The form, content, verification of and other requirements for initiative and referendum petitions, except as otherwise provided in this Charter, shall be controlled by the laws of the State of Ohio including all statutes now or hereafter enacted. Petitions shall be filed with the Clerk of Council or the Clerk of Council's designee(s), provided that any referendum petition must be filed within thirty (30) days following the passage of any ordinance. Within ten (10) days of filing with the Clerk of Council or the Clerk of Council's designee(s), the City Solicitor shall determine whether it is valid and sufficient, according to law, and shall present the petition with a certificate as to such determination to Council at its next regular meeting. If the petition is determined to be invalid or insufficient, no further action shall be had.
If the petition is determined to be valid and sufficient, the Council shall refer such matter to a committee to hold a public hearing thereon, and to report its recommendations at the next regular meeting of Council. Council shall not later than the second regular meeting following such referral to Committee, either pass the ordinance in its original form, or in a form agreed to by committee which filed the petition, or in the case of a referendum petition, repeal said ordinance; or in either case submit said matter to a vote of the electors at a regular or special election to be held within four (4) months thereafter. If the initiative measure or repealing measure is approved by a majority of the electors voting thereon, and is so certified by the Board of Elections, it shall take effect immediately upon certification.
(Amended 11-8-11)