Agenda - Charter Commission - 04/19/2001

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CASE # g CONSIDER AMENDING SECTION 2.3 OF THE CITY'S CHARTER IN ORDER TO IMPLEMENT THE SEVEN MEMBER COUNCIL AND ELECTION OF MAJORITY OF COUNCILMEMBERS EVERY TWO YEARS By: William K. Goodrich, City Attorney Background: As a result of the November 2000 election, the number of councilmembers, commencing with the 2002 election has increased from four to six. In addition, the advisory question gave direction to consider having the councilmember terms staggered so that a majority of the entire Council, which includes the Mayor, is elected at every election, or every two years. This means that at every election one of the councilmembers elected shall be elected to a two year term. In 2002, four councilmembers will be elected and in 2004 three counci!members and the mayor will be elected, and similarly in each election thereafter. Enclosed is a revision of Charter Section 2.3 which is intended to implement the November 2000 election changes. The Commission will need to discuss this language and consider whether it properly reflects the intent of the 2002 election. When agreement has been reached, then the Charter Commission should consider proposing a Charter Amendment for this purpose. Upon recommendation by the Charter Commission, the City Council may enact a Charter Amendment by ordinance, if the ordinance is unanimously adopted by the City Council. There are other methods for charter amendments to be adopted which I can advise you on if you choose not to recommend amendment by ordinance Enclosure: Proposed new Section 2.3 language. Election Terms Work Sheet Commission Action: Based on Commission discussion. Review Checklist: City Administrator Assistant City Administrator Charter: 04/,1~0~01 Iq