Charter idea will be studied

The subject of moving from a general law city to a charter city will be studied, the Stanton City Council decided Tuesday night.

Mayor Dave Shawver suggested looking into the advantages and disadvantages of making the switch, and the council asked city staff to create a report on the topic.

Stanton, like most municipalities in California and Orange County, is a general law city. Such a city may act locally, but its actions must be consistent with the state constitution, state laws and administrative regulations. A charter gives a city more control over its own affairs, consistent with the state constitution and state laws.

Legal opinion is divided over just how much more control a charter city may claim.

The council also is asking the staff to study the issue of implementing vaccination rules and requirements for city employees. A report on options will be presented to the council. The topic was initiated by Councilwoman Hong Alyce Van (District 2), who also serves as mayor pro tem.

Shawver also suggested asking voters to provide input on a return to at-large voting – from the current by-district system – by placing an item on an election ballot. The council chose to take no action other than to receive and file a staff report on the issue.