City Council
MEETING DATE: 5/13/2015
TITLE:
Title
City Charter Election Discussion
End
FROM:
Charlie McClendon, City Manager
RECOMMENDATION:
Recommendation
This item is presented for discussion and direction only.
Body
BACKGROUND:
On February 11, 2015 City Council adopted a resolution establishing priority goals for the upcoming fiscal year. The goals were developed at the Council's planning retreat held on January 24, 2015. Among the adopted goals was an item covering governance issues: "Hold a series of study sessions on governance issues and develop a plan to move toward a fall election on those requiring voter consideration." Among the topics listed under the goal were the following:
Adoption of a City Charter
Elimination of direct election of the Mayor
Elimination of the elected City Clerk position
Possible elimination of the elected City Treasurer
Expansion of allowed uses of Public Arts Funds
Annexation into the Desert Recreation District
DISCUSSION:
Council has already held a study session on uses of Public Arts funds and subsequently approved an ordinance revising the allowed uses of the funds. Staff has met with the Desert Recreation District staff and will be bringing a review of the process required to annex into the district to the Council later this year. The remaining items on the above list will be discussed at this study session.
Council will discuss the pros cons of asking the voters to establish Charter government in the City. Attached is a document prepared by the City Attorney comparing General Law government and Charter government. A sample charter from the City of Rancho Mirage is also attached. Staff has found that Article 3 of the California Elections Code provides that Charter elections can only be held at a statewide general election, which means that a Charter election could not occur until November 2016.
Items to consider as part of a City Charter could include th...
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