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HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda - Mail Packet - 5/10/2022 - City Council Election Code Committee Agenda - May 9, 2022City Clerk 300 LaPorte Avenue PO Box 580 Fort Collins, CO 80522 970.221.6515 970.221-6295 - fax fcgov.com/cityclerk AGENDA   City Council Election Code Committee   May 9, 2022, 12:00‐1:30 p.m.   CIC Conference Room, City Hall, 300 Laporte Ave  Remote Participation available   Public Participation Options:  Watch the Meeting: Anyone can view the Election Code  Committee (ECC) meeting live:  Join Zoom Meeting  https://fcgov.zoom.us/j/93910757534  Meeting ID: 939 1075 7534  Public Comment: Individuals who wish to address the  Committee via remote public participation can do so  through the link provided above.    The meeting will be available beginning at 11:30 a.m.  Monday. To participate:  You need to have a laptop or computer with a microphone and/or headset that includes a microphone. You need to have access to the internet. Join the Zoom meeting listed above. Keep yourself on muted status. Note:   If you are unable to participate via Zoom, you may attend the meeting in person (however, we have very limited capacity based on social distancing recommendations). Alternatively, you may provide comments to the Committee via email prior to 11:30 a.m. at cityleaders@fcgov.com.  Emails will be read by City Leaders; however, not read into the formal meeting record. Committee Members:  Mayor Jeni Arndt – Vice Chair   Councilmember Tricia Canonico, District 3 ‐ Chair    Councilmember Kelly Ohlson, District 5   Councilmember Julie Pignataro, District 2 (alternate)  2021-2022 Main Topics of Discussion in Priority Order 1) Redistricting 2) Campaign Finance Provisions 3) November Elections 4) RCV 5) Public Financing of Elections 6) Election Oversight Board 7) Partisan/Non‐Partisan Elections Packet Page 1 of 85 1.Call Meeting to Order 2.Roll Call 3.Public Comment ‐ 30 minutes total (limited to 5 minutes per speaker max) 4.Public Comment Follow‐up 5.Consideration and approval of the April 18, 2022, Committee Meeting Minutes 6.Consideration of Redistricting Options and Possible Recommendation 7.Review of Potential Ballot Questions 8.Review of Potential Campaign Finance Code Amendments 9.Proposed timeline: May 2022 Call for Special Election June 2022 Redistricting Ordinance  June/July 2022 Present ballot language to Council; Campaign finance  amendments ordinance to Council  10.Other Business 11.Adjournment ATTACHMENTS:  1. April 18, 2022, Minutes 2. Materials relating to Redistricting 3. Materials relating to Potential Ballot Questions 4. Materials relating to Potential Campaign Finance Code Amendments Next Election Code Committee Meeting:  12:00‐1:30 p.m., June 27, 2022  Packet Page 2 of 85 City of Fort Collins Page 1 April 18, 2022 ELECTION CODE COMMITTEE MEETING 12:00 PM COUNCILMEMBERS PRESENT: Arndt, Canonico, Ohlson STAFF PRESENT: Marcus Bodig, Rita Knoll, Ryan Malarky, Tammi Pusheck, Carrie Daggett, Anissa Hollingshead CITIZENS PRESENT: Robbie Moreland, Jody DesChenes, Luke Dosher 1.CALL MEETING TO ORDER 2. ROLL CALL 3. PUBLIC COMMENT Robbie Moreland asked when proposed ballot language for any November items might be presented and requested a timeline that takes into account time needed for sufficient public education on the measures. She suggested setting the donor disclosure threshold at $1,000 instead of $5,000 for both political committees and small-scale issue committees, if small-scale issue committees need to remain at all. She also requested the Committee clarify in the ordinance whether the requirement to file as a political committee applies to existing organizations. Jody DesChenes expressed support for reintroducing political committees as long as most, if not all, contributions to, and expenditures by, any and all groups which spend money to have influence in the City’s elections for both issues and candidates are disclosed. She also supported setting the donor disclosure threshold at $1,000 and supported eliminating small-scale issue committees to simplify the process. Luke Dosher supported the placement of ranked choice voting on the November ballot. 4.PUBLIC COMMENT FOLLOW-UP Mayor Arndt asked about the definitions of the various committees. City Attorney Daggett replied the Code defines committees based on whether they were formed for the purpose of functioning in a Fort Collins election, supporting Fort Collins candidates, or spending money on Fort Collins issues, and whether they receive contributions for those purposes. She noted the small-scale issue committee category was created in response to federal case law and the $5,000 limit relates to expenditures, not donations received. Mayor Arndt commented the high likelihood of national interests spending money on Fort Collins elections. City Attorney Daggett noted any group that may or may not qualify as a committee is required to report once it spends $250 in a Fort Collins election. A group would then be required to file as a committee once a certain amount of expenditures is met. Councilmember Ohlson discussed his interest in ensuring large contributions are limited and all contributions are disclosed. He also supported setting the donor threshold at $1,000 for a reporting trigger. Chair Canonico asked about the timeline for ballot language. City Attorney Daggett replied Charter language is finalized first and the ballot language will summarize the proposed changes; therefore, she is focused on getting Charter language completed based on the two ballot questions. She stated the ballot language is typically three or four sentences long and could be provided readily. City Clerk Hollingshead outlined the proposed timeline for Council’s hearing of election-related items. Agenda Item No. 5 - Minutes Packet Page 3 of 85 City of Fort Collins Page 2 5. CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF THE MARCH 21, 2022 COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES Councilmember Ohlson made a motion, seconded by Mayor Arndt, to approve the minutes of the March 21, 2022 committee meeting. The motion was adopted unanimously. 6. PRESENTATION OF REDISTRICTING OPTIONS Marcus Bodig, GIS Manager, discussed the rules that must apply when redistricting, including following County precinct lines, not removing a Councilmember from their district, and having a maximum deviation between districts of 10%. He noted the County uses registered voter numbers rather than population for its redistricting and the number of precincts in Fort Collins has gone down from 112 to 68 because the County used 2,000 registered voters per precinct rather than 1,500 which was the original state requirement. Bodig provided the two options for redistricting. City Attorney Daggett noted the Charter states the six districts should be essentially equal in size, contiguous, and compact. Councilmember Ohlson stated he is not yet ready to make a recommendation. Chief Deputy City Clerk Knoll noted the next Committee meeting is May 16th with this item set to go before Council May 17th. Councilmember Ohlson suggested a different or additional meeting of the Committee. Mayor Arndt noted the first option provides a much lower maximum deviation than the second. Members agreed to meet May 9th to formulate a recommendation. Councilmember Ohlson noted the options build in no projections for growth and yet lock in district boundaries for ten years until the next Census. City Attorney Daggett noted the discussion around what should be in the Code to trigger redistricting still needs to be finalized. She noted one of the challenges with more frequent redistricting is potentially having people not be able to vote for a Council representative in more than one election in a row. She stated the current Code language requires an examination of districts following any precinct changes by the County; however, Council has been recognizing the Code language was going to trigger frequent redistricting and therefore waiving the requirement. Councilmember Ohlson asked if adjustments can be made if population dramatically shifts in four to six years. City Attorney Daggett stated that goes to the question of what should trigger reexamining districts, which may be annexations of areas of a certain size. Mayor Arndt suggested using a percentage of population growth. City Attorney Daggett suggested looking at historic population growth numbers. Chief Deputy City Clerk Knoll noted any breach of the district boundaries by a County precinct would also trigger a redistricting. 7. REVIEW OF POTENTIAL BALLOT QUESTIONS DISCUSSION AT THE MARCH 22, 2022 WORK SESSION City Clerk Hollingshead stated the likely two ballot questions for November will be the implementation of ranked choice voting in Fort Collins beginning in 2025 and shifting to November coordinated elections in 2023. Packet Page 4 of 85 City of Fort Collins Page 3 City Attorney Daggett noted there is language in the ranked choice voting measure that would work if the City runs April elections or if the County runs November elections. She provided additional detail on the measures and the effects of one or both getting approved by voters. She noted the City does not currently have its own local term limits and is going off what is included in the State constitution, though the City does have the authority to make its own. She discussed a current court case involving term limits in Thornton. Members discussed the possibility of changing from alphabetical candidate listings on the ballot. 8. REVIEW OF POTENTIAL CAMPAIGN FINANCE CODE AMENDMENTS Councilmember Ohlson stated he would like the donor disclosure threshold to be $1,000 instead of $5,000 and would like to have as much transparent disclosure as possible. City Attorney Daggett stated staff will work on options for some of the provisions and for the definition of a committee. Mayor Arndt also requested more information on the definitions of Council committees. City Attorney Daggett replied the Finance Committee is the only Council committee with a formalized codified definition. All other committees have been formed by Council resolution. 9. PROPOSED TIMELINE 10. OTHER BUSINESS 11. ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned by unanimous consent at 1:34 PM Packet Page 5 of 85 Packet Page 6 of 85 City Clerk 300 LaPorte Avenue PO Box 580 Fort Collins, CO 80522 970.221.6515 970.221-6295 - fax fcgov.com/cityclerk MEMORANDUM DATE: May 9, 2022 TO: Election Code Committee FROM: Anissa Hollingshead, City Clerk RE: Next Steps on Redistricting for the Committee At this meeting of the Election Code Committee, Committee members will again consider the two options for new district boundaries that have been developed. The decision for the Committee is whether it is prepared to move these options forward to the full Council with or without a recommendation. Timing considerations under City Code for adopting new district boundaries by ordinance include: •First Reading must occur after at least 14 days’ published notice. •The latest possible date for approving changes to district boundaries is October 4, 2022, six months prior to the next currently scheduled regular municipal election. Included with the materials for this meeting are several maps for the committee’s use. This includes the two proposed options developed for the Committee’s consideration for new district boundaries. The version of these maps provided includes the final three-digits of the number assigned to each precinct by the County the City will now begin using to identify precincts as well at the request of the ECC members at the last committee meeting. Also included are maps showing: •Layout of current Council districts with new precinct lines shown, to help illustrate how the precinct boundaries do not adhere to current district boundaries or common dividing lines used in the past, such as College Avenue •A side-by-side comparison of 2020 and 2022 county voting precinct sizes, showing how much larger precincts are now in geographic size •Population counts within each precinct Agenda Item No. 6 - Redistricting Packet Page 7 of 85 Also being provided are reports from both the City Clerk and GIS describing the redistricting process overall and the specific methodology used by GIS in applying the required parameters from City Charter and Code to develop the two options being presented. Districts must be built from the precincts established by the County, and the larger size of precincts now combined with the requirements that must be followed have resulted in the inability to develop more alternatives that remain in compliance with the City Charter and Code. The following principles were relied upon in developing these options: •Redistricting must comply with all local, state and federal laws, including the Federal Voting Rights Act •State law only addresses the establishment of municipal precincts and not redistricting otherwise; as a Charter municipality, Fort Collins follows its own code instead of the State Statute but the Code largely mirrors the language in the Municipal Election Code relating to establishing municipal precincts •Requirements from local law (City Code and Charter) include: o Boundaries of election precincts in the City shall correspond with election precincts established by the County o Districts must be built from whole precincts o Districts must be population balanced Appropriate to use total population, not number of voters or the citizen voting-age population (CVAP) Maximum permissible deviation of ten (10) percent between the most populous and least populous district o Districts must be contiguous and reasonably compact •Historic practice has included not displacing sitting Councilmembers from their current districts when adjusting boundaries Attachments 1.Report from the City Clerk on the 2022 Redistricting Process 2.Excerpts of City Charter provisions relating to Council Districts 3.Excerpts of City Code provisions relating to Council Districts 4.Layout of current Council districts with new precinct lines 5.Population Based Redistricting Methodology memo from GIS 6.District Boundary Options with county 3-digit precinct numbers 7.Comparison of 2020 and 2022 County Voting Precinct sizes 8.Precinct Population Counts maps 9.Redistricting – A Municipal Perspective report published by the Colorado Municipal League initially in the Colorado Municipalities magazine in 2011 and updated and republished on the CML website in 2021 Packet Page 8 of 85 City Clerk 300 Laporte Avenue PO Box 580 Fort Collins, CO 80522 970.221.6515 970.221-6295 - fax fcgov.com/cityclerk Current Redistricting Timeline and Process Overview A full redistricting is done across the state every 10 years as a trickle-down process that is initiated with the completion of the decennial census. At the local level, it is possible for municipalities to make boundary adjustments on a different cadence, including more often than every 10 years as is currently called for in Fort Collins, however State boundaries, including congressional districts as well as state house and senate districts, are drawn first. Then, counties create their districts and precincts. Once these levels are complete, municipalities are able to complete their own redistricting processes. Each step in this process is contingent on the steps preceding it, as the work done at each level must take into account the work done at larger units of government. The current municipal redistricting process for Fort Collins is being impacted by several variables in earlier steps in the overall process across the state and nation. Census data was delayed following the 2020 Census, largely as a result of COVID-19 impacting the timely conduct of the Census and particularly wrap up work following the Census. Full 2020 Census data at the local level was not released until December of 2021. State Redistricting Delays in data also impacted state and county level redistricting work. This was the first year the State’s Independent Redistricting Commissions0F 1 handled state-level redistricting after their establishment by act of Colorado voters in 2018. The work of these Commission could not begin until census data was available to support their charges to establish both a statewide congressional plan1F 2 and then also state senate2F 3 and house3F 4 plans. This census data included: •2020 Census Apportionment Results4F 5 – released April 26, 2021 o Calculated congressional seats to which each state is entitled o Colorado gained a congressional district in this apportionment •Redistricting Data Summary Files5F 6 – released to the states August 12, 2021 o Available with the full redistricting data toolkit on data.census.gov on September 16, 2021 The Colorado Independent Congressional Redistricting Commission began its work on March 15, 2021. Because Colorado gained an additional congressional district, all congressional districts were significantly altered. The Commission submitted its final congressional plan to the Colorado Supreme Court on October 1, 2021, and it was approved on November 1, 2021. 1 https://redistricting.colorado.gov/ 2 https://redistricting.colorado.gov/content/congressional-final-approved 3 https://redistricting.colorado.gov/content/senate-final-approved-errata 4 https://redistricting.colorado.gov/content/house-final-approved 5 https://www.census.gov/data/tables/2020/dec/2020-apportionment-data.html 6 https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/decennial-census/about/rdo/summary-files.html Redistricting Attachment 1 Packet Page 9 of 85 Page | 2 Report on 2022 Redistricting from the City Clerk's Office A separate commission, the Colorado Independent Legislative Redistricting Commission, was also formed and began its work on March 30, 2021, to establish state house and senate districts. Final sate house and senate plans were submitted to the Colorado Supreme Court on October 15, 2021, and upheld by the Court on November 15, 2021. Larimer County is now split amongst three different congressional districts - 2, 4, and the new 8th district. The majority of the County, including all of the population of Fort Collins, is within Congressional District 2, however the communities of Loveland and Wellington are in district 4 and parts of southern Larimer County are in district 8. County Reprecincting The impact of these changes has flowed down to subsequent boundary adjustments. At the county level, Larimer County is required to redraw precinct boundaries after state redistricting to ensure no precinct is part of more than one State Representative, State Senatorial, or Congressional district. The degree of change in these districts across the state resulted in a full redrawing of all county precincts, leaving no correlation between old and new precincts. Although the County has districts, all three commissioners are elected at large. There was no adjustment made by Larimer County to the three Commissioner district boundaries. The County’s work therefore consisted of only redrawing precinct boundaries as a data driven process based on the number of active eligible voters, and not a redistricting.6F 7 Planning for Municipal Redistricting after the 2020 Census District boundaries were last adjusted under the City’s redistricting procedures in 2016. These adjustments have occurred more frequently than every 10 years based on the additional triggers in City Code. Additional adjustments were also prompted in February of 2018, when the Council opted to waive the requirement to do so because of the recency of other changes, and again in October of 2019, when required changes were again waived due to the pending 2020 census. In recent history, the redistricting process of creating potential scenarios for districts has been done by the City’s in house GIS team within the IT department. Following the 2016 process, there was substantial discussion around how to better refine that work going forward. At the direction of the City Council at the time, the City Clerk’s Office pursued a path for engaging a consultant in a more robust redistricting process, including incorporating thorough community engagement. There was funding for a redistricting effort with a shift in focus and operational execution as part of the 2019-2020 BFO process. However, due both to the timing of redistricting not being ready to start in 2020 and the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic requiring the identification of budget cuts, the dollars allocated at that time were returned as part of 2020 budget reductions. A new budget offer was developed for the 2022 budget process, and subsequently approved. The vision at the time that 2022 budget offer was prepared and submitted in April of 2021 was to support a community-wide redistricting effort with the assistance of a consultant. This process was intended to incorporate an effort to examine the method of establishing and recalibrating Council 7 https://meetings.municode.com/d/f?u=https://mccmeetings.blob.core.usgovcloudapi.net/larimerco- pubu/MEET-Agenda- e7aa944c36104e1fbbbe9a86f363d852.pdf&n=ADMINISTRATIVE%20MATTERS%20Agenda%20Document.pdf Packet Page 10 of 85 Page | 3 Report on 2022 Redistricting from the City Clerk's Office Districts, with the objective of having the project complete and in effect prior to the 2023 election. It was acknowledged in this request that staff had performed the work in the past, but that the complicated and sometimes controversial processes could benefit from assistance from an outside consultant to supplement the expertise and knowledge in GIS and the Clerk’s Office. While the budget process was underway, the current Council term started and the Election Code Committee began meeting with its current membership. At one of the first ECC meetings of the term in September of 2021, the committee discussion included a review of upcoming priorities, including redistricting. Committee members expressed questions regarding whether a consultant was necessary for the work at this time and also requested to have this work wrapped up as quickly as possible ahead of the 2023 election. There was a determination subsequently made by staff that IT would be able to support the work as they had in the past, and to follow that path, using some of the allocated funding to backfill other needs in IT as necessary. Steps in Local Redistricting The City’s redistricting work could not begin until the County completed redrawing its precinct lines in accordance with the new State Congressional, House, and Senate districts. Precincts are most significant for election administration. Under the Uniform Election Code the County is bound by, precinct size is based on registered voters and can be as high as 2,000 voters per precinct when a county conducts mail ballot elections using vote centers. Larimer County’s Board of County Commissioners has authorized precincts of that size. Precincts are also the building block of any representative district, and City precinct boundaries typically align with County precincts. County precincts within Fort Collins are comprised of only Fort Collins voters. A City precinct cannot be comprised of more than one County-level precinct and under the requirements of the City Charter, districts must be comprised of undivided general election precincts established by the County. Therefore the City was unable to develop any proposals for new district boundaries until the precincts were known. Once precinct data from the County was available, GIS began work on developing potential scenarios for new districts. To do so, 2020 Census block population totals were used to calculate total population for each precinct and for determining the ideal population size of each district.7F 8 Timeline of Significant Dates •November 1, 2021 – Final approval of