Stockton City Council Special Session – June 27, 2024: Charter Amendment Measures Placed on November Ballot
Stockton City Council Special Session – June 27, 2024
The Stockton City Council held a special session on June 27, 2024, following a closed session. The primary business was to approve resolutions placing two charter amendment measures on the November 5, 2024 General Election ballot: one city-proposed amendment to Articles XI and XI-A, and a citizen-initiated measure regarding binding arbitration for police and fire employees. Both measures were approved unanimously (6-0) with Councilmember Padilla absent.
Public Comments & Testimony
- Julie Dunning spoke in opposition to placing the city's charter amendment on the ballot, arguing it was the wrong time and expense (~$80,000 for 91 words). She expressed that the public would not understand its importance and suggested waiting for a comprehensive charter review. She also praised city public works for sidewalk repairs and staff for community engagement.
Discussion Items
- Item 8.1 – City-Proposed Charter Amendment (Articles XI and XI-A): Councilmember Blower moved to approve the resolution. Discussion emphasized correcting a flawed 2000 charter provision that had caused operational inconsistencies. Councilmembers noted the work of the citizens charter review committee and ad hoc committee. Blower volunteered to write arguments in favor.
- Item 8.2 – Citizen Initiative on Binding Arbitration for Police/Fire: The petition had sufficient signatures. City Attorney explained that rejection would still force the measure onto the ballot via legal process. Councilmember Wright expressed personal reservations about the measure's impact but voted yes as a procedural matter to avoid litigation. The council approved the resolution to place it on the ballot.
Key Outcomes
- Resolution 2024-06-27-0801 approved (6-0) to place the city’s charter amendment on the November 5, 2024 ballot, directing the City Attorney to prepare an impartial analysis and authorizing arguments.
- Motion 2024-06-27-0802 and Resolution 2024-06-27-0802 approved (6-0) certifying the citizen initiative petition, consolidating it with other measures on the ballot, and directing preparation of impartial analysis.
- Councilmember Blower assigned to write arguments in favor of the city measure.
- No reportable action from closed session.
Meeting Transcript
Good afternoon, everyone, and welcome to the special closed session. Today is June 27th, 2024. City Clerk, please take roll. Councilmember Padilla is absent. Councilmember Wright. Present. Councilmember Blower. Present. Councilmember Lenz. Present. Councilmember Via Padua. Present. Vice Mayor Wormsley. Present. And Mayor Lincoln. Present. We have a quorum. Thank you. Item two announcements of closed session 2.1 conference with legal counsel existing litigation. This closed session is authorized pursuant to Section 54956.9D1 of the government code. Item 2.2 conference with labor negotiator. This closed session is authorized pursuant to government code section 54957. Item 3, special closed session public comment. City Clerk, do we have any comments from members of the public today? We do not, Mayor. Okay. In item 4 recess to close session. This body will now adjourn to close. Good afternoon, everyone, and welcome to the special session of the Stockton City Council. Today is June 27th, 2024. City Clerk, please take roll. Councilmember Padilla is absent due to technical issues. We were unable to connect. Councilmember Wright? Present. Councilmember Blauer? Present. Councilmember Lenz. Present. Councilmember Via Padua. Present. Vice Mayor Wormsley? Present. And Mayor Lincoln. Present. We have a quorum. Thank you. Item six reports of action taken in closed session. City Attorney, do we have any reportable action this afternoon? We have nothing to report, Mayor.
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