Upon the adoption of this Charter by the electors of the City of Garfield Heights and at least sixty (60) days prior to the filing date of nominating petitions for the terms beginning on January 1, 1958, the present City Council shall divide the City into seven (7) wards which shall be as nearly equal in population as is possible, each ward to be composed of contiguous and compact territory bounded by natural boundaries or street lines. In the event Council shall not have fixed the division of wards herein prescribed, the Director of Public Service shall cause such division to be made at least thirty (30) days prior to the filing date herein provided. If and when any territory is annexed to the City, the Council shall by ordinance declare it a part of the adjacent ward or wards.
The Council is hereby given the authority to make future re-divisions of the City into seven (7) wards which shall be as nearly equal in population as is possible, each ward to be composed of contiguous and compact territory bounded by natural boundaries or street lines. Council shall redivide wards after each decennial United States census based upon the information contained in said census. (Amended 11-6-18.)