DATE: May 14, 2024
DEPARTMENT: ADMINISTRATION
FROM: JIM PIA, Interim city manager
PATRICIA m. bARAJAS, cITY CLERK
by: alexis mejia, assistant CITY CLERK
TITLE: NOVEMBER 5, 2024 GENERAL MUNICIPAL ELECTION
RECOMMENDED MOTION:
Approve a Resolution ordering the November 5, 2024 General Municipal Election and ordering a Special Election for Councilmember District 3 for the City of Salinas, requesting consolidation with the November 5, 2024 election, and requesting the County of Monterey Department of Elections conduct the election.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
Salinas City Charter provides for elections to be held in accordance with California Elections Code as long as they are not in conflict with the Charter. California Elections Code Division 10 outlines the general provisions and procedures for the conduct of local and consolidated elections. The terms of Councilmembers’ District 1, 4, 6 and the office of the Mayor are set to expire following the November 5, 2024 election and certification of the results.
Council is asked to consider ordering an election pursuant to California Elections Code section 10002 and Salinas City Charter section 3.3, order a Special Election for the vacated District 3 City Council seat in accordance with City Charter section 2.7, requesting that the County of Monterey Department of Elections conduct the election, and request that it be consolidated with the regularly scheduled November 5, 2024, General Municipal Election.
BACKGROUND:
Pursuant to Salinas City Charter Article 2 Section 2.5 and 2.6, the following Council seats shall expire in November 2024: Mayor (Kimbley Craig); Councilmembers District 1 (Carla V. Gonzalez); District 4 (Orlando Osornio); and District 6 (Anthony Rocha). The Mayor is elected at-large for a two-year term. Councilmembers are elected by district for a four-year term.
Additionally, at the City Council meeting of April 9, 2024 District 3 Councilmember Steve McShane formally announced his resignation from District 3 effective May 10, 2024 leaving a vacancy in the District 3 Councilmember seat. On April 23, 2024 the City Council considered options to fill the vacancy consistent with Charter Section 2.7 and voted to appoint a resident of District 3 to fill the vacancy from June 11, 2024 thru a Special Election to be consolidated with the November 5, 2024 General Municipal Election. The District 3 term will be a 2-year term to align with the completion of the previous Councilmember (McShane) 4-year term.
In keeping with the California Elections Code, the regular nomination filing period opens on Monday, July 15, 2024, and closes on Friday, August 9, 2024. The regular filing period will be extended to Wednesday, August 14, 2024, for any office for which the incumbent does not file or fails to qualify in accordance with Election code 10225 and Charter Section 2.5. The municipal election shall be consolidated with the Presidential General Election on November 5, 2024. The resolution authorizes the City Clerk to procure the services of the County of Monterey Department of Elections for conducting the election. Notice of the election for officers must be published by no later than July 3, 2024. August 9, 2024 is the last day to request consolidation of the election or add initiatives to the November 5, 2024 ballot.
The City Clerk, as the Elections Official for the City of Salinas hereby requests the City Council’s authorization to consolidate the election for the aforementioned offices to be held on November 5, 2024.
CEQA CONSIDERATION:
Not a Project. The City of Salinas has determined that the proposed action is not a project as defined by the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) (CEQA Guidelines Section 15378).
STRATEGIC PLAN INITIATIVE:
Consolidating the election on November 5, 2024, with the General Election and authorizing the Monterey County Elections Department to conduct the election on the City’s behalf supports the City Council’s strategic goal of Effective & Culturally Responsive Government.
DEPARTMENTAL COORDINATION:
The City Clerk is charged with the duty of conducting the election pursuant to California Elections Code section 320 with consultation from the City Attorney as needed.
FISCAL AND SUSTAINABILITY IMPACT:
County of Monterey Department of Elections estimates that Salinas’ share for the cost of the election to be between $7.00 to $10.00 per registered voter, for a total estimated cost to the City between $472,885 and $675,550. Consolidating the City’s General Municipal Election with the General Election provides cost sharing with other jurisdictions within the County. Partial funding will be included in the Proposed FY 2024/25 Budget. Should additional appropriation be required, the City will include it in the Mid-Year Budget process.
ATTACHMENTS:
Resolution
Monterey County Election letter and Documents, April 24, 2024 Page | 2
Page | 1
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