Title
Approval of Ordinance to Clarify the Process for Initiative and Referendum
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
Not referred to a committee.
City Manager Recommendation:
Move to approve on second reading the ordinance amending Olympia Municipal Code Section 1.16.010 relating to clarification of the process for initiative and referendum.
Report
Issue:
Whether to approve the proposed ordinance updating the Olympia Municipal Code to clarify the initiative and referendum process.
Staff Contact:
Annaliese Harksen, Deputy City Attorney/Police Legal Advisor, 360.753.8338
Presenter(s):
None - Consent Calendar Item
Background and Analysis:
Background and analysis has not changed from first to second reading.
The Olympia Municipal Code (OMC) provides for the powers of initiative and referendum to be exercised in the manner set forth for the commission form of government, which was the original form of government for the City of Olympia. In 1977, the City adopted the classification of non-charter code city and retained the commission form of government. In 1978, the City chose to retain the powers of initiative and referendum as a non-charter code city pursuant to RCW 35A.11.080, which requires those powers to be exercised in the manner provided in a commission form of government as modified by RCW 35A.11.100.
RCW 35A.11.100, provides, "Except as provided in RCW 35A.11.090, and except that the number of registered voters needed to sign a petition for initiative or referendum shall be fifteen percent of the total number of names of persons listed as registered voters within the city on the day of the last preceding city general election, the powers of initiative and referendum in non-charter code cities shall be exercised in the manner set forth for the commission form of government in RCW 35.17.240 through 35.17.360 as now or hereafter amended." This modification requires a lesser number of registered voters to sign a petition for initiati...
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