Metro Council preview: debating charter amendments

A series of proposed charter amendments are on the Metro Council's agenda for Tuesday, including one that would allow teenagers to serve as council members.

Why it matters: The council decides which, if any, proposed amendments should go to the voters for approval.

State of play: Last month, the Charter Revision Commission recommended approval of the amendment to lower the age requirement for Metro Council members from 25 to 18.

• The commission also recommended approval for an amendment to establish a succession plan for the city's finance director.

Zoom in: The commission didn't review a proposed amendment to remove the U.S. citizenship requirement for fire department employees because that proposal is expected to be withdrawn.

• The commission recommended disapproval for an amendment that would stop regular council meetings in September.

Friction point: There is debate over whether amendments should go on the November ballot. Some council members have expressed concern that they could distract from Mayor Freddie O'Connell's transportation plan , which is already approved for the ballot.

The intrigue: Council will once again consider legislation condemning the assassination attempt of former President Trump.

• The legislation was filed too late to automatically be considered at the previous meeting. When two council members objected to suspending the rules, the legislation was automatically deferred.
• The initial resolution also honored the other victims of the Pennsylvania shooting and condemned all political violence.
• Metro Councilmember Delishia Porterfield proposed a substitute resolution that deletes the references to Trump but condemns political violence more broadly.

What we're watching: Council will also consider a rezoning proposal for the former Hickory Hollow Mall property .

• The plan would allow for taller buildings, which is an important step before the city searches for a company to lead the redevelopment.