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Home My WebLink About2006 - City of Bellingham Charter Amendment Passed 51.56%- CopyCI OF BELLINGHAM U G EMI E RA L N OV ELECTION 72006 FINANCE DIRECTOR AMEND JLWI� CHARTER AMENDMENT M;�� I BALLOT ISSUE SUBMITTED CHECKLIST == Attach to fi Ballot Issue Submitted:Date completed Initial SEP 1 2006 4171- Submitted by: �1� �°Y Con# ct�hhhone #: 4� r� C Email Address: Check signed by Commissioners I\ Routed to Pros Atty (county & districts only) 0 R Routed to Pros Atty (county & districts only) Signed & Returned by Pros Atty (county & dist only) /io ", Q . 't lG /`" ' s o' 7 Copy sent to+s#Et Lice if Applicable Publish Notice of Closing Registration (40 days prior to election) Ballot Layout Prepared Publish Official Notice of Election in Newspaper (6 days prior to election) After Election Copy of Canvass Report sent to submitter of ballot issue Obtain Receipt from Treasurer & Assessor of results If school issue, send copy of canvass report to Supt of Public Instruction (form SPI M-466) WHATCOM COUNTY AUDITOR'S OFFICE OFFICIAL CANVASS OF THE GENERAL AND SPECIAL ELECTION HELD TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2006, IN WHATCOM COUNTY, CITY OF BELLINGHAM, WASHINGTON, FOR THE PURPOSE OF SUBMITTING TO THE QUALIFIED ELECTORS OF THE CITY OF BELLINGHAM PROPOSED CHANGES TO THE CHARTER IN THE SELECTION OF THE FINANCE DIRECTOR. OATH OF AUDITOR STATE OF WASHINGTON ) ) ss. COUNTY OF WHATCOM ) do solemnly swear that the returns purporting to be the election returns of a.'County, City of Bellingham, from the Special Election held on November 7, een in no way altered and that they are the same as when they were ►('office. Z Whatcom Coun Auditor : 0 , , Su,b.5cribed and sworn to before me this 28t" day of November 2006. .4 A - (,4�. O�y r o i f _ W acomCounty gislafi Authority 1,! ;Z;Zo0 0. )r.. CERTIFICATION OF CANVASSING BOARD :SXAT�461F WASHINGTON ) ss. COUNTY OF WHATCOM ) THIS IS TO CERTIFY THAT WE, as the Whatcom County Canvassing Committee have completed the canvass of votes as it pertains to the Special Election held in the precincts within the boundaries of Whatcom County, City of Bellingham, on the 7t" day of November 2006 and the results are as follows: l/aglb6 at)�� '�;a --T-0 bw -Wt 6199TMA, &T7 oF13'"Ok AN. �! IA IATL9- 'm ` CITY OF BELLINGHAM CHARTER AMENDMENTS RELATED TO SELECTION AND PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS OF THE FINANCE DIRECTOR By Bellingham City Council The Bellingham City Council has proposed charter amendments conceminR selection of the Finance Director. if t1proved, section 8.05 would require e Finance Director to be appointed or removed b theMayor with Council approval. T�e Finance Director would be appointed based on professional ualifications with special reference lo knowledge and experience in municipal finance. Approval of this measure deletes Finance Director as an elected officer in Section 2.01 and deletes reference to the Finance Director's term of office in Section 2.02. This change would be effective January 1, 2008. Should these amendments be approved? YES 4w ml NO 4= mG YES 12,032 NO 11,305 MEASURE PASSED The canvass has been completed this 28 th day of November 2006. 51.56% 48.44% WHATCOM COUNTY CANVASSING BOARD County Auditor Page 2 O� r 7 U 31, OFFICE OF THE CITY ATTORNEY • 210 Lottie Street, Bellingham, WA 98225 fZ Telephone: (360) 676-6903 `QsI-Y j ��O Fax: (360) 671-1262 August 30, 2006 SEP - 2006 Shirley Forslof SNlH�C- e F(ASLQF Office of the Whatcom County Auditor ;;!lr�rr 311 Grand Avenue, Suite 103 Bellingham, WA 98225 RE: City of Bellingham - Proposed Charter Amendments Dear Ms. Forslof: Pursuant to the Charter of the City of Bellingham, Section 13.01, I hereby submit on behalf of the City of Bellingham, the attached copy of Resolution No. 2006-27 authorizing the submission of certain charter amendments to the city voters at the General Election on November 7, 2006. The following ballot title concerning the proposed charter amendments was prepared by the City Attorney in accordance with