REPORT TO CHARTER REVIEW COMMITTEE
SUBJECT
Title
Action to elect a Chair and Vice-Chair for the 2023 Charter Review Committee
Report
COUNCIL PILLAR
Enhance Community Engagement and Transparency
BACKGROUND
On July 18, 2023, the City Council appointed a 7-member Charter Review Committee for the purpose of evaluating whether the currently elected positions of Police Chief and City Clerk should remain elected or whether a charter amendment to change the positions from elected to appointed should be placed on a future ballot for voter consideration.
The purpose of this item is to select individuals to serve as Chair and Vice-Chair of 2023 Charter Review Committee. The Chair and Vice-Chair will be expected to work with staff to ensure the timely completion of the Committee’s workplan and to help guide the Charter Review Committee through its evaluation and deliberative process in a timely, respectful and inclusive manner with robust community engagement.
DISCUSSION
Every member of the 2023 Charter Review Committee is eligible to serve as either Chair or Vice-Chair. In accordance with past practice, members shall first nominate individuals to serve as Chair. Nominated individuals shall be asked to accept or decline the nomination. A roll call vote will then be held of those individuals who have accepted their nomination. The individual with the highest number of votes shall be named Chair. In the event of a tie, additional ballots shall be conducted until such time as a single individual with a majority vote is selected. This process will be repeated to fill the position of Vice-Chair. The Vice-Chair will assume the responsibilities of the Chair in the event of his/her absence.
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 15478(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
There is no fiscal impact other than staff time.
COORDINATION
This report has been coordinated with the City Clerk’s office and the City Attorney.
PUBLIC CONTACT
Public contact was made by posting the Charter Review Committee 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.
RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
1. Staff recommends that the Charter Review Committee conduct an election for the roles of Chair and Vice-Chair.
Staff
Reviewed by: Cynthia Bojorquez, Assistant City Manager
Approved by: Jōvan Grogan, City Manager