REPORT TO CHARTER REVIEW COMMITTEE
SUBJECT
Title
Discussion and Action on Outreach and Meeting Dates
Report
BACKGROUND
One of the Charter Review Committee’s first steps will be to receive public input on whether the City Charter amendment language should reflect the current, Court ordered six Council district election system and election sequencing, or to examine if there is community support for some other configuration for electing councilmembers by district. Santa Clara voters will continue to elect the Mayor at large.
To gather as much input as possible the Committee should brainstorm ideas of how to best solicit this input.
DISCUSSION
At the June 4, 2019 meeting, the City Council approved the City Clerk’s recommendation for a March 2020 primary election work plan to implement voter-approved Measure N. At that time, it was made clear that the March 2020 primary election work plan is aggressive. It requires all public input to be gathered in time for City Council to consider potential ballot measure language at one of its November 2019 meetings.
In advance of the formation of the Committee, four dates, times and locations were identified to meet the March 2020 primary election work plan timeline. At the Special City Council Meeting on July 10, 2019 it was noted by members of the public and City Council that the meetings should rotate, possibly to each of the City’s libraries, to try and reach as many residents as possible.
Following the July 10, 2010 Special City Council meeting, staff researched availability at the three City libraries for the remaining three dates and then looked at other availability within that same week. A summary of those findings can be viewed in Attachment 1.
The best sequencing of meetings, based on availability of rooms at the three City libraries, is as follows:
• Tuesday, August 13, 2019
Central Park Library
6:00 PM or later
• Thursday, September 26, 2019
Mission Branch Library
6:00 PM or later
• Thursday, October 17, 2019
Northside Library
6:00 PM or later
We can also add a Saturday meeting as follows:
• Saturday, September 21, 2019
Northside Library
11:00 AM - 2:00 PM
The Senior Center is another option for a potential meeting location and staff will provide some general feedback surrounding what days of the week and times may suit that location best.
The Committee may also wish to consider conducting smaller, less formal meetings with the public to receive input. These meetings could be conducted by individual committee members or as subcommittees consisting of other committee members or non members.
It is important the Committee approve some set meeting dates to allow time for critical coordination to occur including making the necessary arrangements for livestreaming each meeting and ensuring the appropriate staff are available.
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
There is no fiscal impact other than staff time.
COORDINATION
This report has been coordinated with the City Attorney’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
1. Approve the 3 dates and locations as outlined above; noting that the Saturday option and others may be added as needed and subject to room availability;
2. Disapprove the date and locations outlined above;
3. Select other dates and locations from the options noted in Attachment 1, subject to room availability.
RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
Alternative 1:
Approve the 3 dates and locations as outlined above; noting that the Saturday option and others may be added as needed and subject to room availability.
Staff
Reviewed by: Brian Doyle, City Attorney
Approved by: Deanna J. Santana, City Manager
ATTACHMENTS
1. Charter Review Committee Meeting Options