The 2024-25 Cape Coral City Council. PROVIDED

Cape Coral City Council will continue discussion Wednesday on how to word proposed charter amendment language for voter consideration.

The Cape Coral Charter Review Commission provided amendment recommendations to council with many moving forward with proposed language by the city attorney.  

The first charter amendment – eligibility – will be discussed in Ordinance 13-26.

The referendum ballot verbiage includes “This proposal amends the Cape Coral City Charter to require that any candidate for Council member be a continuous permanent resident of the district for the entire calendar year immediately preceding their qualifications for office, and establishing the process for complying with the residency requirements for a candidate’s permanent legal residency and domicile within the district and city pursuant to the submission of a sworn statement.”

Candidate qualifications and election verbiage was also addressed by council to bring to voters. Ordinance 14-26 will be discussed during the workshop.

The ballot language is “this proposal amends the Cape Coral City Charter to require eligible candidates for the office of mayor or council member to submit a sworn statement identifying their permanent legal residency and domicile, affirming that the candidate meets the residency requirements of Section 4.02 of the city’s charter, and submission of two documents establishing proof of residency.”

The last charter amendment to be discussed at the workshop will address vacancies; forfeiture of office; filling of vacancies. The ballot language is addressed in Ordinance 15-26 and includes verbiage “this proposal amends the Cape Coral City Charter by requiring the forfeit of office of the mayor or council member for failing to attend three consecutive noticed council meetings and clarifies those requirements for the filling of vacancies on the council.”

The workshop will be held at 9 a.m. Wednesday, Feb 25, in City Council chambers, 1015 Cultural Park Blvd. The meeting is open to the public.

To reach MEGHAN BRADBURY, please email news@breezenewspapers.com