pages: CityCouncil/2009-11-03.pdf, 10
This data as json
body | date | page | text | path |
---|---|---|---|---|
CityCouncil | 2009-11-03 | 10 | The City Attorney responded there are four exceptions under Elections Code 1405; stated one exception allows consolidation with another election; the problem is that the City does not have an election with which to consolidate; another exception allows the election to be held with the General Election if it falls between a State wide primary and a General Election; money would be saved; the other two exceptions do not apply; such as, more than two special elections cannot be called within 180 days. Councilmember Gilmore stated that she would prefer to have the initiative classified as a Charter amendment rather than an ordinance; putting the initiative on the ballot in February would cost $200,000 or more; City money is tight; the cost would be approximately $50,000 to $75,000 if the initiative were placed on the June ballot placing the initiative on the June ballot would be fiscally responsible. Mayor Johnson inquired whether there is any way to ignore the fact that the initiative includes an ordinance and consider the initiative a Charter measure. The City Attorney responded the initiative has much more to do with an ordinance than an amendment to Measure A; stated that she would not advise ignoring the fact that the initiative includes an ordinance. Councilmember Tam stated the last sentence of Section 9214 addresses the requirement that a citizen's committee would need to request that the ordinance be submitted immediately to a vote of the people at a special election; that she does not think the request is in place; a letter was received from some citizen imitative signatories requesting to consider a June election in order to provide an opportunity for the City to engage in good faith negotiations; questioned why the matter has been placed on the Regular agenda instead of the Consent Calendar if a strict reading of the Elections Code precludes the flexibility of the Council; stated a 67% potential savings could easily fund three fire fighter laid off positions, pay for a lot of programs, and keep City Hall open on Fridays which the Interim City Manager is proposing to close; Council should do everything possible to be fiscally prudent. Mayor Johnson stated the matter couldn't be placed on the Consent Calendar because Council needs to set a date for the election. Councilmember Matarrese inquired how the initiative would be classified if Measure A were removed. Regular Meeting Alameda City Council November 3, 2009 | CityCouncil/2009-11-03.pdf |