Colorado congressional district boundaries •November 15, 2021 – Final approval of Colorado State House and Senate district boundaries •January 25, 2022 – Larimer County Board of Commissioners adoption of the County Clerk and Recorder’s redrawn precinct boundaries •February 4, 2022 – Larimer County Elections staff provided precinct maps to the City Clerk’s Office, which forwarded that information on to GIS •April 11, 2022 – GIS provided two different options for district boundaries compliant with the requirements of City Charter and Code •April 18, 2022 – Draft option maps provided to Election Code Committee for consideration and discussion 8 https://demography.dola.colorado.gov/ Packet Page 11 of 85 Page | 4 Report on 2022 Redistricting from the City Clerk's Office •May 9, 2022 – Additional Election Code Committee consideration of redistricting options planned •June – likely consideration of redistricting options by the full Council Packet Page 12 of 85 Page | 5 Report on 2022 Redistricting from the City Clerk's Office Considerations in Redistricting City Code and Charter Requirements The City Charter includes general parameters regarding Council district boundaries. •Council district boundaries. The city shall be divided into six (6) contiguous, reasonably compact districts, each of which shall consist of contiguous, undivided general election precincts and, to the extent reasonably possible, an equal number of inhabitants. The districts shall be numbered consecutively in a clockwise fashion beginning with the northeast district, which shall be District 1.The Council shall establish by ordinance the process for adjusting district boundaries and giving notice of any proposed boundary changes, and the manner of protesting such proposed changes. (Charter Article II, Section 1, (c)) City Code includes additional more specific requirements around establishing and adjusting Council districts. •The City Council shall by ordinance divide the City into as many election precincts for municipal elections as it may deem expedient for the convenience of registered electors in the City, and shall designate by resolution the polling place within each precinct. Insofar as practicable, boundaries of election precincts in the City shall correspond with the election precincts established by the County. (Sec. 7-66 (a)) •Pursuant to the Charter, the City is hereby divided into six (6) Districts. (from Sec. 7-86) •The City Council shall, by ordinance, amend the boundaries of the foregoing districts as necessary to comply with the provisions of Article II, Section 1(c) of the Charter. (from Sec. 7-87 (a)) •Not more than eighteen (18) months after the official decennial publication of the United States Census concerning the population of the City of Fort Collins, the City Clerk shall recommend to the City Council any district boundary changes necessary to ensure that, to the extent reasonably possible, there is no more than a ten-percent deviation between the most populous and the least populous district. (Sec. 7-87 (b)) •The need to amend precinct boundaries pursuant to § 7-71(b) shall automatically cause the City Clerk to review current population deviations, regardless of how long it has been since the last review. If the deviation is found to exceed ten (10) percent, the City Clerk shall recommend that the City Council make boundary adjustments, and present the Council with possible redistricting options that to the maximum extent possible equalize the population in each district, subject to the requirements for contiguity and compactness set forth in Article II, Section 1(c) of the Charter, with a maximum permissible deviation of ten (10) percent between the most populous and least populous district. (Sec. 7-87 (d)) It is not a requirement of either City Code or Charter, but it has been an ongoing practice as well to avoid making any changes to districts that would remove a currently seated member of the City Council from their district. It would be a legal question for resolution to determine In terms of timing for adopting new districts, there are several parameters in City Code that must be considered. Packet Page 13 of 85 Page | 6 Report on 2022 Redistricting from the City Clerk's Office •Before Council action, there must be adequate notice given via newspaper publication. This must occur first at least 14 days before the date of the first reading of a redistricting ordinance. (Sec. 7-87 (a)) •Recommendations for district boundary changes must be made to the City Council not more than 18 months after the official decennial publication of the U.S. Census. (Sec. 7-87 (b)) •Any district boundary changes must be established no less than 180 days before a regular municipal election. (Sec. 7-87 (e)) The earliest possible meeting City Council could consider the first reading of a redistricting ordinance would be June 7, 2022 based on the notice requirements in the Code. The latest date redistricting must be approved by would be October 4, 2022, based on the Code requirement for changes to be established no later than 180 days before a regular municipal election, currently next scheduled to occur on April 4, 2023. The City Clerk’s Office has been working to bring this process forward well in advance of the final October deadline in alignment with the feedback from members of the Election Code Committee expressing a desire to see these changes made well in advance of the next election. There is also a consideration associated with the scope of changes that have occurred to precincts, and as a result ultimately to districts. It is significant to note the County established its precincts based on active registered voter counts and allowed precincts as large as 2,000 active voters. This translates into significantly larger precincts when looking at overall population, as the City does in establishing districts. In total population counts, several precincts are significantly larger than they have been in the past, with total population counts exceeding 8,000 residents in some instances. This precinct size differential has been most impactful in the overall reduction in the number of precincts within Fort Collins. Previously, there were 110 City precincts. After the County’s reprecincting, there are now 68 City precincts. Because these precincts are the building blocks for districts, having fewer, much larger blocks provides fewer options for arranging districts that meet the parameters required under City Charter and Code, particularly for equal population across districts and ensuring districts are reasonably compact and contiguous. Guidance from CML Redistricting must comply with all local, state, and federal laws, including the Federal Voting Rights Act. Because of the constraints faced in trying to work with the new precincts established, there appear to be only two options for potential district boundaries that comport with Fort Collins’ local laws, its Charter and Code, as well as established practices. Other considerations have not to this stage been a part of developing these options given the challenges. For Council’s awareness, the Colorado Municipal League (CML) has prepared a number of resources for municipalities to help support local redistricting efforts. A primer published in the Colorado Municipalities magazine in 2011 was updated and provided again on CML’s website following the 2020 Census.8F 9 CML also cosponsored a webinar with the Colorado Municipal Clerks Association (CMCA) in mid-2021 to help prepare municipalities for the redistricting process.9F 10 9 https://www.cml.org/docs/default-source/default-document-library/redistricting---a-municipal- perspective.pdf?sfvrsn=e3fab4a4_0 10 https://www.cml.org/home/publications-news/resource-detail/the-2020-census-local-government-redistricting- what-you-need-to-know Packet Page 14 of 85 Page | 7 Report on 2022 Redistricting from the City Clerk's Office State law does not establish requirements for redistricting at the municipal level. There are some provisions in the Municipal Election Code specific to establishing precincts, however in Fort Collins, as a home rule municipality, local code provisions supersede those provisions of Municipal Election Code in Title 31 of state statute. CML’s guidance is helpful in evaluating other provisions that may be taken into consideration alongside the City’s Code and Charter. It also can help provide a degree of uniformity across localities while still leaving space for municipal home rule provisions. Constitutional Doctrines •Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution o “One person – one vote” Reynolds v. Sims, 377 U.S. 533 (1964) o “as nearly as is practicable one [person’s] vote in a congressional election is to be worth as much as another’s.” Wesberry v. Sanders, 376 U.S. 1, 7-8 (1964) •Constitutional mandate relating to not diluting racial groups – “Minority voting strength is impermissibly diluted when large concentrations of minority population are … fragmented and disbursed.” Carstens v. Lamm, 543 F. Supp. 68, 85-86 (D. Colo. 1982) Non-Constitutional Case Law Considerations CML also outlines several decisions from state and federal courts that have implemented non- constitutional requirements to be considered in a redistricting process. These include: •Compactness (also a required consideration under Fort Collins City Code) o Standard measured by making a circle around the entire district created and comparing the ration of the area of the district itself with the area of the circle itself, seeking to bring these figures as close to a one-to-one ratio as possible. o Equality of population takes precedence over compactness under case law. •Contiguity (also a required consideration under Fort Collins City Code) •Preservation of communities of interest o “A community of interest is a population that shares common social and economic interests that should be included within a single district for purposes of its effective and fair representation” o “populations or communities that have common needs and interests reflected in patterns of geography, social interaction, trade, and common interests.” o "In Colorado, community of interest considerations may also include agricultural or industrial identity, water issues, transportation concerns, and comparison of growth rates. Colo. Const. Art. V § 47(3) o Includes consideration of the requirements of the Voting Rights Act as well. Packet Page 15 of 85 Packet Page 16 of 85 FORT COLLINS CITY CHARTER ARTICLE II. City Council Created: 2022-03-18 10:46:56 [EST] (Supp. No. 141) Page 1 of 1 Section 1. Membership; terms. (a)Composition of Council. The Council shall consist of seven (7) members, including a Mayor and Mayor Pro Tem, elected as provided in this Article. (b)Method of election. The Mayor shall be nominated and elected from the city at large. The remaining six (6) members shall be nominated and elected by Districts. The election of District Councilmembers shall alternate between the election of representatives for Council Districts 1, 3 and 5 and the election of representatives for Council Districts 2, 4 and 6. (c)Council district boundaries. The city shall be divided into six (6) contiguous, reasonably compact districts, each of which shall consist of contiguous, undivided general election precincts and, to the extent reasonably possible, an equal number of inhabitants. The districts shall be numbered consecutively in a clockwise fashion beginning with the northeast district, which shall be District 1. The Council shall establish by ordinance the process for adjusting district boundaries and giving notice of any proposed boundary changes, and the manner of protesting such proposed changes. (d)Terms. Except as otherwise provided in Section 18 of this Article and Section 3(d) of Article IX, the term of office of the Mayor shall be two (2) years, and the term of office of all other members of the Council shall be four (4) years each; provided, however, that all such officers shall serve until their successors have been elected and have taken office. The terms of the Mayor and other members of the Council shall begin when they take the oath of office, which shall occur as the first order of business at the first regular or special Council meeting following the final certification of election results and after expiration of the recount period, or their appointment. (Ord. No. 23, 1981, 2-17-81, approved, election 4-7-81; Ord. No. 94, 1972, 1-4-73, approved, election 2-20-73; Ord. No. 197, 1986, § 1, Parts A, B, 12-16-86, approved, election 3-3-87; Ord. No. 154, 1988, 12-20-88, approved, election 3-7-89; Ord. No. 100, 1990, 9-4-90, approved, election 11-6-90; Ord. No. 15, 1997, § 1, 2-4-97, approved, election 4-8-97; Ord. No. 011, 2011, § 1, 2-15-11, approved, election 4-5-11; Ord. No. 001, 2017 , § 2, 1-17-17, approved, election 4-4-17) Redistricting Attachment 2 Packet Page 17 of 85 Packet Page 18 of 85 CHAPTER 7 - ELECTIONS ARTICLE III. - PROCEDURE Division 2 Election Precincts and Polling Places Fort Collins, Colorado, Municipal Code Created: 2022-03-18 10:47:09 [EST] (Supp. No. 141) Page 1 of 3 Division 2 Election Precincts and Polling Places Sec. 7-66. Established. (a)The City Council shall by ordinance divide the City into as many election precincts for municipal elections as it may deem expedient for the convenience of registered electors in the City, and shall designate by resolution the polling place within each precinct. Insofar as practicable, boundaries of election precincts in the City shall correspond with the election precincts established by the County. Each precinct shall be given a separate number designation as determined by the City Council. All precincts and polling places established pursuant hereto shall remain so designated until changed by the City Council. The City Council shall have the power to change or alter election precincts at any time. (b)If the boundaries of the City are enlarged by annexation, the territory annexed shall be included in the precinct which it adjoins with all precinct boundaries extending in a straight line from the former municipal boundary limit to the enlarged boundary limit. (Code 1972, §§ 9-1, 9-12) Sec. 7-67. Changes due to new precinct or boundary changes. (a)Changes in the boundaries of election precincts and the creation of new election precincts shall be completed not less than ninety (90) days prior to any municipal election, except in cases of precinct changes resulting from annexations. (b)All changes in precinct boundaries and in municipal boundaries shall be reported by the City Clerk to the County Clerk and Recorder, and a corrected map shall be transmitted to the County Clerk and Recorder as soon as possible after such changes have been effected. Sec. 7-68. Designation of precincts and polling places. (a)Polling places for the several election precincts in the City shall be designated by resolution of the City Council. (b)In the event that circumstances require any change to any polling place after designation by the City Council, the City Clerk is authorized to provide for a substitute polling place and is directed to give proper notice of any changes in the polling places. (Code 1972, § 9-7) Sec. 7-69. Polling place changes by petition. The City Council shall change any polling place upon petition of a majority of the registered electors residing within the precinct. Redistricting Attachment 3 Packet Page 19 of 85 Created: 2022-03-18 10:47:09 [EST] (Supp. No. 141) Page 2 of 3 Sec. 7-70. Judges may change polling places. (a)When it becomes impossible or inconvenient to hold an election at the place designated therefor, the judges of election, after notifying the City Clerk and after having assembled at or as near as practicable to such place and before receiving any vote, may move to the nearest convenient place for holding the election and at such newly designated place forthwith proceed with the election. (b)Upon moving to a new polling place, the judges shall display a proclamation of the change and shall station a police officer or some other proper person at the original polling place to notify all registered electors of the new location for holding the election. Sec. 7-71. Precinct map/amendment. (a)The boundaries of the election precincts as herein created in the City are hereby fixed and established as shown on the map entitled "District-Precinct Map," which map is on file in the office of the City Clerk. (b)Upon notice by Larimer County that its precinct boundaries have been amended, the City Clerk shall review precinct boundaries and recommend to City Council any precinct boundary changes to ensure they match Larimer County's precincts. (Code 1972, § 9-8; Ord. No. 005, 2017 , § 3, 1-17-17) Sec. 7-72. Rental of polling places. The City Clerk is hereby authorized to pay as rent for the polling place in each election precinct an amount established by the City Council. (Code 1972, § 9-6) Secs. 7-73—7-85. Reserved. Division 3 Election Districts0F 1 Sec. 7-86. Establishment. Pursuant to the Charter, the City is hereby divided into six (6) Districts. From each District one (1) City Councilmember will be elected. Such Districts are designated as District No. 1, District No. 2, District No. 3, District No. 4, District No. 5 and District No. 6, and are delineated on the District-Precinct Map which is adopted by ordinance and made a part hereof by reference and is on file in the City Clerk's office. (Code 1972, § 9-9; Ord. No. 130, 1990, 12-4-90) Sec. 7-87. Redistricting; notice. (a)The City Council shall, by ordinance, amend the boundaries of the foregoing districts as necessary to comply with the provisions of Article II, Section 1(c) of the Charter. The City Clerk shall cause to be published twice, 1Cross reference(s)—City Council, § 2-16 et seq. Packet Page 20 of 85 Created: 2022-03-18 10:47:09 [EST] (Supp. No. 141) Page 3 of 3 in a local newspaper of general circulation in the City, notice of the date, time and place of the City Council's consideration of any such redistricting ordinance. The first such notice shall be published no less than fourteen (14) days prior to the date of first hearing of the redistricting ordinance, and the second notice shall be published no less than ten (10) days prior to the date of the first reading of the same. (b)Not more than eighteen (18) months after the official decennial publication of the United States Census concerning the population of the City of Fort Collins, the City Clerk shall recommend to the City Council any district boundary changes necessary to ensure that, to the extent reasonably possible, there is no more than a ten-percent deviation between the most populous and the least populous district. (c)Not less than once every six (6) years after making the determination required under Subsection (b) above, the City Clerk shall again review the district boundaries to determine whether the maximum deviation between the most populous and the least populous district meets the standard described in Subsection (b) above. If the standard in Subsection (b) above is not met, the City Clerk shall recommend to the City Council any district boundary changes necessary to ensure that the districts conform to such standard. (d)The need to amend precinct boundaries pursuant to § 7-71(b) shall automatically cause the City Clerk to review current population deviations, regardless of how long it has been since the last review. If the deviation is found to exceed ten (10) percent, the City Clerk shall recommend that the City Council make boundary adjustments, and present the Council with possible redistricting options that to the maximum extent possible equalize the population in each district, subject to the requirements for contiguity and compactness set forth in Article II, Section 1(c) of the Charter, with a maximum permissible deviation of ten (10) percent between the most populous and least populous district. (e)Any changes to district boundaries shall be established by ordinance no less than one hundred eighty (180) days before a regular municipal election. (Ord. No. 26, 1998, 3-17-98; Ord. No. 063, 2011 , 6-7-11; Ord. No. 023, 2012 , § 1, 4-3-12; Ord. No. 105, 2012 , § 1, 10-16-12; Ord. No. 005, 2017 , § 4, 1-17-17) Sec. 7-88. Protest procedure. Any registered elector desiring to protest the manner of redistricting proposed in any such redistricting ordinance shall file a written protest with the City Clerk no later than noon on the Monday immediately preceding the date upon which the proposed redistricting ordinance is to be heard by the City Council on first reading. Such notice of protest shall be on a form available from the City Clerk, shall be signed by the protestor(s), and shall set forth (1) the name, address, and phone number of the protestor(s); (2) the title of the redistricting ordinance being protested; (3) with particularity, the grounds of the protest; and (4) any other information required by the City Clerk. Such protest shall be heard, considered and resolved by the City Council no later than the date of second reading of the proposed redistricting ordinance. (Ord. No. 26, 1998, 3-17-98; Ord. No. 224, 1998, 12-15-98; Ord. No. 021, 2016, § 8, 3-1-16 ) Secs. 7-89—7-100. Reserved. Packet Page 21 of 85 Packet Page 22 of 85 ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ District 2 District 5 District 4 District 6 District 1 District 3 00 18 25 660 2646 3095 2360 2130 2517 2927 2318 2304 21042049 2681 2693 2574 22942816 2875 2359 1963 2763 2040 1592 2326 1902 2415 2516 2633 4433 2776 2846 2499 4965 2676 3668 7715 2830 5433 2701 2384 1720 30872464 2152 2056 2158 1572 3370 2674 2428 2826 2941 2521 2781 2165 2129 2847 3562 1174 2701 1925 2954 2040 2641 2401 County Voting Precincts 2022 Current Council Districts District 1 District 2 District 3 District 4 District 5 District 6 Redistricting Attachment 4 Packet Page 23 of 85 Packet Page 24 of 85 GIS 215 N Mason St PO Box 580 Fort Collins, CO 80522 970.416.2050 970.221.6329 – fax www.fcgov.com/gis Population Based Redistricting Methodology Location based analysis is performed using point-in-polygon to aggregate the 2020 census population counts per county precinct. The point location information is 2020 US Census Bureau 2020 blocks, and the county precinct data are polygons provided by Larimer County. The process that summarizes the population counts into the polygons works by overlaying a polygon layer with another layer or Summarize Within. You can think of Summarize Within as taking two layers, the input polygons and the input summary features, and stacking them on top of each other. After stacking these layers, you peer down through the stack and count the number input summary features that fall within the input polygons. Not only can you count the number of features, but you can also calculate simple statistics about the attributes of the input summary features, such as sum, mean, minimum, maximum, and so on. The resulting output is a new polygon layer, and in our case the output polygon layer contains county voter precinct identifiers, and 2020 census population counts. The polygons are then categorized into districts 1 thru 6 and calculations are made to measure the deviation of each district from the ideal population needed to bring each district to an acceptable maximum deviation that does not exceed 10%. Static Variables Used for Calculations: 1. 2020 Total Districts Population = 169,810 2. Ideal Population Count per new district boundary = 2020 Census population block count totals in each district/number of districts = (169,810 ÷6) = 28,302 Calculated Variables 1.Percentage of Ideal population = (new district total population ÷ ideal population)100 2.Percentage from Ideal population = percentage of ideal population - 100 3. Lowest Difference of Change = min districts percentage from ideal 4. Highest Difference of Change = max districts percentage from ideal 5. Maximum Deviation within an option = absolute value(min districts percentage from ideal) + absolute value(max districts percentage from ideal) Redistricting Attachment 5 Packet Page 25 of 85 2 Below is an example provided using Option 1 1. 