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HomeMy WebLinkAbout04/20/2004, C4 - RESOLUTION REVISION COUNCIL POLICIES AND PROCEDURES AND REPORT OF THE 2004 COUNCIL COMPENSATION COM 1 council M=dva Dft j, acEnaa Report Gm Nm6v CITY OF SAN LUIS O B I S P O FROM: Lee Price, City Clerk SUBJECT: RESOLUTION REVISING COUNCIL POLICIES AND PROCEDURES AND REPORT OF THE 2004 COUNCIL COMPENSATION COM[ IITTEE CAO RECOMMENDATION As recommended by staff and the 2004 Council Compensation Committee, adopt a Resolution revising the Council Policies and Procedures. DISCUSSION Background: In 1984, the City Council adopted by resolution a manual entitled, "Council Policies and Procedures" which establishes procedural rules for the conduct of meetings and outlines guidelines for efficient and effective means for conducting the City's business. The Policies and Procedures Manual is a "living" document that has been amended from time to time over the years to provide greater clarity, to reflect changes in State Law, and/or to modify provisions, including those associated with the Council's compensation, which is routinely reviewed by a citizen's committee. Routine Review of the Manual: The Director of Finance and Information Technology, the City Clerk and City Attorney have reviewed the Manual for consistency with State Law, the City's Charter, and other policy documents. Minor revisions are recommended at this time to update the Manual and to provide greater clarity, particularly about reconsideration and written communications submitted to the City Council at or before a Council meeting. A legislative draft of the Manual highlighting recommendations for changes is attached as Exhibit A of Attachment#1. Review of Council Com]2ensation: Charter Section 410 provides that compensation for the Mayor and Council shall be reviewed biennially in even numbered years. The Council Policies and Procedures specifies that a five member citizen committee be appointed by January 315`of even numbered years and, further, that committee recommendations be forwarded to the Council no later than May 15`. On January 20`s, the Council appointed the following citizens to the Council Compensation Committee: Jeff Jorgensen, Dodie Williams, Norie Placak, Louise Matheny, Cydney Holcomb and Rick May. The Committee met on Feburary 19th and considered the Council's current compensation (which ,— ' Council Agenda Report—Resolution Revising Council Policies & Procedures Page 2 includes monthly salary, benefits, and allowances for professional development, business expenses including mileage reimbursement and start-up allowances for new council members). (See Council Compensation Minutes, Attachment#2). The Council Compensation Committee reviewed survey results of Council compensation in other cities (see Attachment #3) and compared them with what the Council is currently being compensated. Additionally, the Committee examined the Council's current expenditure patterns (which demonstrate prudent spending within the various line item budgets) and considered the average number of hours Council Members spend on City business (which goes well beyond just preparing for and attending Council meetings). The Committee received and considered comments from one member of the public (see Attachment #4). Lastly, the Committee considered the current and uncertain fiscal circumstances of both the City and State. After a thorough review of all the above, the Committee made three recommendations about the Council's compensation: 1. Increase the monthly allowance for retirement, medical, dental, vision and life insurance benefits from $420 to an "amount equivalent to the amount paid monthly to department heads". Currently the department head benefit is $600. This language will allow for automatic adjustments in the future without bringing the matter back to Council. 2. Direct staff to provide quarterly reports to the Mayor and each Council Member to assist them with tracking their own Council expenditures. 