CANDIDATES EXPLAIN PROPOSED CHARTER QUESTIONS
The Home Rule Charter is Charlestown’s governing document and establishes the framework for how our Town government operates. Changes to the Charter may be proposed, but they cannot take effect without the approval of Charlestown voters. In January 2025, the Town Council appointed seven residents to serve on the Charter Revision Advisory Committee. The Committee conducted a comprehensive review of the Charter, consulted with Town department heads, considered community feedback, and developed proposed revisions. After completing its review, the Committee held a public hearing on the proposed changes before forwarding its recommendations to the Town Council. The Town Council then held its own public hearing before finalizing the four Charter questions that will appear on the ballot. Now it is up to Charlestown’s voters to decide whether to approve or reject each proposed Charter amendment. - The PIPELINE
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PLANNING COMMISSION
BALLOT #7 - Planning
The Planning Commission has 5 elected full members who serve for 6-year terms. Terms are staggered. 2 alternate members who serve 2-year terms.
Proposed change - Maintain 5 elected full members and 2 alternates. Change the full member terms from 6 to 4 years.
The specifics are listed in the Pipeline on pages 8 and 9
BALLOT #8 - Ordinances
This amendment would: Keep public notice and hearings. Maintain legal compliance. Provide full access to orginances online and Allow more flexible and cost-efficient publication methods.
The specifics are listed in the Pipeline on pages 10 and 11
BALLOT #9 - Finance
How it will read: Shall the Town Charter be amended at Part 6 Finance, Article XXVII Purshasing, C-103, Policy, Paragraph C. For constructionpurchaes and paragraph D, For all other purchases, to be increased or decreased annually hereafter at the same rate as the Boston Regional Consumer Prices Index, as per R.I. Gen. Law 45-55-9, as emended.
The specifics are listed in the Pipeline on pages 11and 12
BALLOT #10 - Charter corrections and clarifications
You are being asked whether to approve a group of technical corrections and clarifications throughout the Town Charter.
The specific Corrections and Clarifications can be found in the Pipeline on pages 14 and 15.