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June 6, 2023
ITEM TITLE
Charter Review Commission: Presentation by the Charter Review Commission to City Council Regarding the Ranked Choice Voting Concept
Report Number: 23-0124
Location: No specific geographic location.
Department: City Attorney
Environmental Notice: The activity is not a “Project” as defined under Section 15378 of the California Environmental Quality Act State Guidelines; therefore, pursuant to State Guidelines Section 15060(c)(3) no environmental review is required.
Recommended Action
Hear the presentation and provide feedback to the Charter Review Commission.
SUMMARY
The Charter Review Commission has been discussing the prospect of using ranked choice voting in future local elections, which would require a City Charter amendment. The Charter Review Commission seeks feedback and direction from the City Council as to its interest in such concept.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
The Director of Development Services has reviewed the proposed activity for compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and has determined that the activity is not a “Project” as defined under Section 15378 of the State CEQA Guidelines because it will not result in a physical change in the environment; therefore, pursuant to Section 15060(c)(3) of the State CEQA Guidelines, the activity is not subject to CEQA.
Thus, no environmental review is required.
BOARD/COMMISSION/COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
Hear the presentation and provide feedback on the concept of ranked choice voting.
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DISCUSSION
The Charter Review Commission (“CRC”) is an advisory body that serves as a resource to advise and make recommendations to the City Council and the City Manager on issues affect ing the provisions of the City Charter. The CRC reviews the framework of the City and recommends changes to the Charter to clarify and improve the workings of the City’s government. The City Council ultimately then determines whether to place any recommended Charter amendments on the ballot.
The functions and duties of the CRC, in accordance with Chula Vista Municipal Code section 2.29.030, are as follows:
A. Constitute a forum for City-wide discussions, research and analysis of matters relating to current or proposed provisions of the City Charter, and amendments thereto.
B. Help coordinate citizen and staff ideas with regard to potential Charter changes.
C. Formulate specific language for proposed Charter changes to be submitted to the City Council in a form appropriate for placement on the ballot at an election wherein the proposed Charter changes can be submitted to the electorate.
D. Provide analyses and reports to the City Council in connection with said recommendations.
E. Prepare and submit proposed ballot arguments in favor of or against proposed Charter changes.
F. To participate in the selection and nomination of members of the Board of Ethics, in accordance with CVMC 2.25.050, and to carry out the duties specified in Chula Vista Charter Section 30 0.5 with respect to the selection of Commission members for the Districting Commission.
In accordance with these functions and duties, the CRC has been discussing, amongst other issues of interest, the concept of moving to ranked choice voting in future lo cal elections. As ranked choice voting can mean different things and has both advantages and disadvantages, the CRC anticipates that more research and discussion would be necessary prior to formulating any potential recommended Charter amendments.
At this time, the Charter Review Commission wishes to obtain City Council feedback and direction on whether to continue pursuing this potential Charter change.
DECISION-MAKER CONFLICT
Staff has reviewed the decision contemplated by this action and has determined that it is not site-specific and consequently, the 500-foot rule found in California Code of Regulations Title 2, section 18702.2(a)(11), is not applicable to this decision for purposes of determining a disqualifying real property-related financial conflict of interest under the Political Reform Act (Cal. Gov't Code § 87100, et seq.).
Staff is not independently aware, and has not been informed by any City Council member, of any other fact that may constitute a basis for a decision maker conflict of interest in this matter.
CURRENT-YEAR FISCAL IMPACT
There is no current-year fiscal impact.
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ONGOING FISCAL IMPACT
There is no ongoing fiscal impact. If the City Council should decide to recommend a Charter amendment related to ranked choice voting at a future date, staff will provide estimates regarding the costs of a measure to amend the City Charter and any potential ongoing future fiscal impacts of such a measure.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Letter from the Charter Review Commission
Staff Contact: Megan McClurg; Kerry Bigelow