Charter Revision Commission schedules April 30 focus group, readies outreach after AG review

The Charter Revision Commission in Big Rapids approved two excusal resolutions at the start of its April 8 meeting and spent the session finalizing plans for a targeted focus group and outreach to explain proposed charter revisions.

Chair called the meeting to order and commissioners recorded roll call. Two resolutions to excuse members from the session — one for a member absent due to illness and one for Commissioner Mets — were moved, seconded and passed by voice vote.

Commissioners then reviewed a proposed one-hour focus group of about 10–12 local voters to be held April 30, which staff described as a chance to test both outreach channels (social media, yard signs, mailers, radio and newsletters) and content (brief explanations of the charter and the specific revisions). The commission agreed to advertise the event as a one-hour session, reserve the room from 5 to 7 p.m., and prepare a short presentation highlighting the three principal revisions and the commission’s reasoning.

Members debated how much information should appear on the ballot itself and whether a short explanatory phrase would help or prompt voters to oppose the measure. Commissioners emphasized the legal limits on ballot wording and tasked staff with confirming what language is permissible for inclusion on the ballot.

The commission approved a combined outreach approach: send personalized note cards or postcards next week and follow up with phone calls about a week before the April 30 session. Several commissioners volunteered to make calls; staff will prepare caller scripts and a brief blurb for invitations. Commissioners also discussed recruiting ambassadors — participants who would agree to share materials with local organizations such as Rotary — and sought a generational balance among invitees to capture varied perspectives.

On logistics, commissioners agreed to provide light finger foods and snacks with a tentative budget of about $300. Staff reported current account balances and contract-service allocations and confirmed there were sufficient funds to cover the event. A prep meeting was scheduled for the week before (April 22) to rehearse questions, check AV and finalize the invitation list.

Staff reported an initial call with the state Attorney General’s office; the AG staffer "said, 'I think everything looks really good,'" staff relayed. The commission noted that if the AG completes its review promptly, the timing may allow the measure to appear on the August ballot.

Next steps: staff will draft invitation language and a caller script, update the project webpage with a short synopsis of changes, produce and mail invitations, coordinate calls, hold the April 22 prep meeting, and conduct the focus group on April 30. The commission adjourned at approximately 6:48 p.m.; the next regular meeting was set for May 13.

Actions recorded at the meeting included two excusal motions that were approved by voice vote; no other formal votes or ordinances were taken.