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HomeMy WebLinkAbout07/21/2017 ARCADIA CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES TUESDAY, JULY 21, 2017 CALL TO ORDER - Mayor Amundson called the Special Meeting to order at 8:05 a.m. in the Council Chamber Conference Room, 240 W. Huntington Drive, Arcadia, California. ROLL CALL OF CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT: Beck, Chandler, Verlato, Tay and Amundson ABSENT: None Pursuant to Government Code Section 54953(b), Mayor Amundson participated via teleconference off the Coast of Athens Greece, Rhapsody of the Sea, Room 8030, and notice was properly posted as required by law. PUBLIC COMMENTS - No one appeared. STUDY OPEN SESSION (OPEN TO THE PUBLIC) a. A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Arcadia, California, declaring its intention to transition from at-large to district-based elections pursuant to California Elections Code Section 10010(e)(3)(A), authorizing the City Manager to retain the services of a demographer to draw district maps, and finding this transition exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act ("CEQA") pursuant to State CEQA guidelines Sections 15061(b)(3), 15320, and 15378(b)(5). Recommended Action: Adopt City Manager Lazzaretto presented the staff report. Mayor Amundson opened the public hearing. Gary Kovacic, former Mayor, appeared and expressed his concerns with the transition from at- large to district-based elections; he questioned the effects district-based elections would have on the City; and urged the City Council to approach this matter cautiously. City Manager Lazzaretto read an e-mail into the record received by former Mayor Mickey Segal asking the City Council to fight against district-based elections and take this matter court. A motion to close the public hearing was made by Council Member Chandler, seconded by Mayor Pro Tern Tay, and seeing no further objection, Mayor Amundson declared the public hearing closed. It was moved by Mayor Pro Tern Chandler, seconded by Council Member Tay, and carried on roll call vote to adopt Resolution No. 7179 declaring its intention to transition from at-large to district-based elections pursuant to California Elections Code Section 10010(e)(3)(A), authorizing the City Manager to retain the services of a demographer to draw district maps, and finding this transition exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act ("CEQA") pursuant to State CEQA guidelines Sections 15061(b)(3), 15320, and 15378(b)(5). AYES: Chandler, Tay, and Verlato NOES: Beck, and Amundson ABSENT: None City Manager Lazzaretto stated that the City has 90 days to transition to district-based elections; and explained the timeline of events that will take place during the transition. Council Member Chandler requested that staff provide information regarding SB 415 relating to cities having to consolidate their elections with the County by the year 2022. The City Council concurred. Mayor Amundson adjourned the Special Meeting at 9:04 a.m. 7; A / Mayor of the City of Arcadia ATTEST: Chief I-•uty City Clerk/ Recor•: Manager