4:3.
Moreover, the model city charter which assumes district council members are elected by district voters
tells us that roughly half of charter cities select the mayor by the council and roughly half select the
mayor by popular vote. If either of those combinations was problematic, I think the experts would have
clued us in.
Final statement:
I would respectfully argue that there are compelling reasons to support electing district council
members by district voters and the reasons for concern are far less compelling. In other words, we
should not be afraid to act in response to the compelling reasons for change. Rather, we should take this
opportunity to make a change that is designed to provide many valuable benefits to the people of our
city.
The following is a working draft ofproposed amendments as of October 8. 2024 to the Iowa City Charter by the Charter Review Commission. The Commission has not.finalized the proposal and all potential amendments are subiect to change.
IOWA CITY CHARTER 1
Preamble
Definitions
Article I. Powers G-.Qf +.the City
§1.01. Powers (:}Qf +.the City.
§1.02. Construction.
§1.03. Savings Clause.
Article II. City Council
§2.01. Composition.
§2.02. Division Hnto Council Districts.
§2.03. Eligibility.
§2.04. Terms.
§2.05. Compensation.
§2.06. Mayor.
§2.07. General Powers Aand Duties.
§2.08. Appointments.
§2.09. Rules; Records.
§2.10. Vacancies.
§2.11. Council Action.
§2.12. Prohibitions.
Article III. Nomination, Primary Election A_g_nd Regular Election
§3.01. Nomination.
§3.02. Primary Election.
§3.03. Regular City Election.
Article IV. City Manager
§4.01. Appointment; Qualifications.
§4.02. Accountability; Removal.
Page 1
The following is a working draft a/proposed amendments as of October 8, 2024 to the Iowa
City Charter bv the Charter Review Commission. The Commission has not finalized the
proposal and all potential arnendments are subject to change.
§4.03. Absence; Disability G-Qf City Manager.
§4.04. Duties .Q.gf City Manager.
§4.05. Ineligibility; Prohibited Acts.
Article V. Boards, Commissions A2..nd Committees
§5.01. Establishment.
§5.02. Appointment; Removal.
§5.03. Rules.
Article VI. Campaign Contributions A.and Expenditures
§6.01. Limitations 0Qn The AmountGQf Campaign Contributions.
§6.02. Disclosure GQf Contributions A.and Expenditures.
§6.03. Definition.
§6.04. Violations.
Article VII. Initiative Agnd Referendum
§7.01. General Provisions.
§7.02. Commencement G.Qf Proceedings, Affidavit.
§ 7 .03. Petitions; Revocation G.Qf Signatures.
§7.04. Procedure Aafter Filing.
§7.05. Action GQn Petitions.
§7.06. Results 0Qf Election.
§7.07. Prohibition GQn Establishment GQf Stricter Conditions 0Qr Requirements.
Article VIII. Charter Amendments Agnd Review
§8.01. Charter Amendments.
§8.02. Charter Review Commission.
Notes
1 1. The home rule E[harter of the E.C.ity, adopted by the voters of the E.C.ity on November 15, 1973, and by ordinance 76-2792 on January 2, 1976, pursuant to LC.A section 372.9, is set out herein as adopted and amended.
Page 2
Thefollowina is a working draft ofproposed amendments as of October 8. 2024 to the Iowa
City Charter by the Charter Review Commission. The Commission has not finalized the , proposal and all potential amendments are subiect to change.
PREAMBLE
We, the people of Iowa City, Iowa, pursuant to the constitution and statutes of the s-.S.tate of Iowa and the principle of self-determination, proclaim that the government of Iowa City belongs to all its residents and all share the responsibility for it. We hereby adopt this €,Charter and confer upon it the full home rule powers of a charter city in order to provide for an honest and accountable council-manager government. By this action. we secure the benefits of home rule and affirm the values of representative democracy. professional management. stron� political leadership. public engagement. diversity and inclusiveness, regional cooperation. and fair and effective stewardship of our unique environment. Furthermore. adoption of thi Charter recognizes the following principles:
1.Resident participation on an equitable and inclusive basis as part of the process of m
democratic self-government.
a.Each individual hall have an opportunity to participate in the life of the City.including economic, cultural and intellectual.
b.Discrimination prohibited by Title 2 of the City Code shall not be tolerated.
2.The provision of service relating to the health, safety, and welfare of its residents in afair, equitable and efficient manner.
3.The conduct of e.C.ity business in conformity with the principles principals andpractices of due process, equal protection under the laws, and protection of tA-e.se individual liberties protected granted by the e.C.onstitution of the United States, .Q}'__the s-.S.tate of Iowa, and .Q}'__local ordinances.
4.Civility and responsiveness by e.C.ity employees in their interactions with the public.
(Ord. 15-4621, 5-19-2015)
DEFINITIONS
As used in this e.C.harter:
1."City" means the e.C.ity of Iowa City, Iowa.
2."City e.C.ouncil" or "c.C.ouncil" means the governing body of the e.C.ity.
3."Council_member" means a member of thee.Council, including the mMayor.
4."Shall" imposes a duty.
5."Must" states a requirement.
