REPORT TO COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
Adoption of Three Resolutions Calling a General Municipal Election to be Held in the City of Sunnyvale on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, for the Purpose of Submitting to City Voters Three Amendments to the City Charter; 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
On November 28, 2023, a colleagues' memo was added to the Council agenda requesting creation of a Charter Review Committee (CRC) to conduct a comprehensive review of the Sunnyvale City Charter and consider proposed amendments for the November 2024 ballot. The colleagues' memo outlined nine potential Charter amendments and expressed a desire for the CRC to have the authority to review Charter provisions and propose additional amendments.
On June 4, 2024, the City Council created a CRC to consider amendments proposed by the Council as well as additional amendments proposed by the CRC and City staff. Following a recruitment and interview process, Council appointed the committee on December 3, 2024, and members were sworn in on December 10, 2024.
On June 3, 2025, City Council held a joint meeting with the CRC (RTC No. 25-0212). At that meeting, Council reviewed the CRC's list of potential amendments to the City Charter and directed the CRC to study the following items:
1. Charter Section 605 (Compensation): Increase salaries and compensation for Councilmembers and the Mayor, without changing the Mayor's role.
2. Charter Section 606 (Vacancies): Change the current rule so that Councilmembers appointed to fill a vacancy serve until the next feasible November general election.
3. Charter Section 611 (Regular Meetings): Change the requirement from two meetings per month to at least 24 meetings per year.
4. Charter Article 8 (City Manager), Section 1314 (Claims Against City): Allow the City M...
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