REPORT TO THE CITY COUNCIL
FROM: TODD STERMER, City Clerk
Office of the City Clerk
SUBJECT
Title
***RESOLUTION - Declaring a Vacancy in the Office of Councilmember for District 5; Calling a Special Election to be Held on March 18, 2025, to Fill the Vacancy; and Calling for a Potential Run-Off Election (Subject to Mayor’s veto)
Body
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends your approval of this special election to fill the vacant seat for District 5.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Councilmember Luis Chavez, incumbent for District 5 on the Fresno City Council was elected to the Fresno County Board of Supervisors on November 5, 2024. In order to fill his vacant seat, a special election must be held.
BACKGROUND
On November 5, 2024, Councilmember Luis Chavez ran for a seat on the Fresno County Board of Supervisors and won that seat as shown by the results of the election which was certified by the County Clerk / Registrar of Voter, James A. Kus on December 3, 2024.
Councilmember Chavez submitted his resignation to the City Clerk on December 5, 2024, with an effective date of January 7, 2025. Pursuant to City of Fresno Charter Section 305, a special election is required to fill this vacancy. Taking into consideration the Charter, the Fresno Municipal Code, pertinent provisions of the California Elections Code and collaboration with the County Clerk, it is recommended the election to fill the seat for District 5 be held March 18, 2025.
ENVIRONMENTAL FINDINGS
By the definition provided in the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines section 15378, this item does not qualify as a “project” as defined by CEQA.
LOCAL PREFERENCE
Local preference is not implemented because this item does not involve a construction or services contract.
FISCAL IMPACT
The special election associated with this item will have an approximate cost of $200,000 which will be paid from the General Fund.
Attachments: Exhibit A - Resignation Letter
Exhibit B - Resolution Declaring Vacancy and Calling a Special Election