Page 3
The following is a working draft of proposed amendments as of October 8. 2024 to the Iowa
City Charter bv the Charter Review Commission. The Commission has not finalized the
proposal and all potential amendments are subiect to change.
6."May" confers a power.
7."Eligible elector" means a person eligible to register to vote in Iowa City.
8."Qualified elector" means a resident of Iowa City who is registered to vote in IowaCity.
9."Board" includes a board, commission, committee or other similar entity howeverdesignated.
10."Person" means an individual, firm, partnership, corporation, company, association,
political party, committee or any other legal entity.
11."Ordinance" means a city law of a general and permanent nature.
12."Measure", except as provided in aArticle VII, means an ordinance, amendment,
resolution or motion. (Ord. 76-2792, 1-2-1976; amd. Ord. 85-3227, 3-12-1985; Ord. 05-
4152, 3-1-2005)
ARTICLE I. POWERS OF THE CITY
Section 1.01. Powers Qof +the City.
The E.C.ity � shall have all powers possjb\e under the constitution and laws of this state. (Ord. 76-2792, 1-2-1976)
Section 1.02. Construction.
The grant of power to the E.C.ity under this E.C.harter is intended to be broad; the mention of
a specific power in this E.C.harter is not intended to be a limitation on the general powers
conferred in this article. (Ord. 76-2792, 1-2-1976)
Section 1.03. Savings Clause.
If any provision of this E.C.harter, or the application of this E.C.harter to any person or circumstance is held invalid, the invalidity shall not affect other provisions or applications of this E.C.harter. (Ord. 76-2792, 1-2-1976)
ARTICLE II. CITY COUNCIL
Page 4
The following is a workina draft of proposed amendments as o[October 8. 2024 to the Iowa City Charter by the Charter Review Commission. The Commission has not.finalized the proposal and all potential amendments are subject to change.
Section 2.01. Composition.
The E.C.ity E.C.ouncil consists of seven members. As provided in a.Article III, four, to be known as E.C.ouncil_members at:-large, are to be nominated by eligible electors of the E.C.ity at:-large, and three, to be known as district E.C.ouncil_members, are to be nominated by eligible
electors of their respective districts. All E.C.ouncil_members shall be elected by the qualified
electors of the E.C.ity at:-large. (Ord. 85-3273, 12-17-1985)
Section 2.02. Division Into Council Districts.
The E.C.ouncil, by ordinance, shall divide the E.C.ity into three E.C.ouncil districts of substantially equal population. These districts are to be designated as E.C.ouncil a-District A, E.C.oundl el-District B, and €.Council El-District C. (Ord. 76-2792, 1-2-1976)
Section 2.03. Eligibility.
To be eligible to be elected to and to retain a E.C.ouncil position, a person must be an eligible
elector of Iowa City, and if seeking or elected to represent a E.C.ouncil district, must be an eligible elector of thatE.C.ouncil district. (Ord. 05-4152, 3-1-2005)
Section 2.04. Terms.
At the first election under this E.C.harter, all seven E.C.ouncil_members are to be elected; the
E.C.ouncil_member from E.C.ouncil €I-District A, €.Council a-District C, and the two E.C.ouncil members at:-large who receive the greatest number of votes cast for E.C.ouncil_member at: large are to serve for terms of four years, and other E.C.ouncil_members are to serve for terms of two years. Commencing at the next regular E.C.ity election, and at all subsequent regular e.C.ity elections, all E.C.ouncil_members elected to fill the positions of those whose terms expire shall be elected for terms of four years. (Ord. 76-2792, 1-2-1976)
Section 2.05. Compensation.
The E.C.ouncil, by ordinance, shall prescribe the compensation of them-Mayor and the other
€.Council members. The e.C.ouncil shall not adopt such an ordinance during the months of
November and December immediately following a regular E.C.ity election. (Ord. 05-4152, 3-1-2005)
Section 2.06. Mayor.
A.Immediately following the beginning of the terms of E.C.ouncil_members elected at theregular E.C.ity election, the e.C.ouncil shall meet and elect from among its members the ffiMayor and mMayor i7£ro tiem for a term of two years. (Ord. 85-3227, 3-12-1985)
Page 5
The following is a worf<ing draft ofproposed amendments as of October 8. 2024 to the Iowa City Charter bv the Charter Review Commission. The Commission has not finalized the proposal and all potential amendments are subject to change.
B.The -m-Mayor is a voting member of the E.C.ouncil, the official representative of the
E.C.ity, presiding officer of the E.C.ouncil and its policy spokesperson. The -m-Mayor may add
items to the E.C.ity E.C.ouncil agenda. The mMayor shall present to the E.C.ity no later than
February 28 an annual s.S.tate of the E.C.ity message. (Ord. 15-4621, 5-19-2015)
C.The -m-Mayor f}Ero tTem shall act as -m-Mayor during the absence of the -m-Mayor. (Ord.85-3227, 3-12-1985)
Section 2.07. General Powers Aand Duties.
All powers of the E.C.ity are vested in the E.C.ouncil, except as otherwise provided by state
law or this E.C.harter. (Ord. 85-3227, 3-12-1985)
Section 2.08. Appointments.
