TO: Mayor and Councilmembers
FROM: Tom Westbrook, City Manager
SUBJECT:
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Introduction and First Reading of an Ordinance No.1101 Adding Article XIII to Chapter 2.102 through 2.111 of the Red Bluff Municipal Code Establishing the Measure S Citizens Oversight Committee
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RECOMMENDED COUNCIL ACTION:
recommendation
1) Conduct the public hearing;
2) Introduce and waive the first reading of an ordinance adding Article XIII to Chapter 2.102 through 2.111 of the Red Bluff Municipal Code establishing the Measure S Citizens Oversight Committee.
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SUMMARY:
On June 2, 2026, the voters of the City of Red Bluff approved Measure S, the Red Bluff Street Repair and Safety Citizen Initiative. Measure S establishes a local funding source dedicated to eligible street repair and public safety improvements and requires the creation of a Citizens Oversight Committee to provide independent public oversight of Measure S revenues and expenditures.
Specifically, Measure S directs the City to establish a Citizens Oversight Committee responsible for reviewing the annual independent fiscal audit, monitoring implementation of the Measure S Expenditure Plan, issuing annual reports to the public, and making recommendations regarding the expenditure of Measure S revenues.
Measure S further authorizes the City to adopt implementing ordinances, rules, and administrative procedures necessary to carry out the purposes of the initiative. The proposed ordinance has been prepared to fulfill that direction while maintaining consistency with the City's existing advisory committee framework.
PREVIOUS COUNCIL ACTION:
At their July 21, 2026, meeting, the Red Bluff City Council provided direction to staff to return with an ordinance codifying the Measure S Oversight Committee.
DISCUSSION:
The proposed ordinance establishes the appointment and operation of the Measure S Citizens Oversight Committee.
The proposed ordinance is intended solely to implement Measure S through administrative procedures authorized by the initiative and does not amend, modify, or alter any substantive provision approved by the voters. Rather, it provides the organizational structure and operating procedures necessary to ensure the Committee functions efficiently, transparently, and consistently with other advisory bodies established by the City.
The ordinance includes provisions addressing:
• Creation of the Measure S Citizens Oversight Committee;
• Committee membership, eligibility requirements, and appointment procedures;
• Three-year staggered terms of office;
• Vacancies, removal procedures, and annual eligibility certifications;
• Election of officers and organizational procedures;
• Compliance with the Ralph M. Brown Act;
• Committee duties and responsibilities as prescribed by Measure S;
• Confirms the Committee serves solely in an advisory capacity;
• Staff support provided by the City Manager or designee;
• Ethics and Brown Act training requirements; and
• Preparation and presentation of an annual report following completion of the independent fiscal audit.
The ordinance is consistent with the language contained within Measure S while also incorporating administrative provisions commonly found in the City's municipal code governing advisory committees. These provisions provide clarity regarding appointments, terms of office, meeting procedures, quorum requirements, ethics training, and administrative support, thereby promoting consistency across City boards and commissions.
The proposed ordinance also expressly preserves the authority granted by Measure S by confirming that the Committee has no authority to direct City employees, authorize expenditures, modify the Expenditure Plan, award contracts, select contractors, determine project priorities, or otherwise exercise administrative authority vested in the City Council or City Manager.
Adoption of this ordinance will codify responsibilities of the Measure S Citizens Oversight Committee in accordance with Measure S.
CITY FISCAL IMPACT:
The fiscal impact associated with this ordinance is expected to be minimal and can be accommodated within existing administrative resources. Staff support for the Measure S Citizens Oversight Committee will be provided by existing City personnel.
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Ordinance No.1101