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HomeMy WebLinkAbout01/02/1991, 2 - MOVING ELECTION DATEREMISED DAZE J-4 .9 I7I-M # _ EXHIBIT A MEASURE A -Binding Shall the approval of the planned development YES rezoning for Tract 1750 be repealed? NO MEASURE B - Binding Shall the ordinance to Eliminate Water Rationing be adopted? YES NO MEASURE C - Binding Shall the City Charter Section 404 be amended to move the General YES Municipal Election Date from November of the odd year to November of the even year? NO MEASURE D - Advisory Only Should the City of San Luis Obispo participate in the State Water YES Project? NO .. •,:. t OWN city Of San WIS OBISPO MaZe COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT PREPARED BY: Pam o , City Clerk SUBJECT Moving Election Date and Pending Election Issues MEETING DATE: January 2, 1991 REM NUMBER: CAO RECOMMENDATION• 1) By motion, determine that the City's Regular Election should be retained in November of the odd- numbered years; OR 2) By motion, determine that it would be preferable to move the City's Regular Election date to the even - numbered years. If so, then: A) Determine if the election should be in June or November of the even years; OR B) Direct staff to prepare the necessary Charter Amendment for consideration by the voters through either: a) A Special Election in (month to be determined); OR b) As part of the November 1991 ballot (which could represent the City's last odd - numbered year election). 3) After taking action on Agenda Items 3 through 5, and if a Special Election is to be held: A) Adopt a resolution giving notice of holding a Special Election for issues as determined; AND B) Adopt a resolution requesting that the Board of Supervisors render specified services to the City relating to the conduct of a Special Municipal Election for issues as determined. 01 At its December 4, 1990 meeting, the Council directed staff to report back on the impacts of moving the City's election date if the Board of Supervisors approved requests by the school districts to change their election date from November of odd years to November of even years. The- Board approved requests for the following entities on 12 /11/90: Atascadero Unified School Dist. County Board of Education Cuesta College Board Lucia Mar Phillips Elementary Pleasant Valley Elementary Shandon Unified Templeton CSD • ,% Moving Election Page 2 Four other districts have submitted similar requests and the Board is expected to act favorably for changing the election date when this item is again considered in January, 1991. Those districts are: Cambria Union Elementary Cayucos Elementary Coast Union High School San Luis Coastal Unified Dist. These approvals will impact the City of San Luis Obispo's election process and results by a number of factors. The City Council should consider whether it wishes to retain its current election date or ask the electorate' if it desires to amend its date. 'NOTE: The City's election date is established by Charter and can only be amended by voter approval. The Charter was amended in 1981 to allow consolidation of its Regular Municipal Election with the County's Uniform Districts Election (UDEL). The change in election dates was predicated on providing greater voter turnout and reducing election costs by approximately one - third. OPTIONS 1. Leave the General Municipal Election date in November of odd yam. 2. Leaving the election date in November (odd year) without benefit of consolidation with the UDEL election will result in a cost increase — from approximately $31,000 to $45,000 (see fiscal impact). The City Clerk's Office will also experience some increase in labor election- related activities. If the County is unable to contract with the City for conducting the special or general municipal election, the City could conduct its own election or contract out its election to an elections firm. Leaving the election date in the odd year may decrease voter turnout, although not substantially. Voter turnout has averaged 3542% per City election since 1984. Without UDEL, turnout may decrease 3-5 %. Keeping the City's election date separate from the State and County would allow better identification of local candidates and issues that may be obscured by State and County issues and candidates. Moving the election date could reduce current election costs one -third to one -half ($30,000 to $18,000). The cost savings would be somewhat greater if the election date is moved to November rather than June (see Fiscal Impact). ,14 Moving Election Page 3 It is also expected to substantially increase voter turnout — possibly as much as 100 %; from 35% to 70 %, although the ballot card will also be longer which may discourage some people from voting or increase absentee voting. It may be argued that the additional increase in voter turnout does not necessarily translate into more informed voters relative to jocal issues, thereby allowing greater opportunity for campaign advertising to influence election results. Municipal elections are non - partisan and no identification of partisan affiliation was permitted until 1989 when this legislation was overturned by the Supreme Court. If the City's election is held during the gubernatorial or presidential election, local elections may also be more influenced by partisan politics. If the Council desires to ask voters to consider amending the City's election date, a Charter initiative is required. This could be placed at a Special or Regular Election. The question to move the election date could include extending the terms of the Mayor and all Councilmembers' terms (by seven months if election held June '92 or one year if held November '92. Should the Council decide to hold a Special Election to move the City's election date from November of 1991 to June or November of 1992, other matters pending before the Council that could be considered at that Special Election include: 1. Initiative to Eliminate Water Rationing Certified with 10% of the registered voters (2,377). Council shall: A) Adopt the ordinance; or B) Place the measure at the next Regular Municipal Election to be held Tuesday, November 5, 1991; or C) Submit the measure at a Special Election, not sooner than 88 days or more than 103 days after January 2, 1991; (March 30 through April 15, 1991) or D) Do not place the initiative on the ballot if legal findings are made that the initiative is invalid, or consider other legal options. 