Impartial Analysis of Measure L
on the November 8, 2005 Ballot

In accordance with the California Constitution, voters may enact a city charter to govern their city government. Redwood City voters first enacted a City Charter in 1929. There have been twelve amendments to various sections of the Charter. The last amendment took place in 2003.

In California, a city is either a general law or a charter city. A charter city is regulated by State law in matters of statewide significance and acts under its charter authority with respect to matters of local significance. The vast majority of cities in California are general law cities.

The charter amendments before the voters at this November 8, 2005 election do not change the governmental structure of Redwood City. It remains a Council-Manager form of government with seven elected Councilmembers who appoint the City Manager, City Clerk and City Attorney and various boards and commissions. Department heads and employees are appointed by the City Manager. The proposed amendments are intended to modernize and make more efficient the applicable governmental processes. The proposed amendments include the following:

• Section 15 would be amended to allow appropriations or expenditures to occur by resolution.
• Section 51 would be amended to allow the City Council to establish, by motion, the date the City Manager is to submit the proposed City budget.
• Section 51.5 would be amended to allow the City Council to approve the City’s budget and cancel any approved appropriation by resolution.

The above statement is an impartial analysis of Measure “L” prepared by the City Attorney of Redwood City. If you desire a copy of the measure, please contact the City Clerk’s office at (650) 780-7220 and a copy will be mailed to you at no cost.