3. Make no change in the Council compensation package at this time, given current economic constraints. Note; The Council Compensation Committee also considered the monthly stipends of the Planning Commission and the Architectural Review Commission and their recommendation is covered in a separate Council Agenda Report on this agenda (see Consent Item#C-S). Conclusion: Most cities are not necessarily guided by Council Policies and Procedures which have been reviewed and refined over the years. Often Councils experience difficulty because of the lack of agreement on procedural matters. In San Luis Obispo, we have been blessed with a City Council that has taken pride in developing policies and procedures, and further, a Council and staff who adhere to them to ensure orderly and accessible City government. The ultimate result is that the will of the collective Council determines priorities and decisions. Governing, therefore, takes place consistent with open, democratic principals. CONCURRENCES The City Attorney, Director of Finance and Information Technology and City Clerk have reviewed the proposed revisions and provided input as a team. I j Council Agenda Report—Resolution Revising Council Policies&Procedures Page 3 FISCAL IMPACT There is minimal fiscal impact anticipated by the adoption of the revised Council Policies and Procedures because the only cost related item is the recommended increase in monthly allowance for retirement, medical, dental, vision and life insurance benefits. Although costs potentially could rise $180 per month, or $10,800 per year, only one member of the City Council currently participates in the benefits program. The Council Compensation Committee felt that by making the benefit equal to that of department heads, it might offer a greater incentive to potential candidates for City Council office. There is adequate funding available to cover the costs should a new officeholder elect to participate in the program. ALTERNATIVES 1. Provide alternative language for consideration and acceptance by a majority of the members of the City Council. ATTACHMENTS 1. Draft Resolution approving revisions to the Council Policies and Procedures, including Exhibit A - Legislative draft of the Revised Council Policies & Procedures. Underlined, italicized lanQuaee denotes new language. Language recommended to be deleted is denoted bystFike dwetigh. 2. Minutes of the 2/19/04 Council Compensation Committee Meeting 3. Council Compensation Survey Results 4. E-mail correspondence from Andrew Carter dated 2/19/04 G:\303-06 Council Comp Committee\Council Comp 2004\CP&P Revisions Agenda Report 2004.doc C�� 3 ATTACHMENT 1 RESOLUTION NO. XXXX (2004 Series) A RESOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO REVISING THE MANUAL ENTPTLED "COUNCIL POLICIES AND PROCEDURES," AND RESCINDING ALL PREVIOUS VERSIONS OF SAID MANUAL WHEREAS, State law requires that a City Council comply with certain requirements designed to provide reasonable and adequate public notice of meetings; and WHEREAS, procedural rules regarding Council meetings and the conduct of the public's business allows Council Members and the public an opportunity to speak freely and fully on all matters of public interest; and WHEREAS, procedural rules for the conduct of meetings of the City Council promotes and enhances a more efficient and effective means of conducting the public's business; and WHEREAS, procedural rules ensure that the will of the collective Council determines its priorities and decisions. NOW,THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the City of San Luis Obispo: SECTION 1. The Council hereby amends the Council Policies and Procedures Manual, a copy of which is attached hereto marked Exhibit "A", is incorporated herein, and replaces all previous versions of the Council Policies and Procedures Manual. SECTION 2. A copy of the Council Policies and Procedures Manual shall be maintained on file in the Office of the City Clerk, shall be distributed to all Council Members and Department Heads, and shall be available to the public during reasonable business hours. Upon motion of seconded by and on the following roll call vote: AYES: NOES: ABSENT: the foregoing resolution was adopted this day of 2004. ATTACHMENT 1 Resolution No. (2004 Series) Page 2 Mayor David F. Romero ATTEST: Lee Price, C.M.C. City Clerk APPROVED AS TO FORM: � o J nat Lowell, City Attorney Attachment #1 - Exhibit A city of san tins OBISp0 COUNCIL POLICIES AND PROCEDURES �t� ��� ,�' �??�' pry �'��•.�' +y y v L '1]]TylaLn is 737 A s h 9 g.°.