City Council
MEETING DATE: 12/9/2015
TITLE:
Title
Draft City Charter
End
FROM:
Charlie McClendon, City Manager
RECOMMENDATION:
Recommendation
The Council Subcommittee recommends the City Council review the draft charter, discuss and provide direction to staff.
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
On June 10, 2015 Council held a study session discussion on the possible referral of a City Charter to the voters. Included in the discussion were the first four topics listed above. The other two items, expansion of uses of the Public Arts Fund and Annexation into the Desert Recreation District were determined to be separate issues not relevant to a Charter and have been handled separately. At the June 10 meeting Council decided to appoint a subcommittee, consisting of Mayor Pro Tem Pettis and Councilmember Kaplan, to develop a draft Charter for further Council consideration.
DISCUSSION:
The Council subcommittee met on two occasions to review charters from other Cities and discuss policy questions related to a charter. A draft charter was developed as a result and is attached for Council consideration.
The subcommittee would like discussion and feedback on all the provisions of the charter but in particular, they have identified two policy questions on which they are seeking additional feedback from the Council:
1. What is the trigger point where a district system for electing Councilmembers would become effective? The draft identifies a population of 100,000 as the trigger point. The subcommittee felt that perhaps a lower population number, possibly 80,000 ought to be considered as well.
2. Should the Council have the option of calling a special election to fill a vacancy on the Council? The draft Charter provides that "if the vacancy occurs less than six months after the most recent Council election, the candidate from the election receiving the next highest vote total shall be appointed by the City Council. If there is no next highest candidate, or if the next highest candidate declines the appointment or if the vacancy occurs more than six months after the most recent election the Council shall appoint a qualified elector to fill the remaining term, or until the next regularly scheduled election, whichever comes first." The subcommittee would like a discussion on adding a provision allowing the option of calling a special election. The advantage of such language is that it would provide additional flexibility for Council to consider all the circumstances at the time. The disadvantage is that it would certainly result in additional controversy and perhaps pressure to call the election rather that act in accordance with the identified path.
FISCAL IMPACT:
Elimination of the elected City Clerk and/or City Treasurer positions would result in an annual savings of approximately $25,000 each.
The cost to refer a measure to the voters will range from approximately $11,200 to $21,200.
ATTACHMENTS:
Draft City Charter