§ 97. Power of initiative.

(a)

In general. The electors shall have power to propose any ordinance, except an ordinance appropriating money, authorizing the issuance of bonds or other indebtedness, authorizing the levy of taxes, granting a franchise, fixing public utility rates, amending zoning regulations, or zoning specific property, and to adopt or reject the same at the polls, such power being known as the initiative. A subject, which the city council has previously addressed may be the subject of an initiative ordinance; provided that the initiative ordinance makes or enacts a new law and does not merely repeal or have the effect of repealing an existing law.

(b)

Requirements. Any initiative ordinance may be submitted to the council by a petition signed by at least 1,000 qualified electors of the city.

(c)

Determination of power invoked. The power of initiative is separate and distinct from the power of referendum granted pursuant to section 98. The city council in the first instance shall determine which power is being invoked, which decision shall be subject to judicial review under the substantial evidence rule.

(Ord. No. 10,335, § 6, 5-22-06; Ord. No. 12,110, § 17, 11-19-12)