2020 City Population = 169,810 2. Ideal District Population = (169,810 ÷6) = 28,302 District District Population Percentage of Ideal Percentage Change from Ideal Change Needed 1 28245 99.80 -0.20 -57 2 27911 98.62 -1.38 -391 3 28846 101.92 1.92 -544 4 28109 99.32 -0.68 193 5 29084 102.76 2.76 782 6 27615 97.57 -2.43 -687 Absolute % Change Lowest % Change -2.43 2.43 Highest % Change 2.76 2.76 Max Deviation 5.90 The calculated max deviation of 5.9 falls within the guidelines within city code, which states that a maximum permissible deviation of 10% between the most populous and least populous district must be achieved when redrawing district boundaries. Another consideration when redrawing district boundaries is that voting precincts that contain the address location a council member will by default be assigned to the council district. Figure 1. Default precincts to council members address location Packet Page 26 of 85 3 Source data Current city council district boundaries which include precincts. https://gisserver.fcgov.com/arcgis/rest/services/GeneralGISData/CouncilDistrict/FeatureServer Current City Limits boundary. https://gisserver.fcgov.com/arcgis/rest/services/GeneralGISData/CityLimits/FeatureServer Updated Larimer County voting precincts. https://apps.larimer.org/api/gis/files/GIS_BoundariesGDB.zip 2020 Census block population totals. https://demography.dola.colorado.gov/ Packet Page 27 of 85 Packet Page 28 of 85 ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ W HORSETOOTH RD LAPORTE AVE S TIMBERLINE RDN U S H I G H W A Y 2 8 7 S LEMAY AVEZIEGLER RDS OVERLAND TRLW DRAKE RD W WILLOX LN W VINE DR COUNTRY CLUB RD RICHARDS LAKE RD W MOUNTAIN AVE E WILLO X L N W MULBERRY ST E MULBERRY ST JE F F E R S O N S T COUNTY R O A D 5 4 G W COUNTY ROAD 38EE COUNTY ROAD 50 E COUNTY ROAD 38 MOUNTAIN VISTA DR N TIMBERLINE RDS COLLEGE AVETERRY LAKE RDG R E G O R Y R D N COLLEGE AVEKECHTER RDN SHIELDS STS COUNTY ROAD 5W H A R M O N Y R D W DOUGLAS RD E COUNTY ROAD 36 W PROSPECT RD E TRILBY RD STATE HIGHWAY 392 E HORSETOOTH RD MAIN STE PROSPECT RD E VINE DR W TRILBY RD E DRAKE RDN OVERLAND TRL E L I N C O L N A V EN LEMAY AVES SHIELDS STS COUNTY ROAD 13RI V E R S I D E A V E CARPENTER RD E HARMONY RD S COUNTY ROAD 11S S UMM I T V I EW DRS US HIGHWAY 287N COUNTY ROAD 17E COUNTY ROAD 48N COUNTY ROAD 19STRAUSS CABIN RDS TAFT HILL RDN TAFT HILL RDS COUNTY ROAD 19S COUNTY ROAD 9E COUNTY ROAD 52 E COUNTY ROAD 54E DOUGLAS RD N COUNTY ROAD 5N COUNTY ROAD 9District 2 District 5 District 4 District 6 District 1 District 3 690 490 301 306 300 309 311 329 336 335 328 330 334 326348 349 337 338 314327 315 352 351 353 354 331 332 333 356 357 350 347 365 364 360 345 342 346 340 321 341 322 325 317 316324 366 358 359 367 307 310 313 312 308 323 339 362 344 363 361 303 320 319 318 305 304 302 Redistricting - Option 1 Printed: April 19, 2022 Redistricting Option 1 District 1 District 2 District 3 District 4 District 5 District 6 County Voting Precincts ^Council Member Locations District 1 28302 28245 99.8%-0.2% District 2 28302 27911 98.6%-1.4% District 3 28302 28846 101.9%1.9% District 4 28302 28109 99.3%-0.7% District 5 28302 29084 102.8%2.8% District 6 28302 27615 97.6%-2.4% District Ideal Population Total Population Percentage of Ideal Percentage From Ideal 169,810 28,302 2.43%2.76%5.19% Total Population Ideal District Populaion Lowest Change Highest Change Maximum Deviation Redistricting Attachment 6 Packet Page 29 of 85 Packet Page 30 of 85 ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ W HORSETOOTH RD LAPORTE AVE S TIMBERLINE RDN U S H I G H W A Y 2 8 7 S LEMAY AVEZIEGLER RDS OVERLAND TRLW DRAKE RD W WILLOX LN W VINE DR COUNTRY CLUB RD RICHARDS LAKE RD W MOUNTAIN AVE E WILLO X L N W MULBERRY ST E MULBERRY ST JE F F E R S O N S T COUNTY R O A D 5 4 G W COUNTY ROAD 38EE COUNTY ROAD 50 E COUNTY ROAD 38 MOUNTAIN VISTA DR N TIMBERLINE RDS COLLEGE AVETERRY LAKE RDG R E G O R Y R D N COLLEGE AVEKECHTER RDN SHIELDS STS COUNTY ROAD 5W H A R M O N Y R D W DOUGLAS RD E COUNTY ROAD 36 W PROSPECT RD E TRILBY RD STATE HIGHWAY 392 E HORSETOOTH RD MAIN STE PROSPECT RD E VINE DR W TRILBY RD E DRAKE RDN OVERLAND TRL E L I N C O L N A V EN LEMAY AVES SHIELDS STS COUNTY ROAD 13RI V E R S I D E A V E CARPENTER RD E HARMONY RD S COUNTY ROAD 11S S UMM I T V I EW DRS US HIGHWAY 287N COUNTY ROAD 17E COUNTY ROAD 48N COUNTY ROAD 19STRAUSS CABIN RDS TAFT HILL RDN TAFT HILL RDS COUNTY ROAD 19S COUNTY ROAD 9E COUNTY ROAD 52 E COUNTY ROAD 54E DOUGLAS RD N COUNTY ROAD 5N COUNTY ROAD 9District 2 District 5 District 4 District 6 District 1 District 3 690 490 301 306 300 309 311 329 336 335 328 330 334 326348 349 337 338 314327 315 352 351 353 354 331 332 333 356 357 350 347 365 364 360 345 342 346 340 321 341 322 325 317 316324 366 358 359 367 307 310 313 312 308 323 339 362 344 363 361 303 320 319 318 305 304 302 Redistricting - Option 2 Printed: April 19, 2022 Redistricting Option 2 District 1 District 2 District 3 District 4 District 5 District 6 County Voting Precincts ^Council Member Locations District 1 28302 28090 99.3%-0.7% District 2 28302 29023 102.5%2.5% District 3 28302 29177 103.1%3.1% District 4 28302 27868 98.5%-1.5% District 5 28302 29029 102.6%2.6% District 6 28302 26623 94.1%-5.9% District Ideal Population Total Population Percentage of Ideal Percentage From Ideal 169,810 28,302 -5.9%3.1%9% Total Population Ideal District Populaion Lowest Change Highest Change Maximum Deviation Packet Page 31 of 85 Packet Page 32 of 85 0.5 0.55 0.30.34 0.37 0.4 0.41 0.44 0.6 0.6 1.06 1.09 0.49 0.31 0.47 0.28 0.46 0.260.47 0.28 0.65 0.41 0.33 0.32 0.31 0.87 0.37 0.23 0.55 0.2 0.9 0.77 3.67 0.93 0.681.17 1.31 1.08 1.31 0.62 0.35 1.81 0.36 0.46 0.5 0.23 0.16 0.15 0.2 0.16 0.25 0.29 0.51 0.58 0.38 0.54 1.16 0.41 0.25 0.390.260.39 0.21 0.22 0.74 0.23 0.38 0.24 0.43 2.03 0.14 0.41 2.05 0.36 0.84 0.27 0.4 0.36 0.52 0.38 0.63 0.57 0.59 1.04 0.2 0.44 0.54 0.4 0.34 0.44 1.12 0.16 0.27 0.15 1.03 1.03 3.72 Comparison of 2020 and 2022 County Voting Precincts Sizes Printed: April 12, 2022 0.13 0.61 2.09 0.55 0.78 0.71 0.74 1.04 0.93 0.97 0.36 0.7 0.550.48 0.5 0.49 0.41 0.540.54 0.46 4.41 1.7 1.6 0.75 0.66 0.57 0.73 0.52 0.46 0.46 1.36 0.5 0.43 0.57 0.73 0.55 0.55 1.02 0.59 0.47 0.45 0.52 1.29 0.90.48 1.91 0.27 0.48 0.25 1.49 1.9 1.9 1.9 0.37 0.81 1.42 0.55 0.59 1.38 1.38 0.58 0.48 0.52 1.86 1.28 0.6 1.59 1.2 2.03 2.03 0.99 112 0.54 0.01 3.72 0.39 Precinct Count Mean Square Miles Minimum Square Miles Maximum Square Miles Median Square Miles 68 0.87 0.13 4.41 0.59 Precinct Count Mean Square Miles Minimum Square Miles Maximum Square Miles Median Square Miles DRAFTRedistricting Attachment 7 Packet Page 33 of 85 Packet Page 34 of 85 ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ District 2 District 5 District 4 District 6 District 1 District 3 68 67 3 19 18 6157 53 48 52 46 56 58 3537 43 39 38 4041 34 59 51 63 66 62 65 60 50 45 49 28 30 24 26 13 8 23 22 12 14 15 31 17 2527 32 42 36 44 33 64 47 55 54 20 29 11 9 21 16 2 5 4 7 10 6 1 Precinct Population Counts Printed: April 12, 2022 1 2,401 2 1,174 3 18 4 1,925 5 2,701 6 2,641 7 2,954 8 2,676 9 2,129 10 2,040 11 2,165 12 2,830 13 4,965 14 5,433 15 2,701 16 3,562 17 1,720 18 660 19 25 20 2,521 21 2,847 22 7,715 23 3,668 24 2,846 25 3,087 26 2,499 27 2,464 28 4,433 29 2,781 30 2,776 31 2,384 32 2,152 33 3,370 34 2,875 35 2,104 36 2,158 37 2,049 38 2,574 39 2,693 40 2,294 41 2,816 42 2,056 43 2,681 44 1,572 45 2,516 46 2,927 47 2,428 48 2,130 49 2,633 50 2,415 51 1,963 52 2,517 53 2,360 54 2,941 55 2,826 56 2,318 57 3,095 58 2,304 59 2,359 60 1,902 61 2,646 62 1,592 63 2,763 64 2,674 65 2,326 66 2,040 67 0 68 0 Polygon Number Total Population DRAFTRedistricting Attachment 8 Packet Page 35 of 85 Packet Page 36 of 85 P:68 0 P:67 0 P:3 18 P:19 25 P:18 660 P:61 2646 P:57 3095 P:53 2360 P:48 2130 P:52 2517 P:46 2927 P:56 2318P:58 2304 P:35 2104 P:37 2049 P:43 2681 P:39 2693 P:38 2574 P:40 2294 P:41 2816 P:34 2875 P:59 2359 P:51 1963 P:63 2763 P:66 2040 P:62 1592 P:65 2326 P:60 1902 P:50 2415 P:45 2516 P:49 2633 P:28 4433P:30 2776 P:24 2846 P:26 2499 P:13 4965 P:8 2676 P:23 3668 P:22 7715 P:12 2830 P:14 5433 P:15 2701 P:31 2384 P:17 1720 P:25 3087 P:27 2464 P:32 2152 P:42 2056 P:36 2158 P:44 1572 P:33 3370 P:64 2674 P:47 2428 P:55 2826 P:54 2941 P:20 2521 P:29 2781 P:11 2165 P:9 2129 P:21 2847 P:16 3562 P:2 1174 P:5 2701 P:4 1925 P:7 2954 P:10 2040 P:6 2641 P:1 2401 Precinct Population Counts Printed: April 12, 2022 County Voting Precincts Total Population Census Blocks Both High High - Low Low - HighBoth Low County Voting Precincts DRAFTPacket Page 37 of 85 Packet Page 38 of 85 REDISTRICTING – A MUNICIPAL PERSPECTIVE As a result of the 2020 federal census, many Colorado municipalities must redraw municipal ward and district boundaries. Municipal redistricting is impacted by constitutional doctrines, judicially imposed requirements, election regulations and local legislation. Much of this material has not changed since the last census in 2010, but recently, the Colorado Legislature adopted several new statutes addressing redistricting, which are discussed below. Constitutional Doctrines The first constitutional doctrine governing redistricting is usually referred to as "one person –one vote." Reynolds v. Sims, 377 U.S. 533 (1964). The concept arises out of the Equal Protection Clause of the U.S. Constitution, and requires that districts be drawn so that "as nearly as is practicable one [person's] vote in a congressional election is to be worth as much as another's." Wesberry v. Sanders, 376 U.S. 1, 7-8 (1964). Simply put, voting districts should be as equal in population as possible, though mathematical precision is not required. Reynolds, 377 U.S. at 577. The second constitutional mandate is racial equality – minority voting strength cannot be purposely diluted by a redistricting plan. As a general rule, "minority voting strength is impermissibly diluted when large concentrations of minority population are … fragmented and disbursed." Carstens v. Lamm, 543 F.Supp. 68, 85-86 (D.Colo. 1982). Non-Constitutional Considerations In addition to the constitutional constraints, state and federal courts have adopted several non-constitutional requirements that must be considered during the redistricting process. The first is compactness. The goal is to determine the smallest circle into which the district can be circumscribed and compare the ratio of the area of the district inside the circle to the area of the circle itself. Id. at 87 (quoting American Bar Assoc. Special Committee on Election Law Redistricting Attachment 9 Packet Page 39 of 85 2 and Voter Participation, Congressional Redistricting 13 (1981)). The closer these figures come to a one to one ratio, the more compact the district. However, in any dispute between compactness and population equality, population equality takes precedence. Allen v. Board of County Comm'rs of Lincoln County, 497 P.2d 1026, 1028 (Colo. 1972). In other words, if districts need to be substantially different in size to achieve equal population, compactness is not required. The second requirement is contiguity, which dictates that no part of one district may be completely separate from any other part of the same district. Carstens, 543 F.Supp. at 87. The next judicial consideration is the preservation of county and municipal boundaries, but this is inapplicable to municipal redistricting, because there are no internal boundaries to preserve within municipalities. The final requirement imposed by the courts is preservation of communities of interest. Communities of interest are "distinctive units which share common concerns with respect to one or more identifiable features such as geography, demography, ethnicity, culture, socio-economic status or trade." Id. at 91. In Colorado, community of interest considerations may also include agricultural or industrial identity, water issues, transportation concerns, and comparison of growth rates. Colo. Const. Art. V § 47(3). Political Gerrymandering The third facet of redistricting law is political gerrymandering. Unconstitutional political gerrymandering occurs when redistricting improperly divides a group of voters who share a common ethnic, racial or religious background, and "their common interests are strong enough to be manifested in political action." Karcher v. Daggett, 462 U.S. 725, 750 (1983) (Stevens, J., concurring) (citations omitted). A violation requires, at a minimum, a "recognized protectable Packet Page 40 of 85 3 group" of voters with "homogenous interests." Kawamoto v. Okata, 868 P.2d 1183, 1188 (Haw. 1994). Judicial Review A reviewing court's role in redistricting proceedings is sui generis, meaning that the scope of judicial review is narrow: to measure the redistricting plan against constitutional standards. In Re Apportionment of Colorado General Assembly, 332 P.3d 108 (Colo. 2011) (citing In re Reapportionment of Colorado General Assembly, 828 P.2d 185, 189 (Colo. 1992), and In re Reapportionment of Colorado General Assembly, 647 P.2d 191, 194 n.6 (Colo. 1982)); accord Kallenberger v. Buchanan, 649 P.2d 314, 318 (Colo. 1982). This is true, because reapportionment is primarily the responsibility of the legislative body, rather than the judiciary. Wise v. Lipscomb, 434 U.S. 1329, 1332 (1977). The test for a reviewing court is not whether a better redistricting plan could have been designed, but rather whether the plan passes constitutional muster. In re Pennsylvania Congressional Districts Reapportionment Cases, 567 F.Supp. 1507, 1517 (M.D. Pa. 1982), aff'd Simon v. Davis, 463 U.S. 1219 (1983). In a Colorado case decided after the 2011 redistricting, the Colorado Supreme Court established additional standards for redistricting in Colorado. In Hall v. Moreno, 270 P.3d 961 (Colo. 2012), the court ruled that "when tough redistricting choices must be made," it is generally more important to preserve county boundaries in rural areas, whereas municipal boundaries should often take precedence in the urbanized portions of the state. Id. at 971. However, this opinion was based partly on C.R.S. § 2-1-102, which was repealed by the Colorado Legislature in 2020 (see below). As such, it is unclear whether this new consideration is still valid. Packet Page 41 of 85 4 New Colorado Statutes In its 2020 session, the Colorado Legislature passed the Colorado Accurate Residence for Redistricting Act, which reassigns prisoners to their last known residence in Colorado prior to incarceration. If the last known residence is outside of Colorado or the last known residence is unknown, the prisoners are counted for purposes of redistricting at the correctional facility. In addition, the Colorado Legislature adopted Senate Bill 20-186 ("SB 186"), a comprehensive overhaul of state redistricting requirements. While the process of redistricting was previously referred to as "reapportionment" in Colorado, SB 186 updated the term to "redistricting." So, the two independent state commissions charged with redistricting are now named the "Independent Congressional Redistricting Commission" and the "Independent Legislative Redistricting Commission", rather than the previous "Reapportionment Commission." More importantly, however, SB 186 repealed C.R.S. § 2-1-102, entitled "Neutral criteria for judicial determinations of congressional districts." This is the statute that enacted all of the redistricting considerations outlined here. It is unclear why this statute was repealed, but its repeal does not affect any constitutional mandates or requirements imposed by case law. Municipal Ward and Precinct Boundaries There are three boundary classifications involved in municipal redistricting: general election precincts; municipal election precincts; and wards. 1. General Election Precincts A general election precinct is "an area with established boundaries within a political subdivision used to establish election districts." C.R.S. § 1-1-104(30). General election precincts are established by each county clerk, with approval of the county commissioners. C.R.S. § 1-5- Packet Page 42 of 85 5 101(1). The number of county precincts depends on whether the county uses paper ballots, voting machines or electronic voting. C.R.S. § 1-5-101(2) and (3). General election precinct boundaries must be redrawn to comply with state reapportionment and the federal census. C.R.S. § 1-5-101(1). Each board of county commissioners "shall redraw the general election precincts in such county to ensure that no general election precinct is contained within more than one state representative, state senatorial, or congressional district." C.R.S. § 2-2-506(1)(a). 2. Municipal Election Precincts The creation of municipal election precincts is mandated by the Municipal Election Code: "The governing body of each municipality shall divide the municipality into as many election precincts for municipal elections as it deems expedient for the convenience of electors …." C.R.S. § 31-10-502(1)(a). There must be a relationship between municipal precinct boundaries and general precinct boundaries: "Municipal election precincts shall consist of one or more whole general election precincts wherever practicable, and clerks and governing bodies shall cooperate with the county clerk and recorder and board of county commissioners … to accomplish this purpose." C.R.S. § 31-10-502(1)(a)(part). In other words, municipalities should wait for counties to redraw general election precinct boundaries before adopting municipal precinct boundaries. Under the Uniform Election Code, changes in precinct boundaries for nonpartisan elections (including municipal elections) must be completed at least 25 days before the election. C.R.S. § 1-5-104(1) and (4). Under the Municipal Election Code, changes in precinct boundaries must be completed at least 90 days before the election. C.R.S. § 31-10-502(2)(a). 3. Wards Packet Page 43 of 85 6 Pursuant to C.R.S. § 31-1-101(14), a ward is "a district, the boundaries of which have been established pursuant to section 31-2-104 or 31-4-104, from which a member of the governing body of a city or town is elected." Each statutory city must be divided into wards. C.R.S. § 31-4-104. On the contrary, there is no requirement that statutory towns be divided into wards. Clearly, if there are no wards, municipal redistricting is not an issue. However, statutory towns may be divided into wards upon incorporation. C.R.S. § 31-2-104(1). Ward boundaries may not be changed more than once in 6 years unless "necessary to conform to constitutional apportionment requirements." C.R.S. § 31-4-104. Further, ward boundaries may be changed only by majority vote of all members elected to the governing body. Id. It is unclear what happens if a vote to change ward boundaries fails, but that change is necessary to comply with federal redistricting requirements. Home rule municipalities may be divided into wards or districts if the home rule charter so provides. Some home rule municipalities in Colorado have both "at large" councilmembers as well as councilmembers from wards. If this is the case, redistricting will be required. Under the Municipal Election Code, no municipal election precinct can be located within more than one ward, and each ward must contain at least one municipal election precinct. C.R.S. § 31-10-502(1)(a). Ward boundary changes must be completed 90 days before an election. C.R.S. § 31-10-502(2)(a). The Uniform Election Code does not address modifications to ward boundaries. Map Once new precinct and ward boundaries are established, the precinct and ward map must be amended. Under the Municipal Election Code, changes in municipal election precincts and wards must be reported to the county clerk, with a corrected map, as soon as possible after the changes are made. C.R.S § 31-10-502(2)(b). Under the Uniform Election Code, changes in Packet Page 44 of 85 7 election precincts for nonpartisan elections must be reported to the county clerk within 10 days, and a corrected map must be transmitted to the county clerk as soon as possible. C.R.S. § 1-5- 104(2). Effect on Current Elected Officials Unfortunately, there is no hard and fast rule as to whether current elected officials are immediately affected by redistricting – it depends on whether the municipality is a statutory town, statutory city, or home rule municipality, and if home rule, it also depends on the charter. Affected municipalities should consult with their attorney for specific direction on this issue. Common Law Under common law, qualifications of a candidate for office are determined at the time of the commencement of the term of office. Cox v. Starkweather, 260 P.2d 587, 591 (Colo. 1953). Redistricting which would change the residence of an incumbent member of a legislative body does not affect that member's current term of office. Tomblin v. Bivens, 149 S.E.2d 284, 292 (W.Va. 1966); accord Childress County v. Sachse, 310 S.W.2d 414, 420 (Tex. Civ. App. 1958). Stated another way, candidates carry their residence with them throughout the entire term of office to which they were elected. Burkhart v. Sine, 489 S.E.2d 485, 489 (W.Va. 1997). Statutory Municipalities Because there is no statute governing residence changes for elected officials of statutory towns, the common law applies. However, for statutory cities: "If any councilman, during the term of his office, removes from or becomes a nonresident of the ward in which he was elected, he shall be deemed thereby to vacate his office, effective upon the adoption by the city council of a resolution declaring such vacancy to exist." C.R.S. § 31-4-106 (emphasis added). This means that when a city councilmember moves from a residence located within his ward to a residence Packet Page 45 of 85 8 located in a different ward, that councilmember will automatically vacate his office. This represents a stark difference from the common law, and only applies to statutory cities. Home Rule Municipalities In the absence of a conflicting charter provision, the common law applies to home rule municipalities. However, many charters contain provisions stating that residency is an ongoing obligation. In other words, if a councilmember lives in District 1, is elected from District 1, but then, as a result of redistricting her home is suddenly located in District 2, she is automatically removed from the council and a vacancy is created. Many home rule charters state that an elected official becomes ineligible to serve if he or she "moves from the district or ward" from which he or she was elected. It is unclear whether the phrase "moves from the district" includes the circumstances where the councilmember does not move, but the district boundaries move. Procedures In light of the foregoing, following are suggested procedures to help Colorado municipalities successfully redistrict: 1. Determine whether redistricting is required. a. Find the population of each district in the 2020 federal census. b. Calculate the percentage difference between the smallest district and the largest district. c. The general standard for deviation between the smallest municipal voting district and the largest district is 10%, but a smaller percentage is helpful. d. The final determination should be made by the governing body, considering all relevant circumstances, such as historic population differences and potential growth areas. Packet Page 46 of 85 9 2. Appoint an individual or commission to oversee redistricting process. a. Because redistricting is a controversial and politically charged process, a commission, including individuals with different backgrounds or areas of residence within the municipality, is a good choice. b. It is important to accept input from residents in public meetings. 