REPORT TO COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
Review of Charter Review Committee Report and Recommendation to Amend Sunnyvale City Charter Section 604 Regarding Filling City Council Vacancies and Provide Direction to Staff on Next Steps
Report
BACKGROUND
The City Council established the 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.
Amending Charter Section 604 requires voter approval. If the Council determines that it wishes to submit the CRC proposal, or any other Charter amendment, to the voters, it should direct staff to return with appropriate actions to place a 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
The action being considered does not constitute a "project" with the meaning of the California Environmental Quality Act ("CEQA") pursuant to CEQA Guidelines section 15378(b)(5) in that it is a governmental organizational or administrative activity that will not result in direct or indirect changes in the environment.
DISCUSSION
Two documents unanimously approved by the CRC are attached to this report for the City Council's review and consideration...
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