Title
Resolution to Place a Proposition to Amend the Ann Arbor City Charter Section Governing Eligibility for City Office on the November 4, 2014 General Election Ballot (7 Votes Required)
Memorandum
As a follow-up to the recent federal court ruling on the City Charter eligibility requirements for elective office, I am providing a proposed "Resolution to Place a Proposition to Amend the Ann Arbor City Charter Section Governing Eligibility for City Office on the November 4, 2014 General Election Ballot" for your consideration. I have requested the resolution be placed on the July 21st agenda for your review and comments, but would have no issue with postponing to the August 7th council agenda, if it's determined at Monday's meeting to be the preferred council direction. I want to give you and everyone an adequate heads-up and the needed time to evaluate this charter amendment proposal. In the interim, I also welcome your guidance, comments and suggestions. If it's the will of council to place a ballot proposal before voters to address the eligibility requirement question, the council deadline for approving a November 4th ballot proposal is August 7th - Council must approve ballot language by 8/7/14 to meet the City Clerk's 8/12 deadline to submit the proposed ballot language to the County Clerk and Attorney General. Bottom-line, no council action is required at this time, but I thought it important to provide you with sufficient time to review and receive your and public comments.
As noted in the resolution, Section 12.2 of the City Charter (Eligibility for City Office - General Qualifications) currently reads: "Except as otherwise provided in this charter, a person is eligible to hold a City office if the person has been a registered elector of the City, or of territory annexed to the City or both, and, in the case of a Council Member, a resident of the ward from which elected, for at least one year immediately preceding election or appointment. T...
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