RCW 29A.36.071. Please contact the City Attorney's office if there are any questions about the wording of the ballot title. CITY OF BELLINGHAM CHARTER AMENDMENTS RELATED TO SELECTION AND PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS OF THE FINANCE DIRECTOR By Bellingham City Council The Bellingham City Council has proposed charter amendments concerning selection of the Finance Director. If approved, section 8.05 would require the Finance Director to be appointed or removed by the Mayor with Council approval. The Finance Director would be appointed based on professional qualifications with special reference to knowledge and experience in municipal finance. Approval of this measure deletes Finance Director as an elected officer in Section 2.01 and deletes reference to the Finance Director's term of office in Section 2.02. This change would be effective January 1, 2008. Should these amendments be approved? Yes....................................... ❑ No......................................... ❑ Shirley Forslof August 30, 2006 Page 2 Thank you for your attention to this matter. If you have any questions do not hesitate to call me. Yours ve truly, Joan H sington City Attorney SEP ' 1 2006 RESOLUTION NO. 2006-27 SHI-( �-t1r A RESOLUTION RELATING TO THE POSITION OF FINANCE DIRECTOR, AUTHORIZING THE SUBMISSION OF CERTAIN CHARTER AMENDMENTS TO THE CITY VOTERS AT THE NOVEMBER 7, 2006 GENERAL ELECTION W1110-11111 WOULD CHANGE THE FINANCE DIRECTOR TO AN APPOINTED POSITION, AND RESCINDING RESOLUTION NO.2006-24. WHEREAS, the position of Finance Director for the City of Bellingham is currently an elected position pursuant to section 2.01 of the Bellingham City Charter; and WHEREAS, the Bellingham City Charter requires no professional experience or qualifications for the position of Finance Director even though the City's finances and financial reporting requirements have grown more complex since the positions of Treasurer and Comptroller were combined into one elected position when the City Charter was drafted and approved in 1972; and WHEREAS, performing the duties required of the Finance Director requires a high degree skill, technical training and financial management experience; and WHEREAS, the City Council finds that the best interests of the City would be served if the City had an appointed Finance Director with professional education, expertise and experience and to that end, the qualified voters of the City should be presented with the opportunity to modify the existing City Charter by the adoption of the following amendments; and WHEREAS, Article XI1I, Section 13.01 of the City Charter provides that the City Council may, by agreement of a majority of all the Council members, submit proposed amendments to the voters for their ratification; and WHEREAS, the City Council has previously authorized these Charter amendments to be proposed to the voters and has directed the City Attorney to prepare the ballot titles; and WHEREAS, these amendments are interdependent and should be considered by the voters as one ballot measure; and WHEREAS, the original Resolution No. 2006-24 failed to include language related to the professional qualifications and knowledge of municipal finance required of the proposed appointed Finance Director; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BELLINGHAM: Charter Resolution - 1 iehlChurtor Resolution - Clean City of Bellingham CITY ATTORNEY 210 Lottie Street Bellingham, Washington 98225 Telephone (360) 676-6903 That the City Attorney is hereby directed to prepare an appropriate ballot title for submission of the following proposed charter amendments to the qualified voters of the City at the November 7, 2006 general election: 1. Section 2.01 Elective City Officers. This section would be amended to provide that the elective officers of the City would be the Mayor and seven (7) Councilmen. The Finance Director would become an appointive officer of the City: The elective officers of the City shall be the Mayor, and seven (7) Councilmen. All elective officers shall be elected at municipal general elections by majority vote from the City at large. 