BROOK PARK, Ohio -- City Council term limits are out, but electronic notification of special council meetings is in.
Those are just two of many proposed city charter amendments that Brook Park City Council discussed at length on July 9.
While recommending that council members’ terms should be extended to four years from the current two, the Charter Review Commission additionally suggested that no more than three consecutive four-year terms be permitted. Council members acknowledged the benefit of not having to campaign as frequently, but all of them -- with the exception of Greg Stemm and Jim Mencini -- supported the current charter language.
Councilman Ed Orcutt said the 12-year term limit would be "an infringement on the democratic process for the residents."
Other noteworthy amendments not moving forward to the ballot include minimum requirements for the director of public safety position; a requirement for a simple majority, and not the current minimum of five council votes, to remove from office council members and other elected officials; and the commission’s suggestion that all proposed charter amendments automatically be placed before voters.
Amendments slated for the ballot so far include electronic notification of special council meetings, a required majority vote of council to approve Board of Zoning and Appeals members, and a mandate that when the director of public service appoints division heads, they must have qualifications "as may be set forth in the city ordinances."
Council members deferred for further research term limits for the mayor's position, as well as what constitutes a mayoral absence. In addition, the commission desires a minimum age of 25 to hold the mayor's job, which would become a full-time position and permit no other employment.
Also being held for future council discussion are switching to non-partisan municipal elections, minimum requirements for the director of law position, allowing all properly certified at-large council candidates to appear on the General Election ballot, and barring write-in candidates unless no one files for a particular position.
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Council also wants to continue discussions later regarding the commission's suggestion that the director of finance, and not the president of council, should become mayor in the event of the mayor's death, recall, removal or resignation.
Council will reconvene after the law director finishes researching all questions raised. Finalized ballot language booklets will be sent to residents at least 30 days prior to the general election.
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