° 6•app .y{+ rye�« Draft CONSIDERED BY THE CITY COUNCIL April 20, 2004 FOREWARD San Luis Obispo is a "charter" city as contrasted to a "general law" city. Under California law, the authority of a general law city is derived only from the powers granted to it by the general laws adopted by the State Legislature pertaining to the organization and operation of a municipality, and from the police power granted to it by the State Constitution. On the other hand, a charter city's power is not defined or limited by the State's general laws. Instead, with respect to municipal affairs, a charter city's powers are defined by the city's own charter, subject only to the limitations of the State Constitution. As a result, charter cities usually have more operational latitude than do the more prevalent general law cities. A charter serves as the city's "constitution" and may only be amended by a vote of the people. San Luis Obispo's Charter was first adopted on May 1, 1876 and has been amended by popular vote on several occasions subsequently. In 1955, the Charter was amended to approve a Council-Mayor-Administrative Officer form of government. The last charter revision occurred on November 5, 1996. The word "charter" and the notation, e.g. (Charter § 503) used within this document refer to the City Charter. Council Policies&Procedures Manual 2004 Adopted 4/20/04 by Resolution No.XXXX(2004 Series) Page 1 CHAPTER ONE MEETING GUIDELINES & PROCEDURES 1.1 MEETING SCHEDULE 1.1.1 MEETINGS OF COUNCIL The Council shall provide by ordinance the time and place of holding meetings and the manner in which special meetings may be called. Public interest and convenience shall be primary considerations when decisions are made as to time, location and frequency. Except as otherwise provided by law, all meetings of the Council shall be open to the public. (Charter§ 502) 1.1.2 REGULAR MEETINGS 1.1.2.1 Regular meetings shall be held the first and third Tuesday of each month beginning at 7:00 p.m. In the event that a regular meeting of the Council shall fall on a legal holiday, that regular meeting shall be held at the same place and time on the next succeeding working day. (Ord. 677) 1.1.2.2 Regular meetings shall be held in the Council Chambers, 990 Palm Street, in the City of San Luis Obispo. (Ord. 677) 1.1.2.3 Regular meetings shall be between the hours of 7:00 p.m. and 11:00 p.m. It shall be the policy of the City Council to complete meetings, including closed sessions,by 11:00 p.m. unless a majority of the Council elects to continue past the adjournment hour. If at the hour of 11:00 p.m. the City Council has not concluded its business, the Council will review the balance of the agenda and determine whether to extend the meeting beyond the hour of 11:00 p.m.,continue any remaining items, or adjourn the meeting to another date and time. 1.1.3 STUDY SESSIONS (Open to the public) 1.1.3.1 The purpose of these meetings shall be for informal discussions between staff, advisory bodies or consultants,the public, and the City Council regarding specific programs, projects or policies. Study Sessions may be conducted in a variety of formats,including Public Workshops. 1.1.3.2 Study Sessions will be held at a time and place within the City limits and convenient to Council and advantageous for public participation. Council Policies&Procedures Manual 2004 Adopted 4/20/04 by Resolution No.XXXX(2004 Series) Page 2 ^ 1.1.3.3 Participation of the public shall be at the discretion of the Presiding Officer, upon consensus of the Council. 1.1.4 SPECIAL MEETINGS 1.1.4.1 Special meetings may be called by the Mayor or three members of the City Council. (GC § 54956) Written notice of each special meeting must be given not less than twenty-four(24)hours before such meeting to each member of the City Council not joining the call. (Ord. 674 2�59) 1.1.4.2 Written notice must be given to the City Council (unless dispensed with or waived pursuant to State law)and to the media twenty four hours prior to each meeting. (GC § 54956) 1.1.4.3 A supplemental telephone call shall be made if necessary to notify each Council Member. 1.1.4.4 No business other than that announced shall be discussed. 1.1.4.5 Any special meeting held at a place other than City Hall shall be open to the public. Such meetings shall be held within the city limits. Notice requirements of the Brown Act shall be complied with for any such meetings; regular minutes shall be taken by the City Clerk and shall be available for public inspection. 1.1.5 USE OF COUNCIL CHAMBERS 1.1.5.1 The City Administrative Officer(CAO),or designee, is responsible for maintaining a calendar on the use of the Council Chamber and all requests for reservations shall be cleared through the administrative office. 