IF WESTMINSTER voters in June decide to eliminate the direct election of mayor, there will be five council districts instead of five (City of Westminster graphic).

Four or five?

When Westminster voters go to the polls this November, will they be choosing councilmembers based on four districts or five?

At Wednesday’s meeting of the city council, the top agenda item is whether to add a new map that defines five districts on the June 7 ballot.  At that time voters will decide whether to eliminate the direct election of mayor and return to the earlier practice of having that post chosen from among council members.

In November, the city council voted 3-2 to place the question of mayor’s status before voters this June. At present, Westminster is in the process of defining the boundaries of its council districts to reflect any meaningful changes in population revealed by the 2020 U.S. Census.

If voters in June choose to eliminate the elected office of mayor that would mean there would be five council districts. If voters reject the change, the current number of four districts would be retained.

Also on the agenda is the third public hearing on proposed draft district maps submitted.

Additionally, the council will take up for second reading and adoption of ordinances:

• allowing the widening of driveways by five feet for houses with accessory dwelling units and junior accessory units;
• approving a residential care facility at 8251 Heil Ave. between Beach Boulevard and Newland Street.

The council will meet via teleconference at 7 p.m.