[HISTORY: Adopted by the Village Board of the Village of Port Chester 9-8-2020 by L.L. No. 8-2020. Amendments noted where applicable.]
The Board establishes a City Charter Commission, consisting of not more than 25 members, including the Mayor and two Trustees. All nonelected members shall be Village residents and evidence demonstrated interest and commitment to serve and reflect the diversity of the community. Such nonelected members shall serve at the pleasure of the Board of Trustees.
The City Charter Commission is charged with developing a draft city charter that would form the basis for special legislation that would be advanced in the State Legislature. The Commission shall exercise such other powers and duties as the Board of Trustees may so direct to advance the objective of city status. The City Charter Commission shall be advisory only to the Board of Trustees.
The City Charter Commission shall elect the Chair at its first meeting. The Commission shall meet regularly, and at the call of the Chair for a special meeting should the need so arise. Meetings shall be conducted and minutes taken in accordance with the Open Meetings Law.
The City Charter Commission shall, to the greatest extent practicable, solicit public comment and engage the community. To that end, the Commission may facilitate community engagement in the form of neighborhood meetings, public forums, mailings or surveys.
It is recognized that outside resources will likely be necessary for the City Charter Commission to discharge its important duties. In the exercise of its due diligence, the Commission shall identify the need for outside resources, solicit same in accordance with applicable law and/or the Village's procurement policies and, upon selection of same, make request to the Board of Trustees for retainer and an appropriation to cover any expense.
The City Charter Commission shall establish a work schedule, set milestones and provide timelines for deliverables. The Commission shall further make periodic report to the Board of Trustees as to its progress. It is expected that the Commission will endeavor to complete its work, which shall consist of a final report and draft city charter, with all deliberate speed so that the Board of Trustees may consider same for timely action by the State Legislature.