A The E.C.ouncil shall appoint the E.C.ity mManager.
B.The E.C.ouncil shall appoint the E.C.ity E.C.lerk. (Ord. 85-3227, 3-12-1985)
C.The E.C.ouncil shall appoint the E.C.ity a-Attorney. (Ord. 95-3671, 3-28-1995)
D.The City Manager shall appoint the Chief of the Police Department and the Chief of theFire Department. subject to approval of the Qty Council.
.Q._E. The E.C.ouncil shall appoint all members of the E.C.ity' s boards, except as otherwise provided by state law. (Ord. 85-3227, 3-12-1985)
EE. The E.C.ouncil shall fix the amount of compensation, if any, of persons it appoints and
shall provide for the method of compensation of other E.C.ity employees. All appointments
and promotions of E.C.ity employees by city council and city manager must be made
according to job-related criteria and be consistent with nondiscriminatory and equal
employment opportunity standards established pursuant to law. (Ord. 95-3671, 3-28-
1995)
Section 2.09. Rules; Records.
The E.C.ouncil may determine its own rules and shall maintain records of its proceedings consistent with state law. (Ord. 76-2792, 1-2-1976)
Section 2.10. Vacancies.
The E.C.ouncil shall fill a vacancy occurring in an elective E.C.ity office as provided by state
law. (Ord. 76-2792, 1-2-1976)
Page 6
The following is a working draft ofprooosed amendments as of October 8, 2024 to the Iowa
City Charter bv the Charter Review Commission. The Commission has not,finalized the
proposal and all potential amendments are subject to change.
Section 2.11. Council Action.
Passage of an ordinance, amendment or resolution requires a majority vote of all the members of the E.C.ouncil except as otherwise provided by state law. (Ord. 05-4152, 3-1-2005)
Section 2.12. Prohibitions.
A.A E.C.ouncil_member may not hold any other E.C.ity office or be a E.C.ity employee or
elected county official while serving on the E.C.ouncil nor hold any remunerated c.C.ity office
or employment for at least one year after leaving the E.C.ouncil. (Ord. 76-2792, 1-2-1976)
B.VVith the exception of the appointment of the chief of the police department and chief
of the fire department, which are subject to approval of the city council, neither the council
nor its members may dictate, in any manner, the appointment or removal of any person appointed by the city manager. However, the council may express its viev,rs to the city manager pertaining to the appointment or removal of such employee. (Ord. 05 4152, 3 1 2005) With the exception of powers provided in Section 2.08, a Council member may not dictate. in any manner, the appointment or removal of any City employee. However. the Council mav express its views to the appointing authority pertaining to the appointment or removal of such employee pertaining o the appointment or removal of such employee to the Council appointee under whom the employee works. (City Manager. City Attorney, City
Clerk)
C.l\ council member may not interfere with the supervision or direction of any person
appointed by or under the control of the city manager. (Ord. 76 2792, 1 2 1976) A Council member may not interfere with the supervision or direction of anv City employee other
than the City Manager, City Attorney, or Citv Cieri<.
ARTICLE III. NOMINATION, PRIMARY ELECTION AND REGULAR ELECTION
Section 3.01. Nomination.
A.An eligible elector of a E.C.ouncil district may become a candidate for a E.C.ouncil district
seat by filing with the Johnson County E.C.ommissioner of eflections a valid petition
requesting that his or her their name be placed on the ballot for that office. Unless
otherwise provided by state law, the petition must be filed not more than eighty-five (85) days nor less-fewer than sixty-eight (68) days before the date of the election. Unless otherwise provided by state law, the petition must be signed by eligible electors from the
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City Charter by the Charter Review Commission. The Commission has not_finalized the
proposal and all potential amendments are subiect to change. ,
candidate's district equal in number to at least two (2) percent of those who voted to fill the same office at the last regular ECity election, but not-l-es-5-fewer than ten (10) persons.
B.An eligible elector of the E_Gity may become a candidate for an at-large ECouncil seat byfiling with the Johnson County ECommissioner of e.Elections a petition requesting that the candidate's name be placed on the ballot for that office. Unless otherwise provided by state law, the petition must be filed not more than eighty-five (85) days nor l-es-s---fewer than sixty-eight (68) days before the date of the election. Unless otherwise provided by state
law, the petition must be signed by eligible electors equal in number to at least two (2)
percent of those who voted to fill the same office at the last regular ECity election, but not
less-fewer than ten (10) persons. (Ord. 15-4621, 5-19-2015)
Section 3.02. Primary Election.
A If there are more than two candidates for a ECouncil district seat, a primary election must be held for that seat with only the qualified electors of that ECouncil district eligible to vote. The names of the two candidates who receive the highest number of votes in the primary election are to be placed on the ballot for the regular ECity election as candidates for that €Council seat. (Ord. 05-4152, 3-1-2005)
B.If there are more than twice as many candidates as there are at large positions to be
filled, there shall be a primary election held unless the ECouncil, by ordinance, chooses to
have a run-off-_election. (Ord. 85-3227, 3-12-1985)
Section 3.03. Regu.lar City Election.
