Council advances charter amendment process; asks staff to prepare election resolution and anti‑nepotism policy

The City Clerk presented a set of proposed charter amendments at a required second hearing, covering council member terms, vacancy procedures, salary language, vice‑mayor appointment timing, voting/meeting rules, city manager appointment and nepotism language, and other housekeeping updates.

Staff emphasized this hearing is the second public hearing required by law and outlined a timeline that would allow council to call an election at its June 23 meeting. The city attorney advised that certain residency requirements in the charter are likely unlawful and that suggested language should be removed or placed in council policy; on nepotism the attorney recommended a more tailored council policy rather than sweeping charter language.

Vice Mayor Kellen Johnson moved—seconded by Council Member Bruner—that staff return to council on June 23 with a resolution to place the proposed charter amendments on the November ballot and with a direction to draft an anti‑nepotism policy to be developed by year end; the motion also directed staff to propose a recommended residency guideline for the city manager (recommended, not required). The motion passed on a voice/roll‑call vote.

Public commenters weighed in; one speaker raised constitutional concerns and another suggested a jungle primary for the mayoral race. Council members discussed balancing clarity in the charter with flexibility for city policy and legal compliance.

The council voted to continue items where needed and to return with the final election resolution and any legal edits at the June 23 meeting.