Beginning in March 2011, or within sixty (60) days after the proclamation by the Secretary of State announcing the population of cities of Ohio as determined by the Federal census decennially taken in the closest proximity to March 2011, the then incumbent members of Council shall by ordinance establish four (4) wards for election purposes, each of which shall be as nearly equal in population to each of the others as shall be practicable. Each ward is to be composed of contiguous and compact territory bounded by natural boundaries or street lines. Any changes in ward boundaries must be made and finalized not less than six (6) months prior to the filing deadline with the Board of Elections of Cuyahoga County for candidates for municipal office.
Beginning in 2021 and every ten (10) years thereafter, within sixty (60) days after the Proclamation by the Secretary of State announcing the population of cities of Ohio as determined by the Federal census decennially taken, the Council shall divide the City into wards, which shall be as nearly equal in population as is possible each 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 Mayor shall cause such division to be made at least thirty (30) days prior to the filing date herein provided.
In the general election scheduled in November 2011 and every four (4) years thereafter, the terms of the office of all members of Council shall consist of not more than three (3) consecutive full four – year terms in that office.
Terms shall be considered consecutive unless separated by a period of two (2) or more years.
Only full terms beginning on or after January 2012 shall be considered in determining an individual's eligibility to be a member of Council.
(Enacted by voters 11-3-09; Amended by voters 5-4-10; 11-5-19) (Ord. 2019-39. Passed 12-9-19.)