Sometime in the not-too-distant future, Turlock residents could head to the polls to elect city officials based on districts instead of the current at-large elections in use.
On Tuesday the Turlock City Council will hear a motion to allow the city manager the initial exploration into election systems used to elect council members and the mayor in other cities.
If the City Council approves the motion, City Manager Roy Wasden would begin a civic engagement process that would include public outreach and education regarding the California Voting Rights Act and the various election systems in use.
Turlock has been using the at-large election process since its incorporation in 1908, but the 2010 census shows demographics and the population have changed significantly, which could make district elections more suitable.
In other City Council news, the city has announced four public forums to receive community input on critical issues like public safety, water usage, and road conditions.
The first forum is set for 6 p.m. April 30 at Dutcher Middle School's Multi-Purpose Room, 1441 Colorado Ave. Additional meetings are scheduled for 6 p.m. May 9 at Westside Ministries, 925 Columbia St.; 6 p.m. May 30 at the Turlock Senior Citizens Center, 1191 Cahill Ave.; and 7 p.m. June 13 at Pitman High School's cafeteria, 2525 W. Christoffersen Parkway.
On Tuesday the City Council will:
• Designate Market Street, between W. Main Street and S. Broadway, a new one-way street for eastbound traffic only.
• Proclaim April 26 as National Arbor Day.
• Request to adopt a standardized street element and width for four lane sections of Taylor Road Expressway.