Upon the adoption of this Charter by the electors of the Municipality and at least sixty (60) days prior to the filing date of nominating petitions for the terms beginning on January 1, 1960, the present Council shall divide the Municipality into four (4) 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 Mayor shall cause such division to be made at least thirty (30) days prior to the filing date herein provided. If and when any particular territory is annexed to the Municipality, the Council shall by ordinance declare it a part of the adjacent ward or wards.
The Council is hereby given the authority to and shall review at least every ten (10) years commencing January 1, 2005, and make, if necessary, appropriate redivisions of the Municipality into 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. 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.
(Amended 11-2-04)