Pasadena City Council
February 27, 2023

OFFICE OF THE CITY CLERKFEBRUARY 27, 2023REQUEST FOR DIRECTION REGARDING THE FORMATION OF ACHARTER STUDY TASK FORCE Office of the City Clerk
2 PURPOSE•Determine if the City Council is interested in initiating and proceeding with Charter Reform for the November 5, 2024 General Election•If so, authorize staff to prepare and distribute a Request for Proposals seeking consultant services to help lead the Charter Study Task Force process•Review the proposed next steps and timeline, with the City Council to schedule a future discussion (in the coming weeks) on procedural issues, including Charter Study topics, scope, and Task Force charge Office of the City Clerk
3 BACKGROUND•City Charter is a governance document – defines the organization, powers, functions and essential procedures of the city government (National League of Cities) •Originally adopted in 1901, amended 54 times since adoption •Changes to the City Charter require a vote of the people – “Charter Amendment”>Initiated by City Council; or >Ballot Measure Initiative (recently Measure H) Office of the City Clerk
4 BACKGROUND•Recent requests for Charter Study:>City Council August 15thDiscussion: Charter Amendment to address City Council appointment process due to vacancy>City Council December 12thDiscussion: Charter Amendment to review the role of the Vice Mayor•Several other topics raised over the years •Last time City Charter “studied”: 1997-2000•On December 12th, staff committed to bringing forward Charter Reform in early 2023 Office of the City Clerk
5 POSSIBLE FORMAT FOR CHARTER STUDY•Conducted by the City Council – usually for single-item issue –ex: recent Power Fund transfer issue•Delegated to a resident-based advisory body (Task Force or Committee) dedicated to Charter Study>Broad topics and/or multiple issues to be reviewed>Complexity, allows for in-depth study>Final report and recommended amendments go to the City Council>Possible for multiple ballot measure questions submitted to the voters•Utilize a consultant to assist process; advise and support>Assists Charter Study Task Force and City staff >Coordinates outreach>Helps to produce Final Report Office of the City Clerk
6 CHARTER STUDY TASK FORCE•Although not required, a Charter Study Task Force provides an opportunity for additional public input and vetting of complex issues>Attachments A and B provide examples of previous Charter Study Task Force efforts•Suggested purpose of the Task Force:>Study and fully examine issues assigned by Council; return with recommendations for Council consideration >Prepare City Charter language to be codified>Submit recommended ballot questions for Council to consider for November 5, 2024 General Election Ballot Office of the City Clerk
7 APPROVAL TO PROCEED –NEXT STEPS•If proceeding with a Task Force, suggested that a consultant be hired to help facilitate the effort:>Staff preparing a Request for Proposals >RFP to circulate in the coming weeks •Procedural issues for future consideration at a later date:>Application and appointment process for Task Force members>Size and Composition of Task Force >Timing of appointments>Development of Task Force Charge and Scope>In-house staff assigned to support Task Force’s work •Funding $175,000 to support work of the Task Force>Covers costs associated with consultant and meeting support>A detailed budget to be submitted as part of the City Clerk budget process Office of the City Clerk
8 DRAFT TIMELINE•Preparation of Request for Proposals (RFP) – February to March, 2023•Preparation of TF Application – February to March, 2023•Application Period – March to April, 2023•City Council Discussion on Charter Reform – March/April/May, 2023•RFP Responses Due – End of April 2023•City Council Task Force Appointments – May, 2023•Task Force Meetings – June, 2023 through May, 2024•Final Report to Council – June, 2024•Council Consideration of Amendments/Ballot Measure(s) – July, 2024 – completed prior to 88thday before General Election•November 5, 2024 General Election Office of the City Clerk
9 Questions/Comments