What You Need To Know About Charter Changes

In November, there will be several proposed Charter changes on the ballot. Per City Charter Section 10.5, the Charter Review Commission meets every five (5) years and consists of nine (9) electors of the City who are appointed by Council to
review the existing Charter and make such recommendations as it may see fit for revision.

The Commission thoroughly reviewed the current Charter and proposed several substantive changes that must be voted on by the residents in order for them to be in effect. The Charter Review Commission feels the proposed changes will clarify the Charter for ease of use and reference and accurately reflect current business practices.

Please consider approving these changes. If you have any questions, please call Clerk of Council Dee Werbrich at 535-1005

ISSUE 18: Proposed Amendment to Moraine City Charter Section 11.3 – Divisions into Districts (Wards)
WHAT’S PROPOSED: adds “population” into how the Wards of City are defined

ISSUE 19: Proposed Amendment to Moraine City Charter Section 10.17 – Nonsubstantive Changes
WHAT’S PROPOSED: gives Council the opportunity to make revisions and updates to the Charter that do not involve “substantive” or “material” changes (such as renumbering Articles and Sections as necessary)

ISSUE 20: Proposed Charter Amendment to Charter Definitions – Preamble
WHAT’S PROPOSED: moves definitions to the front of the Charter, instead of the back. Also, defines City Officials (All persons elected to office and invested by law to engage in the direct function of government of the City), City Officials (City Manager and Department and Division Heads) and City Employees (All other persons hired to perform City functions).

ISSUE 21: Proposed Amendment to Moraine City Charter Section 7.2 – Board of Zoning Appeals
WHAT’S PROPOSED: simplifies the language for the Board of Zoning Appeals power/duties to: It shall be the duty of the Board of Zoning Appeals to hear and determine appeals related to exceptions to and variations in the application of the
provisions of the zoning ordinances, and from any other ordinances, regulations, rules, restriction or limitation or orders of any administrative officials or agency where the Board of Zoning Appeals has by ordinance or resolution been granted
authority to hear and determine such matter.

ISSUE 22: Proposed Amendment to Moraine City Charter Section 7.1 – Planning Commission
WHAT’S PROPOSED: simplifies the language for the Planning Commission power/duties to: The Planning Commission shall maintain a comprehensive development plan and the official maps of the City. The Planning Commission serves as the platting authority for the City and shall make recommendations to Council on amendments to the text of the City’s Zoning Code or to the official zoning map of the City. The Planning Commission will have such duties, rights and powers as may be granted by the laws of the State of Ohio, or by ordinances or resolutions of the City.