The electors of this Municipality shall have the power to propose by initiative petition, ordinances and other measures, provided that such power shall not extend to any ordinance relating to the appropriation of money, levy of taxes or salaries of municipal officers or employees.
An initiated ordinance or resolution shall be submitted to Council by a petition signed by electors of the Municipality not less in number than ten percent (10%) of the electors voting at the last regular municipal election. Such petition shall designate not less than three (3) of the signers thereof as a committee authorized to take action as provided in this section.
When so submitted, the Clerk of Council shall within ten (10) days ascertain the sufficiency of such petition and at the next meeting of Council, the Clerk of Council shall report, if found sufficient. Council shall take final action, either enacting, amending or rejecting the proposed legislation within forty (40) days after submission.
If Council fails to pass such proposed ordinance or resolution, or passes it in some form different from that set forth in the petition therefor, petitioners, through the Committee named in such petition, may, not later than the next regular meeting of Council, request in writing that the legislation as set forth in said petition be submitted to a vote of the electors. Not later than the next regular meeting thereof following receipt of such request, Council shall provide for submitting the petitioned ordinance or resolution to the electors at the next general election or regular municipal election occurring more than sixty (60) days after the filing of such requests. If such petition is signed by at least twenty percent (20%) of such electors, or such number of electors so request by petition, Council shall provide for submitting such legislation to the electors at an election to be held not later than eight (8) months after such request.
(Amended 11-2-71)