Impartial Analysis of Measure M
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 19-1/2 would be amended to allow the Library Board to furnish its proposed budget to the City Manager by the same date as required of other City departments.
• Section 17 and 47b would be amended to allow Planning Commissioners and Port Commissioners to continue to hold office until their successors are appointed and qualified.
• Section 54 would be amended to permit the Board of Equalization to meet on any regular City Council meeting date in July of each year.

The above statement is an impartial analysis of Measure “M” 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.