West Sacramento, CA (MPG) - During their August 2015 meeting, the West Sacramento City Council voted to “begin studying the possibility of preparing a city charter document” that will be presented to the voters of West Sacramento in 2016. Following that request, the City staff asked for additional input from the City Council.

The West Sacramento City Council discussed the scope and mission for the charter project. Many government representatives and businesspeople like to use the word scope because it specifies the extent of their responsibilities. Once a person knows the scope of a project, they can decide who is qualified and how much time it will take to do it.

The City Council does not want the future city charter to alter their current city council and manager form of government. In addition, they do not want to change the current adherence to the State of California general law, especially where it is related to the payment of prevailing wages for public works projects.

Charters can be designed to address a challenge or problem. They can be also be used to maintain the core values of the community and preserve them from outside influences.

The West Sacramento City Council feels that adopting a charter may help preserve the values and practices that their City’s residents value. The City of West Sacramento’s vision is a “vibrant city where you can live, work, and play” and a place where “our residents feel safe and secure, enjoy comfortable living, and take pride in our community.”

The mission statement for the West Sacramento City Government states: “Our mission is to provide quality municipal services, quality city infrastructure and facilities, and to inspire community improvements that add value to the lives of our residents,” as well as a “City government that is financially sound, has a superior workforce, and is recognized as a regional leader.”

The City Council will work to evaluate potential charter provisions that meet their mission statement. They have come up with a timeline, which includes refining topics and language. From now until February, these topics will be discussed at City Council meetings:

• October 21st: Technology, innovation, engagement/finance and budget, elections.
• November 18th: Public Safety, staffing, franchises/planning and zoning/streamlining.
• December 2nd: Charter drafting guidance.
• February 17th, 2016: First review of draft charter.

Public meetings to discuss charter topics will begin no later than May 2016. In May-June 2016, two properly noticed public hearings will be held on the proposed charter. In August of 2016, the Yolo County deadline is expected for submitting ballot arguments, and the proposed City Charter will be voted on at Election Day on November 8^th, 2016.

Source: West Sacramento City Council meeting on Sept. 23^rd, 2015