Title
Consider/Discuss Potential Amendments to the Electioneering Ordinance and the Sign Code
Summary
COUNCIL GOAL: Operational Excellence
(2B: Continuously provide a high level of customer services to our citizens)
MEETING DATE: April 16, 2024
DEPARTMENT: Development Services
City Attorney’s Office
City Secretary’s Office
CONTACT: Michael Quint, Executive Director of Development Services
Mark Houser, City Attorney
Empress Drane, City Secretary
RECOMMENDED CITY COUNCIL ACTION:
• Receive staff’s presentation.
ITEM SUMMARY:
• After every election cycle, City Staff revisits Article IV (Electioneering) of Chapter 38 (Elections) of the Code of Ordinances and Article 5 (Signs) of Chapter 150 (Unified Development Code) of the Code of Ordinances to identify what provisions, if any, should be modified.
• After the primary election this past February and March, Staff identified numerous provisions that were unclear or otherwise difficult to enforce. In general, the areas of the Code of Ordinances warranting the most attention included:
o The types and sizes of signs that may be posted at city-owned and city-controlled polling sites;
o The way signs may be posted at city-owned and city-controlled polling sites; and
o The location where electioneering may occur and where signs may be posted at city-owned and city-controlled polling sites.
• City Staff has evaluated several sections of the Code of Ordinances pertaining to electioneering and associated signage and has identified opportunities for amendments to be considered by the City Council which should result in a more transparent and predictable electioneering and voting experience at polling locations located on city-owned or city-controlled property. Staff would like to discuss these potential amendments with the City Council.