REPORT TO COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
Adopt a Resolution Calling a General Municipal Election to be Held in the City of Sunnyvale on Tuesday, November 8, 2016 for the Election of Councilmembers to Seat Numbers 4, 5, 6 and 7; Requesting Consolidation with the Statewide General Election; and Election Services from the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors; Providing Regulations for Candidates’ Statements and Determining to Levy Costs of Candidates’ Statements
Report
DISCUSSION
The City of Sunnyvale will hold a general municipal election on Tuesday, November 8, 2016, for the purpose of filling elective offices for City Councilmember Seats 4, 5, 6 and 7. Pursuant to State Elections Code, the Council must adopt a resolution calling the election and requesting consolidation with the Statewide General Election, and requesting the Registrar of Voters to provide election services.
The nomination period for the November 8, 2016 election opens Monday, July 18, 2016 and closes at 5 p.m. Friday, August 12, 2016.
Pursuant to Sunnyvale City Charter Section 602, Qualifications, no individual may serve more than two successive four-year elective terms, and shall not serve again until at least four years have passed since that person last held office. Councilmembers Meyering (Seat 5), Davis (Seat 6) and Martin-Milius (Seat 7) will have each served one full term and are eligible to serve a second term. If an eligible incumbent for an office does not file by 5 p.m. August 12, the nomination period will be extended five days with a deadline of 5 p.m. on Wednesday, August 17 to nominate candidates other than the incumbent. Seat 4 is currently vacant and will be filled at the Special Election on August 16, 2016. The candidate elected to Seat 4 in August will fill the unexpired term and will also be eligible to run for Seat 4 in the General Municipal Election to serve a full four-year term.
In addition to calling the General Municipal Election, the resolution requests that the Santa Clara Board of Supervisors permit the County Registrar of Voters to provide all general election services, and the City will be responsible for issuing, receiving and processing candidate nomination papers and statements; forwarding candidates’ statements to the County for translation, printing and mailing to the voters; forwarding any vote by mail applications and write-in declarations received by the Office of the City Clerk to the Registrar of Voters; and publishing notices of election and notices of nominees.
EXISTING POLICY
Section 1400 of the Sunnyvale City Charter requires that the General Municipal Election to fill City elective offices be held on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November in even-numbered years, commencing in 2016.
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.
FISCAL IMPACT
The County Registrar of Voters estimates the cost of publishing candidate statements at approximately $2,123 for each candidate, plus the cost of ballot printing in five languages. This cost is generally paid by each candidate who elects to have their candidate statement published in the voter information pamphlet. However, the Sunnyvale Municipal Code (Chapter 2.28) allows for the fee to be waived if the candidate submits 250 valid signatures, and prorated if fewer valid signatures are submitted. For candidates who submit qualifying signatures, the City of Sunnyvale pays in full (for 250 signatures) or in part (pro-rated at $8.00 per signature) for the cost of publishing candidate statements.
The estimated cost of conducting the 2016 Municipal Election of Officers by the County of Santa Clara is estimated to be $222,558. The proposed FY 2016/17 budget for election costs is $452,158, which includes an estimate of the cost of three possible ballot measures at a cost of approximately $41,000. Following the election, the County will determine the actual costs and will bill the City for its pro-rata share. Should costs exceed the approved budget amount, staff will return to Council to request additional funds via a Budget Modification.
PUBLIC CONTACT
Public contact was made by posting the Council agenda on the City's official-notice bulletin board outside City Hall, at the Sunnyvale Senior Center, Community Center and Department of Public Safety; and by making the agenda and report available at the Sunnyvale Public Library, the Office of the City Clerk and on the City's website.
RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
Adopt a Resolution Calling a General Municipal Election to be Held in the City of Sunnyvale on Tuesday, November 8, 2016 for the Election of Councilmembers to Seat Numbers 4, 5, 6 and 7; Requesting Consolidation with the Statewide General Election and Election Services from the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors; Providing Regulations for Candidates’ Statements and Determining to Levy Costs of Candidates’ Statements.
Staff
Prepared by: Lisa Natusch, Deputy City Clerk
Reviewed by: Walter C. Rossmann, Assistant City Manager
Approved by: Deanna J. Santana, City Manager
ATTACHMENT
1. Adopt a Resolution Calling a General Municipal Election to be Held on Tuesday, November 8, 2016 for the Election of Councilmembers to Seat Numbers 4, 5, 6 and 7; Requesting Consolidation with the Statewide General Election and Election Services from the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors; Providing Regulations for Candidates’ Statements and Determining to Levy Costs of Candidates’ Statements.