Chapter 2.05 - City Council Districts#
2.05.010 - Purpose.#
The purpose of this chapter is to enact, pursuant to California Government Code Section 34886, an ordinance providing for the election of the members of the city council of the City of Lincoln by-district in five single-member districts. It is also declared that the purpose of the change in the method of electing members of the city council made by this chapter is to implement the guarantees of Section 7 of Article I and of Section 2 of Article II of the California Constitution, as set forth in Sections 14025 through 14032 of the California Elections Code.
(Ord. No. 1004B, § 1, 2-4-2020)
2.05.020 - By-district elections.#
A. City councilmember districts and district elections. Pursuant to California Government Code Section 34886, all members of the city council of the City of Lincoln shall be elected "by-district" as that term is defined in Government Code Section 34871, meaning that each of the five councilmembers shall be elected one from each district, by the voters of that district alone. All five councilmembers shall be elected in the electoral districts established by this chapter and as subsequently reapportioned pursuant to state law.
B. District map. All five councilmembers shall be elected on a by-district basis from the council districts shown and numbered on the city council approved district map titled "City of Lincoln District Map", a copy of which shall be kept on file in the city clerk's office.
C. Adjustment of council district boundaries.
-
Pursuant to Elections Code Section 21601, the city council shall adjust the boundaries of any or all of the districts following each decennial federal census. Using the census as a basis, the city council shall adjust the boundaries so that the districts shall be as nearly equal in population as practicable and in compliance with all applicable provisions of law. Any adjustment of district boundaries shall be made by ordinance adopted by the city council before the first day of November of the year following the year in which each decennial federal census is taken commencing with the 2020 federal census. The city council shall hold a public hearing on the proposed district boundaries as required by Elections Code Section 21607 prior to the introduction of an ordinance adjusting the district boundaries.
-
At the time of any annexation of territory to the city, the city council shall designate, by resolution adopted by a vote of at least a majority of the city council, the contiguous district to which the annexed territory shall be a part and shall amend the district boundaries if necessary in accordance with Elections Code Section 21603.
D. District sequencing and timing. In November, 2020, and every four years thereafter, the following three city council seats shall be elected by-district: District 3; District 4; and District 5. In November, 2022, and every four years thereafter, the following two city council seats shall be elected by-district: District 1 and District 2. The city council may, by future enactment, change the dates of these elections as required and/or authorized by applicable law.
E. Residency. Any councilmember elected or appointed to represent a district must reside in that district and be a registered voter in that district, and any candidate for city council must reside in, and be a registered voter in, the district in which he or she seeks election at the time nomination papers are issued. Termination of residency in a district by a councilmember shall create a vacancy for that city council district unless a substitute residence within the district is immediately declared and established within 30 calendar days after the termination of residency. Vacancies shall be filled in accordance with Section 2.04.140.
F. Incumbent city councilmembers at time of adoption. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Section 2.05.020, all councilmembers in office at the time this Chapter 2.05 takes effect shall continue in office until the expiration of the at-large term to which they were elected. Additionally, the vice-mayor shall become mayor following the November 2020 general election and serve a one year term as mayor in accordance with Section 2.06. In the event a vacancy occurs before the expiration of the term of a councilmember in office at the time this Chapter 2.05 takes effect, a person who is appointed or elected by special election to fill such vacancy may reside anywhere within the corporate boundaries of the city and shall serve only through the remainder of the vacated term.
G. Mayor and vice mayor. Commencing following the year 2020 general election, the vice-mayor shall be selected by the city council following each general election. Commencing following the year 2022 general election, the mayor shall be selected by the city council following each general election. Selection shall be made as soon as practicable following each general election. Selection shall be made generally on a rotating basis among the districts. With respect to the selection of a mayor, a district may be temporarily passed over based on the following factors, including but not limited to, whether the councilmember: is new to the city council, has not previously served as vice-mayor, has recently served as mayor, is unavailable for ceremonial duties, or is disinterested in serving in the role of mayor. The mayor and vice-mayor shall each serve a one year term and in the event of a vacancy of the mayor or vice-mayor, the remaining council members shall appoint from themselves a replacement for the remaining term.
H. General principles of governance. The city council understands the value of at-large governance regardless of the method from which city councilmembers are elected. Governing at-large allows for the continuation of accessible customer service, the most effective use of taxpayer resources, and consistency in city services. Therefore, the city council will govern on an at-large basis, considering the needs and interests of the entire community. The city council shall remain united in its service to the community, and understands that customer service is a priority. Any member of the city council may respond to and assist anyone in the community who calls or contacts them. Professional management in a city manager form of government will continue, with all of the best management practices that the city council expects, and supporting resources will be allocated based on expenses and expertise. Current practices regarding invitations to members of the city council to events and activities, and the process with respect to appointments to committees and various bodies will remain in effect, unless and until changed by the city council.
(Ord. No. 1062B, § 4, 5-23-2023; Ord. No. 1004B, § 1, 2-4-2020)
2.05.030 - Rules and regulations.#
The city elections official may issue rules, regulations, notices, memoranda, or conditions from time to time as the city elections official deems appropriate or necessary, consistent with the provisions of this chapter, the Lincoln Municipal Code, and state law.
(Ord. No. 1004B, § 1, 2-4-2020)
2.05.040 - Severability.#
The provisions of this chapter are hereby declared to be severable. If any provision, clause, word, sentence, or paragraph of this chapter or the application thereof to any person, establishment, or circumstances shall be held invalid, such invalidity shall not affect the other provisions or application of this chapter.
(Ord. No. 1004B, § 1, 2-4-2020)