2. Section 2.02 Terms of Elected Officers. This section would be amended to delete the reference to the term of office for the Finance Director. The term of the Mayor shall be four (4) years. The terms of the six (6) Councilmen to be elected by wards shall be four (4) years. The term of the Councilman to be elected at Large shall be two (2) years. The terms of Councilmen shall be so staggered that three (3) ward Councilmen and the Councilman -at -Large shall be elected at each municipal general election. 3. Section 8.05 Finance Director —Duties. This section would be amended, beginning with the section heading, to provide for the Finance Director's appointment and required professional qualifications by adding a new first paragraph which would read as follows: Section 8.05 Finance Director —Appointment and Duties. The Finance Director of the City of Bellingham shall be appointed or removed by the Mayor with Council approval effective on January 1, 2008. The Finance Director shall be appointed on the basis of professional qualifications with special reference to knowledge and experience in municipal finance. The remainder of section 8.05 remains unchanged. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the following finalization of the ballot title, the same shall be submitted to the Finance Director who shall cause the foregoing propositions to be Charter Resolution - 2 jeNChartei Resolution - Clean City of Bellingham CITY ATTORNEY 210 Lottie Street Bellingham, Washington 98225 Telephone (360) 676-6903 placed on the ballot in accordance with this resolution by the transmittal of the same to the Whatcom County Auditor no later than September 7, 2006. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that Resolution No. 2006-24 is hereby rescinded and replaced by the adoption of this Resolution. PASSED by the Council this 24th day of July , 2006 Council President APPROVED by me this Sa day of �%� / _, 2006. Mayor Attest: �-X� , Finance Director Approved as to form: e of the City Att •ney Published: Charter Resolution - 3 ` jeh/ClmricrResolution -Clean City of Bellingham CITY ATCOPNEY 210 Lottie Street Bellingham, Washington 98225 Telephone (360) 676-6903 M 00 WHATCOM COUNTY �GD G A SHIRLEY FORSLOF AUDITOR'S OFFICE �rP COUNTYAUDITOR Whatcom County Courthouse 311 Grand Avenue, Suite 103 ey ? IE DEADE TEIN � R�IY�taG� CHIEF DEPUTY C C Bellingham, WA98225-4038 Email: Auditor@co.whatcom.wa.us Phone: 360-676-6740 Internet: www.co.whatcom.wa.us/auditor FAX: 360-738-4556 MAILED VIA CERTIFIED MAIL ON SEPTEMBER 1, 2006 September 1, 2006 Joan Hoisington City of Bellingham Attorney 210 Lottie Street Bellingham WA 98225 RE: Ballot Title: City of Bellingham Charter Amendments Related to Selection and Professional Qualifications of the Finance Director By Bellingham City Council Dear Ms. Hoisington: Enclosed is a true copy of the ballot title for City of Bellingham - Proposed Charter Amendments filed with the Whatcom County Auditor's Office on September 1, 2006. This notice of the exact language of the ballot title is being provided as RCW 29A.36.080. Sincerely, Shirley Forslof Whatcom County Auditor Encl: 1 cc: Therese Holm, Finance Director Licensing Recording Elections Administration/Internal Audit Licensing@co.whatcom.wa.us Recording@co.whatcornma.us Elections@co.whatcomma.us 360-676-6744 360-676-6740 360-676-6740 360-676-6742 360-676-6740 ext50065 Try 360-738-4555 .. of 0 ti y 1; t k�' U OFFICE OF THE CITY ATTORNEY ■ ■ 210 Lottie Street, Bellingham, WA 98225 GL Telephone: (360) 676-6903 '9sN'NG-�0 Fax: (360)671-1262 ECE IVEm August 30, 2006 $EP - 12006 Shirley Forslof C3F Office of the Whatcom County Auditor �� 5H MEY FORSL QUkJTVA 01T0,9 311 Grand Avenue, Suite 103 Bellingham, WA 98225 RE: City of Bellingham - Proposed Charter Amendments Dear Ms. Forslof: Pursuant to the Charter of the City of Bellingham, Section 13.01, I hereby submit on behalf of the City of Bellingham, the attached copy of Resolution No. 2006-27 authorizing the submission of certain