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Second Reading of Ordinance: Council Ward Boundaries December 4, 2018 Page 2 by 6-1 vote. Map C-3 includes slight changes to Map C that was presented to the community with initial maps on August 25, 2018. Pursuant to the Settlement Agreement entered by the City of Santa Ana and plaintiff, consistent with California Elections Code section 10010(b), the Ward with the highest percentage of Asian - American citizens of voting age shall be designated among the three Wards (1, 3 and 5) subject to election on November 3, 2020, with Wards 2, 4 and 6 to be subject to election on November 8, 2022; and any special elections after November 3, 2020 shall be By—Ward. Based on Asian CVAP populations, and minimal disruption to the existing election cycle, the proposed Ward numbers and term expirations are provided for in map C-3 (exhibit to Ordinance). The City Charter provides that an ordinance adjusting ward boundaries must be approved by a 2/3 affirmative vote requirement and be adopted no later than 120 days before an election in order to be effective for that election. While the City Charter currently limits ward boundary adjustments as needed to ensure equality of population among the wards, the settlement agreement recognized the need to comply with the California Voting Rights Act, which applies to both general law and charter cities. In addition, the City's ballot measure to revise the City Charter in this regard was approved by the voters in the November 6, 2018 election, the results of which will be certified on December 11, 2018, shortly after the effective date of Ordinance NS -2958. This proposed re -boundary process is categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act ("CEQA") pursuant to Section 15320 — Class 20 (Changes in Organization of Local Agencies) of the CEQA Guidelines, California Code of Regulations, Title 14, Chapter 3, since it involves a proposed reorganization of the City Council Wards and does not change the geographical area in which previously existing powers are exercised. STRATEGIC PLAN Approval of this item allows us to meet Goal #5. Community Health, Livability, Engagement & Sustainability, Priority #1, Establish a comprehensive community engagement initiative exhibit to expand access to information and create opportunities for stakeholders to play an active role in discussing public policy and setting priorities. FISCAL IMPACT There is no fiscal impact associated with this action. . 'D • �i/ Maria D. Huizar Clerk of the Council Exhibit: 1. Ordinance with Map C-3 and election sequence 11 A-2