Ordinance No. 1327 advances to first reading; council amends city election qualifying period

The council advanced proposed Ordinance No. 1327 on March 3, approving its first reading and setting April 7, 2026, as the final public hearing date. The ordinance, read into the record by Assistant City Attorney Stephen Conteaguero, would amend Chapter 26 (Elections) of the Code of Ordinances to remove the elected office of City Clerk, align certain sections with the 2022 City Charter and the Supervisor of Elections, change the qualifying period for council candidates, and amend notice and canvass procedures.

Council Member Noel A. Chandler moved and Council Member David R. McAuley seconded to read the ordinance by title only. Later, Council Member Robert Jarriel moved—and Vice Mayor Monica M. Clark seconded—an amendment to Section 26-3(a) adjusting the qualifying period. The minutes record a roll call vote listing Chandler as "No" and the other four members as "Yea." The minutes also contain a conflicting sentence stating the motion to amend carried "Three to Two" with Mayor Watford and Chandler voting no; however, the roll call in the minutes shows Chandler as the sole 'No.' The text of the ordinance, as read, would also repeal sections superseded by the 2022 charter and revise notice and canvass procedures to reflect coordination with the Supervisor of Elections.

The minutes do not record the exact revised deadline text beyond the amendment citation; the council set April 7, 2026, as the final public hearing date for adoption if further action is taken. The ordinance title and the public hearing date were entered into the official minute file for subsequent proceedings.