Title
Matters relative to the order of business by members of the City Council
Body
SUMMARY:
As discussed at the previous city meeting, Councilman Souza's proposal was considered a possible conflict with the City Charter. Additional one member expressed interest, but was concerned with the wording of the motion.
Councilman Souza's argues that a pattern has existed in the past where the Mayor has directly went to a vendor or members of the city staff and directed them to do things thus bypassing the city manager. When this is done this directly affects obligation of funds. While members of council (including the mayor) authorize funding all obligation of those funds must go through the city manager, as such the city manager must be the direct liaison to the vendor. Additional, it is essential to maintain the top down control of the city manager to each vendor and city department head. Councilman Souza emphasizes that it is essential to give the new city manager the trust, confidence, and control to allow him to do his job.
BUDGET ACCOUNT: Not applicable
Recommended Action
NECESSARY COUNCIL ACTION: That effective immediately, all members of council, to include the mayor, shall restrict their conduct of business to communication and liaison with all parties relative to city business; that all purchases, contracts, negotiations be conducted by the city manager who will entertain all input from the council jointly or at his/her option individually, yet fully obtaining view from all parties (not to conflict with the open meetings law); that this motion does not supersede action required at an open forum required by law; that at no time will a member of council direct a city employee, a city department head, marketing manager, or the city manager, to perform duties associated with city business; however, each member of council is permitted to communicate with employees and conduct administrative business with the city clerk and directly seek legal counsel from the city attorney; and that this motion rescinds all previous authority directed by the city council.