A In the regular ECity election, each €Council district seat up for election shall be listed separately on the ballot and only the names of candidates nominated from that E._Gouncil district shall be listed on the ballot as candidates for that seat. However, all qualified electors of the ECity shall be entitled to vote for each candidate. The three ECouncil district
seats shall be designated on the ballot as ECouncil a-District A, eCouncil 4.Qistrict B and
€Council a-.Qistrict C and each shall be elected at.:-large.
B.The at.:-large ECouncil seats shall be designated on the ballot as such. (Ord. 85-3227, 3-
12-1985)
ARTICLE IV. CITY MANAGER
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The following is a working draft ofproµosed amendments as of October 8. 2024 to the Iowa City Charter by the Charter Review Commission. The Commission hos not finalized the proposal and all potential amendments are subiect to change.
Section 4.01. Appointment: Qualifications.
In appointing a €.C.ity mManager, the €.Council shall consider only the qualifications and
fitness of the person without regard to political or other affiliation. During his or her their tenure the €.C.itymManager shall reside within the €.C.ity. (Ord. 76-2792, 1-2-1976)
Section 4.02. Accountability: Removal
A The €.C.ity mManager is under the direction and supervision of the €.Council and holds office at its pleasure. A €.C.ity m.Manager removed by the €.Council is entitled to receive
termination pay as provided by contract. (Ord. 15-4621, 5-19-2015)
B.Upon the resignation or removal of the €.C.ity mManager, the €.Council shall appoint an
individual qualified to perform the duties of €.C.ity mManager to serve at the pleasure of
€.Council or until a €.C.ity mManager is appointed. (Ord. 76-2792, 1-2-1976)
Section 4.03. Absence: Disability Gof City Manager.
The €.C.ity mManager may designate a qualified €.C.ity employee as acting €.C.ity mManager to perform his or her their duties during a temporary absence or disability. If the €.C.ity m-Manager does not make such a designation, the €.Council shall appoint a qualified €.C.ity employee to perform the duties of the €.C.ity mManager until he or she they returns. (Ord. 76-2792, 1-2-1976)
Section 4.04. Duties Qof City Manager.
A The €.C.ity mManager shall be chief administrative officer of the €.C.ity and shall:
(1)InsureEnsure that the laws of the €.C.ity are executed and enforced.
(2)Supervise and direct the administration of €.C.ity government and the officialconduct of employees of the €.C.ity appointed by the €.C.ity mManager including their employment, training, reclassification, suspension or discharge as the occasion requires, subject to state law.
(3)Appoint the €.Chief of the f3l:olice tl-.D.epartment and the €.Chief of the tfire
tl-Department with the approval of the €.C.ity €.Council.
( 4)Supervise the E.Chief of the f3£olice a-Department and E.C.hief of the {Eire
a-Department, including their suspension or discharge as the occasion requires. Such
supervision shall not be subject to approval of the €.C.ity €.Council.
(5)Appoint or employ persons to occupy positions for which no other method of
appointment is provided by state law or this €.Charter.
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The following is a working draft ofproposed amendments as of October 8, 2024 to the Iowa City Charter bv the Charter Review Commission. The Commission has not finalized the vroposal and all potential amendments are subject to change.
(6)Supervise the administration of the E.C.ity personnel system, including thedetermination of the compensation of all E.C.ity employees appointed by the E.C.ity mManager subject to state lavv this Code or this €.Charter.
(7)Supervise the performance of all contracts for work to be done for the €.City,supervise all purchases of materials and supplies, and assure that such materials and supplies are received and are of specified quality and character.
(8)Supervise and manage all public improvements, works and undertakings of theE.C.ity, and all E.C.ity-owned property including buildings, plants, systems, and enterprises, and have charge of their construction, improvement, repair and maintenance except where otherwise provided by state law.
(9)Supervise the making and preservation of all surveys, maps, plans, drawings,specifications and estimates for the E.C.ity.
(10)Provide for the issuance and revocation of licenses and permits authorized bystate law or E.C.ity ordinance and cause a record thereof to be maintained.
(11)Prepare and submit to the €.Council the annual budgets in the form prescribedby state law.
(12) Provide the €.Council an itemized written monthly financial report.
(13)Attend €.Council meetings and keep the €.Council fully advised of the financialand other conditions of the €,City and its needs.
(14)See that the business affairs of the E.C.ity are transacted in an efficient mannerand that accurate records of all €,City business are maintained and made available to the public, except as otherwise provided by state law.
(15)Provide necessary and reasonable clerical, research and professionalassistance to boards within limitations of the budget.
(16)Perform such other and further duties as the €.Council may direct. (Ord. 05-4152, 3-1-2005)
B.The E.C.ity mManager, in performing the foregoing duties, may:
(1)Present recommendations and programs to the €.Council and participate in anydiscussion by the €.Council of any matters pertaining to the duties of the €.City mManager.
(2)Cause the examination and investigation of the affairs of any department or theconduct of any employee under supervision of the E.C.ity mManager.
(3)Execute contracts on behalf of the €.City when authorized by the €.Council. (Ord.85-3227, 3-12-1985)
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The following is a working draft o{proposed amendments as of October 8. 2024 to the Iowa City Charter bv the Charter Review Commission. The Commission has not finalized the proposal and all potential amendments are subject to change.
