HomeMy WebLinkAbout16-05 Voting Districts FormationORDINANCE NO. 16-05
AN ORDINANCE OF THE PEOPLE OF THE CITY OF COSTA MESA CALIFORNIA
AMENDING THE COSTA MESA MUNICIPAL CODE TO ESTABLISH A DIRECTLY
ELECTED MAYOR WITH TERM LIMITS AND BY-DISTRICT ELECTION OF SIX
COUNCIL MEMBERS
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COSTA MESA DOES HEREBY ORDAIN AS
FOLLOWS:
WHEREAS, the City of Costa Mesa ("City") is a general law city currently governed by a
five (5) member city council elected at-large by all voters within the City; and
WHEREAS, a general law city with a population of more than 100,000 can change to a
by-district election system by placing a measure on the ballot for voters to decide whether
to elect city council members by-district based on a map delineating boundaries of
proposed districts; and
WHEREAS, under the California Voting Rights Act, district based elections are required
if it can be shown that an at-large election system prevents minority voters from electing
their chosen candidate or influencing elections; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to a Settlement Agreement entered into with concerned citizens,
the City agreed to submit the question to voters whether to elect its city councilmembers
by district; and
WHEREAS, in accordance Elections Code Section 10010, the City CouncU held two (2)
public hearings prior to the public hearing to select the final district map and place the
measure on the November 8, 2016 general election ballot in addition to multiple
community meetings; and
WHEREAS, the City of Costa Mesa Municipal Code, Title 2 Chapter II entitled "City
Council Generally" provides for a five member city council, appointment of mayor and
mayor pro tempore and term limits (enacted by voters) for elected city council members.
NOW THEREFORE THE PEOPLE OF THE CITY OF COSTA MESA, CALIFORNIA DO
ORDAIN AS FOLLOWS:
SECTION 1. Costa Mesa Municipal Code Section 2-20 is repealed and replaced in its
entirety as follows:
Sec. 2-20. -City Elected Officials; By-District Elections.
A.City Council and Mayor. The elected officers of the City shall constitute a city
council consisting of six (6) council members elected by-district at the times and in
the manner provided in this ordinance, each of whom shall serve for a term of four
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