Sec. 13-18. - Charter Commission.

Starting with the 2022 General Election, and the Statewide General Election every eight (8) years thereafter, there shall be a non-partisan election of a Charter Commission. Said Charter Commission shall consist of nine (9) members, two members (2) shall be appointed by the Mayor, two (2) shall be appointed by the City Council, and five (5) shall be elected, one (1) elected member from each City Ward who shall be a resident of each ward and one (1) elected at-large member. The Charter Commission shall choose the Chairperson of the Charter Commission by simple majority vote of the Commission.

If any member appointed by the Mayor or City Council resigns, dies, or is otherwise ineligible to complete the term of office, their replacement shall be made by the original appointing authority. If fewer than five (5) members are elected or if the elected member resigns, dies, or is otherwise ineligible to complete the term of office, the vacant elected seat(s) shall be appointed by majority vote of the City Council.

The Charter Commission shall meet at least monthly. Within nine (9) months from the date of their election or appointment, the Charter Commission may deliver Charter amendment proposal(s) to the City Council for their consideration. The City Council shall determine, after a public hearing, the number of Charter Amendment proposals to be submitted to the electors of the City at the next state general election.

Nothing in this Section shall be construed to limit any power of the City Council related to the Home Rule Charter Amendment process granted to it under Article XIII, Section 8 of the Rhode Island Constitution.

(Res. No. 87, 6-16-20)