Committee removes civil-service wording for fire appointments in charter edits

The charter review committee agreed on language changes to make clear that fire officers — including the chief and assistant chiefs — are not appointed by a council vote. Chair said the current draft still referred to civil service in ways that did not match how the fire department operates and directed a committee member to update the draft.

"The fire the officers, the chief and the assistant chiefs are not voted on by the council," Chair said, pressing for the wording to be removed or corrected. Bob confirmed he would make the requested change before the charter text is published for public inspection.

Committee members said the edit is intended to avoid misleading readers about appointment authority; they discussed keeping the charter consistent with existing practice and with any contractual limits on titles and duties. The draft will be updated for consistency and then posted on the city website and made available in the clerk's office and library for residents to pick up copies before public information sessions.