Section 4.05 .. Ineligibility; Prohibited Acts.
Except for the exercise of the right to vote, the E.C.ity mManager shall not take part in any
election of E.C.ouncil_members. This prohibition shall in no way limit the E.C.ity mManager's
duty to make available public records as provided by state law or this E.C.harter. (Ord. 76-
2792, 1-2-1976)
ARTICLE V. BOARDS, COMMISSIONS AND COMMITTEES
Section 5.01. Establishment.
A.With the exception of the e.C.ommunity-J}£olice-F.B.eview-a.B.oard, the E.C.ouncil mayestablish boards in addition to those required by state law and shall specify the title, duties,
length of term, qualifications of members and other appropriate matters. The Council shall
consider the available demographics of board and commission members and applicants in
making #1-e+f appointments in an effort to make appointments reflective of the community.
The E.C.ouncil may reduce or increase a board's duties, transfer duties from one board to
another or dissolve any board, except as otherwise provided by state law or this E.C.harter.
B.There shall be a permanent e.C.ommunity p£.olice -i:.Review -13.B_oard, which shall havevested in it the following minimum powers:
1.To hold at least one community forum each year for the purpose of hearing views onthe policies, practices, and procedures of the Iowa City f}E.olice a Department; and
2.To make recommendations regarding such policies, practices, and procedures to thee.C.ity E.Council; and
3.To investigate claims of misconduct by sworn police officers and to issue
independent reports of its findings to the E.C.ity E.C.ouncil; and
4.The authority to subpoena witnesses. (Ord. 15-4621, 5-19-2015)
Section 5.02. Appointment; Removal.
Thee.Council shall, subject to the requirements of state law, seek to provide broad representation on all boards. The e.C.ouncil shall establish procedures to give at least thirty days' notice of vacancies before they are filled and shall encourage applications by
residents. Council procedures for the removal of members shall be consistent with state
law. (Ord. 05-4152, 3-1-2005; amd. Ord. 15-4621, 5-19-2015)
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The following is a working draft ofproposed amendments as of October 8, 2024 to the Iowa Citv Charter by the Charter Review Commission. The Commission has not.finalized the proposal and all potential amendments are subiect to change.
Section 5.03. Rules.
A The e.C:ouncil shall establish rules and procedures for the operation of all boards, which must include but are not limited to, the adoption of by-laws and rules pertaining to
open meetings and open records. (Ord. 05-4152, 3-1-2005)
B.The Eb_ouncil shall specify, for each board, methods for informal and formal
communication with e.C.ouncil, time schedules for the completion of reports requested by
e.C.ouncil and such rules as it deems appropriate.
C.A board may establish additional rules and procedures that are consistent with statelaw, e.C:ouncil rules, and this e.C.harter. (Ord. 76-2792, 1-2-1976)
ARTICLE VI. CAMPAIGN CONTRIBUTIONS AND EXPENDITURES
Section 6.01. Limitations Gon +the Amount Gof Campaign Contributions.
The e.C.ouncil, by ordinance, shall prescribe limitations on the amount of campaign
contributions made to a candidate for election to e.C.ouncil by a person as defined in this
e.C.harter. (Ord. 95-3671, 3-28-1995)
Section 6.02. Disclosure Gof Contributions Aand Expenditures.
The e.C.ouncil, by ordinance, may prescribe procedures requiring the disclosure of the amount, source and kind of contributions received and expenditures made by (1) each candidate for election to e.C.ouncil and (2) any and all other persons, for the purpose of aiding or securing the candidate's nomination or election. (Ord. 05-4152, 3-1-2005)
Section 6.03. Definition.
Within this article "contribution" shall be defined as that term is defined in chapter 68A
("campaign finance") of the e.C.ode of Iowa. (Ord. 05-4152, 3-1-2005; amd. Ord. 15-4621, 5-
19-2015)
Section 6.04. Violations.
The e.C.ouncil, by ordinance, shall prescribe: (1) penalties for the violation of the contribution limitations and disclosure requirements it establishes pursuant to this sS.ection; and (2) when appropriate, conditions for the revocation of a candidate's right to serve on e.C.ouncil if elected, consistent with state law. (Ord. 05-4152, 3-1-2005)
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The following is a working draH a/proposed amendments as of October 8, 2024 to the Iowa
City Charter by the Charter Review Commission. The Commission has not finalized the proposal and all potential amendments are subject to change.
ARTICLE VII. INITIATIVE AND REFERENDUM
Section 7.01. General Provisions.
A.Authority.
(1)Initiative. The eligible electors have the right to propose measures to the€.Council and, if the E.C.ouncil fails to adopt a measure so proposed without any change in substance, to have the measure submitted to the voters at an election.
(2)Referendum. The eligible electors have the right to require reconsideration by
the E.C.ouncil of an existing measure and, if the E.C.ouncil fails to repeal such measure, to have
it submitted to the voters at an election.
