Special ballot measure misses deadline after council fails to reach quorum

A special meeting of the city council ended abruptly after the presiding official declared there was no quorum, preventing a time-sensitive ballot measure from being finalized and forwarded to the county clerk by the stated deadline.

The presiding official called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. and later said the special-agenda item "needs to be dispensed with no later than today" so it could be "forwarded to the county clerk by tomorrow to be placed on the November ballot." At 6:10 p.m., the presiding official said they did not see a quorum and that no official business could be conducted.

During roll call the clerk read attendance, noting several absences. The presiding official recorded that three members were present and therefore a quorum was not met. The official said a brief statement from the proposal's sponsor would be allowed but that the council could not proceed with open business.

Councilwoman Winton spoke during the brief statement period and criticized absent colleagues for blocking the item. She said the proposal had been "postponed erroneously" and added, "You will not get a say because 3 members chose your election of duty instead of doing their job." Winton urged residents to return to the council's Tuesday meeting to speak during open business.

The presiding official then called for a motion to adjourn. Councilman Charlie Johnson moved to adjourn, and Councilwoman Winton supported the motion. The presiding official called the voice vote and declared the motion carried; the meeting was adjourned at 6:13 p.m.

The meeting record indicates the special-agenda item could not be forwarded before the stated deadline, meaning it will not be placed on the November ballot unless the council takes further action in a timely manner. The presiding official and councilmembers on the record encouraged residents to appear at the next regular meeting to raise the matter during open business.