HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC AG PKT 2003-10-27 #G re
AGENDA REPORT 6
DATE: October 27, 2003 O 0
TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council
THRU: City Clerk
FROM: City Attorney
SUBJECT: CAMPAIGN ORDINANCE
SUMMARY OF REQUEST:
Adopt Ordinance.
BACKGROUND:
The City Council adopted Chapter 1B in 1993, which was a "model" campaign ordinance
drafted by a group from Santa Ana. At the time, some groups were concerned about the
impact that large contributions and excessive expenditures may have on the outcome of
elections. Accordingly, a model ordinance was drafted in an effort to mitigate the
perceived problem. The model ordinance was presented to a number of local
jurisdictions, including Seal Beach. Seal Beach adopted the model ordinance.
Thereafter, campaign ordinances and statewide initiatives on the same subject were
routinely challenged in court. Court decisions invalidated most, if not all of the
regulations applicable to local jurisdictions, necessitating periodic amendments to the
City's ordinance.
During the City Council's study sessions on the re- codification of the Code, the City
Council directed staff to draft an ordinance repealing the campaign ordinance. It was felt
that, due to the ever - shifting law on the subject, the City should rely on state law.
The next election is March 2004, and the City Clerk has been fielding questions about the
validity of the current Code provisions. Instead of waiting for the adoption of the new
Municipal Code, staff recommends that the Council adopt the attached Ordinance at this
time.
Agenda Item G-
repealing campaign ordinance
,
4
FISCAL IMPACT:
Reduction in staff time and City Attorney costs in amending Ordinance to comply with
State law on a biannual basis.
RECOMMENDATION:
Adopt Ordinance.
repealing campaign ordinance 2