(3)Definition. Within this article, "measure" means all ordinances, amendments,
resolutions or motions of a legislative nature, however designated, which (a) are of a
permanent rather than temporary character and (b) include a proposition enacting,
amending or repealing a new or existing law, policy or plan, as opposed to one providing for the execution or administration of a law, policy or plan already enacted by E.C.ouncil.
B.Limitations.
(1)Subject Matter. The right of initiative and referendum shall not extend to any ofthe following:
(a)Any measure of an executive or administrative nature, including. but notlimited to, personnel decisions.
(b)The E.C.ity budget.
(c)The appropriation of money.
( d)The levy of taxes or special assessments.
( e)The issuance of general obligation and revenue bonds.
(f)The letting of contracts.
(g)Salaries of E.C.ity employees.
(h)Any measure required to be enacted by state or federal law.
(i)Amendments to this E.C.harter.
U)Amendments affecting the E.C.ity zoning ordinance or the land use maps of the
comprehensive plan, including the district plan maps.
(k)Public improvements subsequent to E.C.ity E.C.ouncil action to authorize
acquisition of property for that public improvement, or notice to bidders for that public
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The following is a working draft ofproposed amendments as of October 8. 2024 to the Iowa Citv Charter bv the Charter Review Commission. The Commission has not finalized the proposal and all potential amendments are subiect to change.
improvement, whichever occurs earlier. "Public improvement" shall mean any building or construction work.
(2)Resubmission. No initiative or referendum petition shall be filed within twoyears after the same measure or a measure substantially the same has been submitted to the voters at an election.
(3)Council Repeal, Amendment Ai!_nd Reenactment. No measure proposed byinitiative petition and adopted by the vote of the €.Council without submission to the voters,
or adopted by the voters pursuant to this article, may for two years thereafter be repealed or amended except by a vote of the people, unless provision is otherwise made in the original initiative measure. No measure referred by referendum petition and repealed by the vote of the E.C,ouncil without submission to the voters, or repealed by the voters pursuant to this article, may be reenacted for two years thereafter except by vote of the people, unless provision is otherwise made in the original referendum petition.
C.Construction.
(1)Scope Of Power. It is intended that this article confer broad initiative andreferendum powers upon the eligible electors of the E.C,ity.
(2)Initiative. It is intended that (a) no initiative petition will be invalid because itrepeals an existing measure in whole or in part by virtue of proposing a new measure and
(b)an initiative petition may amend an existing measure.
(3)Referendum. It is intended that a referendum petition may repeal a measure inwhole or in part.
D.Effect G-Qf Filing Petition. The filing of an initiative or referendum petition does notsuspend or invalidate any measure under consideration. Such measure shall remain in full force and effect until its amendment or repeal by E.C,ouncil pursuant to s.S.ection 7.0SA or until a majority of the qualified electors voting on a measure vote to repeal or amend the measure and the vote is certified.
E.City Obligations. An initiative or referendum vote which repeals an existing measurein whole or in part does not affect any obligations entered into by the E.C,ity, its agencies or
any person in reliance on the measure during the time it was in effect. (Ord. 15-4621, 5-19-2015)
Section 7.02. Commencement Gof Proceedings: Affidavit.
A Commencement. One or more qualified electors, hereinafter referred to as the "petitioners," may commence initiative or referendum proceedings by filing with the E.C,ity
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The following is a working draft ofproposed amendments as of October 8. 2024 to the Iowa City Charter bv the Charter Review Commission. The Commission has not finalized the proposal and all potential amendments are subiect to change.
E.C.lerk an affidavit stating they will supervise the circulation of the petition and will be responsible for filing it in proper form, stating their names and addresses and specifying the address to which all relevant notices are to be sent, and setting out in full the proposed initiative measure or citing the measure sought to be reconsidered.
B.Affidavit. The E.C.ity E.C.lerk shall accept the affidavit for filing if on its face it appears to
have signatures of one or more qualified electors. The E.C.ity E.C.lerk shall issue the
appropriate petition forms to the petitioners the same day the affidavit is accepted for
filing. The e.C.ity e.C.lerk shall cause to be prepared and have available to the public, forms
and affidavits suitable for the commencement of proceedings and the preparation of
initiative and referendum petitions. (Ord. 05-4152, 3-1-2005)
Section 7.03. Petitions: Revocation Gof Signatures.
A.Number GQf Signatures. Initiative and referendum petitions must be signed by eligibleelectors equal in number to at least ten percent (10%) of the number of persons who voted in the last regular E.C.ity election, but such signatures of eligible electors shall be no fewer than ten. (Res. 16-258, 8-29-2016)[November 2016 Special Election]
B.Form A_g_nd Content. All papers of a petition prepared for filing must be substantially
uniform in size and style and must be assembled as one instrument. Each person signing
shall provide, and the petition form shall provide space for, the signature, printed name,
address of the person signing and the date the signature is executed. Petitions prepared for
circulation must contain or have attached thereto throughout their circulation the full text of the measure proposed or sought to be reconsidered. The petition filed with the e.C.ity e.C.lerk need have attached to it only one copy of the measure being proposed or referred.
