REPORT TO CHARTER REVIEW COMMITTEE
SUBJECT
Title
Discussion of Alternatives to Filling Councilmember Vacancies and Amendments to City Charter Section 604, Including Adding an Appointment Provision, and Direction on Next Steps for Charter Review Committee Recommendation to City Council
Report
REPORT IN BRIEF
This report provides a possible outline for discussion of filling vacancies by appointment and special as requested by the Charter Review Committee (CRC) at the February 8, 2018 meeting.
BACKGROUND
At the January 25, 2018 meeting, the CRC discussed three broad options for filling vacancies in city council seats:
1. Election
2. Appointment
3. Hybrid election/appointment
At the January 25 and February 8, 2018 meetings many CRC members expressed preliminary preferences toward some form of the "hybrid" option. Members seemed to favor the idea that an appointment to get to the next general election would minimize the special election costs, unless you can't get the appointment done.
On February 8, the CRC discussed possible elements and pros/cons of an appointment component of the hybrid option in more detail. The CRC requested that staff provide an outline of key decision points necessary to move forward with a recommendation from the CRC to the City Council on an amendment to Charter section 604 that includes appointment to fill a vacancy.
DISCUSSION
A. Outline of Key Discussion/Decision Points Related to Potential Charter Amendment to Include Appointment Option for Filling Council Vacancies
1. Should the timeframe for a seat to be declared vacant remain at 30 days?
Discussion/issues raised at prior meetings:
* Several members suggested at prior meetings that this time period to declare a vacancy is reasonable
2. What should the timeframe for appointing a new councilmember be after the vacancy is declared?
Discussion/issues raised at prior meetings:
* Sufficient time to allow for a meaningful process (such as applications, interviews, public discussio...
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