Advisory Opinion Number 54: Review of Charter and Proposed Amendments

ADVISORY OPINION

I. PROCEDURAL HISTORY AND QUESTIONS PRESENTED

By email dated February 24, 2021, Mr. Earnest Schlegel ("Schlegel") requested an advisory opinion ("Request") from the City of Reading Charter Board ("Board"). At the request of the Board’s Solicitor, Schlegel clarified his initial email with a later email dated February 26, 2021. Schlegel served as an appointed member of the City’s Charter Review Commission, pursuant to section 1203 of the City’s Home Rule Charter ("Charter")1 and is also the Chairperson of the Reading Area Redevelopment Authority. The Board determines that Schlegel possesses standing to request an advisory opinion.

Schlegel asks, in summary, does Charter Amendment § 226, regarding the creation of the office of City Council Solicitor, create a conflict with Charter § 801, relating to the City Solicitor’s office?

Pursuant to the Charter Board Ordinance, if the Board issues an advisory opinion, it must do so no later than thirty (30) days after receipt of the request, but as expeditiously as possible. Bill No. 46-2005, Charter Board Ordinance, § VI.3

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