TO: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
FROM: Tom Westbrook, City Manager
SUBJECT:
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Direction to Staff Regarding Draft Measure S Oversight Committee Ordinance, Bylaws, and Application Materials
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RECOMMENDED COUNCIL ACTION:
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Provide direction to staff regarding the proposed framework for the Measure S Oversight Committee, including:
1) The draft ordinance establishing the Measure S Oversight Committee within the Red Bluff Municipal Code;
2) The draft bylaws governing the operations of the Measure S Oversight Committee;
3) The draft application and eligibility affidavit for prospective committee members; and
4) Any revisions or additional provisions desired by the City Council prior to returning the item for formal adoption and implementation.
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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 requires the establishment of an independent Citizens Oversight Committee to review Measure S revenues and expenditures, monitor implementation of the Measure S Expenditure Plan, review annual fiscal audits, issue annual reports to the public, and promote accountability and transparency regarding the use of Measure S funds.
Measure S authorizes the City to adopt implementing ordinances, rules, and administrative procedures necessary to carry out the purposes of the initiative while remaining consistent with the voter-approved measure.
To facilitate implementation of Measure S, staff has prepared draft documents for City Council review and policy direction prior to formal adoption. Staff have prepared the following draft implementation documents:
1. Draft Ordinance adding Article XIII to Chapter 2 of the Red Bluff Municipal Code establishing the Measure S Citizens Oversight Committee.
2. Draft Measure S Oversight Committee Bylaws.
3. Draft Committee Application for Appointment.
4. Draft Eligibility Affidavit and Declaration.
The purpose of this agenda item is to obtain City Council policy direction prior to returning the documents for formal adoption.
PREVIOUS COUNCIL ACTION:
None.
DISCUSSION:
Draft Ordinance
The draft ordinance establishes the Citizens Oversight Committee as an advisory body to the City Council and codifies committee composition, eligibility requirements, appointments, terms of office, removal provisions, duties, and reporting obligations.
The draft ordinance proposes:
• A five-member committee appointed by the City Council.
• Membership consisting of residents, business owners, and property owners within the City.
• Representation requirements ensuring the committee always includes at least one resident, one business owner, and one property owner.
• Prohibitions on service by City Councilmembers, Tehama County Supervisors, City employees, and Tehama County employees.
• Annual eligibility certifications and required ethics training.
The ordinance further clarifies that the Committee serves solely in an advisory role and possesses no authority over expenditures, contracts, project prioritization, procurement, or City operations.
Draft Bylaws
The draft bylaws establish operational procedures for the Committee, including:
• Election of Chair and Vice Chair;
• Establish meeting schedule;
• Brown Act compliance;
• Quorum and voting requirements;
• Attendance expectations;
• Conflict of interest provisions;
• Form 700 filing requirements; and
• Annual reporting procedures.
The bylaws are intended to align with the City’s existing practices for advisory bodies while incorporating the unique requirements of Measure S.
Draft Application Materials
Staff has prepared a draft application and eligibility affidavit to assist the City Council in identifying qualified applicants and documenting compliance with Measure S Oversight Committee eligibility requirements.
The proposed application includes:
• Applicant contact information;
• Residency verification;
• Voter registration status;
• Employment and financial disclosure questions related to eligibility;
• Relevant experience and qualifications; and
• Applicant statements of interest.
The eligibility affidavit is intended to provide an additional layer of verification that applicants satisfy the eligibility requirements established by Measure S and City ordinance.
POLICY CONSIDERATIONS
The City Council may wish to provide directions regarding the following policy considerations:
1. The Measure S Oversight Committee requires at least one resident, one business owner and one property owner at all times.
2. Whether term limits should be imposed.
3. Whether staggered initial terms should be utilized to ensure continuity. DRAFT Ordinance proposes three-year terms with two being appointed for three-years, two being appointed for two-year terms and one being appointed for a one-year term.
4. The frequency of committee meetings.
5. Whether annual or semi-annual reporting to the City Council is preferred. Measure S requires an annual audit report to the City Council.
6. Any additional eligibility or disqualification criteria not otherwise addressed by Measure S.
CITY FISCAL IMPACT:
The fiscal impact associated with implementation of the Measure S Oversight Committee is anticipated to be minimal and will primarily consist of staff support, agenda preparation, meeting administration, records retention, and publication costs. Such costs are expected to be absorbed within existing departmental budgets unless the City Council directs otherwise. There is no administrative costs included in Measure S.
ATTACHMENTS:
1. DRAFT Ordinance - Measure S Oversight Committee
2. DRAFT Bylaws - Measure S Oversight Committee
3. DRAFT Application - Measure S Oversight Committee
4. Application - Appointed Councilmember