Minutes 2004 0105 - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES Page 9 City or San L<:anclro City Council and San Leandro Redcvclopment Agency Joint Meeting and San Leandro Parking ~l~(hority Special Meeting-January 5, 2004 ._-_....__...__...__.-~.._-'---,.- Lou Filipovich, 15376 Laverne Drive, addressed the City Council regarding suggestions for run-off clections and appointments to vacant City Council seats. ****>1<* Councilmember Grant asked about the opinion from the City Attorney. City Attorney Williallls stated she will retum with ,U1 opinion regarding the terms of office of Councilmembcrs affected by the nUl-off election when the item comes back for Council considcration. Vicc Mayor Glaze recalled that some mernbers of the Council did not support the concept of a run-off election due to the cost involved. He noted the cost is comparable to funding a police officer position for a year. Vice Mayor Glaze pointed out many oCthe issues which have been creatcd by the nUl-off election requirement, and he expressed hope that more and better analysis of impacts will be done i I" Council considers these types or changes in the futurc. Councilmember Santos expresscd interest in using the instant run-off voting method if possible in November. Vice Mayor Glaze noted concerns with the instant run-off voting system and suggested the Counci I have a discussion regarding the pros and cons of such an election. Councilmember Grant asked about the concerns with a run-off alter GO days other than the conflict with holiday mail. City Clerk Handa stated thc Alameda County Registrar's Office has indicated it would not be able to assist with the conduct of the election if held less than 88 days after the November 2, 2004 eleetion. She noted this would require stalT resources to sccure polling places, hire and train poll workers, print sample ballots and manage other election administration details, which cannot be accomplished given current staffing levels. Councilmember Badger expressed concern that Councilmembers are elected to four-year tenus, and the run-off system proposcd could potentially rcduce the terms to three years and nine months. Ms. Williams stated this is the issue on which she will render her opinion, which will bc included in the report to Council to be prepared in conjunction with the City Clerk, Councihnember Nardinc asked if, in the event of a run-off, the incumbent Councilmcmher would vacatc the Council scat in December. Ms. Williams stated she believed the incurnbent would continue to serve until the new Councilmember was seated but would get confil111ation on this point. There was consensus of the Council to do so.