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CC - (1) Adoption of a Resolution Approving the Arguments in Favor of the Four Questions to be Considered by the Voters at the Special Municipal Election to be Held in the City on November 8, 2016; and (2) Authorize the Designated Ad Hoc Subcommittees to Prepare Respective Rebuttal Arguments, if Needed, and Submit to the City Clerk for Filing with Los Angeles County by the August 30, 2016 Deadline.
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Meeting Date: August 8, 2016
Contact Person/Dept: Serena Wright/Administrative Services
Phone Number: (310) 253-5640
Fiscal Impact: Yes [] No [X] General Fund: Yes [] No []
Public Hearing: [] Action Item: [X] Attachments: [X]
Commission Action Required: Yes [] No [X]
Public Notification: (E-Mail) Meetings and Agendas - City Council (08/02/16);
Department Approval: Serena Wright (08/02/16)
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RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends the City Council (1) adopt a Resolution approving the arguments in favor of the four questions to be considered by the voters at the Special Municipal Election to be held in the City on November 8, 2016; and (2) authorize the designated Ad Hoc Subcommittees to prepare respective rebuttal arguments, if needed, and submit to the City Clerk for filing with Los Angeles County by the August 30, 2016 deadline.
BACKGROUND
At the City Council meeting of July 25, 2016, the City Council considered and approved a proposal to place the following four ballot measures (Measures) before the voters:
1. Establish a clean water parcel tax to fund compliance measures required by the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System Program
2. Change the appointing authority and the reporting responsibilities of the Fire Chief and Police Chief from the City Council to the City Manager
3. Provide for the ineligibility of a person who has resigned from the City Council to run for the Office of City Council Member for a period of two years from the date of such resignation
Authorize the City Council to determine the dates of Regular Meetings of the City Council
At the same meeting, the City Council confirmed the appointment of two Council Members (Mayor Clarke and Vice Mayor Cooper) to the Ad Hoc Subcommittee to draft the argument for the Measures related to the three Charter amendments. The City Council also subsequently created and appointed two other Council Members (Council Member Sahli-Wells and Council Member Small) to the Ad Hoc Subcommittee to draft the argument for the Clean Water Parcel Tax. The Subcommittees have independently prepared respective arguments in favor of the Measures for the City Council’s consideration and approval.
The City Council is requested to discuss, make desired changes if any, and approve the arguments in favor of the Measures.
DISCUSSION:
Consideration of the Ad Hoc Subcommittees Arguments in Favor of the Measures
Pursuant to the Elections Code, the City Council, authorized members of the City Council, citizen associations and private citizens may submit arguments for or against the proposed Measures. All primary arguments for and against the Measures shall not exceed 300 words in length and shall be filed in the office of the City Clerk not later than August 18, 2016 at 5:30 PM. Only one ballot argument for and one ballot argument against each measure and rebuttals to each may be printed in the sample ballot. The Elections Code gives preference to the arguments submitted by the City Council, as a body, or by Council Members authorized to submit arguments by the City Council. On March 14, 2016 the City Council determined that, as a body, it wished to review, adopt and submit the arguments prepared by the designated Ad Hoc Subcommittees.
Rebuttal Arguments
A rebuttal argument would only be needed in the case a primary argument against the measure is filed. Rebuttal arguments are due no later than 10 days after the deadline for the primary arguments and shall not exceed 250 words. All arguments must be submitted to the City Clerk’s Office no later than August 26, 2016 at 5:30 PM. Due to the submission deadline to Los Angeles County of August 30, 2016, if a rebuttal argument is necessary for any of the Measures, staff recommends the City Council authorize the respective Ad Hoc Subcommittees to draft and submit such rebuttal argument(s).
Sample Ballot
Pursuant to the Elections Code, up to five signatures may appear with the argument(s) as printed in the sample ballot. City Council may authorize other individuals to be proponents of the Measures if it so chooses. The author/proponents will be required to sign a declaration statement of the submitted arguments.
FISCAL ANALYSIS
There is no fiscal impact associated with this item.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Proposed Resolution
MOTION
That the City Council:
1. Adopt a Resolution approving the arguments in favor of the four questions to be considered by the voters at the Special Municipal Election to be held in the City on November 8, 2016; and
2. Authorize the designated Ad Hoc Subcommittees to prepare respective rebuttal arguments, if needed, and submit to the City Clerk for filing with the County by the August 30, 2016 deadline.