In a brief meeting Tuesday, Bradford City Council passed on first reading an amended ordinance to place a home rule study before the voters in the fall.

The ordinance calls for a question to be placed on the ballot before voters in the fall general election. The question would be as follows: “Shall a Government Study Commission of seven members be elected to study the existing form of government of the City of Bradford, to consider the advisability of the adoption of a home rule charter, and if advisable, to draft and recommend a home rule charter?”

The amendment doesn’t change the ordinance as originally approved, but tightens up some of the language. City administrator Eric Taylor explained, “It is being amended to include the number to serve on the commission as seven in the heading.”

A second change in word was at the end of the ordinance, he said. “The previous ordinance did not have as being enacted and ordained at a meeting of the City of Bradford City Council, so we wanted to make sure that was correct.”

Voters can expect to see the question on the fall ballot. Should the referendum pass, candidates interested in serving on the commission would be tasked with running for election. Should the referendum pass, the state Department of Community and Economic Development will be there to steer the commission, which has nine months to study the form of government to see if it is currently meeting the needs of the municipality.

It’s a months-long process, not an overnight change, and it depends on citizen interest and involvement.

Also at the meeting, council members approved an additional $5,425 to 6V Excavation for the emergency demolition of 40 Walker Ave. Prior to the demolition, the homeowner removed all the foundation stone, leaving the structure supported only by corner posts.

“A manlift was transported to the site, and over the course of three days, a crew of three men manually dismantled the roof, peaks, and upper walls down to the second-floor level in order to stabilize the structure for final demolition, incurring additional costs in the amount of $5,425,” the resolution stated.

Council approved payment of $7,620 to Knox McLaughlin Gornall and Sennett P.C. for litigation and legal services; paid $1,017.84 to Mobilcom for a lightbar for a police car; paid $3,432.83 to Mission Specific Equipment for uniforms for the fire department; paid $1,219.87 to SRS Building Products for materials needed to install a railing outside Old City Hall; paid $11,320 to Otis Elevator Co. for the performance of two mechanics and materials to install a solid-state starter on the elevator at 20 Russell Blvd.; and leased a unit at Old City Hall to Beacon Light.

The McKean County 2025 Hazard Mitigation Plan was approved as well.

The next council meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m. June 24.