By RICK MILLER
Olean Star
The Olean City Charter Commission completed its task Thursday, unanimously approving a final draft of the proposed new City Charter.
The proposed new charter continues the strong mayor form of city government included in the charter approved in November 1991 and became effective Jan 1, 1994.
The commission, led by former mayor James Griffith, began its work in March 2024.
Mayor Bill Aiello, who appointed the commission, said he was very impressed with the process. “They worked very well together,” he said
The commission included two former mayors, including Linda Witte, as well as former and current aldermen. Unions were represented as well as residents.
“Thank you all for your commitment to Olean,” the mayor told commission members after their vote on the final draft of the proposed charter. They met in the council chambers in the Municipal Building.
The commission shied away from setting a salary for the mayor. The 1991 charter capped the salary at $50,000, where it remains today.
Griffith said the commission agreed to have a salary review board named by the mayor and council within six months after the new charter is approved. This board would make a recommendation to the council on new salaries for the mayor, council and council president.
Griffith said his big take-away was the early decision by the commission members to continue the strong mayor form of government as opposed to a city manager. “There was a tremendous amount of discussion on this. In the end, it was unanimous. We would have had difficulty in attracting a qualified person with experience.” The salary, he said, “seemed kind of out of reach.
The chairman said the commission “made a number of changes” in the existing charter for legal reasons and to update it after more than 30 years. “We also left latitude to make future changes.”
Griffith thanked the commission members after passage for their input and for their congenial spirit. “You brought the right mindset,” he said. “Hopefully, it will be approved by voters.”
Due to the timing of the charter commission’s approval, it won’t appear on the November ballot. It is more likely to be voted on by city residents in November 2026 than in a special election.
Aiello said copies of the charter would not be available until after revisions made by the commission on Thursday were incorporated into the text. A public hearing will be scheduled in the coming weeks, the mayor said.
(Rick Miller/Olean Star)
Members of the Olean Charter Commission voted to approve a draft city charter at their meeting Thursday. It continues the strong mayor form of government and leaves salaries to future city councils.
