REPORT TO COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
Adopt a Resolution Calling a General Municipal Election to be Held in the City of Sunnyvale on Tuesday, November 6, 2018, for the Purpose of Submitting to City Voters a Ballot Measure Concerning an Amendment to the City Charter to Amend Section 604 Relating to Council Vacancies; Requesting Consolidation with the Statewide General Election and Election Services from Santa Clara County; Directing the City Attorney to Prepare an Impartial Analysis; and Setting Priorities for Ballot Arguments
Report
BACKGROUND
In late 2017, the City Council established a Charter Review Committee (CRC) to analyze alternatives and propose a recommendation to the Council for amending City Charter Section 604 related to vacancies in Council seats. The CRC met eight times between January and April 2018. It developed proposed language amending Charter Section 604 over the course of those meetings and prepared a report explaining the recommended amendment.
On May 22, 2018, the CRC presented its recommendation for amending Section 604. Amending Charter Section 604 requires voter approval. The Council approved the CRC's recommendation and directed staff to return with appropriate actions to place the measure on the November 2018 ballot.
EXISTING POLICY
To fill a vacancy on the City Council, existing City Charter Section 604 requires that the City call a special municipal election within 120 days of the date the vacancy is declared, with two limited exceptions: (1) the special election may be consolidated when a general or statewide election is scheduled within 180 days from the date that the vacancy is declared; and (2) if the vacancy is due to death or involuntary removal of a councilmember and the unexpired term of the vacant seat is less than 180 days, the Council may fill the vacancy by appointment.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
This action is exempt from review under the California Environmental Act (CEQA) in that it involves fiscal and administrative activit...
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