C.Affidavit GQf Circulator. Each paper of a petition containing signatures must haveattached to it when filed an affidavit executed by an eligible elector certifying: the number of signatures on the paper, that he or she they the elector personally circulated it, that all signatures were affixed in his or her their the elector's presence, that he or she they the elector believes.s_ them to be genuine signatures of the persons whose names they purport
to be and that each signer had an opportunity before signing to read the full text of the
measure proposed or sought to be reconsidered. Any person filing a false affidavit will be
liable to criminal penalties as provided by state law.
D.Time .P:for Filing Initiative Petitions. Signatures on an initiative petition must besecured and the petition filed within six months after the date the affidavit required under s.Section 7.02A was filed.
E.Time ffor Filing Referendum Petitions. Referendum petitions may be filed within sixtydays after final adoption by the E.C.ouncil of the measure sought to be reconsidered, or
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The following is a working draft of proposed amendments as of October 8. 2024 to the Iowa City Charter bv the Charter Review Commission. The Commission has not finalized the proposal and all potential amendments are subiect to change.
subsequently at any time more than two years after such final adoption. The signatures on
a referendum petition must be secured during the sixty days after such final adoption;
however, if the petition is filed more than two years after final adoption, the signatures
must be secured within six months after the date the affidavit required under s.S.ection
7.02A was filed.
F.Revocation GQf Signature. Prior to the time a petition is filed with the E.C.ity E.C.lerk, asignatory may revoke his or her their signature for any reason by filing with the E.C.ity EC!erk a statement of his or her their intent to revoke his or her their signature. After a petition is filed a signatory may not revoke his or her their signature. The E.C.ity E.C.lerk shall cause to be prepared and have available to the public, forms suitable for the revocation of
petition signatures. (Ord. 15-4621, 5-19-2015)
Section 7.04. Procedure Aafter Filing.
A Validity G-Qf Afl Petition. A petition is valid if it contains the minimum required
signatures by eligible electors in the required form and with the required content and
accompanied by the affidavit of circulator as set forth in s.S.ection 7.03. The petition shall be examined by the E.C.ity E.C.lerk before it is accepted for filing. If the petition appears valid on its face it shall be accepted for filing. If it lacks the required number of signatures it shall be considered invalid and returned to the petitioners. Petitions which have been accepted for filing are valid unless written objections are filed with the e.C.ity E.C.lerk within five working days after the petition is received.
B.Hearing G-Qn Objections; Objections Committee. Written objections timely filed with
the G1ity €,Clerk shall be considered by an objections committee made up of them-Mayor
and E.C.ity E.C.lerk and one member of the e..C.ouncil chosen by the E.C.ouncil by ballot, and a
majority decision shall be final. The hearing on the objections shall be held within ten days
of receipt of the objections.
C.Court Review. To the extent allowed by law, court review of the eObjectionsE.C.ommittee's actions shall be by writ of certiorari. (Ord. 15-4621, 5-19-2015)
Section 7.05. Action G-on Petitions.
A Action -B.by Council. When an initiative or referendum petition has been determined valid, the E.C.ouncil shall promptly consider the proposed initiative measure or reconsider
the referred measure. If the E.C.ouncil fails to adopt a proposed initiative measure and fails
to adopt a measure which is similar in substance within sixty days, or if the E.C.ouncil fails to
repeal the referred measure within thirty days after the date the petition was finally
determined valid, it shall submit the proposed or referred measure to the qualified electors
of the E.C.ity as hereinafter prescribed. If at any time more than thirty days before a
scheduled initiative or referendum election the E.C.ouncil adopts the proposed initiative
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The followinq is a working draU of proposed amendments as o{October 8, 2024 to the Iowa 2J. ;: City Charter bv the Charter Review Commission. The Commission has not finalized the proposal and all potential amendments are subject to change.
measure or adopts a measure which is similar in substance or if the E.C.ouncil repeals a
referred measure, the initiative or referendum proceedings shall terminate and the
proposed or referred measure shall not be submitted to the voters.
B.Submission +to Voters.
(1)Initiative. The vote of the E.C.ity on a proposed measure shall be held at the regular
city election or at the general election which nm,t occurs first legally permissible election
date more than forty days after the expiration of the sixty day period provided for consideration in s.S.ection 7.05A, provided that the initiative petition was filed no les-s--fewer than 80 days prior to the deadline imposed by state law for the submission of ballot questions to the E.C.ommissioner of e.E.lections.
(2)Referendum. The vote of the E.C.ity on a referred measure shall be held at thereguJar city election or at the general election ·.vhich nmEt occurs first legally permissible
election date more than forty days after the expiration of the thirty day period provided for
reconsideration in s.S.ection 7.05A, provided that the referendum petition was filed no less
fewer than 50 days prior to the deadline imposed by state law for the submission of ballot
questions to the E.C.ommissioner of eflections. The E.C.ouncil may provide for a special
referendum election on a referred measure any time more than 120 days after the filing of the referendum petition with the E.C.ity E.C.lerk.
C.Ballot. Copies of the proposed or referred measure shall be made available to thequalified electors at the polls and shall be advertised at the E.C.ity's expense in the manner required for "questions" in section 376.5 of the Iowa Code. The subject matter and purpose of the referred or proposed measure shall be indicated on the ballot. (Ord. 15-4621, 5-19-
2015)
Section 7.06. Results G-of Election.
