Resident urges keeping ward seats and cautions on recall language as commission reviews charter

Joel Boots, a lifelong resident of Clinton, told the Charter Review Commission he opposes eliminating ward seats in favor of an all‑at‑large council and cautioned against adding recall language that could expose the city to litigation.

"I wanted to speak in opposition of eliminating the ward positions for an all at large council," Boots said, adding that trimming the council to five seats "for the reasons of efficiency and or expediency, I believe, is wrong minded." He argued that distinct neighborhoods and recent growth on Camanche Avenue Quarter and Highway 30 have produced differing local concerns that ward representatives better address.

The comment came as the commission continued reviewing proposed changes to the city’s Home Rule Charter. Boots also raised concerns about recall procedures, saying that vague language allowing removal of an elected official "on the basis of being crazy or rogue" could lead to "costly litigation and embarrassment for the city." He told commissioners any removal should be left to voters except in cases of criminal malfeasance or threats against officials, which he said should be addressed on legal counsel recommendation and a majority council vote.

Commission members also referenced legal guidance obtained from city counsel. Commission member Dave said, "In short, the opinion from the city legal counsel is that recall elections are not legal in Iowa, and the city would likely lose in court." Commissioners discussed that legal advice and the public comment as they considered whether to keep ward seats, move to an at‑large model and how to handle recall language in the charter.

No formal action on charter wording for council composition or recalls was taken during the meeting; commissioners agreed to continue deliberations and to circulate written comments and guidance ahead of the next meeting.

Boots and others asked the commission to make proposed changes public so potential candidates would understand the rules before filing for election. The commission set its next meeting for June 18 at 4 p.m. at City Hall and agreed to share a tracked‑changes version of the draft charter with members prior to that session.