FULL PACKET_2018-05-01 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

• Irma Macias, opined issues is not going anywhere, community is looking for change, and resources are needed in other areas of the community. Council discussion ensued. Mayor Pro Tern Martinez motion to elect Councilmember Benavides as Chair, Seconded by Councilmember Sarmiento approved by 6-0 vote. Acting Chair Benavides presided over the meeting. Councilmember Sarmiento, noted item originally started as a discussion on a possible transition from at large or by district election process, and putting it before the voters to decide. Opined Mayor thwarted the will of the council; council represents the voters and the residents, and not the first time the Mayor refused to perform his ministerial duties. Asked staff to provide recommendation on how to prevent this from happening again, such as sanctions that may be imposed or referral to FPPC. Councilmember Villegas, opined that Mayor may have believed vote was illegal and did not sign resolution; also question of Brown Act violations. Councilmember Tinajero, noted City Council took a vote that was approved by a majority of the City Council; opined although Mayor did not agree with it he had responsibility to sign and take appropriate legal action after; democracy blocked. Councilmember Solorio, echoed statements made by colleagues; noted traditionally not supportive of going down this route but believes in California Voting Rights Act, and importance of law; noted that communities that are implementing this have been doing it in a way that has enfranchised and involved more communities in the voting process, need to research when demographer report can be released, City of Santa Ana was acting responsibly, and need to not divide neighborhoods. Expressed support for item. Mayor Pro Tern Martinez, noted at first was not supportive because it was very rushed, Mayor Pulido has a responsibility to sign documents, Mayor violated the charter and duties, and implored Mayor to fulfill his duties in the future. Noted will only support district election unless all 19 different methods are researched, need to amend Charter to address residency requirements, hiring of a company like ESRI who will be open and transparent, and need to implement policy that funds cannot be used at their beckon call. Asked City Attorney is it typical] to perform boundary changes before census. Mayor Pro Tern Martinez left the meeting at 10:08 p.m. and did not return. City Attorney Carvalho, noted charter requires review boundaries after a census occurs, is not aware of historical actions, and review has been performed every ten years. CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 18 APRIL 17, 2018 10A-18