1.1.5.2 When a question arises regarding permission for any group to use the facility, the CAO shall have authority to make the final decision. The following rules are established as a guide: a. Use of the Council Chamber by City commissions,committees, and other advisory bodies shall take precedence over any other group or agency. b. Favorable consideration shall be given to other governmental agencies and non- profit groups during regular business hours only, unless otherwise approved by the CAO (see exception noted in Section 1.1.5.2.c).These groups will be charged for the use of the Council Chamber at the same rate charged governmental agencies and non-profit groups for use of the Community Room at the City/County Library. No events of a commercial nature shall be allowed. The Council Chambers will not be available for use by any non-City organizations during non-business hours,unless otherwise approved by the CAO (see exception noted in Section 1.1.5.2.c). Council Policies&Procedures Manual 2004 Adopted 4/20/04 by Resolution No.XXXX(2004 Series) Page 3 �� c. With the approval of the CAO, other local governmental agencies may use the Council Chamber for the purpose of live or video cablecasting public hearings and/or public meetings during regular or non-business hours. The fee charged shall be the same rate charged governmental agencies for use of the Community Room at the City/County Library, in addition to the cost for services provided by the City for cablecasting operations. d. No admission shall be charged. No events featuring the service of food or drink shall be allowed. e. Regularly scheduled meetings by other agencies and groups shall be discouraged. f. Meetings being held to advocate the election or re-election of a particular candidate for political office shall not be allowed. However,the Council Chamber may be used for a Candidate Forum where the public and all candidates for a particular public office have been invited. 1.2 AGENDA 1.2.1 ESTABLISHING THE COUNCIL AGENDA The purpose of the agenda is to provide a framework within which Council meetings can be conducted and to effectively implement the approved Council Goals,Financial Plan and Budget, and also work programs,objectives, and business of the City as established by the present or earlier City Councils. Agenda items also include recommendations to the City Council from advisory bodies, land use and zoning actions or appeals,bid and purchasing procedures, and mandates from other levels of government. Staff shall work within the policy context established by the Council and will not arbitrarily place matters on the agenda that are outside the scope of existing work programs of the City,except as approved by the Mayor, and permitted under the Charter sanctioned instructions for the CAO to inform and advise the Council of matters necessary to the proper operation and well-being of the City. The process for determining the format and order of the agenda is based primarily on the order of business adopted by the City Council (See Section 1.2.8). The process for establishing the order of specific business and public hearing items is a collaborative one determined largely by anticipated public attendance(those matters involving greater audience attendance are usually scheduled ahead of other items). On a rotating basis, individual members of the Council shall attend agenda review meetings with the CAO and department heads held on the morning of the City Council meeting to discuss issues and to review upcoming agenda items. In addition, the CAO,City Attorney and City Clerk review the agenda materials with the Mayor. The final agenda is set subject to the approval of the Mayor, after consultation with the CAO,City Attorney and City Clerk. Council Policies&Procedures Manual 2004 Adopted 4/20/04 by Resolution No. XXXX(2004 Series) (, Page 4 `/1�'T -t O 1 _ I 1.2.2 PLACING AN ITEM ON THE AGENDA (COUNCIL MEMBER) Any Council Member may request an item be placed on a future agenda by submitting a request,orally or in writing, to consider the matter and by discussing the request during the Communications section of the regular agenda. Upon consensus of a majority of the Council, staff will prepare a staff report if formal Council action is required. An individual Council Member may place an urgency item on an agenda with a minimum of 72 hours legal notice and a memorandum from the Council Member to the Council and staff setting forth the substantive issues of the item. For the purpose of this paragraph, urgency shall arise in those limited situations where an item requires immediate action, and the need to take immediate action came to the attention of the Council Member subsequent to the distribution of the agenda. 