City Council Agenda Report
Meeting Date: May 21, 2024
From: Deborah Harrington, Interim City Clerk
Department: City Clerk
Submitted by: Yonnie Parker, Deputy City Clerk
Subject
Annual City Council Reorganization Process
Recommendation
Discuss and provide direction of Annual City Council Reorganization Process Background
Chapters 3.5 and 3.6 of the Vernon City Charter provide direction for the installation of Mayor and Mayor Pro Tempore following a regular municipal election, and at any time there is a vacancy in the Office of Mayor and Mayor Pro Tempore. Prior to the rotation process, the positions of Mayor and Mayor Pro Tempore were determined by vote of the City Council. The rotation process was established to ensure each Council Member has an opportunity to serve as Mayor.
Specifically, the Charter states “the position of Mayor shall be filled by the Council Member whose election immediately followed the election of the prior Mayor.” Additionally, “at the time that a mayor is appointed, the position of Mayor Pro Tempore shall be filled by the Council Member whose election immediately followed that of the newly appointed Mayor.” The Charter also establishes a similar process should a Council Member decline to serve in either capacity.
Other factors that may affect the anticipated rotation of Mayor and Mayor Pro Tem would be recalls, resignations and subsequent special elections. Such circumstances can inadvertently result in a Council Member missing their opportunity to serve as Mayor or having their time as Mayor cut short. For example, in the event there is a change in the rotation due to a Special Election prior to the standard reorganization in May, a member of the City Council may not be allowed the opportunity to serve a full term as Mayor from the traditional period of May through April of the following year. Given that the City has experienced some of these unforeseen circumstances, it would be appropriate for City Council to discuss the reorganization process and provide direction on any desired changes.
Any permanent changes to the current rotation process would require an amendment to the City Charter via a ballot measure at a City held election. This discussion is timely as preparations for the April 2025 General Municipal Election will be underway in the coming months.
Fiscal Impact
There is no fiscal impact associated with this report.
Attachments
None.