charter amendments to the city voters at the General Election onNovember'7, 2000. The following ballot title concerning the proposed charter amendments was prepared by the City Attorney in accordance with RCW 29A.36.071. Please contact the City Attorney's office if there are any questions about the wording of the ballot title. CITY OF BELLINGHAM CHARTER AMENDMENTS RELATED TO SELECTION AND PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS OF THE FINANCE DIRECTOR By Bellingham City Council The Bellingham City Council has proposed charter amendments concerning selection of the Finance Director. If approved, section 8.05 would require the Finance Director to be appointed or removed by the Mayor with Council approval. The Finance Director would be appointed based on professional qualifications with special reference to knowledge and experience in municipal finance. Approval of this measure deletes Finance Director as an elected officer in Section 2.01 and deletes reference to the Finance Director's term of office in Section 2.02. This change would be effective January 1, 2008. Should these amendments be approved? Yes. . ...... ---- ......., ............. ❑ No..................... ........... CERTIFIED MAILTM RECEIPT (Domestic Mail Only; No Insurance Coverage Prc p- ED �i CO Postage $ - 0 o Certified Fee � L �� in W � G f-1 I' "^ \,��- qri 0 l7 eqRetum ReceV Fee (Endorsement Ruired) �� P ('�i y } II 0- M O Restricted Delivery Fee (Endorsemem Required) ` 1 ti� f Ln Total Postage & Fees $ 44 C � U � SeRr ❑-- i� �I _ SYrsBC ,�p7 7ilo.; � 'l t f\+---I- -1._'::=:3 .......................... • Complete items 1, 2, and 3. Also complete item 4 if Restricted Delivery is desired. R Print your name and address on the reverse o that we can return the card to you. ■ Attach this card to the back of the mailpiece, or on the front if space permits. I Article Ad ressedto: :W4 Hb1S'qG-* QJ1ai��.I.i 1�MA aio Si.. 99 aa�— azure x C3 Addressee by Printed NaC. Date of Delivery tti .Is delivery address different from item 1? ❑ Yes If YES, enter delivery address below: 10 No �fce T' "Kled Mail ❑ EXpress Mail ❑ Registered ❑ Retum Receipt for Merchandise ❑ Insured Mail ❑ C.O.D. 4. Ra_Ctrietr ri nen.,. — — �• rvu�ro rvumoer (Transfertromservice 1 7005 0390 0004 8689 3817 PS Form 38111 February 2004 Domestic Return Receipt 102595-02-M-i w OFFICE OF THE CITY ATTORNEY 210 Lottie Street, Bellingham, WA 98225 Telephone: (360) 676-6903 Fax: (360) 671-1262 August 31, 2006 Shirley Forslof Office of the Whatcom County Auditor 311 Grand Avenue, Suite 103 Bellingham, WA 98225 RE: City of Bellingham — Local Voter's Pamphlet Dear Ms. Forslof: raCOP L-P S EP -- 12006 SHIRLEY FCASL "XCM GCUNTYAjjDj C)q I am submitting the attached explanatory statement for inclusion in the Local Voter's Pamphlet for the November 7, 2006, general election. This explanatory statement refers to the City of Bellingham Charter Amendments Related to Selection and Professional Qualifications of the Finance Director which ballot measure has already been submitted to your office for inclusion on the November ballot. I am also including a copy of the Resolution of the City Appointing a committee to prepare pro/con arguments for the pamphlet. The committee members have been advised of the deadline for their submissions and have also been informed that you would appreciate receiving the statements in advance of the deadline. Please let me know if you would like to receive the explanatory statement in some other format. Thank you for your continued assistance and cooperation. Yours very truly, Joan jism7on City Attorney cc: Therese Holm, Finance Director The City Charter was approved by voters in 1972. It provides for the organization of Bellingham City government, including an elected Finance Director. The Charter provides that the Finance Director is responsible for the finances of the City. The Charter requires no professional experience or qualifications for this position. This Charter amendment would change how the City of Bellingham Finance Director is selected. Instead of