SR 06-02-2021 2A
City Council Report
City Council Meeting: June 2, 2021
Agenda Item: 2.A
1 of 2
To: Mayor and City Council
From: Denise Anderson-Warren, City Clerk, Records and Election Services
Department
Subject: Acknowledgment of Councilmember McKeown's retirement, adoption of
resolution declaring a vacant seat, and discussion and direction on options to
fill vacancy
Recommended Action
Staff recommends that the City Council:
1. Acknowledge Councilmember McKeown’s letter announcing his retirement
from the Santa Monica City Council;
2. Adopt the attached Resolution declaring a vacancy on the City Council as of
June 11, 2021, the effective date of the Councilmember’s retirement; and
3. Discuss the next steps for filling the vacancy in accordance with Section 603 of
the City Charter; and provide direction to staff.
Discussion
On May 26, 2021, Councilmember McKeown submitted a letter announcing his
retirement from the City Council, effective June 11, 2021. This retirement creates a
vacancy on the Council.
Santa Monica City Charter Section 603 states that any vacancy on the City Council
“shall be filled by appointment by the City Council, with the appointee holding office until
the first Tuesday following the next general municipal election and until the appointee’s
successor is elected and qualified.” Section 603 further provides that, should the
Council “fail to fill a vacancy by appointment within thirty days after such office shall
have been declared vacant,” the Council “shall forthwith cause an election to be held to
fill the vacancy.”
Over the past two decades, when a City Council seat becomes vacant the Council’s
practice has been to approve a motion to accept applications from residents for the
2.A
Packet Pg. 6
2 of 2
vacant seat, direct staff to publish notices of the vacancy, and set a deadline for the
receipt of applications and letters of interest.
In preparation for the vacancy, the City Clerk’s Office is preparing to open the online
application process for interested applicants at the opening of business on June 3, 2021
through noon on Thursday, June 10, 2021. Applicants would then be considered by
Council at a special meeting on June 14, 2021. Notices advertising the vacancy will be
published on the City’s website and social media sites, local media sources and other
appropriate locations.
Financial Impacts & Budget Actions
There is no financial impact for a City Council appointment to fill the vacancy. If Council
chooses to call a special election, staff will return with information concerning costs.
Prepared By: Maria Dacanay, Administrative Analyst
Approved
Forwarded to Council
Attachments:
A. Retirement Letter
B. Resolution Declaring Vacancy
2.A
Packet Pg. 7
2.A.a
Packet Pg. 8 Attachment: Retirement Letter (4602 : Councilmember Resignation)
1
City Council Meeting: June 2, 2021 Santa Monica, California
RESOLUTION NUMBER (CCS)
(City Council Series)
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA MONICA
DECLARING A VACANCY ON THE CITY COUNCIL
WHEREAS, on May 26, 2021, Councilmember Kevin McKeown submitted a letter
of resignation from his position on the City Council effective June 11, 2021; and
WHEREAS, City Charter Section 603 governs the filling of vacancies on the City
Council; and
WHEREAS, Section 603 provides that the City Council shall fill a vacancy on the
City Council by appointment but must do so within thirty days of after the office shall
have been declared vacant; and
WHEREAS, to start the appointment period, the City Council wishes to declare the
existence of the vacancy on the City Council.
NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA MONICA
DOES RESOLVE AS FOLLOWS:
SECTION 1. The resignation of Councilmember Kevin McKeown effective June
11, 2021 has created a vacancy on the City Council of the City of Santa Monica
effective as of June 11, 2021.
SECTION 2. As a result of Councilmember McKeown’s resignation, his seat on
the City Council is hereby declared vacant effective June 11, 2021.
2.A.b
Packet Pg. 9 Attachment: Resolution Declaring Vacancy [Revision 1] (4602 : Councilmember Resignation)
2
SECTION 3. The City Clerk shall certify to the adoption of this Resolution, and
thenceforth and thereafter the same shall be in full force and effect.
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
GEORGE S. CARDONA
Interim City Attorney
2.A.b
Packet Pg. 10 Attachment: Resolution Declaring Vacancy [Revision 1] (4602 : Councilmember Resignation)