1.2.3 PLACING AN ITEM ON THE AGENDA (ADVISORY BODIES) Recommendations made by advisory bodies, as part of their normal scope of duties and responsibilities, shall be timely placed on the City Council agenda by staff, who shall comply with the City's approved Council Agenda Preparation Policy. In the event that an advisory body desires to bring a matter of special consideration to the City Council (new ideas or concerns,for example),it may request that the item be placed on a future agenda by submitting a written request to the Council approved by a majority of the advisory body members and signed by the Chair. During Communications, any member of the Council may ask for consideration of the request, and upon consensus of a majority of the Council,a staff report will be prepared and approved by the CAO or his designee. 1.2.4 PLACING AN ITEM ON THE AGENDA (THE PUBLIC) A member of the public may request an item be placed on a future agenda during the Public Comment period at the beginning of every Council meeting,or via other communication with Council Members, and upon consensus of a majority of Council, a staff report will be prepared and approved by the CAO or his designee. 1.2.5 EMERGENCY ITEMS Emergency items may be placed on the agenda only in accordance with state law. Generally, only those matters affecting public health or safety may be considered emergency in nature. A four-fifths vote of Council is necessary to add an emergency item. 1.2.6 RECONSIDERATION Reeensidefafien ef an itefa shall be allowed in aeeer4anee with Rebe#'s Rules of Gfder- Resubmittal of issues previously acted upon is discouraged, however, in extraordinary situations, a requests to reconsider an action taken by the City Council may be considered provided it is presented by a Council Member who voted with the prevailing side at the Council meeting where the on vote was taken, or at the next Council meeting. Debate is limited to the question of whether or not there is a maiority of the Council interested in Council Policies&Procedures Manual 2004 Adopted 4/20/04 by Resolution No.?lit(2004 Series) Page 5a4- 1( reconsidering the matter. If a maiority of the Council votes to reconsider an action, the matter will be placed on the next or future agenda. 1.2.7 ORDER OF BUSINESS shall be as follows: 1.2.5.1 Call to Order 1.2.5.2 Pledge of Allegiance 1.2.5.3 Roll Call 1.2.5.4 Presentations 1.2.5.5 Public Comment 1.2.5.6 Consent Agenda 1.2.5.7 Appointments 1.2.5.8 Public Hearings 1.2.5.9 Business Items 1.2.5.10 Liaison Reports 1.2.5.11 Communications 1.2.8 NOTIFICATION AND ADVERTISING The City will advertise all matters of significant neighborhood or community public interest that appear on a City Council or Planning Commission agenda,as well as all matters where advertising is required by law. Said advertisements shall include location maps,project descriptions and posting of property,if required,written in plain English in order to fully inform al] interested individuals. All advertising shall be accomplished in an economical manner. All affidavits of publication shall be reviewed by the City Clerk and will be available to interested members of the public. 1.3 MEETING PROCEDURES 1.3.1 PRESIDING OFFICER 1.3.1.1 The Mayor is the Presiding Officer and acts as Chair at Council meetings. (Charter§407) 1.3.1.2 In the absence or incapacity of the Mayor,the Vice Mayor will serve as Presiding Officer. 1.3.1.3 Seating arrangement of the Council: 1.3.1.3.1 The Vice Mayor shall always be seated immediately next to the Mayor. 1.3.1.3.2 The Mayor, with the approval of individual Council Members, shall establish other seating arrangements for regular Council meetings. Council Policies&Procedures Manual 2004 Adopted 4/20/04 by Resolution No. XXXX(2004 Series) Page 6 , �� C 1.3.1.4 Signing of City Documents The Mayor, unless unavailable, shall sign all ordinances,resolutions, contracts and other documents which have been adopted by the City Council and require an official signature,except when the City Administrative Officer has been authorized by Council action to sign documents. In the event the Mayor is unavailable,the Vice Mayor signature may be used. 13.2 QUORUM A majority of the Council Members shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business. (Charter§ 503) 1.3.3 DISCUSSION RULES 1.3.3.1 Obtaining the floor: 1.3.3.1.1 A member of the City Council or staff shall first address the Presiding Officer and gain recognition. 