title
CC - Adoption of a Resolution Approving the Arguments in Favor of One Question Relating to One (1) Tax Measure to be Considered by the Voters at the Special Municipal Election of March 3, 2020.
body
Meeting Date: December 9, 2019
Contact Person/Dept: Jeremy Green, City Clerk
Phone Number: (310) 253-5851
Fiscal Impact: Yes [] No [] General Fund: Yes [] No []
Public Hearing: [] Action Item: [X] Attachments: [X]
Commission Action Required: Yes [] No [X] Date:
Public Notification: (E-Mail) Meetings and Agendas - City Council (12/03/19)
Department Approval: Serena Wright, Assistant City Manager (11/20/19)
_____________________________________________________________________
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends the City Council Adopt a Resolution Approving the Arguments in Favor of One Question Relating to One (1) Tax Measure to be considered by the voters at the Special Municipal Election of March 3, 2020.
BACKGROUND/DISCUSSION
At the City Council meeting of October 28, 2019, the City Council considered (and unanimously approved) a proposal to place before the voters one ballot measure which, if approved by a majority of the voters, would continue the City Services Transactions and Use Tax (set out in Culver City Municipal Code sections 3.08.300-3.08.375) from its current expiration date of March 31, 2023 to March 31, 2033.
At the same meeting, the City Council created and appointed two Council Members (Vice Mayor Eriksson and Council Member Fisch) to the Ad-Hoc Subcommittee on Drafting the Argument in Favor/Rebuttal to Argument Against the Measure (Question). The Ad Hoc Subcommittee has prepared an argument in favor of the measure for the City Council’s consideration and approval. The argument in favor is attached to the Proposed Resolution (Attachment 1).
The City Council is requested to discuss, make desired changes if any, and approve the argument in favor of the Question.
Consideration of the Ad-Hoc Subcommittee’s Argument in Favor of the Measure
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 Measure. 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 by the City Council to submit arguments.
On October 28, 2019, the City Council adopted Resolution 2019-R084, which designated all five Council Members as authorized to sign the argument. Pursuant to the Elections Code, up to five signatures may appear with the argument(s) as printed in the sample ballot.
A rebuttal argument would only be needed in the case a primary argument against the measure is filed. Section 9285 of the Elections Code states that “the author or a majority of the authors of an argument relating to a city measure may prepare and submit a rebuttal argument or may authorize in writing another person or persons to prepare, submit, or sign the rebuttal argument.” On October 28, 2019, City Council determined that if a rebuttal argument is necessary, then the Ad-Hoc Subcommittee would be retained and exercise its existing authority to draft and submit to the City Clerk a rebuttal argument.
According to Los Angeles County, with which the Culver City Special Municipal Election is consolidated, the recommended last day to submit primary arguments “FOR” or “AGAINST” any City measure to the City Clerk is December 13, 2019. (Elections Code §§ 9282 and 9286.) Primary Arguments shall not exceed 300 words in length.
Rebuttal arguments, pursuant to Elections Code Section 9285(a)(4), are due 10 days after the primary arguments are due and shall not exceed 250 words. The deadline for rebuttal arguments is December 23, 2019 at 5:30 PM and will only be applicable if an argument against the measure is timely filed. All arguments must be submitted to the City Clerk’s Office no later than the date and time announced in order to be considered. Late filings are not accepted.
FISCAL ANALYSIS
Approval of this item does not create a fiscal impact to the City.
ATTACHMENTS
1.2019-12-09_ATT - Proposed Resolution
MOTION
That the City Council:
Adopt a Resolution Approving the Arguments in Favor of One Question Relating to One (1) Tax Measure to be considered by the voters at the Special Municipal Election of March 3, 2020.