MiddletownJournal.com

The Middletown Charter Review Committee held its first working meeting Monday, March 2, with an overview of Ohio's forms of municipal government and started reviewing the city's current charter.

City Law Director Les Landen said there are 200 cities in the state that use the "home rule" or charter form of government provided under the Ohio Constitution since 1912. He said Middletown became a charter city in 1913.

Landen also reminded the committee that the charter "is the supreme law of the city," and that there are few limitations as it cannot conflict with the general laws of Ohio or police powers.

He said "only the people can change the charter," not city council.

"This why the job you're doing is so critical," he said.

As Landen and the committee went through various sections, a number of issues were raised to be discussed at a future meeting.

Among those questions and concerns were:

• Creation of wards may have been detrimental on how the state legislative district boundaries were drawn.

• Possibly increasing the number of signatures council candidates need to get on the ballot.

• Reducing the number of seats on council from seven to five.

• Determining fair and just compensation for council members.

• Defining what a special meeting is.

• Requiring council to provide a response on record within 30 days of receiving a petition.

• Using other forms, such as electronic, to publish the city's annual report.

The Charter Review Committee's next meeting will be at 6 p.m. March 16 at the Middletown City Building, One Donham Plaza.