02-28-2008 Charter Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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(i) If more than 50% of the owners file a petition against the improvements within 30 days after the hearing, the Council shall not approve the improvements. (This is essentially identical to the petition process in the Task Force Proposal.) (ii) If a street is improved without utilities recommended by staff, then utilities may not be installed in that street using any City general revenue within 15 years after completion of the street. (iii) If a valid petition from the owners is not filed, there is a second 60 -day period to allow for a petition from all City taxpayers. [As with the Charter Commission reverse -referendum, this period seems to be relevant only for projects financed in part from the general fund, but the proposal literally imposes this waiting period on all improvements] (iv) When the improvement is financed in part through the City general fund, if more than 19% of the registered voters in the last City election file a petition to stop the improvements within 60 days after Council approval, the Council shall not proceed. If a valid petition is not filed, the Council may approve the improvements at any time during the next year. [In the November 2006 election, there were 10,824 registered voters in the City, so 2,057 registered voters would be needed to file a successful petition today] 6. REFERENDUM REQUIREMENTS Chapter 429: Existing Charter: No referendum required for approval of an improvement. Referendum is required to issue general obligation improvement bonds only if less than 20% of the cost to the City is paid with special assessments. Referendum required if less than 100% of the cost is paid by special assessments, connection charges, or any outside funding sources other than the City general fund. Must submit the proposed improvement, and the assessment formula, to the voters within 120 days after the public hearing. If a majority those voting on the question are opposed, the Council shall not proceed with the improvement. 7