1.3.3.1.2 Comments and questions should be limited to the issue before Council. 1.3.3.1.3 Cross-exchange between Council Members and public should be avoided.. 1.3.3.2 Questions to Staff: A Council Member shall, after recognition by the Presiding Officer, address questions to the designated staff member. 1.3.3.3 Interruptions: 1.3.3.3.1 Once recognized, a Council Member shall not be interrupted while speaking except to make a point of order or personal privilege. 1.3.3.3.2 If a Council Member is called to order while speaking,the individual shall cease speaking until the question of order is determined. Council Policies&Procedures Manual 2004 Adopted 4/20/04 by Resolution No.XXXX(2004 Series) Page 7 �� l 3 I 1.3.3.3.3 Upon being recognized by the Presiding Officer, members of staff shall hold the floor until completion of their remarks or until recognition is withdrawn by the Presiding Officer. 1.3.3.4 Limitation on Discussion: No Council Member shall speak more than once on a particular subject until every other Council Member has had the opportunity to speak. Council Members are encouraged to discuss items during the decision-making process. 1.3.3.5 Tabling Procedure: Immediately stop discussion and vote. 1.3.3.6 Right of Protest: A Council Member is never required to state reasons for dissent. 1.3.3.7 Rules of Procedure: The Council shall determine its own rules of procedure. (Charter§ 504) 1.3.3.8 Council Minutes: If a Council Member wishes a stated opinion to be entered in the minutes, he/she should precede the statement with "for the record," or request the City Clerk to enter it into the record following the statement. 13.4 PARLIAMENTARY PROCEDURE Those rules in effect according to the City Council policy(State law and Robert's Rules). The following summarizes the most frequently used actions. 1.3.5 PROTOCOL 1.3.5.1 Council Members and staff shall: 1.3.5.1.1 Work earnestly to preserve appropriate order and decorum during all meetings. Council Policies&Procedures Manual 2004 Adopted 4/20/04 by Resolution No.XXXX(2004 Series) Page 8 1.3.5.1.2 Side conversations,disruptions,interruptions or delaying efforts are discouraged. 1.3.5.1.3 Inform the Presiding Officer when departing from a meeting. 1.3.5.2 Persons demonstrating rude,boisterous, or profane behavior will be called to order by the Presiding Officer. If such conduct continues, the Presiding Officer may call a recess,request the removal of such person(s) from the Council Chamber, adjourn the meeting, or take such other appropriate action as permitted by the Brown Act. 1.3.5.3 Only the City Council, staff, Advisory Body Chairs or designated representatives, and those authorized by the Presiding Officer shall be permitted to sit at the Council or staff tables. 1.3.5.4 Enforcement of order: 1.3.5.4.1 The Police Chief or his designee shall act as the Sergeant-at-Arms. 1.3.5.4.2 Any Council Member may request the Presiding Officer to enforce the rules of protocol. Upon motion and majority vote, the Presiding Officer shall be required to do so. 1.3.6 VOTING PROCEDURES 1.3.6.1 When present, all Council Members shall vote. Failure of a seated Council Member to vote will be construed as an affirmative vote. (Charter§ 505) 1.3.6.2 No ordinance,resolution or motion shall be passed or become effective without receiving the affirmative vote of at least three members of the Council. (Charter§ 506) 1.3.6.3 A conflict of interest shall be declared whenever appropriate and in compliance with State law and the Council Member will step down and not participate in the discussion or vote on the item. 1.3.6.4 A vote may be changed by a Council Member only immediately after the vote announcement by the City Clerk and prior to the introduction of the next agenda item. Council Policies&Procedures Manual 2004 Adopted 4/20/04 by Resolution No.XXXC(2004 Series) Page 9 cAe K 1.3.6.5 The City Clerk shall restate the motion prior to the vote or request the motion maker to restate the motion, if required for Council or public clarification. Ele..tFaFAe voting is the pm fi .-Yell fnethed fee-reg..r-ding Council metes 1-1.64r —zavccvxx:o-xvarr6ctr'mo-Pxocvxroa xxxoa:va xvx xvcvxmxxs-cvaxxcxx .occo. 1.3.6.36 Voice vote may be taken at the discretion of the Chair. 