Last month, the Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk requested cooperation from nearby cities, including Signal Hill, to allow the County to supervise the March 7, 2017 elections in an attempt to host a special election for a ballot measure that addresses homelessness in the county. During the council meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 11, however, Signal Hill officials decided to conduct the elections independently from the County.
Traditionally, the City hosts its elections on its own, something Councilmember Larry Forester said the City prides itself in.
The council contracts with Martin & Chapman as its election consultants. In a recent email, Martin & Chapman informed the City that if it chooses to hold its election under the supervision of the County, then the consultants would lose business.
A fiscal-impact report from the City indicates that the cost to hold an independent election with the help of Martin & Chapman is $49,504.53, and an election hosted by the County would cost the City $21,367.10.
“I think we would lose control if we consolidate with the County,” Councilmember Michael Noll said. “We are better off than them anyway.”
In a report sent to the council, the County stated that a single-ballot election would make it easier for voters. Instead of signing into two voter rosters and going to two different tables to vote, a consolidated election would have only one roster list and ballot for voters to work with.
Consolidating with the County would also mean that results wouldn’t be readily available until 30 days after the election process instead of the instant results the City is accustomed to having.
“There is something special about being here [on election] night,” Vice Mayor Tina Hansen said. “Getting the results in that same night is something special. I am not in favor of consolidating.”
Some council members shared Hansen’s opinion, stating that the voters’ children present on election night experience the workings of government and are engaged with the community.
Councilmember Edward Wilson asked the City staff what would happen if the County chooses not to host a special election. The City staff said that the County would still be responsible for the City’s general election regardless of whether or not the special election gets scheduled.
Street lights
The city council voted to release a request for proposals (RFP) seeking energy services companies to conduct an audit of Southern California Edison (SCE)-owned street light poles. The council also considered potentially purchasing the light poles in the future.
Travis Brooks, Signal Hill management analyst, said that the RFP finds a company’s experience as the highest priority. The City is seeking to release the RFP by Oct. 13, 2016.
City staff provided the council with a fiscal-impact report stating that, by purchasing high-pressure sodium vapor street light fixtures and converting them to light emitting diode (LED) lighting, the City would save $95,342 a year.
If the City purchases the light poles from SCE, then it becomes responsible for them. For example, if a pole is damaged and needs repairs, the City is contracted with SCE to oversee maintenance for the street lights. The only poles available for purchase are freestanding street lights. Those co-located on poles with electrical services are not available for purchase.
Water bonds
Recently, the council voted to authorize the City staff to prepare the necessary documents to refinance the outstanding balance of water bonds issued in 2006.
During the Oct. 11 meeting, the council adopted the resolution to approve the legal documents associated with the refinancing.
The resolution also authorizes Charlie Honeycutt, Signal Hill city manager, to award the sale of the bonds to the lowest responsible bidder.
The City estimated that refinancing the 2006 water bonds at a rate of 1.57 percent would reduce the debt by $100,000 annually through 2026 for a total savings of $1 million.
Speed limits
Last month, the council discussed a resolution to adjust the speed limits of certain sections of roads located in the city and parts of Long Beach. During this week’s meeting, City officials adopted the resolution and read the ordinance to the public.
Recently, the Signal Hill Public Works Department conducted a 2016 speed zone survey. The results suggested that the City adjust the speed limits for nine roadway segments.
Holiday meetings
Because of the holidays approaching, the council discussed whether two meetings a month were going to be hosted as usual. Honeycutt said that the meeting dates of Nov. 22 and Dec. 27 are scheduled close to Thanksgiving and Christmas.
The council decided not to attend those two meetings and instead host only one meeting per month because some councilmembers would be absent and the quorum would not be met.
The next Signal Hill City Council meeting will take place Tuesday, Oct. 25 at 7pm in council chamber, 2175 Cherry Ave.
