2025-49 Standing Charter Review Commission

WHEREAS, the City of Newport is governed by a City Charter; AND

WHEREAS, the City Charter mandates "a periodic review... no more than 10 years from... the most recent Charter Review Commission"; AND

WHEREAS, the voters of Newport last had the opportunity to approve changes to the City Charter on November 8, 2022; AND

WHEREAS, the most substantive changes to the charter occurred in 1953; AND

WHEREAS, issues, questions, and concerns have arisen from time to time that have raised the need for a permanent, Standing Charter Commission to enable and ensure Newport’s City Charter thereof meet the needs of our local government and the wishes of the people; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT

RESOLVED, that the Council of the City of Newport hereby establishes a Standing Charter Commission to more regularly review the City Charter and make timely recommendations to the Council for change or substitution of provisions as they see fit and necessary; AND BE IT FURTHER

RESOLVED, that the Standing Charter Commission shall be comprised of seven citizens, serving staggered terms, who shall be appointed by the Council; AND BE IT FURTHER

RESOLVED, the City Solicitor, or their designee, may serve on the standing Charter Commission in an advisory capacity; AND BE IT FURTHER

RESOLVED, the Standing Charter Commission shall not replace the Charter Review Commission but shall supplement and assist the Charter Review Commission; AND BE IT FURTHER

RESOLVED, that the Commission shall hold no less than three hearings for input per year from the public and shall provide an annual findings report and recommendations to the Council.

STEPHANIE SMYTH
ELLEN PINNOCK

IN COUNCIL
READ AND PASSED
MARCH 26, 2025

Laura C. Swistak, CMC
City Clerk