REPORT TO COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
Update on Voter approved Measure N Work Plan and Charter Review Committee appointment process relating to District Elections
Report
BACKGROUND
At the May 7, 2019 City Council meeting, staff presented work plan and charter review committee appointment process alternatives for City Council consideration and recommendation. City Council followed the City Clerk’s recommendation and adopted the general election work plan (Attachment A) to have proposed Charter Amendment language appear on the November 3, 2020 general election ballot and to appoint a Charter Review Committee via an application process.
Since the May 7, 2019 City Council meeting, the plaintiffs in the CVRA case have taken action that may result in the acceleration of a final decision from the Court of Appeal. Given the possibility that the trial court decision could be reversed earlier than the November 2020 election, staff recommends a change in the timeline so that the Council will have the option to potentially place Charter Amendment language on the March 3, 2020 primary election ballot.
DISCUSSION
Potentially placing Charter Amendment language on the March 3, 2020 primary election ballot requires the public outreach process to occur over a shorter timeframe than what was approved under the previous Council action. To achieve the timeline, City Council must appoint a Charter Review Committee in July 2019, prior to the City Council recess.
Below is a revised tentative work plan.
|
Action |
Timing |
|
Charter Review Committee application submission deadline |
June 28, 2019 |
|
City Council interviews committee applicants and appoints |
July 10, 2019 |
|
Public Meeting No. 1 - Charter Review Committee holds initial public meeting to discuss workplan, set remaining input session dates and receive public input* **If Committee recommends anything other than a 2, 3 or 6 district configuration, additional time may be needed here. |
August 2019 |
|
Public Meeting No. 2 |
September 2019 |
|
Public Meeting No. 3 |
September 2019 |
|
Public Meeting No. 4 - Charter Review Committee to approve final Charter Amendment Language to present to City Council |
October 2019 |
|
City Council approves Charter Review Committee Charter Amendment language, adopts resolution to call election, consolidate with County and provide election services to place measure on ballot and set date for arguments, impartial analysis and rebuttals |
November 2019 |
|
Resolution due to Registrar of Voters |
December 6, 2019 |
|
Election Day |
March 3, 2020 |
This revised work plan is condensed, but still allows for a six-week application process and ample time for community input, albeit more accelerated.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
The action being considered does not constitute a “project” within the meaning of the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines section 15378(b)(4) in that it is a fiscal activity that does not involve any commitment to any specific project which may result in a potential significant impact on the environment.
FISCAL IMPACT
The Registrar of Voters (ROV) has estimated the cost for the March 3, 2020 election to be approximately $185,000. In addition to this amount would be approximately $60-70,000 of costs associated with printing, translation services, publishing notices and other related costs for a total of approximately $250,000.
COORDINATION
This report has been coordinated with the City Attorney and the City Manager’s Office.
PUBLIC CONTACT
Public contact was made by posting the Council agenda on the City’s official-notice bulletin board outside City Hall Council Chambers. A complete agenda packet is available on the City’s website and in the City Clerk’s Office at least 72 hours prior to a Regular Meeting and 24 hours prior to a Special Meeting. A hard copy of any agenda report may be requested by contacting the City Clerk’s Office at (408) 615-2220, email clerk@santaclaraca.gov <mailto:clerk@santaclaraca.gov> or at the public information desk at any City of Santa Clara public library.
ALTERNATIVES
Not applicable.
RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
Accept revised work plan for the potential placement of Charter Amendment language on the March 3, 2020 primary election ballot related to electing Councilmembers by district.
Staff
Approved by: Hosam Haggag, City Clerk
ATTACHMENTS
1. Attachment A - General Election Work Plan