Measure would impose termlimits

Redwood City residents will be asked to vote on a series of changes to the city charter in the Nov. 6 election, with perhaps themost significant seeking to impose term limits on board and commission members.

The City Council on Monday authorized placing a measure on the ballot that, if approved by a simple majority of voters, would amend nine charter policies. The vote was 6-1, with Councilwoman Janet Borgens opposed.

The measure will cost an estimated $30,000 and was approved with almost no discussion Monday, with Mayor Ian Bain pointing out that the council had already held two study ses- sions on the proposal.

Lorianna Kastrop, a board member on the city’s Port Commission, urged the council not to impose term limits. She stated that if she was termed out, significant work she has done in the past 11 years could be undone.

“There is absolutely no benefit to the public,” Kastrop said.

As examples, Kastrop said she’s been working during her entire time as port commissioner toward getting fees assessed on shippers to pay for necessary dredging at no cost to taxpayers, as well as working with the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers to use dredged baymud to help restore wetlands in the South Bay.

“If I’mineffective, replace me, but don’t put term lim- its on me,” Kastrop said.

She appeared to convince Borgens, who mentioned Kastrop while stating she would vote against the measure.

“We already have the ability to appoint or not reappoint,” Borgens said.

Other amendments include removing the requirement that the city manager live within city limits; allowing the city clerk to be appointed by city manager instead of the council; and eliminating a policy that contracts for public works or improvements below $100,000 be automatically awarded to the lowest bidder without public advertisement. For the full list of possible charter changes, go to bit.ly/2mJyskp.