HomeMy WebLinkAboutStaff Report 373-10TO:
FROM:
DATE:
City of Palo Alto
City Manager's Re ort
HONORABLE CITY COUNCIL
CITY MANAGER DEPARTMENT: CITY MANAGER'S OFFICE
OCTOBER 4, 2010 CMR: 373:10
REPORT TYPE: ACTION
SUBJECT: Adoption of Two Resolutions Addressing Fall 2010 Ballot Initiatives:
(1) Resolution Opposing Proposition 20, Modifying the
Redistricting Process for Congressional Districts
(2) Resolution Opposing Proposition 27, Eliminating the State
Commission on Redistricting
RECOMMENDATION
Pursuant to Council direction at the September 27 meeting, staff is bringing forward two
resolutions opposing State Propositions 20 and 27 for adoption.
DISCUSSION
At the September 27 Council meeting, the Council directed staff to return with resolutions in
support of State Propositions 21 and 25 as well as Regional Measures A, B, C and E. A report
on the Consent Calendar for this meeting addresses those six measures.
Additionally, the Council requested that the Policy & Services Committee evaluate opposing
Propositions 20 and 27 at the September 30 Committee meeting and directed staff to bring back
resolutions opposing these two measures at this meeting. Staff will distribute the resolutions
along with a memo summarizing the discussion and action of the Policy & Services Committee
meeting on Monday, October 4.
Proposition 20 (Position -Oppose): This measure transfers the authority for redistricting of
Congressional districts from elected representatives to a 14-member redistricting commission.
The redistricting commission is comprised of five Democrats, five Republicans, and four voters
registered with neither party. Any new district lines would need to be approved by nine of those
commissioners, including three Democrats, three Republicans, and three from neither party. The
Legislative Analyst estimates that this measure will not have a fiscal impact on local
governments.
Proposition 27 (Position -Oppose): This measure would eliminate the State Commission on
redistricting and would consolidate the redistricting authority with elected state representatives.
CMR: 373:10 Page 1 of2
It also reduces the budget and limits the amount the Legislature can spend on redistricting and
allows voters to reject district boundary maps approved by the Legislature. There would be no
fiscal impact of this measure on local governments. The measure may result in a reduction of
state redistricting costs of around $1 million over the next year.
If both measures are approved, the one receiving more votes goes into effect.
RESOURCE IMPACT
There is no incremental resource impact associated with adoption of resolutiqns supporting or
opposing ballot initiatives.
If any of the ballot initiatives were approved, cost and revenue impacts to Palo Alto would need
to be considered at that time.
POLICY IMPLICATIONS
These recommendations are consistent with current Council legislative priorities and policy
direction.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
Adoption of these Resolutions does not meet the California Environmental Quality Act's
definition of a project pursuant to Public Resources Code Section 21065, and therefore, no
environmental review is required.
ATTACHMENTS
A. Resolution of the City of Palo Alto Opposing Proposition 20, Modifying the Redistricting
Process for Congressional Districts (to be distributed'Monday, October 4)
B. Resolution of the City of Palo Alto Opposing Proposition 27, Eliminating the State
Commission on Redistricting (to be distributed Monday, October 4)
C. Memo outlining discussion and actions from September 30, 2010 Policy & Services
Committee Meeting (to be distributed Mpnday, October 4)
PREPARED BY:
CITY MANAGER APPROVAL:
CMR: 373:10
KELLY MCADOO MORARIU
Assistant to the City Manager
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