File #: 21-0103    Name: Election Ordinance Amendment
Type: Ordinance Status: Consent Item
In control: City Council Regular Meeting
On agenda: 2/2/2021 Final action:
Title: Consider/Discuss/Act on Amending Code of Ordinances, Chapter 38 Elections, Section 38-7 "Notice to officials elected; qualification," and Article IV "Electioneering" Exhibit A
Attachments: 1. Sec 38-7 (Current), 2. Sec 38-7 (Proposed - Redline), 3. Ordinance, 4. Exhibit A
Title
Consider/Discuss/Act on Amending Code of Ordinances, Chapter 38 Elections, Section 38-7 "Notice to officials elected; qualification," and Article IV "Electioneering" Exhibit A

Summary
COUNCIL GOAL: Operational Excellence

MEETING DATE: February 2, 2021

DEPARTMENT: City Secretary

CONTACT: Empress Drane, City Secretary

RECOMMENDED CITY COUNCIL ACTION: Approve Ordinance

ITEM SUMMARY:

* Approval of this ordinance will

a) Align Chapter 38, Section 38-7, of the Code of Ordinances with City Charter Chapter III, Section 8, regarding the effective date for Council Member terms of office and performance of duties, and

b) Update the maps of possible city-owned polling places and identify the 100ft "electioneering" boundary at each location.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION:

* COUNCIL TERMS OF OFFICE - City Charter Chapter III, Section 8 establishes that "the Mayor and City Council Members shall take office upon canvassing following the date of election, and their terms of office shall begin as of that date."

The Code of Ordinances, Section 38-7 states "all newly elected officers shall enter upon their duties on the first Monday of the month following their election."

The proposed amendment will state "all newly elected officers shall enter upon their duties upon taking an oath of office and in accordance with term dates established by the City Charter."

* ELECTIONEERING MAPS - On May 1, 2018, City Council approved Ordinance No. 2018-05-038, removing prior-enacted designated areas for placement of political signs, and establishing a one hundred feet electioneering-free zone at any city location that might be utilized as an election polling place. Since that time, a new location has been added to the list, and some locations have been modified by renovation.

This update to the Electioneering Maps Exhibit will identify city locations that might be utilized as an election polling place, identify voting entrances at each location, and remove mentions of "des...

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