City Charter Changes

Three proposed changes to the Spokane City Charter face voters Nov. 3.

The changes were proposed by Spokane Community Partners, a citizens group reviewing the charter.

Proposition 3 adds restrictions to the city’s initiative process.

This proposition would change how an initiative receiving signatures on a petition totaling between 5 percent and 15 percent of the number of voters in the last general municipal election would be handled.

As the charter now reads, such initiatives would go to the voters for approval or rejection in the next general municipal election. But with this amendment, the vote would be advisory only.

If a majority of people vote in favor of the measure, the City Council would be required to hold another hearing and again decide whether or not to pass the proposed measure.

If the total petition signatures exceeded the 15 percent figure, the resulting public vote on the initiative would be binding.

Proposition 3 also sets a 180-day time limit for gathering signatures. There is no time limit now.

Proposition 1 would eliminate restrictions on the contents of the city’s Official Gazette, which prints information about ordinances, notices, invitations to bid and minutes of city meetings.

The proposed amendment allows the Official Gazette to contain a wider range of content like other newsletters.

Proposition 2 would eliminate the requirement that the City Council hold weekly meetings, even if there is no business to discuss.