Every five years, the City Charter is reviewed by an independent commission made up of citizens of Gahanna appointed by City Council and the Mayor. Any recommendations made for changes are submitted to the voters for consideration. This year there are four issues on the November ballot.
A summary of those issues is below and you may click on the link on each issue to see the entire proposal.
Issue # 45 – State of the City Address & Mayoral Vacancy Clarification:
The Commission proposes an annual State of the City address by the Mayor during the first quarter of every calendar year in order to provide the public with an update directly from the Mayor. The change to Section 3.07 includes a clarification on when a vacancy in the office of the Mayor is to be filled.
(Entire proposal)
Issue # 46 – Council Vacancy Clarification & Consistency:
The change to Section 4.08 includes a clarification on when a vacancy in the office of a City Council Member is to be filled. This change also makes consistent the language in Section 4.14 and Section 4.15 regarding emergency ordinances.
(Entire proposal)
Issue # 47 – Human Resources & Civil Service:
The City has expanded its administration to include Human Resources. With a professionally managed Human Resources Department, the role of the Civil Service Commission in the hiring process has diminished. This recommendation amends the role of the Civil Service Commission. The new role would be that of an appellate body to hear appeals from the classified service of the City.
(Entire proposal)
Issue # 48 – Council Terms of Office:
This recommendation to the voters proposes to change the Ward Council terms from the current two-year terms to four-year terms. Beginning in 2013, the Ward Council terms would change to four-year terms. The result would be that every elected City office would not be on the ballot at the same time.
(Entire proposal)