CHARTER REVIEW COMMISSION
April I, 2025
IN ATTENDANCE: Daniel Langshaw, Barbara Rocha, Robert McCain, Michael Sinclair, Frank Chestney,
Tom Fenske Sr., John Acevedo, Jacob Altman, Denise Arnaud, Law Director Dennis Nevar, Charter Review
Commission Secretary Laura Timura
The meeting convened at 6:30 p.m.
APPROVAL OF MEETING MINUTES:
(a) Charter Review Commission Minutes dated March 18, 2025
Daniel Langshaw moved to approve the Charter Review Commission Minutes dated March 18, 2025, as
written, seconded by Barbara Rocha. Vote - 8 Ayes, 0 Nays, I Abstain (Mr. Fenske).
NEW BUSINESS:
(a) Article IX Nominations and Elections
Mr. Nevar noted that under Section 9.02, the proposed change would be to reduce the number of electors
needed to sign a petition from I 00 to 50 for Council-at-Large and from 50 to 25 for wards. This would be less
burdensome on potential candidates and broadens the pool of potential candidates. Mr. Chestney informed that
the United States House of Representatives only requires 50 signatures. He asked what the rationale was for
lowering the number for ward councilpersons. Mr. Langshaw replied that he felt this was due to the fact that
the ward is a smaller area than that of the at-large.
Daniel Langshaw moved to approve the proposed amendments to Section 9.02 of the Charter, seconded by
Jacob Altman. Vote - 9 Ayes, 0 Nays.
(b) Article X Initiative, Referendum and Recall
Mr. Altman relayed that the numbers were being changed to get on the ballot, but the numbers for recall were
staying at 30%. He asked ifthere would be any appetite for changing that in accordance with changing the
other numbers. Mr. Nevar informed that neither Council nor the Administration had proposed a change.
Mr. Langshaw questioned if the Ohio Revised Code addressed anything specific to Mr. Altman's question.
Mr. Nevar noted that some municipalities simply refer to the Ohio Revised Code or state law in terms of
initiative, referendum. Our City is different in that we specify the requirements within the Charter.
Mr. Langshaw reflected that the Charter is standard with what other municipalities have.
Mr. Nevar addressed Mr. Altman's question relating to the 30% of qualified voters adding that this was
different than getting on the ballot to run for City offices, this was to remove someone from a City office.
Therefore, that threshold should be higher.
Mr. Langshaw concurred adding that while citizens have a right to address their grievances, it should not be
misused. He voiced that the Charter is a living document. There were no proposed changes from the
Administration to this Section of the Charter.
(c) Article XI General Provisions
Mr. Nevar revealed that while the Administration strives to follow the Charter, the City does not create an
annual report that contains the summary of all elected and appointed terms as well as the list of anticipated
employment opportunities. Especially, relating to employment opportunities; such a report could become
irrelevant very quickly. In order to comply with public records law, a copy needs to be supplied to anyone
making a public records request and not limited to citizens of Brunswick who apply at City Hall.
Mr. Altman noted that the accounting standards changed the name of the Comprehensive Annual Finance
Report to the Annual Comprehensive Finance Report, because the term CAFR was offensive. Apparently, this
is a derogatory term in another country. This changed, when he worked in the Auditor of State's Office.
Mr. Langshaw wondered if any public records requests had been made for the City's annual report.
Mrs. Timura responded she has not received any requests for the report. Mr. Langshaw announced that the
City's Comprehensive Annual Finance Report is available online.
Jacob Altman moved to approve the proposed changes from the administration to Section 11.10 with the
inclusion of the change in language of Section 11 .1O(a) , seconded by Michael Sinclair. Vote - 9 Ayes, 0 Nays.
GENERAL DISCUSSION:
Mr. Nevar provided a draft report with the revisions from the Administration and Commission up to this point,
noting that there was one additional change made to Section 11.1 O(a). He announced that these changes would
be voted upon at the Commission's next meeting. This version would then be filed with the Clerk of Council
and then legislation would move forward to City Council to get the proposed changes to the Board of Elections
in a timely manner.
Mr. Langshaw requested an electronic copy of the draft of Charter revisions.
PUBLIC COMMENT:
There was none.
NEXT MEETING DATE:
Mr. Fenske stated that he had a conflict with the next meeting time. Mr. Nevar voiced that the affirmative vote
of 5 members of the Commission would be needed. Mr. Nevar suggested the meeting be moved to 6 p.m., so
that all could attend.
Mr. Langshaw announced that the next meeting would occur at 6 p.m. on April 15, 2025.
ADJOURNMENT:
Daniel Langshaw moved to adjourn, seconded by Denise Arnaud. Vote 9 Ayes, 0 Nays.
Being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 6:48 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Laura Timura
Charter Review Commission Secretary
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Daniel Langshaw
Chairman
April 15, 2025
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Adopted