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APPROVE A RESOLUTION TO PLACE THE PROPOSED CHARTER AMENDMENT MEASURE ON THE 2024 GENERAL ELECTION BALLOT
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RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the Council approve a resolution:
1. Submitting to the qualified voters at the November 5, 2024, General Election a ballot measure proposing amendments to Articles XI and XI-A;
2. Requesting that the San Joaquin County Board of Supervisors add this charter amendment to the ballot for the November 5, 2024, General Election;
3. Directing the City Attorney to prepare an impartial analysis of the measure;
4. Authorizing arguments and the filing of rebuttal arguments for or against the measure;
5. Authorizing the City Manager to appropriate funds necessary to pay the City of Stockton’s cost of placing the measure on the ballot; and
6. Directing the City Clerk to take steps necessary to place the measure on the ballot and cause the measure to be printed.
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Summary
The City fulfilled the Government Code requirements by holding two public hearings on May 20, 2024 and June 4, 2024 regarding potential Charter changes proposed for the 2024 General Election ballot. The previous meetings were held to hear public comment and deliberate Charter amendments forwarded by the Charter Review Ad-hoc Committee to the full Council. On June 4, 2024, the Council provided direction to the City Clerk regarding the changes proposed for the ballot and requested that final ballot language be drafted accordingly. The Council provided direction for one ballot measure, focused on changes to the Public Information Office.
It is recommended that Council approve the proposed resolution for the measure to be placed on the General Election ballot and direct the City Clerk to forward the information to the San Joaquin County Registrar of Voters. It is further recommended that the City Manager be authorized to take appropriate and necessary actions to carry out the purpose and intent of the resolution.
DISCUSSION
Background
The Charter Review Advisory Commission (Advisory Commission) is comprised of community members appointed by Council to serve in an advisory role to the Charter Review Ad-hoc Committee. The Advisory Commission was presented with information on Charter Articles XI and XI-A related to the Public Information Office for review and potential recommendations to the Council Charter Ad Hoc Committee.
Both the Charter Review Advisory Commission and Ad-Hoc Charter Review Committee received information regarding potential changes and forwarded recommendations.
Public hearings were held on May 2, 2024, and June 4, 2024, where public comments were heard, and Council provided direction regarding with changes to forward for final review.
Present Situation
The attached resolution reflects the direction provided to staff by the Council at the public hearings held on May 2, 2024, and June 4, 2024. The proposed resolution to place on the ballot a measure amending Charter Articles XI and XI-A to assign the City of Stockton Public Information Office to the City Manager and allow for a Mayoral Public Information Office. The amendment includes that the Mayoral Public Information Office will be allowed access to information necessary to fulfill their role in a reasonable and timely manner, as coordinated through the City of Stockton Public Information Office.
California Elections Code 9282(b) allows arguments for an against ballot measures placed on the ballot by a legislative body. The City Clerk requests direction from Council on whether the Council will submit an argument in favor of the proposed charter amendment. If Council will submit an argument in favor, Council must appoint a member of Council to oversee the drafting of the argument in favor of the proposal and to oversee the drafting of a rebuttal which is consistent with Election Code Requirements. The deadline for filing arguments is July29, 2024, for direct arguments, and August 8, 2024, for rebuttal arguments.
FINANCIAL SUMMARY
It is anticipated that placing a measure on the 2024 General Election ballot will cost between $50,000-$80,000. The proposed fiscal year 2024-2025 Annual Budget includes funding for election costs within the General Fund. The final amount will be determined by the County Registrar of Voters.