Report to Mayor and City Council
Tuesday, April 13, 2021
Discussion
SUBJECT:
Title
CONSIDERATION OF A CONTINUED DISCUSSION OF CITY GOVERNANCE POLICIES RELATED TO DISTRICT-ELECTION CITIES
Body
I. SUMMARY
The City of Carson retained Jerome Horton as a consultant to identify governance policy areas impacted by the City’s transition from an at-large election to district election city. Mr. Horton gave a presentation on this item on March 4, 2021, at which time he advised the City Council on best district governance practices utilized by different government bodies, including Federal, State, and local government entities. This item is a continuation of that discussion.
At a subsequent City Council meeting, staff will agendize for further discussion, direction and possible adoption, principles, protocols, core values and policies to guide both individual district and citywide governance in the City.
II. RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
PROVIDE guidance and direction regarding the various governance policies related to district-election cities.
Body
III. ALTERNATIVES
None
IV. BACKGROUND
Very brief descriptions of the proposed policies that are recommended by Mr. Horton are provided below:
Governance Policy (discussed at March 4, 2021 meeting):
Transitioning from citywide governance to district governance creates two groups of constituents, "Citywide Constituents" and "District Constituents." The City Council may want to develop policies and practices related to when an issue is a district issue and when it is a citywide issue.
Community Boards, Commissions and Committees (discussed at March 4, 2021 meeting):
As the City transitions to a district form of government, there will be greater demand for community representation at the district level to ensure that each district's voice is represented in the City's governance.
Standing and Ad Hoc Subcommittees (discussed at March 4, 2021 meeting):
For both citywide and district governance, Subcommittees help the Mayor and City Council establish leadership, continuity, oversight, accountability, and transparency. Participation on Subcommittees also provides an opportunity for City Council members in a district form of government to participate in developing, analyzing and implementing citywide public policy.
City Council Initiatives (discussed at March 4, 2021 meeting):
As the City transitions to a district form of government, the City Council may want to consider modifying its current agenda setting ordinance to make it more relevant for a district form of government.
Citywide and District Events:
As the City transitions to a district form of government, the Mayor and City Council may want to consider what is best suited for district events versus citywide events. Mr. Horton believes that most all City events will end up being citywide events.
Constituent Services:
As the City Council transitions to a district form of government, the Mayor and City Council may want to consider ways to ensure that constituent concerns continue to be acknowledged, reviewed, and resolved in a timely manner regardless of their geographical region.
General Core Values:
The purpose of these General City Council District Core Values is to facilitate discussions with the Mayor and Carson City Council on how they will govern themselves as District/Citywide representatives, keeping in mind the desired result that no district should go unrepresented and every resident of the City should have representation on the City Council at all times.
City Council’s guidance, thoughts, direction, and suggestions for modifications to the policies discussed above are requested for incorporation into and further development of the Model. Finally, it should be underscored that the foregoing described policies are still subject to review and analysis of any legal issues that may be presented by them.
V. FISCAL IMPACT
There is no direct fiscal impact associated with this item. Staff will present items for future City Council review and approval that may arise from this discussion as appropriate.
VI. EXHIBITS
None
Prepared by: Sharon Landers, City Manager; Robert Lee, Assistant City Attorney; and Michael George, Assistant to the City Manager