Impartial Analysis of Measure N
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 amendment before the voters at this November 8, 2005 election does 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 amendment is intended to modernize and make more efficient the applicable governmental processes. The proposed amendments include the following:

• Section 47f (8) would be amended to allow an increase in the threshold amounts required for the solicitation of bids without advertisement and with public advertisement, respectively, for the purchase of materials and/or supplies by the Port of Redwood City.

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