being elected, the position would be appointed or removed by the Mayor with City Council approval. If approved, selection of the Finance Director would be based on professional qualifications, including education and experience requirements. OFFICE OF THE CITY ATTORNEY 210 Lottie Street, Bellingham, WA 98225 Telephone: (360) 676-6903 Fax: (360) 671-1262 August 31, 2006 z NHIFI EV 6kir Shirley Forslof Office of the Whatcom County Auditor 311 Grand Avenue, Suite 103 Bellingham, WA 98225 RE: City of Bellingham — Local Voter's Pamphlet Dear Ms. Forslof- I am submitting the attached explanatory statement for inclusion in the Local Voter's Pamphlet for the November 7, 2006, general election. This explanatory statement refers to the City of Bellingham Charter Amendments Related to Selection and Professional Qualifications of the Finance Director which ballot measure has already been submitted to your office for inclusion on the November ballot. I am also including a copy of the Resolution of the City Appointing a committee to prepare pro/con arguments for the pamphlet. The committee members have been advised of the deadline for their submissions and have also been informed that you would appreciate receiving the statements in advance of the deadline. Please let me know if you would like to receive the explanatory statement in some other format. Thank you for your continued assistance and cooperation. Yours very truly, Joan kisington City Attorney cc: Therese Holm, Finance Director The City Charter was approved by voters in 1972. It provides for the organization of Bellingham City government, including an elected Finance Director. The Charter provides that the Finance Director is responsible for the finances of the City. The Charter requires no professional experience or qualifications for this position. This Charter amendment would change how the City of Bellingham Finance Director is selected. Instead of being elected, the position would be appointed or removed by the Mayor with City Council approval. If approved, selection of the Finance Director would be based on professional qualifications, including education and experience requirements. #--f RESOLUTION NO. 2006-29 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF BELLINGHAM APPOINTING A COMMITTEE TO PREPARE PRO AND CON ARGUMENTS FOR THE LOCAL VOTERS PAMPHLET ON THE PROPOSED CHARTER AMENDMENTS RELATED TO THE POSITION OF FINANCE DIRECTOR. WHEREAS, on July 24, 2006 the City Council passed Resolution No. 2006-25 authorizing the submission of charter amendments to the voters at the November 7, 2006, General Election which would change the Finance Director to an appointed position; and WHEREAS, in the November 2005 General Election a Local Voters' Pamphlet for primary and general elections was approved by Whatcom County voters; and WHEREAS, pursuant to RCW 29A.32.280 a local jurisdiction that has a ballot issue for either the primary or general election is required to have its legislative authority formally appoint a committee to prepare arguments advocating voterd approval of the measure and a committee to prepare arguments advocating voterd rej ection; and WHEREAS, the legislative authority is required to appoint persons known to favor the measure to serve on the committee advocating approval and shall, whenever possible appoint persons known to oppose the measure to serve on the committee advocating rejection; and WHEREAS, each committee shall have not more than three members; however, the committee may seek the advice of any person or persons; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BELLINGHAM: 1. That the following persons are hereby appointed to prepare arguments advocating the voters approval of the measure: Ken Hoover Rud Browne Tim Douglas 2. That the following persons are hereby appointed to prepare arguments advocating the votersr rejection of the measure: Rick Tremaine Orphalee Smith Sharon Crozier Resolution - Voters Pamphlet - 1 City of Bellingham CITY ATTORNEY 210 Lottie Street Bellingham, Washington 98225 Telephone (360) 676-6903 (PASSED