Report Prepared by: Miranda Lutzow, Assistant City Clerk, Office of the City Clerk
Title
SUBJECT: Appointment to Fill Vacancy on the Independent Districting Advisory Committee (IDAC)
REPORT IN BRIEF
Consider appointing one candidate to fill a vacancy on the IDAC.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion appointing one candidate to the Independent Districting Advisory Committee to fill the seat vacated by Carl Pollard.
Body
ALTERNATIVES
1. Appoint one candidate recommended by the League of Women Voters; or,
2. Appoint both candidates recommended by the League of Women Voters; or,
3. Continue to a future meeting.
AUTHORITY
Charter of the City of Merced, Article VII, Section 700, et seq.
CITY COUNCIL PRIORITIES
This item relates to the Council’s administrative priority of completing the election district map process by December 2015.
DISCUSSION
Background
In July 2014, the City of Merced entered into a settlement agreement with the Mexican American Legal Defense and Education Fund (MALDEF) in response to a claim that the City's at-large election system violated the California Voting Rights Act (CVRA).
As part of the terms of the settlement, the City agreed to place a Charter Amendment Measure on the November 2014 General Election ballot. If the Measure (Measure "T") was adopted by voters, the City agreed to establish, by Resolution, a process for the drawing of six single-member City Council districts, including the creation of an independent citizens' committee to assist in the review and development of district maps. Measure "T" was placed on the November 2014 ballot and was passed by a majority of voters.
In consultation with the Merced County League of Women Voters, the City accepted applications from parties interested in sitting on the Independent Districting Advisory Committee from December 22, 2014 to February 3, 2015. The City received a total of 39 applications, which were then turned over to the League of Women Voters for their consideration. The League of Women Voters conducted a thorough review of applications and recommended a list of seven candidates, which were approved by Council at the March 2, 2015 City Council meeting.
Current Vacancy
On June 30, 2015, the City Clerk’s Office received a call from Mr. Carl Pollard resigning due to a health issue.
In Section 3 of the agreement with the Mexican-American Legal Defense and Education Fund (MALDEF) plaintiffs, it indicates that the “Committee must consist of at least 7 members,” and in Section 3 (a) (iii) dictates that “any vacancies on the Committee shall be filled by having the League make a nomination to the City Council for consideration as a whole.”
The Merced County League of Women voters were contacted, and have recommended two candidates to fill the vacancy: Isabel Sanchez (top qualified candidate), and Tina Rabon (next top qualified candidate). The recommendation letter is attached for review.
IMPACT ON CITY RESOURCES
No appropriation of funds is needed.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Merced County League of Women Voters Recommendation Letter
2. Candidate Applications
3. Candidate Map
4. Current IDAC Roster