City Council Agenda Report
Meeting Date: November 5, 2024
From: Deborah Harrington, Interim City Clerk
Department: City Clerk
Submitted by: Yonnie Parker, Deputy City Clerk
Subject
April 8, 2025 General Municipal Election
Recommendation
A. Adopt Resolution No. 2024-023 calling and giving notice of an all-mail ballot General Municipal Election to be held on Tuesday, April 8, 2025, for the election of one City Council Member as required by the provisions of the Vernon Charter and submitting ballot measures to the voters to define the City Council reorganization process and election canvass; B. Determine author(s) of arguments and rebuttals;
C. Direct the City Clerk to transmit a copy of the measures to the City Attorney for preparation of the impartial analyses;
D. Adopt Resolution No. 2024-024 adopting regulations for candidates for elective office pertaining to candidate statements submitted to the voters at any General Municipal or Special Municipal Election to be held in the City; and
E. Adopt Resolution No. 2024-025 requesting the Board of Supervisors of the County of Los Angeles render specified services to the City of Vernon relating to the conduct of a General Municipal Election to be held Tuesday April 8, 2025.
Background
Pursuant to Vernon Charter Section 5.1 and Municipal Code Section 2.28.020, the City of Vernon conducts all-mail ballot general municipal elections on the second Tuesday of April each year.
The City Council is required to adopt various resolutions to begin the election process.
Resolution Calling the Election
Resolution No. 2024-023 calls the election on Tuesday, April 8, 2025, for the election of one member to the City Council for a full five (5) year term and to submit a ballot measure(s) to the voters to clarify the City Council reorganization of Mayor and Mayor Pro Tempore. In addition, there are certain Charter updates relating to City Council and Elections.
City Council Reorganization Ballot Measure
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 either Office. The current rotation process is based on the order of election of Council Members and was established to ensure each Council Member has an opportunity to serve as Mayor. The proposed ballot measure modifies the rotation process to one based on the year of a Council seat’s term, specifying that the Mayor and Mayor Pro Tempore positions are to be filled by the Council Members serving in the fifth and fourth year of their respective Council seat terms.
The intent behind the proposed change in rotation is to recognize the service of Council Members serving the final year of their term by allowing them to “term out” as Mayor. A redline of the amended Charter language for Chapters 3.5 and 3.6 is attached for reference (Attachment 4).
Elections Canvass Procedures Ballot Measure
State law sets forth specific canvass procedures and timeframes. The last paragraph of Chapter
3.4 of the Vernon City Charter establishes City election canvassing procedures. The proposed ballot measure would amend Chapter 3.4 of the Vernon City Charter to ensure compliance with applicable state election law relating to election canvassing procedures. Among the changes is removal of language directing the canvass of the returns of an election within fifteen (15) days of the election as that currently conflicts with State law. Additionally, the proposed ballot measure would amend the Charter to indicate that Council Member terms shall begin at the hour election results are certified by the City Council and not upon the completion of the canvass as stated currently. A redline of the amended Charter language for Chapter 3.4 is attached for reference (Attachment 4).
Written Arguments and Rebuttals
The State Elections Code provides regulations for written arguments and rebuttals, including deadlines for submission. Arguments are due no later than November 19, 2024, and rebuttals must be submitted by December 2, 2024. If the City Council desires to delegate this responsibility to one or two members, it should determine the authors.
Impartial Analysis
Elections Code Section 9280 provides for the preparation of an impartial analysis, showing the effect of the measure, by the City Attorney. The impartial analysis is due on the same date as the initial arguments, November 19, 2024.
Resolution Adopting Candidate Statement Regulations
Elections Code Section 13307 allows candidates to prepare a candidate statement for inclusion in the Official Sample Ballot Booklet.
Resolution No. 2024-024 is presented adopting regulations regarding candidate statements submitted to voters. This resolution updates regulations in compliance with State law but maintains City past practices with regard to candidate statements and costs. This resolution will apply to the April 8, 2025 election and future elections and this action will repeal Resolution No. 2014-64.
Resolution Requesting County Services
Resolution No. 2024-025 requests the services of the Los Angeles County Elections Department to provide appropriate forms, and signature verification services, and prepare, print and mail official ballots and ballot materials.
Ballot Drop-Off Locations
In prior elections, the City has offered an additional ballot drop-off location on election day. Staff will consider options for providing the best value for voters and will inform voters of such. As in the past, City Hall hours can receive voted ballots during regular business hours for the convenience of the public.
Nomination Period
The nomination period begins December 16, 2024, at which time candidates may obtain nomination papers and required filing materials from the City Clerk Department. The last day to file nomination papers is January 13, 2025. If the incumbent fails to file, the nomination period will be extended to January 21, 2025.
Fiscal Impact
The fiscal impact is estimated at $30,000. Sufficient funds are available in General Fund, City Clerk Department, Election Costs Account No. 011-010-125-529300 for the current fiscal year.
Attachments
1. Resolution No. 2024-023 Calling and Giving Notice of Election
2. Resolution No. 2024-024 Candidate Statement Regulations
3. Resolution No. 2024-025 Requesting County Services
4. Charter Amendment Redline