2. Referendum to repeal Ordinance No 1179 - Tract 1750 Edna -Islay Project - Certified with 10% of the registered voters (2,569). Council shall: A) Repeal the ordinance, or B) Place the measure at the next Regular Municipal Election to be held Tuesday, November 5, 1991, or C) Submit the measure at a Special Election any time sooner. 3. Ballot Measure - State Water Council took action on July 31, 1990 that the issue of State Water should be decided at the ballot box. Council may: 2-5 Moving Election Page 4 A) Place the measure (binding or advisory) at the next Regular Election to be held November 5, 1991; or B) Submit the measure at a Special Election any time sooner. ai Current election costs average $30,000 (approximately $130 per registered voter). Costs for the November 1989 election are broken down as follows: County Printing Costs $ 8,225.93 County Labor /Supplies 11.220.58 SUBTOTAL: $19,44651 City Printing $ 487.62 City Labor /Supplies 7916535 City Postage 345.00 City Advertising 2,694.45 SUBTOTAL- $10,692.42 TOTAL- $30.138.93 If the City holds its election separately, significant County- related labor and supplies to the City are likely to increase approximately 60% or more ($14,000). This will result in an increase for the cost of the City's election from $31,000 to $45,000. If the City holds its election in November '92 and consolidates with the other local entities and State, the cost the City pays to the County would be reduced by about 50 %, or $10,000. This figure includes a reduction in County printing, labor, and supplies. If June '92 is selected as the City's election date, significant savings would be realized although not as much as if held in November. Due to the partisan nature of the primary, six different sample ballots are required and the City's pro-rata share of the printing costs could increase an additional $4,000 to $7,000. Total election cost could range as low as $18,000 to $22,000 in November of even years, or $22,000 to $29,000 in June of even years. The above information is based on the assumption of an average of eight candidates filing for Councilmanic and Mayoral seats and does not include ballot measures. Attachments: Draft resolution giving notice of a Special Municipal Election Draft resolution requesting the County Board of Supervisors render specified services relating to the conduct of a Special Municipal Election repelec.wp ,2 -A ET uk' RESOLUTION NO. (1991 SERIES) A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO, CALIFORNIA, REQUESTING THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS OF THE COUNTY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO TO RENDER SPECIFIED SERVICES TO THE CITY RELATING TO THE CONDUCT OF A SPECIAL MUNICIPAL ELECTION TO BE HELD ON TUESDAY, APRIL 9, 1991 WHEREAS, a Special Municipal Election is to be held in the City of San Luis Obispo, California on April 9, 1991; and WHEREAS, in the course of conduct of the election it is necessary for the City to request services of the County; and WHEREAS, all necessary expenses in performing these services shall be paid by the City of San Luis Obispo; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the City Council of the City of San Luis Obispo, California, does resolve, declare, determine, and order as follows: SECTION 1. That pursuant to the provision of Section 22003 of the Elections Code of the State of California, the City Council requests the Board of Supervisors of the County issue instructions to the County Clerk and Registrar of Voters to take any and all steps necessary for the holding of a Special Election for the City of San Luis Obispo on Tuesday, April 9, 1991 and said Board is hereby authorized to canvass the returns of the election and certify the results of the canvass of the returns of the Special Municipal Election to the Council of the City of San Luis Obispo, which shall thereupon declare the results thereof. SECTION 2. That the City shall reimburse the County for services performed.when the work is completed and upon presentation to the City of a properly approved bill pursuant to Section 51350 of the Government Code. SECTION 3. The propositions to be voted on at said Special Municipal Election shall be as set forth on Exhibit "A" attached hereto and incorporated herein by reference. SECTION 4. The City Clerk is hereby directed to file certified copies of this resolution with the Board of Supervisors, the County Clerk and the Registrar of Voters of the County of San Luis Obispo. SECTION 5. That the City Council directs the City Clerk to transmit a copy of the measure to the City Attorney. The City Attorney shall prepre an impartial analysis of the measure showing the effect of the measure on the existing law and the operation of the measure. The impartial analysis shall be filed by the date set by the City Clerk for the filing of primary arguments. SECTION 6. Pursuant to Sections 40155 and 50145 of the Elections Code, rebuttal arguments will be permitted, and shall be filed with the City Clerk not more than 10 days after the final date for filing direct arguments. SECTION 7. The City Clerk shall certify to the passage and adoption of this resolution and enter it into the book of original resolutions. On motion of and on the following roll call vote: AYES: NOES: ABSENT: The foregoing Resolution was passed and adopted this ATTEST: CITY CLERK PAM VOGES APPROVED: ITY AD INISTRATIVE OFFICER secondedby day of ,1991. MAYOR RON DUNIN WJ'i MEASURE A - Binding Shall the approval of Tract 1750 be repealed? MEASURE B - Binding Shall