July 10 Hearing Presenting Final Charter Draft

By John Voket

In order to address the town attorney’s interpretation of statutes regarding the charter revision process, and public hearings that may be held on related business, the local review panel has called a second public hearing July 10 to formally submit a final draft of proposed revisions before sending the entire document through legal and Legislative Council inspections.

The concern about scheduling another hearing after one was already held in June came about when town attorney David Grogins appeared at the charter commission’s final meeting June 26. At that gathering, Mr Grogins reminded the panel that only minor “housekeeping” changes could be suggested once the final draft was presented at a public hearing.

Charter Revision Commission Chairman Al Cramer said his interpretation of the statute in question allows for as many hearings as required before the presentation of a final draft is legally stipulated in the public hearing agenda. And since the June hearing did not specifically offer the final draft for review, a subsequent hearing would be scheduled since commissioners took up additional revisions June 26.

Mr Grogins appeared at the latest meeting after seeing the agenda, which introduced several new proposals for consideration, including stripping the Fairfield Hills Authority of its legislatively conveyed powers, and turning that volunteer panel into either a local appointed or elected commission.

Other proposed revisions suggested following the June hearing would provide for the recently enacted Cultural Arts Commission to be recognized in the charter, a move to adjust the timeline in which voter-approved charter revisions related to elected officials would be carried out, and the expansion of the Parks and Recreation Commission to seven members from its present six.

“You can hold public hearings in the process [of drafting charter revisions],” Mr Grogins told the panel June 26. “But if you submit the draft report to the public hearing you are done.”

While the proposal to alter the Fairfield Hills ultimately failed because it was not moved to a vote, proposals to add language recognizing the Culture and Arts Commission, an additional parks commissioner, and to adjust mandated timelines for implementing charter changes related to elected officials all passed.

While these new aspects can certainly be discussed at the July 10 public hearing, the entire proposed draft is up for discussion. That draft can be reviewed in the town clerk’s office up to 4:30 pm the day of that hearing.

According to the agenda, the public hearing is set for 7 pm in the old courtroom at Edmond Town Hall.