NUMBER

 

PROPOSED COUNCIL STUDY ISSUE

 

For Calendar Year:

2004

 

 

New

X

Previous Year (below line/defer)

 

Issue:

Review processes for handling Council questions of staff

Lead Department:

OCM

General Plan Element or Sub-Element:

1.

What are the key elements of the issue? What precipitated it?

This issue originated from an inquiry by a City Council subcommittee into the alleged violation by a City Councilmember and the City Manager of provisions of the City Charter, the City Council Code of Conduct and the City Council Code of Ethics. The subcommittee found no violation of any City policy (Report to Council No. 03-374).

On October 21, 2003, the City Council affirmed the subcommittee’s findings and directed the City Manager to review, evaluate and make appropriate changes to existing processes for handling Council questions of staff. City Council also directed that additions and/or changes be made to the City Council Code of Conduct and Code of Ethics to clarify proper protocol for Council communications with City staff.

This study issue will involve:

  • Reviewing existing policies and practices that staff follow in handling Council questions of staff, and making a recommendation, if appropriate, to change or augment existing City policies and/or internal procedures relating to Council questions of staff;
  • Exploring the development of additional guidelines in the City Council Code of Conduct and Code of Ethics to clarify proper protocol for Council communications with City staff.

2.

How does this relate to the General Plan or existing City Policy?

Legislative Management Sub Element Goal 7.3B: Assure that City policy is established, documented and enacted according to established procedures and legal principles.

3.

Origin of issue:

Councilmember:

Council as a whole

General Plan:

Staff:

BOARD or COMMISSION

Arts

Housing & Human Svcs

Bldg. Code of Appeals

Library

BPAC

Parks & Rec.

CCAB

Personnel

Heritage & Preservation

Planning

Board / Commission Ranking/Comment:

Board / Commission ranked

of

4.

Multiple Year Project?

No

Expected Year of Completion

2004

5.

Estimated work hours for completion of the study issue.

  1. Estimated work hours from the lead department

125

  • Estimated work hours from consultant(s):
  • Estimated work hours from the City Attorney's Office:
  • 25

  • List any other department(s) and number of work hours:
    1. Department(s):

       

      Total Estimated Hours:

      150

      6.

      Expected participation involved in the study issue process?

      1. Does Council need to approve a work plan?

      No

    2. Does this issue require review by a Board/Commission?
    3. No

      If so, which Board/Commission?

    4. Is a Council Study Session anticipated?
    5. Yes

    6. What is the public participation process?
      1. 7.

        Estimated Fiscal Impact:

        Cost of Study

        $

        Capital Budget Costs

        $

        New Annual Operating Costs

        $

        New Revenues or Savings

        $

        10 Year RAP Total

        $

        Budget Modification Needed

        $

         

        8.

        Staff Recommendation

        X

        Recommended for Study

          

        Against Study

          

        No Recommendation

         

        Explain below staff's recommendation if "for" or "against" study. Department director should also note the relative importance of this study to other major projects that the department is currently working on or that are soon to begin, and the impact on existing services/priorities.

        On October 21, 2003, the City Council directed staff to evaluate the procedures by which staff handles Council questions. The proposed study issue is a result of this Council direction.

        reviewed by

         

         

         

          

         

         

         

         

        Department Director

        Date

        approved by

         

          

         

         

         

         

          

         

        City Manager

        Date