The City Charter was adopted by the voters in 1954 and went into effect on the first day of January 1955. The Charter is a governing document that provides a level of flexibility in local decision making which contains provisions that guide the organizational structure, duties, and responsibilities of elected and appointed officials.
Charter Document
Oberlin News-Tribune Articles Reporting Charter Debate (1953-1954)
Research completed by the Oberlin College Archives_ Ken Grossi (2/2013)
Charter Review Committee
Pursuant to Section XXVIII of the Oberlin City Charter, at the second meeting of Council in January, 2003, and each ten (10) years thereafter, a Charter Review Committee of eleven (11) members shall be appointed to study, appraise and evaluate the operation of the City Charter.
Purpose and Overview
The primary function of the Charter Review Committee (CRC) is to undertake a comprehensive review of the Oberlin City Charter, and make recommendations to the Oberlin City Council for amendments and/or revisions to the Charter.
Current Members
| Member | Title | End of Term |
| Frank Carlson | Chair | March 5, 2014 |
| Duane Anderson Sr. | Vice Chair | March 5, 2014 |
| Marci Alegant | Member | March 5, 2014 |
| Dick Dunn | Member | March 5, 2014 |
| Eric Estes | Member | March 5, 2014 |
| Patricia L. Knight | Member | March 5, 2014 |
| Albert G. Miller | Member | March 5, 2014 |
| James Millette | Member | March 5, 2014 |
| Ron Rimbert | Member | March 5, 2014 |
| Mary Van Nortwick | Member | March 5, 2014 |
| Nancy Yood | Member | March 5, 2014 |
| Jon Clark | Legal Staff | |
| Belinda Anderson | City Clerk, Secretary |
Meeting dates
The CRC meets the second and fourth Tuesday of each month at 7:00 p.m. Unless otherwise noted, meetings are held in Council Chambers. All meetings are subject to the Ohio Sunshine Law and must be advertised and open to the public.
2014 November 4th Election Materials
2014 Proposed Charter Amendment Booklet_Full Text
2014 Proposed Charter Amendment Brochure
Important Documents
Supplemental Information
Constitution of the State of Ohio
Guide for Charter Commission
Model City Charter– 8th Edition
Council Manager Form of Government