3. Implement criteria. The following are standard, in the order they should be considered: a. One person – one vote (population equality). b. No minority vote dilution or political gerrymandering. c. Coordination with general election precincts. d. Compactness. e. Contiguity. f. Preservation of communities of interest. 4. Establish a timeline. a. Include all commission meeting dates. b. Include the date for submittal of final plan(s), leaving enough time before the next election to adjust precinct boundaries, if necessary. 5. Follow the criteria. a. Keep a record of how each criterion was considered. b. If a consultant is hired, the consultant should have a copy of the criteria, and any report should include specific consideration of each criterion. c. It is helpful to craft alternative plans, because it creates a good record for a reviewing court if a challenge is filed. Packet Page 47 of 85 10 6. Present proposed plan(s) to the governing body. a. The plan(s) should include statements as to whether each criterion has been satisfied, factual support, and detailed explanations. b. The plan(s) should be presented at a public hearing, and residents and other interested parties should be given an opportunity to be heard. c. The final plan must be adopted by ordinance, because under Title 31 and many home rule charters, district boundaries may only be changed by ordinance, and because redistricting should be a legislative determination for purposes of judicial review. 7. Determine effect on current elected officials. a. In statutory cities, vacancies are automatically created if any member of the governing body no longer resides in his or her ward as a result of redistricting. b. In other municipalities, the governing body should make a legislative determination as to whether the loss of residence will create an immediate vacancy. Conclusion Municipal redistricting involves many legal and practical considerations, and to ensure compliance with constitutional and statutory mandates, municipalities should commence the redistricting process as soon as possible after the 2020 Census is completed and the state and counties complete their redistricting,. Packet Page 48 of 85 Election Code Committee Discussion Draft ‐‐ May 9, 2022  (In no particular order)  CITY-INITIATED PROPOSED CHARTER AMENDMENT NO. ___ (Ranked Voting) Shall Article VIII of the Charter of the City of Fort Collins, regarding the conduct of City elections, be amended to: require that for all regular city elections after January 1, 2025, the offices of Mayor and all District Councilmember positions shall be elected using a “ranked voting method,” pursuant to the applicable Colorado statutes or, for City- conducted elections, procedures and deadlines adopted by the City Council by ordinance, clarify the applicable law for coordinated elections, and make minor conforming edits, and shall Article IX of the Charter, regarding recall, be amended to incorporate the ranked voting method set out in Article VIII? Yes/For No/Against CITY-INITIATED PROPOSED CHARTER AMENDMENT NO. ___ (November Elections) Shall Article VIII of the Charter of the City of Fort Collins, regarding the conduct of City elections, be amended to: make the regular city election date the same Tuesday in November of every odd- numbered year as the state ballot issue elections are held, in place of the first Tuesday after the first Monday in April of every odd-numbered year, extend current terms of the Mayor and each Councilmembers until successors are elected in November of the appropriate odd-numbered year and take office, without altering the number of terms each such officer may serve, allow for coordinated elections to be conducted by the County Clerk and Recorder and clarify the applicable law for coordinated elections, allow Council to adjust the time frame for candidate nominations and withdrawals up to 180 days prior to the election, and make minor conforming edits; and shall Article II of the Charter, regarding membership, terms and organization of the City Council, be amended to provide that City officers elected in a November election shall be sworn in and take office, and a Mayor Pro Tem shall be elected, at a special Council meeting on the second Tuesday of January next after such election? Yes/For No/Against  Agenda Item No. 7 - Review of Potential Ballot Questions Packet Page 49 of 85 Packet Page 50 of 85 ‐ FORT COLLINS CHARTER  ARTICLE VIII. ELECTIONS        Fort Collins, Colorado, Municipal Code    Created: 2022‐03‐18 10:46:58 [EST]  (Supp. No. 141)    Page 1 of 4  ARTICLE VIII. ELECTIONS  Section 1. Applicability of state constitution.  The Council shall provide by ordinance for the manner of holding city elections. All ordinances regarding elections  shall be consistent with the provisions of this Charter and the state Constitution. Any matter regarding elections  not covered by the state Constitution, this Charter or ordinance of the Council shall be governed by the laws of the  State of Colorado relating to municipal elections, or coordinated municipal elections, as applicable.   (Res. No. 71‐12, 2‐11‐71, approved, election 4‐6‐71; Ord. No. 202, 1986, § 1, Part V, 12‐16‐86, approved, election  3‐3‐87)  Section 2. City elections.  A regular city election shall be held on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in April of odd‐numbered years.  Special city elections shall be called by ordinance and shall be held in accordance with the provisions of this  Charter and any ordinances adopted pursuant thereto. All municipal elections shall be nonpartisan.   (Ord. No. 23, 1981, 2‐17‐81, approved, election 4‐7‐81; Ord. No. 201, 1986, § 1, Part B, § 2, 12‐16‐86, approved,  election 3‐3‐87; Ord. No. 202, 1986, § 1, Part V, 12‐16‐86, approved, election 3‐3‐87; Ord. No. 154, 1988, 12‐20‐88,  approved, election 3‐7‐89; Ord. No. 11, 1997, § 1, 2‐4‐97, approved, election 4‐8‐97)  Section 3. Nomination; withdrawal from nomination.  Any person who is qualified at the time of nomination for the office to be filled may be nominated for the elective  office by petition. A nominating petition for the office of Mayor shall be signed by not less than twenty‐five (25)  registered electors. A nominating petition for District Council office shall be signed by not less than twenty‐five  (25) registered electors residing in that District. A registered elector may sign one (1) petition for each office for  which the elector is entitled to vote at the election. If an elector should sign more petitions than entitled, said  elector's signature shall be void as to all petitions which the elector signed.   Nominating petitions must be filed with the City Clerk. The Council shall enact an ordinance specifying the time  frame for circulation and submittal of nominating petitions and the deadline for withdrawal from candidacy for  municipal office. Such time frame shall not be changed within one (1) year immediately prior to the election. No  nominating petition shall be accepted unless the candidate completes a verified acceptance of the nomination  certifying that he or she is not a candidate, directly or indirectly, of any political party, and that he or she meets the  qualifications for office, and will serve if elected.   A person who has been nominated may withdraw from candidacy by filing a written request to do so with the City  Clerk before the deadline established by Council ordinance for such withdrawal, and no name so withdrawn shall  be placed upon the ballot.   (Ord. No. 12, 1977, 2‐15‐77, approved, election 4‐5‐77; Ord. No. 201, 1986, § 1, Part E, § 3, 12‐16‐86, approved,  election 3‐3‐87; Ord. No. 202, 1986, § 1, Part V, 12‐16‐86, approved, election 3‐3‐87; Ord. No. 11, 1997, § 1, 2‐4‐ 97, approved, election 4‐8‐97)  Packet Page 51 of 85           Created: 2022‐03‐18 10:46:58 [EST]  (Supp. No. 141)    Page 2 of 4  Section 4. Petitions.  (a) Form; circulation. The Council shall prescribe by ordinance, upon recommendation of the City Clerk, the form  for a nominating petition which shall include such warnings and notices to signers as may be deemed  appropriate by the Council, as well as the candidate's verified acceptance of nomination. The signatures on a  nominating petition need not all be subscribed on one (1) page, but to each separate section of the petition  there shall be attached a signed statement of the circulator thereof, stating the number of signers on that  section of the petition, and that each signature thereon was made in the circulator's presence and is the  genuine signature of the person whose name it purports to be. When executed, such statement shall be  accepted as true until it shall be proved false. If any portion is proved false, that portion of any petition shall  be disregarded. Following each signature on the petition of nomination shall be written the printed name  and the residence address of the signer, and the date of signing. All nominating papers comprising a petition  shall be filed as one (1) instrument.   (b) Sufficiency of petition. Upon receipt of a nominating petition, the City Clerk shall forthwith examine the  petition, and within five (5) days after the filing of the petition, notify the candidate in writing of the results  of the examination, specifying the particulars of insufficiency, if any. Within the regular time for filing  petitions, an insufficient petition may be amended and filed again as a new petition, in which case the time  of the first filing shall be disregarded in determining the validity of signatures thereon, or a different petition  may be filed for the same candidate. The petition for each candidate elected to office shall be preserved by  the City Clerk until the expiration of the terms of office for such person.   (c) No person shall receive any compensation whatever for signing a nominating petition.   (Ord. No. 12, 1977, 2‐15‐77, approved, election 4‐5‐77; Ord. No. 201, 1986, § 1, Part E, § 4, 12‐16‐86, approved,  election 3‐3‐87; Ord. No. 202, 1986, § 1, Part V, 12‐16‐86, approved election 3‐3‐87; Ord. No. 158, 1988, 12‐20‐88,  approved, election, 3‐7‐89; Ord. No. 11, 1997, § 1, 2‐4‐97, approved, election 4‐8‐97; Ord. No. 005, 2015, § 1, 1‐20‐ 15, approved, election of 4‐7‐15 )  Section 5. Board of Elections.  There is hereby created a Board of Elections consisting of the City Clerk, Chief Deputy City Clerk, and Chief Judge.  The Board shall be responsible for any election duties specified in this Charter and for such additional duties  related to the conduct of elections as may be established by the Council by ordinance.   (Ord. No. 201, 1986, § 1, Part H, 12‐16‐86, approved, election 3‐3‐87; Ord. No. 202, 1986, § 1, Part V, 12‐16‐86,  approved, election 3‐3‐87; Ord. No. 11, 1997, § 1, 2‐4‐97, approved, election 4‐8‐97; Ord. No. 022, 2007, §1, 2‐20‐ 07, approved, election 4‐3‐07; Ord. No. 015, 2021 , § 2, 1‐19‐21, approved, election 4‐6‐21)  Section 6. Appearance of names on ballot.  Every ballot shall contain the names of all duly nominated candidates for offices to be voted for at that election,  except those who have died or withdrawn. The names shall be arranged in alphabetical order of surname for each  office, and shall not contain any title or degree designating the business or profession of the candidate. The  candidate's name may be a nickname, but shall not include any punctuation marks setting out the nickname.   (Ord. No. 129, 1999, § 1, 8‐17‐99, approved, election 11‐2‐99)  Packet Page 52 of 85           Created: 2022‐03‐18 10:46:58 [EST]  (Supp. No. 141)    Page 3 of 4  Section 7. Certification of election results.  (a) No later than the date specified by Council by ordinance tenth day after every city election and, after verifying  the total number of legal votes cast for each candidate and measure voted upon, the Board of Elections shall  complete a certificate declaring the results of the election. The candidate receiving the highest number of votes for  a particular office, as determined pursuant to Section 7(c), shall be declared elected to that office. In event of a tie,  the selection shall be made by the Board of Elections by lot after notice to the candidates affected. In case the  candidate elected fails to qualify within sixty (60) days after the date of issuance of the certificate of election, the  candidate with the next highest vote shall be elected, and the candidate failing to qualify shall forfeit his or her  office whether or not such candidate has taken the oath of office. If there is no other elected successor who  qualifies, the office shall be deemed vacant, and shall be filled by appointment by the remaining members of the  council, as provided in Article II, Section 18. In the event of a mandatory recount or recount by request, the Board  of Elections shall complete an amended certificate declaring the results of the election no later than the fifth day  after the completion of the recount.   (b) For coordinated city elections (which are not administered by the City), the election shall be determined and  certified and any failure of qualifications, tie vote or recount shall be administered, as provided in the applicable  state law. The candidate receiving the highest number of votes for a particular office, as determined pursuant to  Section 7(c), shall be declared elected to that office.   (c)  Ranked voting methods.  Beginning in 2025, the candidate receiving the highest number of votes for a  particular office will be determined using a ranked voting method.  (1) For a City‐administered election, the ranked voting method will be in accordance with specifications  adopted by the City Council by ordinance.  (2) For a coordinated election, the ranked voting method will be in accordance with and as provided by  applicable state law.   (Ord. No. 197, 1986, § 1, Parts C, M, 12‐16‐86, approved, election 3‐3‐87; Ord. No. 202, 1986, § 1, Parts V, W, 12‐ 16‐86, approved, election 3‐3‐87; Ord. No. 11, 1997, § 1, 2‐4‐97, approved, election 4‐8‐97; Ord. No. 129, 1999, §  2, 8‐17‐99, approved, election 11‐2‐99; Ord. No. 022, 2007, §1, 2‐20‐07, approved, election 4‐3‐07; Ord. No. 001,  2017 , § 2, 1‐17‐17, approved, election 4‐4‐17)  Section 8. Campaign contributions.  The Council shall act by ordinance to establish a limit on the amount that any person or entity may contribute in  support of a candidate for Council on the ballot at any city election.   No political party or city employee, directly or indirectly, and no public service corporation, nor any other person,  firm or corporation, owning, interested in, or intending to apply for any franchise or contract with the city shall  contribute or expend any money or other valuable thing, directly or indirectly, to assist in the election or defeat of  any candidate.   (Ord. No. 6, 1980, 1‐16‐80, approved, election 2‐26‐80; Ord. No. 208, 1984, 1‐15‐85, approved, election 3‐5‐85;  Ord. No. 201, 1986, § 1, Part M, 12‐16‐86, approved, election 3‐3‐87; Ord. No. 202, 1986, § 1, Parts V, W, 12‐16‐86,  approved, election 3‐3‐87; Ord. No. 11, 1997, § 1, 2‐4‐97, approved, election 4‐8‐97; Ord. No. 129, 1999, § 2, 8‐17‐ 99, approved, election 11‐2‐99)  Packet Page 53 of 85           Created: 2022‐03‐18 10:46:58 [EST]  (Supp. No. 141)    Page 4 of 4  Section 9. Corrupt practices.  Any person who violates at a city election any state law, provision of this Charter or ordinance of the city shall,  upon conviction thereof, be disqualified from holding any city position or employment for two (2) years, or any  elective city office for four (4) years.   (Ord. No. 201, 1986, § 1, Parts J, M, 12‐16‐86, approved, election 3‐3‐87; Ord. No. 202, 1986, § 1, Parts V, W, 12‐ 16‐86, approved, election 3‐3‐87; Ord. No. 11, 1997, § 1, 2‐4‐97, approved, election 4‐8‐97; Ord. No. 129, 1999, §  2, 8‐17‐99, approved, election 11‐2‐99)  Section 10. Validity of elections.  No city election shall be invalidated if it has been conducted fairly and in substantial conformity with the  requirements of this Charter.   (Ord. No. 201, 1986, § 1, Part M, 12‐16‐86, approved, election 3‐3‐87; Ord. No. 202, 1986, § 1, Parts V, W, 12‐16‐ 86, approved, election 3‐3‐87; Ord. No. 11, 1997, § 1, 2‐4‐97, approved, election 4‐8‐97; Ord. No. 129, 1999, § 2, 8‐ 17‐99, approved, election 11‐2‐99)  Section 11. Further regulations.  The Council may, by ordinance, make such further rules and regulations as are consistent with this Charter and the  Colorado Constitution in order to carry out the provisions of this Article.   (Ord. No. 11, 1997, § 1, 2‐4‐97, approved, election 4‐8‐97; Ord. No. 129, 1999, § 2, 8‐17‐99, approved, election 11‐ 2‐99)    Packet Page 54 of 85 ‐ FORT COLLINS CHARTER  ARTICLE IX. RECALL        Fort Collins, Colorado, Municipal Code    Created: 2022‐03‐18 10:46:58 [EST]  (Supp. No. 141)    Page 1 of 1  ARTICLE IX. RECALL  .  .  .  Section 3. Elections.  (a) Generally. Elections on recall shall be conducted in the same manner as provided generally for regular or  special city elections in this Charter. All Charter provisions related to nomination and qualification of  candidates shall apply to recall elections.   (b) Nominations on recall. Anyone desiring to become a candidate at the recall election shall do so by  nominating petition as required in Article VIII of this Charter. The deadline for filing a nominating petition for  a recall election shall be as established by ordinance of the Council. If more than one (1) officer is sought to  be recalled, then the nominating petition must specify which incumbent the candidate seeks to succeed. The  name of the person against whom the recall petition is filed shall not appear on the ballot as a candidate for  the office.   (c) Ballots. There shall be printed on the official ballot, as to every officer whose recall is to be voted on, the  statement of grounds and, if requested by the affected officer, the officer's statement in defense followed by  the words, "Shall (name of person against whom the recall petition is filed) be recalled from the office of  (__________)?" Following such question shall appear the words, "Yes" indicating a vote in favor of the recall  and "No" indicating a vote against such recall. On such ballots, under each question, there shall also be  printed the names of those persons who have been nominated as candidates to succeed the person sought  to be recalled.   (d) Election results. If a majority of those voting on the question of the recall of any incumbent from office votes  "No," the incumbent continues in office. If a majority votes "Yes" for the incumbent's removal, the  incumbent shall thereupon be deemed removed from his or her office upon the taking of the oath of office  by his or her successor. If the officer is recalled, the candidate for succession receiving the highest number of  votes at the election as determined pursuant to Article VIII of this Charter shall be declared elected for the  remainder of the incumbent's term. The candidate elected shall take office upon taking the oath of office,  which shall occur as the first order of business at the next regular or special Council meeting. In case the  candidate elected fails to qualify within sixty (60) days after the issuance of a certificate of election, the  candidate with the next highest vote as determined pursuant to Article VIII of this Charter shall be elected,  and if there is no other elected successor who qualifies, the office shall be deemed vacant, and shall be filled  by appointment by the remaining members of the Council, as provided in Article II, Section 18.   (Ord. No. 199, 1986, § 1, Part A, § 3, 12‐16‐86, approved, election 3‐3‐87; Ord. No. 202, 1986, § 1, Parts V, W, X,  12‐16‐86, approved, election 3‐3‐87; Ord. No. 11, 1997, § 1, 2‐4‐97, approved, election 4‐8‐97; Ord. No. 006, 2015,  § 1, 1‐20‐15, approved, election of 4‐7‐15 )  Section 4. Further regulations.  The Council may, by ordinance, make such further rules and regulations as are consistent with this Charter and the  Colorado Constitution in order to carry out the provisions of this Article.   (Ord. No. 199, 1986, § 1, Part A, § 4, 12‐16‐86, approved, election 3‐3‐87; Ord. No. 202, 1986, § 1, Part V, 12‐16‐86,  approved, election 3‐3‐87; Ord. No. 11, 1997, § 1, 2‐4‐97, approved, election 4‐8‐97)  Packet Page 55 of 85 Packet Page 56 of 85 ‐ FORT COLLINS CHARTER  ARTICLE II. CITY COUNCIL        Fort Collins, Colorado, Municipal Code    Created: 2022‐03‐18 10:46:56 [EST]  (Supp. No. 141)    Page 1 of 8  ARTICLE II. CITY COUNCIL  Section 1. Membership; terms.  (a) Composition of Council. The Council shall consist of seven (7) members, including a Mayor and Mayor Pro  Tem, elected as provided in this Article.   (b) Method of election. The Mayor shall be nominated and elected from the city at large. The remaining six (6)  members shall be nominated and elected by Districts. The election of District Councilmembers shall alternate  between the election of representatives for Council Districts 1, 3 and 5 and the election of representatives  for Council Districts 2, 4 and 6.   (c) Council district boundaries. The city shall be divided into six (6) contiguous, reasonably compact districts,  each of which shall consist of contiguous, undivided general election precincts and, to the extent reasonably  possible, an equal number of inhabitants. The districts shall be numbered consecutively in a clockwise  fashion beginning with the northeast district, which shall be District 1. The Council shall establish by  ordinance the process for adjusting district boundaries and giving notice of any proposed boundary changes,  and the manner of protesting such proposed changes.   (d) Terms. Except as otherwise provided in Section 18 of this Article and Section 3(d) of Article IX, the term of  office of the Mayor shall be two (2) years, and the term of office of all other members of the Council shall be  four (4) years each; provided, however, that all such officers shall serve until their successors have been  elected and have taken office. The terms of the Mayor and other members of the Council shall begin when  they take the oath of office, which shall occur as the first order of business at the first regular ora special  Council meeting on the second Tuesday of January next after the following the final certification of  election  results and after expiration of the recount period, or, if appointed, the first regular or special Council meeting  following their appointment.   (Ord. No. 23, 1981, 2‐17‐81, approved, election 4‐7‐81; Ord. No. 94, 1972, 1‐4‐73, approved, election 2‐20‐73; Ord.  No. 197, 1986, § 1, Parts A, B, 12‐16‐86, approved, election 3‐3‐87; Ord. No. 154, 1988, 12‐20‐88, approved,  election 3‐7‐89; Ord. No. 100, 1990, 9‐4‐90, approved, election 11‐6‐90; Ord. No. 15, 1997, § 1, 2‐4‐97, approved,  election 4‐8‐97; Ord. No. 011, 2011, § 1, 2‐15‐11, approved, election 4‐5‐11; Ord. No. 001, 2017 , § 2, 1‐17‐17,  approved, election 4‐4‐17)  Section 2. Qualifications of candidates and members; challenges.  (a) An individual shall be eligible to be a candidate for the office of Councilmember if at the time of the election  he or she is a citizen of the United States; is at least twenty‐one (21) years of age; has been for one (1) year  immediately preceding such election an elector of the city; and, in the case of a District Councilmember, has  continuously resided in the District from which he or she is to be elected since the date of accepting any  nomination for election under Article VIII, Section 3, of this Charter.   (b) No person who has been convicted of a felony shall be eligible to be a candidate for, or hold, the office of  Councilmember.   (c) No person shall be eligible to stand for election to more than one (1) elective office at any single municipal  election. During a term of office, no member of the Council shall be an employee of the city or hold any other  elective public office. No person shall be elected or appointed to any city office, position or employment for  Packet Page 57 of 85           Created: 2022‐03‐18 10:46:56 [EST]  (Supp. No. 141)    Page 2 of 8  which the compensation was increased or fixed by the Council while such person was a member thereof until  after expiration of one (1) year from the date when such person ceased to be a member of the Council.   (d) Any registered elector may file with the City Clerk a written protest challenging the qualifications of any  member of the Council. Any such protest shall be resolved by the City Clerk as expeditiously as possible but  no more than forty‐five (45) days from the date of filing of the protest, pursuant to a procedure established  by the Council by ordinance. In order to resolve such protests, the City Clerk shall have the power to  subpoena witnesses, administer oaths, and require the production of evidence. No protest shall be filed prior  to the date of appointment or the date of issuance of the certificate of election of a Councilmember,  whichever is applicable, nor shall any such protest, other than a protest based upon the fact of a felony  conviction, be filed more than fifteen (15) days after said date.   (e) The fact that a Councilmember may be determined to have lacked any qualification for the office of  Councilmember during all or any portion of his or her term of office shall not affect the validity of any action  taken by the Council during such Councilmember's term of office.   (Res. No. 71‐12, 2‐11‐71, approved, election 4‐6‐71; Ord. No. 5, 1983, approved, election 3‐8‐83; Ord. No. 202,  1986, § 1, Part X, 12‐16‐86, approved, election 3‐3‐87; Ord. No. 100, 1990, 9‐4‐90, approved, election 11‐6‐90; Ord.  No. 20, 1991, § 1, 2‐19‐91, approved, election 4‐2‐91; Ord. No. 20, 1993, § 1, 2‐16‐93, approved, election 4‐6‐93;  Ord. No. 15, 1997, § 1, 2‐4‐97, approved, election 4‐8‐97)  Section 3. Compensation of members.  Commencing in 1998, the compensation for all Councilmembers except the Mayor shall be five hundred dollars  ($500.) per month and the compensation of the Mayor shall be seven hundred fifty dollars ($750.) per month.  These amounts shall be adjusted annually thereafter for inflation in accordance with the Denver/ Boulder  Consumer Price Index.   (Ord. No. 12, 1977, 2‐15‐77, approved, election 4‐5‐77; Ord. No. 198, 1986, § 1, Part A, 12‐16‐86, approved,  election 3‐3‐87; Ord. No. 100, 1990, 9‐4‐90, approved, election 11‐6‐90; Ord. No. 16, 1997, § 1, 2‐4‐97, approved,  election 4‐8‐97)  Editor's note(s)—See § 2‐575 of the City Code for current salaries of Councilmembers.   Section 4. Organization.  The Mayor shall preside at meetings of the Council and shall be recognized as head of the city government for all  ceremonial purposes and by the Governor of the state for purposes of military law. The Mayor shall execute and  authenticate legal instruments requiring the signature of the Mayor. The Mayor shall also perform such other  duties as may be provided by ordinance which are not inconsistent with the provisions of this Charter.   At the first regular or special meeting after final certification of a City electionat which newly‐elected officers take  their oath of office as described in Section 2(d) of this Article, and after expiration of the recount period, the  Council shall elect a Mayor Pro Tem for a two (2) year term from among the members of the Council to act as  Mayor during the absence or disability of the Mayor. If a vacancy occurs in the position of Mayor, the Mayor Pro  Tem shall become Mayor as provided in Section 18(b) below.   If a vacancy occurs in the position of Mayor Pro Tem, whether through resignation or otherwise, the Council shall  at the first regular or special meeting after the occurrence of such vacancy elect a new Mayor Pro Tem to serve for  the remainder of the vacated term.   (Ord. No. 11, 1969, 2‐27‐69, approved, election 4‐8‐69; Ord. No. 202, 1986, § 1, Part X, 12‐16‐86, approved,  election 3‐3‐87; Ord. No. 100, 1990, 9‐4‐90, approved, election 11‐6‐90; Ord. No. 15, 1997, § 1, 2‐4‐97, approved,  Packet Page 58 of 85           Created: 2022‐03‐18 10:46:56 [EST]  (Supp. No. 141)    Page 3 of 8  election 4‐8‐97; Ord. No. 001, 2017 , § 2, 1‐17‐17, approved, election 4‐4‐17; Ord. No. 011, 2021 , § 2, 1‐19‐21,  approved, election 4‐6‐21)  Section 5. Powers.  All powers of the city and the determination of all matters of policy shall be vested in the Council except as  otherwise provided by this Charter. Without limitation of the foregoing, the Council shall have power to:   (a) appoint and remove the City Manager;   (b) establish, change, consolidate or abolish administrative offices, service areas or agencies by ordinance, upon  report and recommendation of the City Manager, so long as the administrative functions and public services  established by this Charter are not abolished in any such reorganization. The city shall provide for all  essential administrative functions and public services, including, but not limited to the following:   (1) fire suppression and prevention;   (2) police services;   (3) finance and recordkeeping;   (4) electric utility services;   (5) water supply and wastewater services;   (6) street maintenance;   (7) storm drainage;   (8) planning and zoning.   (c) adopt the budget of the city;   (d) authorize the issuance of bonds by ordinance as provided by this Charter;   (e) inquire into and investigate any office, service area, or agency of the city and the official acts of any officer or  employee thereof, and to compel by subpoena attendance and testimony of witnesses and production of  books and documents;   (f) adopt plats;   (g) adopt and modify the official map of the city;   (h) provide for independent audits of all funds and accounts of the city.   (Ord. No. 18, 1973, 2‐15‐73, approved, election 4‐3‐73; Ord. No. 202, 1986, § 1, Part A, 12‐16‐86, approved,  election 3‐3‐87; Ord. No. 15, 1997, § 1, 2‐4‐97, approved, election 4‐8‐97; Ord. No. 22, 2001, § 2, 2‐20‐01,  approved, election 4‐3‐01)  Section 6. Ordinances, resolutions, motions.  The Council shall act by ordinance, resolution, or motion. The ayes and nays shall be recorded on the passage of all  ordinances, resolutions, and motions. Every Councilmember present shall vote; if a member fails to vote when  present, he or she shall be recorded as voting in the affirmative. All legislative enactments and every act creating,  altering, or abolishing any agency or office, fixing compensation, making an appropriation, authorizing the  borrowing of money, levying a tax, establishing any rule or regulation for the violation of which a penalty is  imposed, or placing any burden upon or limiting the use of private property, shall be by ordinance, which shall not  be so altered or amended on the final passage as to change the original purpose.   Packet Page 59 of 85           Created: 2022‐03‐18 10:46:56 [EST]  (Supp. No. 141)    Page 4 of 8  All ordinances, except the annual appropriation ordinance and any ordinance making a general codification of  ordinances, shall be confined to one (1) subject which shall be clearly expressed in the title. All ordinances shall be  formally introduced at a regular or special Council meeting in written or printed form by any member of the  Council and considered on first reading and action taken thereon. No ordinance, except an emergency ordinance,  shall be finally passed on the first reading or at the meeting at which it is first introduced. An emergency ordinance  may be formally introduced at a special Council meeting and action taken thereon, including final passage at such  special meeting. Reading of an ordinance shall consist only of reading the title thereof, provided that copies of the  full ordinance proposed shall have been available in the office of the City Clerk at least forty‐eight (48) hours prior  to the time such ordinance is introduced for each member of the City Council, and for inspection and copying by  the general public, and provided further that any member of the City Council may request that an ordinance be  read in full at any reading of the same, in which case such ordinance shall be read in full at such reading. Final  passage of all ordinances except emergency ordinances shall be at a regular Council meeting. Emergency  ordinances shall require for passage the affirmative vote of at least five (5) members of the Council and shall  contain a specific statement of the nature of the emergency. No ordinance granting any franchise or special  privilege which involves a benefit to any private person or entity shall ever be passed as an emergency ordinance.   The enacting clause of all ordinances passed by the Council shall be as follows: "Be it ordained by the Council of the  City of Fort Collins."   (Ord. No. 3, 1961, 2‐23‐61, approved, election 4‐4‐61; Ord. No. 94, 1972, 1‐4‐73, approved, election 2‐20‐73; Ord.  No. 18, 1973, 2‐15‐73, approved, election 4‐3‐73; Ord. No. 202, 1986, § 1, Part X, 12‐16‐86, approved, election 3‐3‐ 87; Ord. No. 203, 1986, § 1, Part A, 12‐16‐86, approved, election 3‐3‐87)  Section 7. Ordinances, publication and effective date.  Every proposed ordinance, except an emergency ordinance, shall be published in full at least seven (7) days before  its final passage on the city's official internet web site. In addition, each such ordinance shall be published in a  newspaper of general circulation in the city by number and title only, together with a statement that the full text is  available for public inspection and acquisition in the office of the City Clerk and on the city's internet web site. Both  publications shall contain a notice of the date when said proposed ordinance will be presented for final passage.  The City Clerk shall, within seven (7) days after final passage of any such ordinance, publish such ordinance in the  same method as is required for the first publication. All ordinances, except emergency ordinances, shall take effect  on the tenth day following their passage. An emergency ordinance shall take effect upon passage and shall be  published as provided above within seven (7) days thereof.   Standard codes and codifications of ordinances of the city may be published by title and reference in whole or in  part.   Ordinances shall be signed by the Mayor, attested by the City Clerk and published without further certification.   The Council may enact any ordinance which adopts any code by reference in whole or in part provided that before  adoption of such ordinance the Council shall hold a public hearing thereon and notice of the hearing shall be  published twice in the newspaper of general circulation, published in the city, one (1) of such publications to be at  least eight (8) days preceding the hearing and the other at least fifteen (15) days preceding the hearing. Such  notice shall state the time and place of the hearing and shall also state that copies of the code to be adopted are  on file with the City Clerk and open to public inspection. The notice shall also contain a description which the  Council deems sufficient to give notice to persons interested as to the subject matter of such code and the name  and address of the agency by which it has been promulgated. The ordinance adopting any such code shall set forth  in full any penalty clause in connection with such code.   (Ord. No. 11, 1967, 2‐9‐67, approved, election 4‐4‐67; Ord. No. 18, 1973, 2‐15‐73, approved, election 4‐3‐73; Ord.  No. 205, 1984, approved, election 3‐5‐85; Ord. No. 15, 1997, § 1, 2‐4‐97, approved, election 4‐8‐97; Ord. No. 93,  2005, § 1, 9‐6‐05, approved election 11‐1‐05)  Packet Page 60 of 85           Created: 2022‐03‐18 10:46:56 [EST]  (Supp. No. 141)    Page 5 of 8  Section 8. Disposition of ordinances.  A true copy of every ordinance, when adopted, shall be numbered and recorded in a book marked "Ordinance  Record," and adoption and publication shall be authenticated by the signatures of the Mayor and the City Clerk,  and by the certificate of the publisher, respectively. The ordinances as adopted by the vote of the qualified  electors of the city shall be separately numbered and recorded.   Section 9. Ordinance codification.  The Council shall cause the permanent ordinances to be codified. Such codification may be of the entire body of  permanent ordinances or of the ordinances on some particular subject and may be re‐enacted by the Council or  authenticated in such other manner as may be designated by ordinance. No codification ordinance shall be invalid  on the grounds that it deals with more than one (1) subject. The first codification shall be completed within five (5)  years of the effective date of this Charter and subsequent codifications shall be made thereafter as deemed  necessary by the Council, and all permanent ordinances adopted thereafter shall be codified at least once a year.   (Ord. No. 202, 1986, § 1, Part P, 12‐16‐86, approved, election 3‐3‐87)  Section 10. Proof of charter and ordinances.  This Charter and any ordinance passed by the Council may be proved by a copy thereof certified to by the City  Clerk under the seal of the city and, when printed in a book or pamphlet form purporting to be authorized by the  city, the same shall be received as prima facie evidence by courts without further proof.   Section 11. Meetings, quorum, executive session.  The Council shall hold regular meetings at such time and place as it may prescribe by ordinance and shall prescribe  the manner in which special meetings may be called. Notice of any special meeting shall be given to all  Councilmembers no less than one (1) day prior to such meeting. All meetings shall be open to the public. A  majority of the members of Council shall constitute a quorum sufficient to transact business. A smaller number can  adjourn a meeting to a later date and time, and in the absence of all members, the City Clerk may adjourn any  meeting for not longer than one (1) week. In the event of an emergency, natural disaster, or unforeseen  circumstance that renders the holding of a meeting undesirable or impracticable, the City Manager may, with  agreement of the Mayor, cancel a City Council meeting and shall make a reasonable attempt to notify the public  and the other members of Council of such cancellation before the scheduled time of the meeting. No other action,  except to adjourn, may be taken by the Council in the absence of a quorum, unless the absence of a quorum is due  to the filing of conflict of interest disclosure statements by all absent members, in which event at least three (3)  remaining members may transact business. By majority vote of those present and voting, the Council may approve  any action of the Council except the passage of emergency ordinances and the approval of executive sessions. By  two‐thirds (2/3) vote of those present and voting, the Council may go into executive session, which shall be closed  to the public. Executive sessions may only be held to:   (1) discuss personnel matters; or   (2) consult with attorneys representing the city regarding specific legal questions involving litigation or  potential litigation and/or the manner in which particular policies, practices or regulations of the city  may be affected by existing or proposed provisions of federal, state or local law; or   (3) consider water and real property acquisitions and sales by the city; or   (4) consider electric utility matters if such matters pertain to issues of competition in the electric utility  industry.   Packet Page 61 of 85           Created: 2022‐03‐18 10:46:56 [EST]  (Supp. No. 141)    Page 6 of 8  (Ord. No. 94, 1972, 1‐4‐73, approved, election 2‐20‐73; Ord. No. 12, 1977, 2‐15‐77, approved, election 4‐5‐77; Ord.  No. 19, 1993, § 1, 2‐16‐93, approved, election 4‐6‐93; Ord. No. 14, 1997, § 1, 2‐4‐97, approved, election 4‐8‐97;  Ord. No. 002, 2017 , § 2, 1‐17‐17, approved, election 4‐4‐17)  Section 12. City Clerk.  With the approval of the Council, the City Manager shall appoint a City Clerk who shall act as Clerk of the Council  and who while so employed shall be a resident of the Fort Collins Urban Growth Area. The City Clerk shall:   (1) give notice of Council meetings;   (2) keep a journal of Council proceedings;   (3) authenticate by his or her signature and permanently record in full all ordinances and resolutions; and   (4) perform other duties required by this Charter or by the City Manager.   (Ord. No. 209, 1984, 1‐15‐85, approved, election 3‐5‐85; Ord. No. 13, 1997, § 1, 2‐4‐97, approved, election 4‐8‐97)  Section 13. Council not to interfere with administrative service.  Except for purposes of inquiry, the Council and its members shall deal with the administrative service of the city  solely through the City Manager, and neither the Council nor any member shall give orders to any subordinates of  the City Manager either publicly or privately.   Section 14. Licenses, permits.  The Council may provide for licenses and permits, and fees therefor, for regulatory purposes. The Council shall  provide an administrative procedure for the hearing and determination of appeals relating to issuance, suspension  or revocation of such licenses and permits. The Council itself may hear and decide appeals.   (Ord. No. 202, 1986, § 1, Part Q, 12‐16‐86, approved, election 3‐3‐87)  Section 15. Surety bonds.  The Council shall require the City Manager, the Financial Officer, and other employees transacting financial  business of the city to furnish bonds with such surety and in such amounts as the Council may determine.   (Ord. No. 202, 1986, § 1, Part I, 12‐16‐86, approved, election 3‐3‐87)  Section 16. Contracts with other governmental bodies.  The Council may, by ordinance or resolution, enter into contracts with other governmental bodies to furnish  governmental services and make charges for such services, or enter into cooperative or joint activities with other  governmental bodies.   (Ord. No. 18, 1973, 2‐15‐73, approved, election 4‐3‐73)  Packet Page 62 of 85           Created: 2022‐03‐18 10:46:56 [EST]  (Supp. No. 141)    Page 7 of 8  Section 17. Independent annual audit.  The Council shall provide for an independent audit at least annually by a certified public accountant of all books  and accounts of the city, and shall publish a summary thereof once in the manner provided for publication of legal  notices within seven (7) months after the end of each fiscal year.   (Ord. No. 206, 1984, 1‐15‐85, approved, election 3‐5‐85; Ord. No. 014, 2021 , § 2, 1‐19‐21, approved, election 4‐6‐ 21)  Section 18. Vacancies.  (a) A vacancy exists when a Councilmember:   (1) dies, resigns, or moves from the city or the District from which elected or appointed;   (2) assumes another elective office;   (3) fails to attend all regular and special meetings of the Council for sixty (60) consecutive days unless  excused by Council resolution;   (4) is judicially declared mentally incompetent;   (5) is convicted of a felony or is declared by the City Clerk, more than sixty (60) days after the date of  issuance of the certificate of election of such Councilmember, to have previously been convicted of a  felony pursuant to a written protest filed under Section 2 of this article; or   (6) in the case of an appointed member of the Council, is declared by the City Clerk to lack any  qualification for the office of Councilmember.   Except for the office of Mayor, any vacancy on the Council shall be filled within forty‐five (45) days by appointment  of the Council. The person so appointed shall serve until the next regular election, when the electors will select a  person to fill the vacancy for the remainder of the term, if any. This selection process shall be subject to the  following exception: If the time for filling the vacancy by appointment would fall within forty‐five (45) days prior to  any regular election, and the remaining unexpired term of the Councilmember to be replaced is more than two (2)  years, then the vacancy shall be filled by the newly constituted Council following their election, within forty‐five  (45) days after their terms of office begin.   Under this exception, the term of office of the Councilmember appointed shall run for the remainder of the  replaced Councilmember's term. Any person appointed to fill a Councilmember's vacated position shall have all the  qualifications required of regularly elected Councilmembers. In the case of a vacancy representing a member  elected from a District, any person appointed or elected to fill such vacancy shall be from the same District, as such  District is constituted at the time of the appointment or election.   (b) The following shall apply to filling vacancies in the office of Mayor:   (1) If the position of Mayor becomes vacant more than forty‐five (45) days prior to the next regular  election, the Mayor Pro Tem shall become Acting Mayor, and the Council shall elect a new Mayor Pro  Tem. Both the Acting Mayor and Mayor Pro Tem shall serve until the next regular election, at which  time the office of Mayor shall be filled by the electors for a new term, and the Acting Mayor and Mayor  Pro Tem shall resume their duties as Councilmembers for the remainder of their unexpired terms of  office, if any. The vacancy on the Council created by the Mayor Pro Tem assuming the office of Mayor  shall be filled in accordance with the provisions of Section 18(a) above.   (2) If the position of Mayor becomes vacant within the forty‐five (45) days prior to any regular election,  the duties of the Mayor shall be immediately assumed by the Mayor Pro Tem, who shall serve as Acting  Packet Page 63 of 85           Created: 2022‐03‐18 10:46:56 [EST]  (Supp. No. 141)    Page 8 of 8  Mayor until said regular election, at which time the office of Mayor shall be filled by the electors for a  new term. Pending the election and the commencement of the term of the newly elected Mayor, the  Council shall consist of six (6) members, and the Council shall elect an interim Mayor Pro Tem. After the  election, the Acting Mayor and Interim Mayor Pro Tem shall resume their duties as Councilmembers  for the remainder of their unexpired terms of office, if any.   (3) Nothing herein shall preclude the Mayor Pro Tem or any Councilmember from standing for election to  the office of Mayor.   (Ord. No. 201, 1986, § 1, Part L, 12‐16‐86, approved, election 3‐3‐87; Ord. No. 154, 1988, 12‐20‐88, approved,  election 3‐7‐89; Ord. No. 100, 1990, 9‐4‐90, approved, election 11‐6‐90; Ord. No. 15, 1997, § 1, 2‐4‐97, approved,  election 4‐8‐97)    Packet Page 64 of 85 ‐ FORT COLLINS CHARTER  ARTICLE VIII. ELECTIONS        Fort Collins, Colorado, Municipal Code    Created: 2022‐03‐18 10:46:58 [EST]  (Supp. No. 141)    Page 1 of 4  ARTICLE VIII. ELECTIONS  Section 1. Applicability of state constitution.  The Council shall provide by ordinance for the manner of holding city elections. All ordinances regarding elections  shall be consistent with the provisions of this Charter and the state Constitution. Any matter regarding elections  not covered by the state Constitution, this Charter or ordinance of the Council shall be governed by the laws of the  State of Colorado relating to municipal elections, or coordinated municipal elections, as applicable.   (Res. No. 71‐12, 2‐11‐71, approved, election 4‐6‐71; Ord. No. 202, 1986, § 1, Part V, 12‐16‐86, approved, election  3‐3‐87)  Section 2. City elections.  A regular city election shall be held on the first same Tuesday after the first Monday in April November of every  odd‐numbered years as the state ballot issue elections in odd‐numbered years. All other municipal elections shall  be known as sSpecial city elections, and shall be called by ordinance and shall be held in accordance with the  provisions of this Charter and any ordinances adopted pursuant thereto. All municipal elections shall be  nonpartisan.   