A.Initiative. If a majority of the qualified electors voting on a proposed initiative
measure vote in its favor, it shall be considered adopted upon certification of the election
results. The adopted measure shall be treated in all respects in the same manner as measures of the same kind adopted by the E.C.ouncil, except as provided in s.S.ection 7.018(3). If conflicting measures are approved by majority vote at the same election, the one receiving the greatest number of affirmative votes shall prevail to the extent of such conflict.
B.Referendum. If a majority of the qualified electors voting on a referred measure vote
in favor of repealing the measure, it shall be considered repealed upon certification of the
election results. (Ord. 15-4621, 5-19-2015)
Section 7.07. Prohibition G-on Establishment G-of Stricter Conditions Gar Reguirements.
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The following is a working draft ofproposed amendments as of October 8. 2024 to the Iowa
City Charter by the Charter Review Commission. The Commission has not finalized the . . , proposal and all potential amendments are subject to change.
The €.C.ouncil shall not set, except by €.C.harter amendment, conditions or requirements affecting initiative and referendum. (Ord. 15-4621, 5-19-2015)
ARTICLE VIII. CHARTER AMENDMENTS AND REVIEW
Section 8.01. Charter Amendments.
This €.C.harter may be amended only by one of the following methods:
A.The €.C.ouncil, by resolution, may submit a proposed amendment to the voters at the
first legally permissible electibn date consistent with Section 7.05(8) of this Chartera
special city election, and the proposed amendment becomes effective when approved by a
majority of those voting.
B.The €.C.ouncil, by ordinance, may amend the €.C.harter. However, within thirty (30) daysof publication of the ordinance, if a petition valid under the provisions of section 362.4 of the €.C.ode of Iowa is filed with the c.C.ouncil, the €.C.ouncil must submit the amending ordinance to the voters at the first legally permissible election date consistent with Section 7.0S(B) of this Chartera special city election, and the amendment does not become effective until approved by a majority of those voting.
C.If a petition valid under the provisions of section 362.4 of the €_Gode of Iowa is filed
with the c.Council proposing an amendment to the c.C.harter, the €Council must submit the proposed amendment to the voters at the first legally permissible election date consistent
with Section 7.05(8) of this Chartera special city election, and the amendment becomes effective if approved by a majority of those voting. (Ord. 05-4152, 3-1-2005)
Section 8.02. Charter Review Commission.
The €.C.ouncil, using the procedures prescribed in a.Article V, shall establish a €.C.harter ,i:_Review €.C.ommission at least once every ten years following the effective date of this
c.C.harter. The c.C.ommission, consisting of at least nine· members, shall review the existing
€.C.harter and may, within twelve months recommend any €.C.harter amendments that it
deems fit to the €,Council. The €.C.ouncil shall either exercise its power of amendment
pursuant to s.S.ection 8.01B of the c-,C.harter on a matter recommended by the €.C.ommission or submit such amendments to the voters in the form prescribed by the €.C.ommission, and
an amendment becomes effective when approved by a majority of those voting. (Ord. 05-4152, 3-1-2005)
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The following is a working draft ofproposecl amendments as of October 8. 2024 to the Iowa City Charter bv the Charter Review Commission. The Commission has not finalized the proposal and all potential amendments are subiect to change.
CHARTER COMPARATIVE TABLE
The l:i-Home F.Bule €.Charter is set out in this volume as adopted by the voters on November 15, 1973, and by ordinance 76-2792, on January 2, 1976. The following table shows the disposition of amendments to the €.Charter:
Ordinance Number
77-2826
77-2858
77-2864
85-3227
85-3228
85-3273
90-3462
95-3671
05-4152
Res. 07-262
Date
3-15-1977
9-6-
1977
9-6-
1977
3-12-
1985
3-12-1985
12-17-1985
6-26-
1990
3-28-
1995
3-1-2005
8-31-2007
Disposition
6.01
7.05B
3.01
Definitions 7,8, 2.01, 2.03, 2.05 -2.08, 3.01 -3.03, 4.04, 5.02,
6.04, 7.01 -7.05, 8.01, 8.02
6.02
2.01
7.03A, 7.04A
2.06B, 2.08C,E, 3.01A, 6.01, 7.04D
Definitions 11,12, 2.03, 2.05, 2.11, 2.12B, 3.01A, 3.02A, 4.04A,
5.02, 5.03A, 6.02, 6.03, 6.04, 7.01, 7.02, 7.03B,C,E, 7.04A,B,C,
7.05, 7.06, 8.01, 8.02
5.01
Page 19
The following is a worl<ing draft ofprooosed amendments as o,f October 8, 2024 to the Iowa
City Charter bv the Charter Review Commission. The Commission has notfinalized the proposal and all potential amendments are subject to change.
15-4621
Petition
5-19-
2015
11-
2016
Preamble, 2.06B, 3.01, 4.02A, 5.01, 5.02, 6.03, 7.01, 7.03, 7.04, 7.05, 7.06, 7.07
7.03A
Page 20