Report to Mayor and City Council
Wednesday, May 22, 2024
Discussion
SUBJECT:
Title
CONSIDER PROVIDING DIRECTION TO STAFF REGARDING WHETHER TO PROCEED WITH PREPARING A POTENTIAL NOVEMBER 2024 BALLOT MEASURE TO AMEND CITY CHARTER TO REMOVE TERM LIMITS FOR ELECTED OFFICIALS IN THE CITY OF CARSON (CITY COUNCIL)
Body
I. SUMMARY
This item is being introduced at the request of the Mayor. The City of Carson currently operates under a city charter that dictates the term limit for City Council members. Section 305 of the City Charter specifies that "[n]o person shall serve more than three four-year terms of office as a member of the city council (12-year maximum). A partial term shall count as a full term unless the period is less than two full years, which period would not count as a term." Removing this term limit from the charter would enable Council members to serve the City and its constituents for as long as the residents and voters deem appropriate.
As the City of Carson is governed by a charter, any proposal to amend the charter must be placed on the ballot during the established statewide General Election, as outlined in Elections Code 1415 and 9255, and approved by the City's voters. The Mayor has introduced this item to gauge interest of other Council members in introducing a ballot measure on the November 2024 ballot to remove term limits from the City Charter.
II. RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
PROVIDE direction to staff whether to proceed with the proposed ballot measure.
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III. ALTERNATIVES
TAKE another action deemed appropriate by City Council.
IV. BACKGROUND
The City of Carson operates under a charter with term limits for City Council members, restricting them to three four-year terms. Removing this limit would allow them to serve indefinitely, pending voter approval. Any charter amendment must be on the ballot during the General Election, so this item is being brought before Council to consider providing direction to st...
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