VILLAGE OF CHAGRIN FALLS
CHARTER REVIEW COMMISSION
June 13, 2006

Members present: Champlin, Schmidt, Hubbard
Also present: Himes, Byron, Milko

The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Chairman Lydia Champlin.

A motion was placed on the floor, and it was seconded to approve the minutes of the meetings held May 30, 2006 and June 6, 2006. Carried.

ARTICLE IX, SECTIONS 2 & 3

The Commission discussed in length whether or not they want to prohibit or allow write-in candidates because the Charter does not specify. No changes were recommended.

ARTICLE III, SECTION 1

It was agreed by the Commission to recommend that the Mayor’s term be extended from two years to four years. Mr. Byron will draft a report that would be the basis for the recommendation for Council.

ARTICLE IV, SECTIONS 5, 6, & 7

There was discussion but no changes were recommended.

ARTICLE IV, SECTION 8(d)

After discussion it was agreed to have Mr. Byron amend this section to allow the reading of the “caption or ordinance in full” to bring the Charter into line with the current practice.

ARTICLE VII, SECTION 5

There was much discussion regarding why the final decision of the Board of Zoning Appeals goes to Council for their final action. Mr. Milko suggested abolishing Section 1111.11. He believes in the separation of the administrative functions and the political functions. The decisions made by the Board of Zoning Appeals should not be taken to Council to review again the same process. It just doesn’t make sense. Mrs. Champlin is firm on the fact that Council should be the ultimate authority because they are elected and the BZA members are appointed. Mr. Byron’s original recommendation is that they not have a procedure whereby you have one body conducting a public hearing and making a decision and then the final decision maker not conducting a public hearing and making a decision. The risk there is the appearance of being arbitrary.

Mr. Byron was asked by Mr. Milko to write a draft to Chapter 1111 so that the legislative change would restore to the BZA what the Charter intended. Mr. Himes said that legislation will have to be presented to the Planning and Zoning Commission for their action and then Council will have three readings. There will be no change to the Charter at this time; it will be a legislative change. Mr. Himes mentioned that in the event that Council and the Mayor do strongly disagree with what the BZA does they have no automatic recourse; they would have to appeal to the courts.

ARTICLE XII, SECTION 5

After lengthy discussion it was suggested to change “The Council may authorize the payment to any officer or employee for travel for any Municipal purpose.” to “The Council may authorize the payment to any officer or employee for any expense incurred by the officer or employee for any Municipal purpose.”

ARTICLE VII, SECTION 8

The removal process of the Engineer was discussed and it was agreed to add that removal has to be recommended to Council by the Mayor, similar to all other appointed officials.

MISCELLANEOUS

Mrs. Champlin mentioned that it is a male dominated Charter and it is gender bias. Mr. Byron explained the different options. No changes were recommended.

The Commission suggested only placing Article III, Section 1, Mayor’s Term, Article IV, Section 8(d), the three reading rule, and Article VII, Section 8, removal of the Engineer on the November ballot.

The next meeting will be held on Monday, June 19, 2006 at 7:00 p.m.

The meeting adjourned at 8:30 p.m.

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Lydia Champlin, Chairman
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