the ordinance to Eliminate Water Rationing be adopted? MEASURE C - Binding Shall the City Charter Section 404 be amended to move the General Municipal Election Date from the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November of the odd year to the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November of the even year? MEASURE D - Advisory Only Shall the City of San Luis Obispo participate in the State Water Project? EXHIBIT A NO YES NO YES NO YES NO of- 7 El"HIDAT "B" RESOLUTION NO. (1990 SERIES) A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO CALIFORNIA, CALLING AND GIVING NOTICE OF THE HOLDING OF A SPECIAL MUNICIPAL ELECTION TO BE HELD ON TUESDAY, APRIL 9, 1991, FOR AN ELECTION AS REQUIRED BY THE PROVISIONS OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA RELATING TO CHARTER CITIES AND FOR THE SUBMISSION TO THE VOTERS OF QUESTIONS RELATING TO WATER RATIONING, STATE WATER, ORDINANCE NO. 1179 (TRACT 1750), AND MOVING ELECTION DATE WHEREAS, under the provisions of the laws relating to Charter Cities in the State of California, a Special Municipal Election shall be held on Tuesday, April 9, 1991; and WHEREAS, the City Council desires to submit to the voters at the election questions relating to water rationing, state water, Ordinance No. 1179, and election date change. NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO, CALIFORNIA, DOES RESOLVE as follows: SECTION 1. That pursuant to the requirements of the laws of California relating to Charter Cities, there is called and ordered to be held in the City of San Luis Obispo, California, on Tuesday, April 9, 1991, a Special Municipal Election for the purpose of submitting to the voters for the following questions: !Wljo YES NO !Wljo YES NO !Wljo SECTION 2. That the proposed measures submitted to the voters are attached as Exhibits A and B. SECTION 3. That the ballots to be used at the election shall be in form and content as required by law. SECTION 4. That the City Clerk is authorized, instructed, and directed to procure and furnish any and all official ballots, notices, printed matter and all supplies, equipment and paraphernalia that may be necessary in order to properly and lawfully conduct the election. SECTION 5. That the polls for the election shall be open at seven o'clock a.m. of the day of the election and shall remain open continuously from that time until eight o'clock p.m. of the same day when the polls shall be closed, except as provided in Section 14301 of the Elections Code of the State of California. SECTION 6. That in all particulars not recited in this resolution, the election shall be held and conducted as provided by law for holding municipal elections. SECTION 7. That notice of the time and place of holding the election is given and the City Clerk is authorized, instructed, and directed to give further or additional notice of the election, in time, form, and manner as required by law. SECTION 8. That the City Clerk shall certify to the passage and adoption of this resolution and entire it into the book of original resolutions. -9 YES NO SECTION 2. That the proposed measures submitted to the voters are attached as Exhibits A and B. SECTION 3. That the ballots to be used at the election shall be in form and content as required by law. SECTION 4. That the City Clerk is authorized, instructed, and directed to procure and furnish any and all official ballots, notices, printed matter and all supplies, equipment and paraphernalia that may be necessary in order to properly and lawfully conduct the election. SECTION 5. That the polls for the election shall be open at seven o'clock a.m. of the day of the election and shall remain open continuously from that time until eight o'clock p.m. of the same day when the polls shall be closed, except as provided in Section 14301 of the Elections Code of the State of California. SECTION 6. That in all particulars not recited in this resolution, the election shall be held and conducted as provided by law for holding municipal elections. SECTION 7. That notice of the time and place of holding the election is given and the City Clerk is authorized, instructed, and directed to give further or additional notice of the election, in time, form, and manner as required by law. SECTION 8. That the City Clerk shall certify to the passage and adoption of this resolution and entire it into the book of original resolutions. -9 YES NO SECTION 2. That the proposed measures submitted to the voters are attached as Exhibits A and B. SECTION 3. That the ballots to be used at the election shall be in form and content as required by law. SECTION 4. That the City Clerk is authorized, instructed, and directed to procure and furnish any and all official ballots, notices, printed matter and all supplies, equipment and paraphernalia that may be necessary in order to properly and lawfully conduct the election. SECTION 5. That the polls for the election shall be open at seven o'clock a.m. of the day of the election and shall remain open continuously from that time until eight o'clock p.m. of the same day when the polls shall be closed, except as provided in Section 14301 of the Elections Code of the State of California. SECTION 6. That in all particulars not recited in this resolution, the election shall be held and conducted as provided by law for holding municipal elections. SECTION 7. That notice of the time and place of holding the election is given and the City Clerk is authorized, instructed, and directed to give further or additional notice of the election, in time, form, and manner as required by law. SECTION 8. That the City Clerk shall certify to the passage and adoption of this resolution and entire it into the book of original resolutions. -9 ._. On motion of , seconded by and on the following roll call vote: AYES: NOES: ABSENT: the foregoing resolution was passed and adopted this day of , 1990. MAYOR RON DUNIN ATTEST: CITY CLERK PAM VOGES APPROVED: qIX41W h-qO-164�� "ATYOPIEY -- V . CM CLERK 02' �o