In order to implement a change of regular city elections from April of each odd‐numbered year to November of  each odd‐numbered year, the term of the Mayor and each Councilmember shall be extended to such time as a  successor elected in November of the appropriate odd‐numbered year (consistent with Article II, Section 1(b))  takes office, unless otherwise ended due to an event of vacancy or recall. Such change in term length shall have no  effect on the number of terms any such officer may be elected under the applicable term limits.   (Ord. No. 23, 1981, 2‐17‐81, approved, election 4‐7‐81; Ord. No. 201, 1986, § 1, Part B, § 2, 12‐16‐86, approved,  election 3‐3‐87; Ord. No. 202, 1986, § 1, Part V, 12‐16‐86, approved, election 3‐3‐87; Ord. No. 154, 1988, 12‐20‐88,  approved, election 3‐7‐89; Ord. No. 11, 1997, § 1, 2‐4‐97, approved, election 4‐8‐97)  Section 3. Nomination; withdrawal from nomination.  Any person who is qualified at the time of nomination for the office to be filled may be nominated for the elective  office by petition. A nominating petition for the office of Mayor shall be signed by not less than twenty‐five (25)  registered electors. A nominating petition for District Council office shall be signed by not less than twenty‐five  (25) registered electors residing in that District. A registered elector may sign one (1) petition for each office for  which the elector is entitled to vote at the election. If an elector should sign more petitions than entitled, said  elector's signature shall be void as to all petitions which the elector signed.   Nominating petitions must be filed with the City Clerk. The Council shall enact an ordinance specifying the time  frame for circulation and submittal of nominating petitions and the deadline for withdrawal from candidacy for  municipal office. Such time frame shall not be changed within one (1) year one hundred and eighty days  immediately prior to the election. No nominating petition shall be accepted unless the candidate completes a  verified acceptance of the nomination certifying that he or she is not a candidate, directly or indirectly, of any  political party, and that he or she meets the qualifications for office, and will serve if elected.   Packet Page 65 of 85           Created: 2022‐03‐18 10:46:58 [EST]  (Supp. No. 141)    Page 2 of 4  A person who has been nominated may withdraw from candidacy by filing a written request to do so with the City  Clerk before the deadline established by Council ordinance for such withdrawal, and no name so withdrawn shall  be placed upon the ballot.   (Ord. No. 12, 1977, 2‐15‐77, approved, election 4‐5‐77; Ord. No. 201, 1986, § 1, Part E, § 3, 12‐16‐86, approved,  election 3‐3‐87; Ord. No. 202, 1986, § 1, Part V, 12‐16‐86, approved, election 3‐3‐87; Ord. No. 11, 1997, § 1, 2‐4‐ 97, approved, election 4‐8‐97)  Section 4. Petitions.  (a) Form; circulation. The Council shall prescribe by ordinance, upon recommendation of the City Clerk, the form  for a nominating petition which shall include such warnings and notices to signers as may be deemed  appropriate by the Council, as well as the candidate's verified acceptance of nomination. The signatures on a  nominating petition need not all be subscribed on one (1) page, but to each separate section of the petition  there shall be attached a signed statement of the circulator thereof, stating the number of signers on that  section of the petition, and that each signature thereon was made in the circulator's presence and is the  genuine signature of the person whose name it purports to be. When executed, such statement shall be  accepted as true until it shall be proved false. If any portion is proved false, that portion of any petition shall  be disregarded. Following each signature on the petition of nomination shall be written the printed name  and the residence address of the signer, and the date of signing. All nominating papers comprising a petition  shall be filed as one (1) instrument.   (b) Sufficiency of petition. Upon receipt of a nominating petition, the City Clerk shall forthwith examine the  petition, and within five (5) days after the filing of the petition, notify the candidate in writing of the results  of the examination, specifying the particulars of insufficiency, if any. Within the regular time for filing  petitions, an insufficient petition may be amended and filed again as a new petition, in which case the time  of the first filing shall be disregarded in determining the validity of signatures thereon, or a different petition  may be filed for the same candidate. The petition for each candidate elected to office shall be preserved by  the City Clerk until the expiration of the terms of office for such person.   (c) No person shall receive any compensation whatever for signing a nominating petition.   (Ord. No. 12, 1977, 2‐15‐77, approved, election 4‐5‐77; Ord. No. 201, 1986, § 1, Part E, § 4, 12‐16‐86, approved,  election 3‐3‐87; Ord. No. 202, 1986, § 1, Part V, 12‐16‐86, approved election 3‐3‐87; Ord. No. 158, 1988, 12‐20‐88,  approved, election, 3‐7‐89; Ord. No. 11, 1997, § 1, 2‐4‐97, approved, election 4‐8‐97; Ord. No. 005, 2015, § 1, 1‐20‐ 15, approved, election of 4‐7‐15 )  Section 5. Board of Elections for City‐administered elections.  There is hereby created a Board of Elections consisting of the City Clerk, Chief Deputy City Clerk, and Chief Judge.  The Board shall be responsible for any election duties specified in this Charter and for such additional duties  related to the conduct of elections by the City as may be established by the Council by ordinance.   (Ord. No. 201, 1986, § 1, Part H, 12‐16‐86, approved, election 3‐3‐87; Ord. No. 202, 1986, § 1, Part V, 12‐16‐86,  approved, election 3‐3‐87; Ord. No. 11, 1997, § 1, 2‐4‐97, approved, election 4‐8‐97; Ord. No. 022, 2007, §1, 2‐20‐ 07, approved, election 4‐3‐07; Ord. No. 015, 2021 , § 2, 1‐19‐21, approved, election 4‐6‐21)  Section 6. Appearance of names on ballot.  Every ballot shall contain the names of all duly nominated candidates for offices to be voted for at that election,  except those who have died or withdrawn. The names shall be arranged in alphabetical order of surname for each  Packet Page 66 of 85           Created: 2022‐03‐18 10:46:58 [EST]  (Supp. No. 141)    Page 3 of 4  office, and shall not contain any title or degree designating the business or profession of the candidate. The  candidate's name may be a nickname, but shall not include any punctuation marks setting out the nickname.   (Ord. No. 129, 1999, § 1, 8‐17‐99, approved, election 11‐2‐99)  Section 7. Certification of election results.  (a) No later than the date specified by the Council by ordinance  tenth day after every city election and, after  verifying the total number of legal votes cast for each candidate and measure voted upon, the Board of Elections  shall complete a certificate declaring the results of the election. The candidate receiving the highest number of  votes for a particular office shall be declared elected to that office. In event of a tie, the selection shall be made by  the Board of Elections by lot after notice to the candidates affected. In case the candidate elected fails to qualify  within sixty (60) days after the date of issuance of the certificate of election, the candidate with the next highest  vote shall be elected, and the candidate failing to qualify shall forfeit his or her office whether or not such  candidate has taken the oath of office. If there is no other elected successor who qualifies, the office shall be  deemed vacant, and shall be filled by appointment by the remaining members of the council, as provided in Article  II, Section 18. In the event of a mandatory recount or recount by request, the Board of Elections shall complete an  amended certificate declaring the results of the election no later than the fifth day after the completion of the  recount.   (b) For coordinated city elections (which are not administered by the City), the election shall be determined and  certified and any failure of qualifications, tie vote or recount shall be administered, as provided in the applicable  state law.  (Ord. No. 197, 1986, § 1, Parts C, M, 12‐16‐86, approved, election 3‐3‐87; Ord. No. 202, 1986, § 1, Parts V, W, 12‐ 16‐86, approved, election 3‐3‐87; Ord. No. 11, 1997, § 1, 2‐4‐97, approved, election 4‐8‐97; Ord. No. 129, 1999, §  2, 8‐17‐99, approved, election 11‐2‐99; Ord. No. 022, 2007, §1, 2‐20‐07, approved, election 4‐3‐07; Ord. No. 001,  2017 , § 2, 1‐17‐17, approved, election 4‐4‐17)  Section 8. Campaign contributions.  The Council shall act by ordinance to establish a limit on the amount that any person or entity may contribute in  support of a candidate for Council on the ballot at any city election.   No political party or city employee, directly or indirectly, and no public service corporation, nor any other person,  firm or corporation, owning, interested in, or intending to apply for any franchise or contract with the city shall  contribute or expend any money or other valuable thing, directly or indirectly, to assist in the election or defeat of  any candidate.   (Ord. No. 6, 1980, 1‐16‐80, approved, election 2‐26‐80; Ord. No. 208, 1984, 1‐15‐85, approved, election 3‐5‐85;  Ord. No. 201, 1986, § 1, Part M, 12‐16‐86, approved, election 3‐3‐87; Ord. No. 202, 1986, § 1, Parts V, W, 12‐16‐86,  approved, election 3‐3‐87; Ord. No. 11, 1997, § 1, 2‐4‐97, approved, election 4‐8‐97; Ord. No. 129, 1999, § 2, 8‐17‐ 99, approved, election 11‐2‐99)  Section 9. Corrupt practices.  Any person who violates at a city election any state law, provision of this Charter or ordinance of the city shall,  upon conviction thereof, be disqualified from holding any city position or employment for two (2) years, or any  elective city office for four (4) years.   Packet Page 67 of 85           Created: 2022‐03‐18 10:46:58 [EST]  (Supp. No. 141)    Page 4 of 4  (Ord. No. 201, 1986, § 1, Parts J, M, 12‐16‐86, approved, election 3‐3‐87; Ord. No. 202, 1986, § 1, Parts V, W, 12‐ 16‐86, approved, election 3‐3‐87; Ord. No. 11, 1997, § 1, 2‐4‐97, approved, election 4‐8‐97; Ord. No. 129, 1999, §  2, 8‐17‐99, approved, election 11‐2‐99)  Section 10. Validity of City‐administered elections.  No Ccity‐administered election shall be invalidated if it has been conducted fairly and in substantial conformity  with the requirements of this Charter.   (Ord. No. 201, 1986, § 1, Part M, 12‐16‐86, approved, election 3‐3‐87; Ord. No. 202, 1986, § 1, Parts V, W, 12‐16‐ 86, approved, election 3‐3‐87; Ord. No. 11, 1997, § 1, 2‐4‐97, approved, election 4‐8‐97; Ord. No. 129, 1999, § 2, 8‐ 17‐99, approved, election 11‐2‐99)  Section 11. Further regulations.  The Council may, by ordinance, make such further rules and regulations as are consistent with this Charter and the  Colorado Constitution in order to carry out the provisions of this Article.   (Ord. No. 11, 1997, § 1, 2‐4‐97, approved, election 4‐8‐97; Ord. No. 129, 1999, § 2, 8‐17‐99, approved, election 11‐ 2‐99)    Packet Page 68 of 85 DRAFT FOR DISCUSSION ONLY – May 9, 2022  Fort Collins, Colorado, Municipal Code  Created: 2022‐02‐14 15:13:14 [EST] (Supp. No. 141, Update 1)  Page 1 of 17  ARTICLE V. CAMPAIGNS1  Sec. 7‐131. Legislative declaration.  The City Council hereby finds and declares that large campaign contributions to political candidates allow wealthy  contributors and special interest groups to exercise a disproportionate level of influence over the political process;  that large campaign contributions create the potential for corruption and the appearance of corruption; that the  rising costs of campaigning for political office prevent qualified citizens from running for political office; and that  the interests of the public are best served by limiting campaign contributions, full and timely disclosure of  campaign contributions and strong enforcement of campaign laws.   (Ord. No. 162, 2000, § 1, 11‐21‐00)  Sec. 7‐132. Definitions.  The following words, terms and phrases, when used in this Article, shall have the meanings ascribed to them in this  Section:   Ballot issue, ballot question or issue shall mean any measure put to a vote of the registered electors of the City by  the City Council at any election held under the provisions of the Charter. For purposes of this Article V, ballot issue,  ballot question or issue shall also mean any measure for which recall, initiative or referendum proceedings have  been commenced pursuant to Article IX, Section 1(b), Article X, Section 1(b), and Article X, Section 2(b),  respectively, of the Charter.   Candidate shall mean any person who seeks nomination or election to the office of Mayor or Councilmember at  any City election. A person is a candidate if the person has publicly announced an intention to seek such election or  has filed nominating petitions for the office of Mayor or Councilmember. Candidate shall also mean any elected  official who is the subject of recall proceedings pursuant to Article IX of the Charter.   Candidate committee shall mean a person, including the candidate, or persons with the common purpose of  receiving contributions or making expenditures under the authority of a candidate. A candidate shall have only one  (1) candidate committee. A candidate committee shall be considered open and active until the committee has filed a termination report with the City Clerk. Contribution shall mean:   (1) The payment, loan, pledge or advance of money, or guarantee of a loan, made to any candidate committee, issue committee or political committee; (2) Any payment made to a third party for the benefit of any candidate committee, issue committee or  political committee; (3) Anything of value given, directly or indirectly, to a candidate committee for the purpose of promoting the candidate's nomination, retention, recall or election; or (4) With regard to a contribution for which the contributor receives compensation or consideration of less  than equivalent value to such contribution, including, but not limited to, items of perishable or  nonpermanent value, goods, supplies, services or participation in a campaign‐related event, mailing  lists and other similar items of value, thean amount equal to the value in excess of the amount of such  1Charter reference(s)—City Council, Art. II; campaign contributions, Art. VIII, § 7.   Agenda Item No. 8 - Potential Campaign Finance Code AmendmentsPacket Page 69 of 85           Created: 2022‐02‐14 15:13:13 [EST]  (Supp. No. 141, Update 1)    Page 2 of 17  compensation or consideration as reasonably determined by the candidate committee, issue  committee or political committee.   Contribution shall not include:   (1) Services provided without compensation by individuals volunteering their time on behalf of a  candidate, candidate committee, political committee, issue committee or small‐scale issue committee;   (2) Funds collected subsequent to the election to pay the cost of a requested recount pursuant to 7‐46.   Contribution in kind shall mean the fair market value of a gift or loan of any item of real or personal property, other  than money, made to or for any candidate committee, issue committee, small‐scale issue committee or political  committee for the purpose of influencing the passage or defeat of any issue or the nomination, retention, election  or defeat of any candidate. Personal services shall be considered a contribution in kind by the person paying  compensation therefor. In determining the value to be placed on contributions in kind, a reasonable estimate of  fair market value shall be used.   Contribution in kind shall not include an endorsement of a candidate or an issue by any person and shall not  include the payment of compensation for legal and accounting services rendered to a candidate, candidate  committee, political committee, issue committee or small‐scale issue committee if the person paying for the  services is the regular employer of the individual rendering the services and the services are solely for the purpose  of ensuring compliance with the provisions of this Article.   Expenditure shall mean the payment, distribution, loan or advance of any money by any candidate committee,  political committee, issue committee or small‐scale issue committee. Expenditure shall also include the payment,  distribution, loan or advance of any money by a person for the benefit of a candidate committee, political  committee, issue committee or small‐scale issue committee that is made with the prior knowledge and consent of  an agent of the committee. An expenditure occurs when the actual payment is made or when there is a  contractual agreement and the amount is determined.   Independent expenditure shall mean the payment of money by any person for the purpose of advocating the  election, defeat or recall of a candidate, which expenditure is not controlled by, or coordinated with, any candidate  or any agent of such candidate. Independent expenditure shall include expenditures for political messages which  unambiguously refer to any specific public office or candidate for such office. Independent expenditure shall also  include the payment of money by any person for supporting or opposing a ballot issue or ballot question that is not  controlled by, or coordinated with, an issue committee or a small‐scale issue committee. Independent expenditure  shall include, but not be limited to, advertisements placed for a fee on another person's website or advertisement  space provided for no fee or a reduced fee where a fee ordinarily would have been charged.   Independent expenditure shall not include:   (1) Expenditures made by persons in the regular course and scope of their business and political messages  sent solely to their members;   (2) Expenditures made by small‐scale issue committees; or   (3) Any news articles, editorial endorsements, opinion or commentary writings, or letters to the editor  printed in a newspaper, magazine or other periodical not owned or controlled by the candidate, or  communications other than advertisements posted or published on the internet for no fee.   Issue committee shall mean:   (1) Two (2) or more persons who are elected, appointed or chosen, or have associated themselves, for the  purpose of and that take steps in furtherance of an intent to accepting contributions or contributions in  kind, or makeing expenditures, to support or oppose any ballot issue or ballot question; or  and   (2) Any person that has takes steps in furtherance of an intent to acceptsed contributions or contributions  in kind for the purpose of supporting or opposing any ballot issue or ballot question; and  Commented [CD1]: This is where we would distinguish  professional services that are provided by a professional for  no charge, if it is desired that be treated as a contribution.  Packet Page 70 of 85           Created: 2022‐02‐14 15:13:13 [EST]  (Supp. No. 141, Update 1)    Page 3 of 17  (3) Any person or associated persons upon making independent expenditures of two thousand five  hundred dollars ($2,500) or more for the purpose of supporting or opposing any ballot issue or ballot  question.   Issue committee shall not include small‐scale issue committees as otherwise defined in this Section.   Person shall mean any individual, partnership, committee, association, corporation, labor organization or other  organization or group of persons.   Political committee shall mean:   (1) Two (2) or more persons who are elected, appointed or chosen, or have associated themselves, for the  purpose ofand that take steps in furtherance of an intent to accepting contributions, or contributions  in kind, or makeing expenditures to support or oppose one (1) or more candidates; and.   (2) Any person that takes steps in furtherance of an intent to has accepted contributions or contributions  in kind for the purpose of supporting or opposing one (1) or more candidates; and  (3) Any person or associated persons upon making independent expenditures of two thousand five  hundred dollars ($2,500) or more for the purpose of supporting or opposing one (1) or more  candidates.   Political committee shall not include candidate committees as otherwise defined in this Section.   Political message shall mean a message delivered by telephone, any print or electronic media or other written  material which advocates the election or defeat of any candidate or which unambiguously refers to such  candidate.   Public announcement shall mean:   (1) Registration of a candidate committee; or   (2) A statement made by the candidate signifying an interest in, or exploring the possibility of, seeking the  office by means of a speech, advertisement or other communication reported or appearing in public  media or in any place accessible to the public, including social media, that a reasonable person would  expect to become public.   Registered agent shall mean a natural person designated by or representing a committee and responsible to  receive mailings, respond to inquiries regarding the committee, to receive complaints related to the committee,  and timely filing campaign finance reports and other filings required pursuant to this Chapter.   Small‐scale issue committee means a committee otherwise meeting the definition of issue committee that has  accepted or made contributions, contributions in kind or expenditures in an amount that does not exceed two  thousand five thousandhundred dollars ($5,02,500.) during an applicable election cycle for the major purpose of  supporting or opposing any ballot issue or ballot question.   The following are each treated as a single small‐scale issue committees:   a. All small‐scale issue committees that supports or opposes a common ballot measure if the committees  are established, financed, or controlled by a single corporation or its subsidiaries;   b. All small‐scale issue committees that supports or opposes a common ballot measure if the committees  are established, financed, maintained, or controlled by a single labor organization or the affiliated local  units it directs; and   c. All small‐scale issue committees that supports or opposes a common ballot measure if the committees  are established, financed, maintained, or controlled by substantially the same person, group of  persons, or other organizations.   Packet Page 71 of 85           Created: 2022‐02‐14 15:13:13 [EST]  (Supp. No. 141, Update 1)    Page 4 of 17  Social media shall mean any electronic medium, including an interactive computer service, application, or data  network, that allows users to create, share, and view user‐generated content, including but not limited to videos,  still photographs, blogs, video blogs, podcasts, instant messages, electronic mail, or internet website profiles.   Termination report shall mean a final report prepared by a candidate committee, issue committee or political  committee and filed with the City Clerk which discloses the committee's contributions received, expenditures  made and obligations entered into, when the following conditions have been met:   (1) The committee no longer intends to receive contributions or make expenditures; and   (2) A zero (0) balance exists in the account established and maintained under Subsection 7‐135(f) and the  committee has no outstanding debts or obligations.   Unexpended campaign contributions shall mean the balance of funds on hand in any candidate committee, issue  committee, political committee or small‐scale issue committee following an election, less the amount of all unpaid  monetary obligations incurred prior to the election.   (Ord. No. 162, 2000, § 1, 11‐21‐00; Ord. No. 148, 2001, § 1, 11‐6‐01; Ord. No. 021, 2016, § 9, 3‐1‐16 ; Ord. No. 005,  2017 , § 5, 1‐17‐17; Ord. No. 045, 2018 , §§ 3, 4, 4‐3‐18; Ord. No. 077, 2018 , §§ 5, 6, 6‐19‐18; Ord. No. 113, 2018 ,  § 2, 9‐4‐18)  Sec. 7‐133. Candidate affidavit; disclosure statement; failure to file.  (a) When any individual becomes a candidate, such individual shall certify, by affidavit filed with the City Clerk  within ten (10) days, that the candidate is familiar with the provisions of this Article.   (b) Each candidate shall file a financial disclosure statement pursuant to § 2‐636 with the City Clerk at the same  time as filing an acceptance of nomination.   (c) Failure of any person to file the affidavit or disclosure statement required under this Section shall result in  the disqualification of such person as a candidate for the office being sought.   (d) The requirements of this Section shall not apply to any elected official who is the subject of recall  proceedings.   (Ord. No. 162, 2000, § 1, 11‐21‐00; Ord. No. 148, 2001, § 2, 11‐6‐01; Ord. No. 045, 2018 , § 5, 4‐3‐18)  Sec. 7‐134. Registration of committees; termination.  (a) All candidate committees, political committees and issue committees shall register with the City Clerk before  accepting any contributions or contributions in kind or making any expenditures. Registration must be on a  form provided by the City Clerk and must include the following, together with any other information  required to complete the registration form.   (1) The committee's full name, spelling out any acronyms used therein;   (2) The name of a natural person authorized to act as a registered agent for the committee;   (3) A current street address, mailing address (if different from the street address), telephone number and  email address for the principal place of business of the committee;   (4) A current mailing address, telephone number and email address for the registered agent;   (5) The purpose or nature of interest of the committee;   (6) The date of the election regarding which the committee intends to be active;   Packet Page 72 of 85           Created: 2022‐02‐14 15:13:13 [EST]  (Supp. No. 141, Update 1)    Page 5 of 17  (7) The name and address of the financial institution in which all contributions received by the committee  are deposited in a separate account bearing, in the case of a candidate committee, the name of the  committeecandidate, or in the case of a political or issue committee, the name of the person  authorized to act as the registered agent for the committee, and documentation of such account  reasonably satisfactory to the City Clerk; and   (8) An acknowledgement and certification signed by the registered agent and, for any candidate  committee, the candidate.   (b) A registered committee must promptly provide updated address, telephone and email information to the  City Clerk upon the change of such information for the committee or the registered agent of the committee,  or any change in financial institution or account.   (c) Any candidate committee, political committee, issue committee or registered small‐scale issue committee  that has registered with the City Clerk, but has not engaged in any election activities or reported any  contributions accepted or expenditures made, may terminate at any time by filing an amended committee  registration indicating the nature of the amendment is termination of the committee and verifying that no  contributions have been received or expenditures made since registration occurred pursuant to § 7‐134.  Alternatively, the committee shall file a campaign report indicating no contributions have been received or  expenditures made, and indicating it is a termination report.   (d) Any political committee, issue committee or registered small‐scale issue committee that has not taken the  necessary steps to terminate pursuant to Subsection (c) above must have properly disposed of all funds and  must file a termination report no later than seventy (70) days after the election.   (Ord. No. 162, 2000, § 1, 11‐21‐00; Ord. No. 148, 2001, § 3, 11‐6‐01; Ord. No. 045, 2018 , § 6, 4‐3‐18; Ord. No. 077,  2018 , § 7, 6‐19‐18; Ord. No. 113, 2018 , § 3, 9‐4‐18; Ord. No. 121, 2020 , 10‐20‐20)  Sec. 7‐135. Campaign contributions/expenditures.  (a) Limits.  (1) No person may make contributions and/or contributions in kind totaling more than one hundred  dollars ($100.) to the candidate committee of any candidate for the office of Mayor. No person may  make contributions and/or contributions in kind totaling more than seventy‐five dollars ($75.) to the  candidate committee of any candidate for the office of Councilmember. These limitations shall apply to  all contributions or contributions in kind, whether made directly to a candidate committee or indirectly  via earmarked gifts passed through an intermediary, except that these limitations shall not apply to:   a. Contributions or contributions in kind made by a candidate to his or her own candidate  committee;   b. Independent expenditures;   c. Monetary loans that are: (a) personally guaranteed in writing by the candidate, the candidate's  immediate family or a business entity in which the candidate owns at least five (5) percent; or (b)  secured by real or personal property owned by the candidate, the candidate's immediate family  or a business entity in which the candidate owns at least five (5) percent; or   d. Contributions made to a candidate committee by another candidate committee established by  the same individual as a candidate for the office of Mayor or Councilmember.   (2) No person may make contributions and/or contributions in kind totaling more than one hundred  dollars ($100.) to a political committee.   Packet Page 73 of 85           Created: 2022‐02‐14 15:13:13 [EST]  (Supp. No. 141, Update 1)    Page 6 of 17  (3) No person shall make a contribution or contribution in kind in the name of another person or  knowingly permit one's name to be used by another person to effect such a contribution or  contribution in kind.   (b) Limited Liability Company Contributions. A limited liability company ("LLC") may make contributions or  contributions in kind to candidate committees or political committees subject to the following requirements  and all other applicable limits of this Section:   (1) Any contribution from an LLC shall count against contribution limits for both the LLC itself and the  individual members of the LLC as apportioned according. The amount a person contributes as an  individual member of the LLC shall count towards the aggregate contribution limit for that person in  Subsection (a) herein.   (2) The LLC shall provide the candidate committee or political committee with a written statement  affirming the permissibility of the contribution on a form provided by the City Clerk. The affirmation  shall include:   a. The name and address of the LLC and each LLC member;   b. Information on how the contribution is attributed among the LLC members, which attribution  must reflect the capital each member has invested in the LLC relative to the total amount of  capital invested in the company, or the percentage of ownership each member has in the LLC as  of the date of the contribution.   (3) No candidate committee or political committee shall accept a contribution from an LLC unless the LLC  provides the written affirmation in compliance with this Section before the contribution is deposited by  the committee.   (4) The candidate committee or political committee receiving the contribution shall:   a. List both the individual LLC members' names and the name of the LLC as contributors on  disclosure reports; and   b. Retain the affirmation statements for one (1) year after the date of the election; provider  however, in the event a complaint is filed against the committee, the committee must maintain  the affirmations until the final disposition of the complaint.   (5) As used in this Subsection (b), "limited liability company" shall have the same meaning as "domestic  limited liability company" as defined in Section 7‐90‐102(15), C.R.S., or "foreign limited liability  company" as defined in Section 7‐90‐102(24), C.R.S., as amended.   (c) Joint contributions. No person shall make a contribution jointly with another person through the issuance of  a check drawn on a jointly owned account unless: (i) the total amount of the joint contribution is less than  the maximum amount that can be contributed by one (1) person under the contribution limits established in  Subsection (a) of this Section or (ii) the check is signed by all owners of the account, in which event the  amount of the total contribution shall be allocated equally among all such persons unless a different  allocation is specified on the face of the check. No candidate committee shall knowingly accept a  contribution made in violation of this Subsection (bc).   (d) Contributions in excess of limits. No later than ten (10) business days after receiving a contribution or  contribution in kind in excess of the limits set forth in this Section, the candidate committee that received  the contribution shall remit the excess to the contributor or pay to the contributor the value of the  contribution in kind.   (e) No candidate committee, issue committee, small‐scale issue committee or political committee shall  knowingly accept contributions or contributions in kind from any person who is not a citizen of the United  States, from a foreign government or from any foreign corporation that does not have authority to transact  Packet Page 74 of 85           Created: 2022‐02‐14 15:13:13 [EST]  (Supp. No. 141, Update 1)    Page 7 of 17  business in this State pursuant to Article 115 of Title 7, C.R.S., or who is prohibited from contributing  pursuant to the Charter of the City of Fort Collins or this Article.   (f) No issue committee, small‐scale issue committee or political committee shall make a contribution or  contribution in kind to any candidate  other committee or to any candidate.   (g) Contributions from one (1) candidate committee to another.   (1) No candidate committee shall make a contribution or contribution in kind to, or accept a contribution  or contribution in kind from, a candidate committee of another candidate.   (2) No candidate committee shall accept a contribution or contribution in kind from a candidate  committee of the same candidate that was established or maintained for a federal, state or county  election campaign or office.   (h) Recordkeeping.  (1) All contributions and contributions in kind received by a candidate committee, small‐scale issue  committee, issue committee or political committee shall be documented and deposited and  maintained in a financial institution in a separate account whose title shall include the name of the  committeethat complies with Subsection 7‐134(a)(7). Following any election in which the committee  received contributions, All the committee shall maintain all records pertaining to contributions and  related accounts shall be maintained by the committee for one (1) year following any electionthe date  the final disclosure report is due under Section 7‐136 or the date the committee terminates, whichever  is later, in which the committee received contributions unless a complaint has been filed under  Subsection 7‐145(a) alleging a violation of the provisions of this Article, or the person or committee has  received notice of an investigation or prosecution of a violation of this Article by the City or other law  enforcement authority, in which case they shall be maintained until final disposition of the complaint  and any consequent court proceedings. Such records shall be subject to inspection in connection with  any investigation or other action to enforce the terms of this Article.   (2) Following any election in which the committee made any expenditure, the committee shall document  all expenditures and shall maintain All expenditures shall be documented and all records pertaining to  said expenditures, including but not limited to invoices, receipts, instruments of payment, and copies  of any public communications produced as a result of the expenditure, shall be maintained by the  committee for one (1) year following the date the final disclosure report is due under Section 7‐136 or  the date the committee terminates, whichever is later,any election in which the committee expended  the funds unless a complaint has been filed under Subsection 7‐145(a) alleging a violation of the  provisions of this Article, or the person or committee has received notice of an investigation or  prosecution of a violation of this Article by the City or other law enforcement authority, in which case  they shall be maintained until final disposition of the complaint and any consequent court proceedings.  Documentation shall include the name and address of the vendor(s) or payee(s) providing the  property, materials, or services and the amount of the expenditure. Such records shall be made  available within three (3) business days upon request of the City and subject to inspection in  connection with any investigation or other action to enforce the terms of this Article.   (i) Reimbursements prohibited. No person shall make a contribution or contribution in kind to a candidate  committee, issue committee, small‐scale issue committee or political committee with the expectation that  some or all of the amounts of such contribution will be reimbursed by another person. No person shall be  reimbursed for a contribution or contribution in kind made to any candidate committee, issue committee,  small‐scale issue committee or political committee, nor shall any person make such reimbursement. An  unexpended campaign contribution returned to a contributor or compensation for a contribution in kind by a  candidate committee pursuant to § 7‐135(c) shall not be considered a reimbursement.   Packet Page 75 of 85           Created: 2022‐02‐14 15:13:13 [EST]  (Supp. No. 141, Update 1)    Page 8 of 17  (j) A candidate committee, issue committee, small‐scale issue committee or political committee shall not  coordinate its expenditures or activities with, or share information with, any other such committee and shall  not conduct its campaign activities in a manner that has the effect of circumventings any restrictions or  limitations on campaign contributions, expenditures or reporting set forth in this Article.   (Ord. No. 162, 2000, § 1, 11‐21‐00; Ord. No. 189, 2000, § 1, 1‐2‐01; Ord. No. 148, 2001, § 4, 11‐6‐01; Ord. No. 005,  2017 , § 6, 1‐17‐17; Ord. No. 077, 2018 , § 8, 6‐19‐18; Ord. No. 113, 2018 , §§ 4, 5, 9‐4‐18; Ord. No. 109, 2020 , § 3,  9‐15‐20; Ord. No. 112, 2020 , §§ 2, 3, 9‐15‐20)  Sec. 7‐136. Disclosure; filing of reports.  (a) All candidate committees, political committees and issue committees shall report to the City  Clerk their contributions and contributions in kind received, including the name and address of each person  who has made a contribution or a contribution in kind; expenditures made; and obligations entered into by  the committee.   (b) For purposes of complying with the requirements of this Section, an issue committee, political committee or  small‐scale issue committee consisting of an organization whose primary purpose is not to support or oppose  ballot issues or candidates shall report only those contributions and contributions in kind accepted,  expenditures made and obligations entered into for the purpose of supporting or opposing a ballot issue or  ballot question or candidate. Such issue committee shall not be required to report donations, membership  dues or any other payments received and for non‐election purposes unless except to the extent such  amounts are used or set aside to be used for the purpose of supporting or opposing a ballot issue or ballot  question or candidate.   (c) Reports shall be filed with the City Clerk as follows:   (1) All committees must file reports on the following dates:   a. the thirty‐fifth (35th ) day before the election;   b. the twenty‐first (21st ) day before the election;   c. the fourteenth (14th ) day before the election;   d. no later than noon on the Friday before the election;   e. the thirty‐fifth (35th ) day after the election; and   f. the seventieth (70th ) day after the election.   (2) Candidate committees that continue in operation must file a report annually on the first day of the  month in which the anniversary of the election occurs until such time as a termination report is filed.   (3) If the reporting day falls on a weekend or legal holiday, the report shall be filed by the close of the next  business day.   (d) The reports required by this Section shall include the balance of funds at the beginning of the reporting  period, the total of contributions and contributions in kind received, and the total of expenditures made  during the reporting period and the name and address of the financial institution used by the committee or  party.   (e) All reports shall be submitted on forms provided by the City Clerk and shall be complete in all respects.  Reports shall be current in all respects as of two (2) days prior to the date upon which each such report is to  be filed.   (f) A report required to be filed by this Section is timely if the paper report is received by the City Clerk not later  than the close of business on the date due or if the report is filed electronically not later than midnight  Packet Page 76 of 85           Created: 2022‐02‐14 15:13:13 [EST]  (Supp. No. 141, Update 1)    Page 9 of 17  Mountain Standard Time on the date due. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the report that is due by noon on  the Friday before the election must be filed by noon regardless of the manner of filing.   (g) Any report that is deemed by the City Clerk to be incomplete or inconsistent with the requirements of this  Article shall be accepted on a conditional basis, and shall be subject to the penalties and process in § 7‐143.   (h) Any candidate committee, political committee or issue committee which has not accepted any contributions  or contributions in kind, made any expenditures, or entered into any obligations during a reporting period,  shall file a report with the City Clerk on the days specified in Subparagraph (c) above certifying that the  committee has not accepted any contributions or contributions in kind, made any expenditures or entered  into any obligations during the relevant reporting period.   (i) Except as specified in this Subparagraph (i), the disclosure requirements specified in this Section shall not  apply to a small‐scale issue committee. To the extent there is any conflict between the small‐scale issue  committee provisions of Subparagraphs (i), (j), (k), and (l) of this Section 7‐136, those Subparagraphs shall  control. Any small‐scale issue committee shall disclose or file reports about the contributions, contributions  in kind or expenditures it has made or received or otherwise register as an issue committee in connection  with accepting or making such contributions or expenditures in accordance with the following alternative  requirements:   (1) Any small‐scale issue committee that accepts or makes contributions or contributions in kind or makes  expenditures in an aggregate amount during any applicable election cycle that does not exceed two  hundred fifty dollars ($2050.) is not required to disclose or file reports about the contributions,  contributions in kind or expenditures it has made or received or otherwise register as an issue  committee in connection with accepting or making such contributions or contributions in kind or  making such expenditures.   (2) Any small‐scale issue committee that accepts or makes contributions or contributions in kind or makes  expenditures in an aggregate amount during any applicable election cycle of between two hundred  fifty dollars ($2500.) and two thousand five thousand hundred dollars ($52,0500.) shall register with  the City Clerk within ten (10) business days of the date on which the aggregate amount of  contributions or expenditures exceeds two hundred fifty dollars ($2500.). The registration required by  this subparagraph must be on a form provided by the City Clerk and must include the following,  together with any other information required to complete the registration form:   a. The committee's full name, spelling out any acronyms used in the name;   b. The name of a natural person authorized to act as a registered agent of the committee;   c. A current street address, mailing address (if different from the street address), telephone  number and email address for the principal place of business of the committee;   d. A current mailing address, telephone number and email address for the registered agent;   e. The purpose or nature of interest of the committee;   f. The date of the election regarding which the committee intends to be active;   g. The name and address of the financial institution in which all contributions received by the  committee are deposited in a separate account bearing the name of the committee, and  documentation of such account reasonably satisfactory to the City Clerk; and   h. An acknowledgement and certification signed by the registered agent and, from any candidate  committee, the candidate.   (3) A registered small‐scale issue committee must promptly provide updated address, telephone and email  information to the City Clerk upon the change of such information for the committee or the registered  agent of the committee, or any change in financial institution or account.   Packet Page 77 of 85           Created: 2022‐02‐14 15:13:13 [EST]  (Supp. No. 141, Update 1)    Page 10 of 17  (j) Except as required by Subsection 7‐135(f)(2), no small‐scale issue committee described in subsection (i)(2) is  required under this Article to disclose or report any contributions, contributions in kind or expenditures it  has made or received, so long as it continues to meet the definition of small‐scale issue committee.   (k) Within seven (7) days of the date on which a small‐scale issue committee accepts or makes contributions or  contributions in kind or makes expenditures in an aggregate amount during any applicable election cycle that  exceeds two thousand five hundredthousand dollars ($25,5000.), the committee shall:   (1) through its registered agent, report this change in the committee's status to the City Clerk; and   (2) report to the City Clerk on an approved form, for each particular contribution, contribution in kind or  expenditure accepted or made, the name and address of each person who has made such contribution  or contribution in kind and the amount of each specific contribution, contribution in kind and  expenditure accepted or made by the committee.   (l) Once any issue committee that began as a small‐scale issue committee accepts or makes contributions or  contributions in kind or makes expenditures in an aggregate amount during any applicable election cycle that  exceeds two thousand five thousand hundred dollars ($52,0500.), the committee shall from that point  forward make disclosure of any contributions, contributions in kind or expenditures it accepts or makes not  already reported under Subparagraph (k) and comply with all requirements under this Article applicable to  issue committees.   (m) Any political committee or issue committee formed prior to July 1, 2017, will be deemed to have been  formed for an election held prior to said date, and shall be deemed terminated and shall cease to operate as  a committee as of April 13, 2018, except that any such terminated committee and persons responsible for  the operation of such committee shall continue to be subject to the limitations on disbursement of funds set  forth in § 7‐138.   (Ord. No. 162, 2000, § 1, 11‐21‐00; Ord. No. 189, 2000, § 2, 1‐2‐01; Ord. No. 148, 2001, § 5, 11‐6‐01; Ord. No. 173,  2014, § 7, 12‐16‐14 ; Ord. No. 021, 2016, § 10, 3‐1‐16 ; Ord. No. 005, 2017 , § 8, 1‐17‐17; Ord. No. 045, 2018 , § 7— 11, 4‐3‐18; Ord. No. 077, 2018 , § 9, 6‐19‐18; Ord. No. 113, 2018 , § 6, 9‐4‐18; Ord. No. 109, 2020 , § 4, 9‐15‐20)  Sec. 7‐137. Reports to be public record.  (a) Upon receipt of any campaign report submitted pursuant to this Article, the City Clerk shall make available  such report for public inspection and post the report on the City's website no later than the next business  day.   (b) No information contained in any campaign report submitted pursuant to this Article shall be sold or used by  any person for the purpose of soliciting contributions or for any commercial purpose.   (Ord. No. 162, 2000, § 1, 11‐21‐00; Ord. No. 148, 2001, § 6, 11‐6‐01; Ord. No. 021, 2016, § 11, 3‐1‐16 )  Sec. 7‐138. Unexpended campaign contributions.  (a) Unexpended campaign contributions to a candidate committee may be:   (1) Contributed to a political party;   (2) Contributed to a candidate committee established by the same candidate for a subsequent campaign  in a City election, or to a candidate committee established after January 1, 2021, for a non‐City  election, to the extent permitted by applicable law. For a City election, such contributions are subject  to the limitations set forth in Paragraph 7‐135(g)(2);   (3) Donated to a charitable organization recognized by the Internal Revenue Service;   Packet Page 78 of 85           Created: 2022‐02‐14 15:13:13 [EST]  (Supp. No. 141, Update 1)    Page 11 of 17  (4) Returned to the contributors;   (5) Used to pay for the cost of a recount requested by the candidate pursuant to § 7‐46.   In no event shall contributions to a candidate committee be used for personal purposes not reasonably related to  supporting the election or retention of the candidate.   (b) In addition to any use described in Subsection (a) of this Section, a person elected to the office of Mayor or  Councilmember, or retained in office following a recall attempt, may use unexpended campaign  contributions held by the person's candidate committee for any of the following purposes:   (1) Voter registration;   (2) Political issue education, which includes obtaining information from or providing information to the  electorate;   (3) Postsecondary educational scholarships;   (4) To defray reasonable and necessary expenses related to mailings and similar communications to  constituents;   (5) Any expenses that are directly related to such person's official duties as an elected official, including,  but not limited to, expenses for the purchase or lease of office equipment and supplies, room rental for  public meetings, necessary travel and lodging expenses for legislative education such as seminars,  conferences and meetings on legislative issues, and telephone and pager expenses.   (c) A candidate committee for a former officeholder or a person not elected to office shall expend all of the  unexpended campaign contributions retained by such candidate committee, for the purposes specified in  Subsection (a) of this Section, no later than five (5) years from the date such officeholder's term expired or  from the date of the election at which such person was a candidate for office, whichever is later.   (d) Unexpended campaign contributions to an issue committee or political committee may be donated to any  charitable organization recognized by the Internal Revenue Service, returned to the contributor, or used to  pay for the cost of a recount requested by the committee's registered agent pursuant to § 7‐46.   (e) Any unexpended campaign contributions held by a candidate committee subsequent to the date of the  election shall, upon the registration of a candidate committee for a City office in a subsequent election, be  available for that candidate committee as a beginning fund balance to use in that election. Such carryover  funds will not count against any contribution limit attributable to any past contributor in a prior election  campaign. Absent the candidate registering a candidate committee for a City office in a subsequent election,  the unexpended campaign contributions may be used as otherwise set forth in this Section.   (Ord. No. 162, 2000, § 1, 11‐21‐00; Ord. No. 148, 2001, § 7, 11‐6‐01; Ord. No. 021, 2016, § 12, 3‐1‐16 ; Ord. No.  109, 2020 , § 5, 9‐15‐20)  Sec. 7‐139. Independent expenditures.  (a) Any person, excluding a committee required to register under this Article, who makes independent  expenditures in connection with any particular ballot totaling in the aggregate more than two hundred fifty  dollars ($250.) shall report any such independent expenditures made after that threshold is met to the City  Clerk on a form provided by the City Clerk no later than three (3) business days after the day that funds are  obligated to pay for said independent expenditure. Said notice shall include the following information,  together with any other information required by the City Clerk:   (1) The name, address and telephone number of the person making the independent expenditures;   (2) The name of the candidate whom the independent expenditures are intended to support or oppose;   Packet Page 79 of 85           Created: 2022‐02‐14 15:13:13 [EST]  (Supp. No. 141, Update 1)    Page 12 of 17  (3) The name and address of the vendor(s) providing the property, materials or services;   (4) A detailed description of the independent expenditures sufficient to allow for determination of  compliance with this section;   (5) The amount of the independent expenditures;   (6) The date the funds were obligated; and   (7) Copies of receipts, invoices, or other documentation related to the independent expenditure.   (b) For the purposes of this provision, funds shall be considered to have been obligated as soon as an  agreement is reached for the provision of the property, materials or services in question, regardless of when  payment is to be made for such property or services.   (c) All independent expenditures shall be documented and all records pertaining to independent expenditures,  including but not limited to invoices, receipts, instruments of payment, and copies of any public  communications produced as a result of the expenditure, shall be maintained for one (1) year following any  election in which the funds were expended unless a complaint has been filed under Subsection 7‐145(a)  alleging a violation of the provisions of this Article, or the person or committee has received notice of an  investigation or prosecution of a violation of this Article by the City or other law enforcement authority, in  which case they shall be maintained until final disposition of the complaint and any consequent court  proceedings. Such records shall be made available within three (3) business days upon request of the City  and subject to inspection in connection with any hearing held pursuant to this Article.   (d) Any person or persons, excluding a committee otherwise required to register under this Article, who makes  or make independent expenditures in connection with any particular City election (including either  candidate races or ballot questions or issues) totaling in the aggregate two thousand five hundred dollars  ($2,500) or more, shall register as an issue committee or political committee, as applicable, within three (3)  business days of having made expenditures in excess of such threshold.  The initial report of any such  committee shall provide the dates of any reports of independent expenditures previously made and the  source of funds for said previously reported expenditures.  (Ord. No. 162, 2000, § 1, 11‐21‐00; Ord. No. 148, 2001, § 8, 11‐6‐01; Ord. No. 005, 2017 , § 7, 1‐17‐17; Ord. No.  077, 2018 , § 10, 6‐19‐18; Ord. No. 113, 2018 , § 7, 9‐4‐18)  Sec. 7‐140. Responsibility for communications.  (a) Required Statements.   (1) Whenever a candidate, candidate committee, issue committee, political committee or registered small‐ scale issue committee makes an expenditure for the purpose of financing communications expressly  advocating a particular result in an election, or solicits any contribution or contribution in‐kind through  any broadcasting station, newspaper, magazine, outdoor advertising facility, direct mailing or any other  type of general public political advertising, such communication if paid for or authorized by a  candidate, candidate committee, issue committee, political committee, registered small‐scale issue  committee, or any agent for the same, shall clearly state that the communication is paid for by that  candidate, candidate committee, issue committee, political committee or registered small‐scale issue  committee.   (2) Whenever any person makes an independent expenditure in excess of the reporting threshold in § 7‐ 139 for the purpose of financing communications expressly advocating for a particular result in an  election, such communication shall clearly state that the communication is paid for by that person.   Packet Page 80 of 85           Created: 2022‐02‐14 15:13:13 [EST]  (Supp. No. 141, Update 1)    Page 13 of 17  (b) In regard to the different forms of communication set forth in subsection (a) of this Section 7‐140,  "communication" shall include, but shall not be limited to:   (1) Websites or social media of a candidate, candidate committee, issue committee, political committee or  registered small‐scale issue committee available to the general public;   (2) Websites or social media of a person if and to the extent they are financed by independent  expenditures in excess of the reporting threshold in § 7‐139 and are available to the general public; and   (3) Advertisements placed for a fee on another person's website or social media.   (c) The statement required by this Section 7‐140 must be clear and conspicuous in the communication. The  statement required herein shall not apply to communications where including the statement would be  impractical, such as:   (1) Bumper stickers, pins, buttons, pens and similar small items upon which the disclaimer cannot be  conveniently printed;   (2) Skywriting, water towers, wearing apparel, or other means of displaying an advertisement of such a  nature that the inclusion of a disclaimer would be impracticable; or   (3) Checks, receipts, and similar items of minimal value that are used for purely administrative purposes  and do not contain a political message.   (d) Nothing herein shall be deemed to alleviate any person from complying with federal campaign finance law,  as applicable.   (Ord. No. 113, 2018 , § 8, 9‐4‐18)  Sec. 7‐141. Expenditures for political advertising; rates and charges.  (a) No candidate committee shall pay to any radio or television station, newspaper, periodical, internet  advertiser or website provider, social media provider or other supplier of materials or services a higher  charge than that normally required for local commercial customers for comparable use of space, materials or  services. Any such rate shall not be rebated, directly or indirectly.   (b) Any radio or television station, newspaper, internet advertiser or website provider, social media provider or  periodical that charges an issue committee, small‐scale issue committee or candidate a committee a lower  rate for use of space, materials or services than the rate such station, newspaper, internet advertiser or  website provider, social media provider or periodical or supplier charges another issue committee or  candidate committee for the same ballot measure or public office for comparable use of space, materials or  services shall report the difference in such rate as a contribution in kind to the committee that is charged  such lower rate.  A person who receives a discounted rate as described herein shall be deemed to have  received a contribution and to meet the definition of political committee, issue committee or small‐scale  issue committee, as applicable, and must comply with the related requirements.   (c) Nothing in this Article shall be construed to prevent an adjustment in rates related to frequency, volume,  production costs and agency fees if such adjustments are offered consistently to other advertisers.   (Ord. No. 162, 2000, § 1, 11‐21‐00; Ord. No. 077, 2018 , § 11, 6‐19‐18; Ord. No. 113, 2018 , § 9, 9‐4‐18)  Packet Page 81 of 85           Created: 2022‐02‐14 15:13:13 [EST]  (Supp. No. 141, Update 1)    Page 14 of 17  Sec. 7‐142. Encouraging withdrawal from campaign prohibited.  No person shall offer or give any candidate or candidate committee any money or any other thing of value for the  purpose of encouraging the withdrawal of the candidate's candidacy, nor shall any candidate offer to withdraw a  candidacy in return for money or any other thing of value.   (Ord. No. 162, 2000, § 1, 11‐21‐00)  Sec. 7‐143. Violations and penalties.  (a) Except as provided in Subparagraph (e) herein, any person who knowingly violates or fails to comply with the  provisions of this Article as set forth in the following schedule commits a civil infraction and is subject to a  civil penalty as follows:   Code Section  Penalty Amount   7‐133 – Candidate affidavit; disclosure statement;  failure to file  $___ first offense; $____ each subsequent offense  7‐134 ‐ Registration of committees; termination.  $150 first offense; $300 each subsequent offense   7‐135 ‐ Campaign contributions/expenditures.  $100 first offense; $200 each subsequent offense   7‐136 ‐ Disclosure; filing of reports.  $100 first offense; $200 each subsequent offense   7‐137(b) ‐ Reports to be public record.  $50 first offense; $100 each subsequent offense   7‐138 ‐ Unexpended campaign contributions.  $100 first offense; $200 each subsequent offense   7‐139 ‐ Independent expenditures  $100 first offense; $200 each subsequent offense   7‐140 ‐ Responsibility for communications.  $50 first offense; $100 each subsequent offense   7‐141 ‐ Expenditures for political advertising; rates and  charges.   $50 first offense; $100 each subsequent offense     (b) Any person who undertakes any of the following commits a misdemeanor and is subject to a fine or  imprisonment in accordance with § 1‐15:   (1) Knowingly violates § 7‐136 with the intent to fraudulently misrepresent campaign contributions or  expenditures on a disclosure report;   (2) Knowingly violates § 7‐142; or   (3) Is found liable for a violation after the person has been found liable for two (2) or more violations  under this Article in a single election cycle.   (c) Failure to comply with the provisions of this Article shall have no effect on the validity of any election, except  as expressly required by the City Charter.   (Ord. No. 162, 2000, § 1, 11‐21‐00; Ord. No. 109, 2020 , § 6, 9‐15‐20)  Sec. 7‐144. Severability.  If any provision of this Article or the application thereof to any person or circumstances is held invalid, such  invalidity shall not affect other provisions or applications of the Article which can be given effect without the  invalid provision or application, and to this end the provisions of this Article are declared to be severable.   (Ord. No. 162, 2000, § 1, 11‐21‐00)  Commented [CD2]: What dollar amounts should be filled  in here?  Commented [CD3]: Should violations of some parts of  this section be criminal?  Packet Page 82 of 85 CHAPTER 7 ‐ ELECTIONS  ARTICLE V. ‐ CAMPAIGNS  Division 2 Campaign Violations        Fort Collins, Colorado, Municipal Code    Created: 2022‐02‐14 15:13:14 [EST]  (Supp. No. 141, Update 1)    Page 15 of 17  Division 2 Campaign Violations  Sec. 7‐145. Allegation of campaign violation.  (a) Any candidate or registered elector of the City ("complainant") who has reason to believe a violation of  Chapter 7, Article V, of this Code, has occurred by any person, candidate, candidate committee, issue  committee, small‐scale issue committee or political committee may file a written complaint with the City  Clerk, no later than sixty (60) days after the alleged violation has occurred.   (b) The complaint must contain:   (1) The name of the alleged violator;   (2) The Code provision allegedly violated;   (3) A brief statement or description of the offense allegedly committed and the basis for the allegation;   (4) Identification of any relevant documents or other evidence;   (5) Identification of any witnesses or persons with relevant knowledge; and   (6) The name, address and telephone number of the complainant.   (c) For complaints that allege a criminal violation as set forth in § 7‐143(b), the City Clerk will forward the  complaint to the respondent and to the City Attorney, who will evaluate the complaint for probable cause as  provided for in this Division 2.   (d) For complaints that do not allege a criminal violation, the complaints shall be subject to a civil infraction  process as provided herein:   (1) The City Clerk will forward the complaint to the respondent by electronic mail, notifying the  respondent that the alleged violation may be subject to a civil infraction.   (2) The City Clerk will forward the complaint to the City Attorney, who shall review the complaint to  determine whether the complaint:   a. Was timely filed under § 7‐145(a);   b. Contains the information required by § 7‐145(b); and   c. Alleges sufficient facts to support a factual and legal basis for the violations alleged.   (3) If the City Attorney determines that the complaint fails to satisfy any of the three (3) elements in the  immediately preceding Subsection (2), the City Attorney shall so notify the City Clerk who will, in turn,  notify the complainant and respondent in writing.   (4) If the City Attorney determines that the complaint satisfies the three (3) elements in the immediately  preceding Subsection (2), the City Attorney shall notify the City Clerk who will, in turn, notify the  respondent in writing of the presumptive penalty in accordance with § 7‐143(a) and that the  respondent shall have seven (7) days from the date of the notice to submit written evidence of its cure  or diligent efforts to cure the violation, including any amendments to any applicable report containing  one or more deficiencies, modified campaign materials or other proof that the violation has been  corrected. The respondent's written response shall be due to the City Clerk no later than 5:00 p.m. on  Packet Page 83 of 85           Created: 2022‐02‐14 15:13:13 [EST]  (Supp. No. 141, Update 1)    Page 16 of 17  the seventh (7th ) day. In the event the seventh (7th ) day is a City holiday, the response shall be due no  later than 5:00 p.m. the next business day.   (5) On receipt of the respondent's written response, the City Attorney may, through the City Clerk, ask the  respondent to provide more information and may grant the respondent an extension of time of up to  seven (7) additional days to file an amended response regarding cure in order to respond to any such  request.   (6) After the period for cure has expired, the City Attorney shall determine whether the respondent has  cured any violation alleged in the complaint and, if so, whether respondent has substantially complied  with its legal obligations under Chapter 7, Article 5, of this Code. In determining whether the  respondent has substantially complied with its legal obligations, the City Attorney shall consider:   a. The extent of the respondent's noncompliance;   b. The purpose of the provision violated and whether that purpose was substantially achieved  despite the noncompliance; and   c. Whether the noncompliance may properly be viewed as a knowing attempt to mislead the  electorate or election officials.   If the City Attorney determines the respondent has cured any violation or otherwise substantially complied with its  legal obligations under Chapter 7, Article 5, the City Attorney shall so notify the City Clerk who, in turn, shall notify  the complainant and the respondent and no penalty shall apply for the corresponding alleged violation or  violations, as applicable.   (7) If the City Attorney determines the respondent has not cured the alleged violation or otherwise  substantially complied with its legal obligations, the City Attorney may conduct additional review or  investigation of the allegations of the complaint to determine whether to file a complaint with the  Municipal Court.   (8) If the City Attorney files a complaint with the Municipal Court, the matter shall be governed by Article  V of Chapter 19 of this Code.   (9) A complainant or any other nonrespondent shall not be a party to the City Attorney's initial review,  cure proceedings, investigation, or any proceeding in the Municipal Court. A complainant may request  permission from the Municipal Judge or their designee to file an amicus curiae brief.   (10) Any person that commits a violation of shall be personally liable for the penalties imposed.  If the  person’s conduct constituting the violation was a result of that person’s involvement with a committee,  the person may use the committee’s contributions to pay penalties. Any candidate shall be personally  liable for penalties imposed upon the candidate or the candidate's committee and may use campaign  contributions to pay penalties.   (Ord. No. 005, 2017 , § 9, 1‐17‐17; Ord. No. 113, 2018 , § 10, 9‐4‐18; Ord. No. 109, 2020 , § 7, 9‐15‐20)  Sec. 7‐146. Evaluation of campaign complaint.  (a) For those complaints that concern a criminal violation pursuant to § 7‐143(b), if the City Attorney determines  that no probable cause exists, that the complaint fails to allege an enforceable violation, or that the  requirements of § 7‐145 were not met by the complainant, the City Attorney shall so notify the City Clerk,  who will, in turn, notify the complainant and respondent in writing.   (b) If the City Attorney determines probable cause exists, the City Attorney may notify Fort Collins Police  Services, who, in consultation with the City Attorney, may file and serve a summons and complaint to the  respondent.   Packet Page 84 of 85           Created: 2022‐02‐14 15:13:13 [EST]  (Supp. No. 141, Update 1)    Page 17 of 17  (c) The City Attorney retains prosecutorial discretion on whether to ultimately file criminal charges. If the City  Attorney determines filing a summons and complaint is inappropriate, he or she shall so notify the City Clerk,  who will, in turn, notify the complainant and respondent in writing.   (Ord. No. 005, 2017 , § 9, 1‐17‐17; Ord. No. 109, 2020 , § 8, 9‐15‐20)  Sec. 7‐147. Conflicts of interest.  Notwithstanding the above, nothing in this Article shall be read to preclude the City Attorney from declaring a  conflict of interest, and taking appropriate action in accordance with this Code and general practices of the City,  including, but not limited to, hiring special counsel, if deemed necessary and advisable under the circumstances.   (Ord. No. 005, 2017 , § 9, 1‐17‐17)  Sec. 7‐148. Complaint not required for city action.  Nothing in this Article shall preclude the City from pursuing an action, civil or criminal, against any person,  candidate, candidate committee, issue committee, small‐scale issue committee or political committee for any  violation of this Chapter, regardless of whether a complaint had been filed pursuant to this Article.   (Ord. No. 005, 2017 , § 9, 1‐17‐17)  Sec. 7‐149. Administrative procedures.  The City Manager is charged with ultimate authority to pursue complaints under this Article and is hereby  authorized to adopt administrative regulations consistent with the provisions of this Article.   (Ord. No. 005, 2017 , § 9, 1‐17‐17)  Sec. 7‐150. Reserved.  Editor's note(s)—Ord. No. 109, 2020 , § 9, adopted September 15, 2020, repealed § 7‐150, which pertained to  action by complainant, and derived from Ord. No. 005, 2017 , § 9, adopted January 17, 2017.   Secs. 7‐151—7‐154. Reserved.    Packet 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