by the Council this Ith day of August , 2006 Council President APPROVED by me this Zu day of G 2006. ayor Attest: L I i Approved as to form: MT Resolution - Votefs Pamphlet - 2 City of Bellingham CITY ATTORNEY 210 Lottie Street Bellingham, Washington 98225 Telephone (360) 676-6903 09/01/2000 10:15 BHAM CITY ATTORNEY'S OFFICE 4 9738455G NO.194 P02 OFFICE OF THE CITY ATTORNEY 210 Lattie Street, Bellingham, WA 98225 Telephone; (360) 676-6903 Fax: (360) 671-1262 r� �.:- 7 August 30, 2006 Shirley Forslof: Office of the Wbatcom County Auditor 311 Grand Avenue, Suite 103 Bellingham, WA 98225 RE: City. of Bellingham - Proposed Charter Amendments Dear Ms. Forslof: S E P — 12006 Pursuant to the Charter of the City of Bellingham, Section 13,01,1 hereby submit on behalf of the City of Bellingham, the attached copy of resolution No. 2006-27 authorizing the submission of certain charter amendments to th.e city voters at the General Election on November 7, 2006. The following ballot title concerning the proposed, -charter amendments was prepared by the City Attorney in accordance with RCW 29A.36,071. Please contact the City Attorney's office if there are any questions about the wording of the ballot title. CITY OF BELLINGIiAM CHARTER AMENDMENTS RELATED TO SELECTION AND PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS OF THE FINANCE DME CTOH By Bellingham City Council The Bellingham City Council has proposed charter amendments concerning selection of the Fi=ice Director. If approved, section 8.05 would require the Finance Director to be appointed or removed by the Mayor with Council approval. The Finance Director -would be appointed based on. professional qualifications with special reference to knowledge and experience in municipal finance. Approval of this measure deletes Finance Director as an elected officer in Section 2.01 and deletes reference to the Finance Director's term of office in Section 2.02. Tlus change would be effective January 1, 2009. Should these amendments be approved? Yes.................... o Na.,...... 0 Pax 09/01/2006 1QJ:15 BHAM CITY ATTORNEY'S OFFICE 4 97384556 n NO.194 D03 Shirley Forslof August 30, 2006 Page 2 Thank you for your attention to this matter. If you have any questions do not hesitate to W1 me. Yaws ve truly, Joan 1 sington City Attorney e. U 3. OFFICE OF THE CITY ATTORNEY • • 210 Lottie Street, Bellingham, WA 98225 Telephone: (360) 676-6903 �VET%H! 1*l GAG Fax: (360) 671-1262 August 30, 2006 Shirley Forslof SHIRLEY FORSLOF Office of the Whatcom County AuditorUtar�rVC' 311 Grand Avenue, Suite 103 Bellingham, WA 98225 RE: City of Bellingham - Proposed Charter Amendments Dear Ms. Forslof: Pursuant to the Charter of the City of Bellingham, Section 13.01, I hereby submit on behalf of the City of Bellingham, the attached copy of Resolution No. 2006-27 authorizing the submission of certain charter- amendments to the city. voters at the General Election on November 7, 2006. The following ballot title concerning the proposed charter amendments was prepared by the City Attorney in accordance with RCW 29A.36.071. Please contact the City Attorney's office if there are any questions about the wording of the ballot title. CITY OF BELLINGHAM CHARTER AMENDMENTS RELATED TO SELECTION AND PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS OF THE FINANCE DIRECTOR By Bellingham City Council The Bellingham City Council has proposed charter amendments concerning selection of the Finance Director. If approved, section 8.05 would require the Finance Director to be appointed or removed by the Mayor with Council approval. The Finance Director would be appointed based on professional qualifications with special reference to knowledge and experience in municipal finance. Approval of this measure deletes Finance Director as an elected officer in Section 2.01 and deletes reference to the Finance Director's term of office in Section 2.02. This change would be effective January 1, 2008. Should these amendments be approved? Yes....................................... ❑ No........................................ 0