STAFF REPORT
City of Lancaster
NB 3
8/13/2024
TN
Date:August 13, 2024
To: Mayor Parris and City Council Members
From: Allison E. Burns, City Attorney
Subject:Adopt Ordinance Amending Section 2.04.040 of the Lancaster Municipal Code Concerning Vacancies on the City Council or in the Office of the Mayor Recommendation:
Adopt Ordinance No. ___ Amending Section 2.04.040 of the Lancaster Municipal Code Concerning Vacancies on the City Council or in the Office of the Mayor.
G.C. Section 84308: No
Fiscal Impact:
None.
Background:
Section 5 of article XIII of the California Constitution allows charter cities to establish laws regarding the conduct of city elections. Section 102 of the City’s Charter provides that “[t]he City of Lancaster shall have the power to adopt ordinances establishing procedures, rules or regulations concerning City of Lancaster elections and public officials, including but not limited to, the qualifications and compensation of elected officials, the method, time and requirements to hold elections, to fill vacant offices and for voting by mail. Unless in conflict with ordinances adopted by the City, state law regarding elections shall apply[]”. Section 2.04.040 of the Lancaster Municipal Code specifies the method by which vacancies on the City Council and in the Office of the Mayor are filled. Ordinance No. ____ will amend section 2.04.040 to clarify that references to the “next general municipal election” mean the “next general municipal election that is at least 90 days from the date the vacancy is declared.” Attachment:
Ordinance No. ____