1.3.6.97 General consent vote may be taken at the discretion of the Chair, if there are no negative votes or objections by Council Members. 1.3.6.98 Upon the request of any member, the ayes and noes shall be taken and recorded on any vote. (Charter§ 505) 1.3.6.499 The ayes and noes shall be taken upon the passage of all ordinances and resolutions and entered upon the journal of the proceedings of the Council. (Charter§ 505) 1.3.6.4410Following the vote the City Clerk shall announce whether the questions have been carried or defeated. 1.3.6.4211Tie votes: Should a tie vote occur,the Council is required to continue the item by majority vote or make motions until an action receives three affirmative votes. 1.3.6.1312 The Presiding Officer may publicly explain the effect of the vote for the audience or may direct a member of the staff to do so. 1.3.7 PUBLIC CONEVIENI'(Written and Oral) Members of the public may address the City Council in a variety of ways. Written comments on agenda items are encouraged. As a courtesy to the Council, citizens are encouraged to present written comments at least£rve one days prior to the meeting. This provides the Council with a greater opportunity to review and consider issues and/or concerns expressed in written communications prior to a meeting. Written comments received before, at or during a Council meeting are included in the public record (GC 654957.5) The Mayor will invite comments from the public in support of, or in opposition to, specific Council Policies&Procedures Manual 2004 Adopted 4/20/04 by Resolution No.XXXX(2004 Series) Page 10 - I � agenda items following the staff report. Oral communications on matters that are not on the agenda may be provided during the Public Comment period at the beginning of every meeting. Council Policies&Procedures Manual 2004 Adopted 4/20/04 by Resolution No.XXXX(2004 Series) Page 11 The following are guidelines for providing oral public comments: 1.3.7.1 Immediately prior to scheduled public hearings, members of the public may address the City Council on items that are not on the printed agenda, or items on the Consent Agenda. A time limit of three minutes is provided. A speaker slip must be filed with the City Clerk prior to the beginning of the meeting. 1.3.7.2 Pursuant to the Brown Act, action may not be taken on issues not listed on the agenda. Staff may be asked to follow-up on such items.. 1.3.7.3 Individuals desiring to speak shall: 1.3.7.3.1 Submit speaker slips to the City Clerk. 1.3.7.3.2 Address the Council from the podium after giving name and city of residence. Speakers shall direct their comments to the Council, not the audience. 1.3.7.3.3 Comment on the specific matter before the Council with reasons for the position taken. 1.3.7.3.4 Limit comment to three (3) minutes until others have had opportunity to address the Council. The Presiding Officer, after all others have spoken, may allow additional brief comment from speakers who have already commented on the same agenda item. 1.3.7.3.5 Shall register as Municipal Advocates, if they are testifying as paid representatives, as defined in the Municipal Code (2.64.020) and shall preface their comments by identifying themselves as municipal advocates (2.64.050&2.64.070). 1.3.7.4 Applicants or applicant representatives or appellants desiring to speak shall: 1.3.7.4.1.1 Submit speaker slips to the City Clerk. 1.3.7.4.1.2 Shall be permitted to speak first during the public comment portion of the public hearing for not more than ten (10)minutes. 1.3.7.4.1.3 Address the Council from the podium after giving Council Policies&Procedures Manual 2004 Adopted 4/20/04 by Resolution No.XXXX(2004 Series) Page 12 C4, [9 J their name and address, and/or the name and address of the applicant/appellant they are representing. If the applicant/appellant's representative is a paid municipal advocate, they shall comply with Section 1.3.7.3.5 above. 1.3.7.5 After the public hearing is closed, no member of the public shall be permitted to address the Council or the staff from the audience, except at the discretion of the Presiding Officer. 13.8 CONSENT ITEMS AGENDA The Consent Agenda itere-is generally ale first items on the Council agenda and is provided to expedite the meeting, therefore, o9nly items that are routine, relate to implementation of approved budget items or to City operations, are second readings of ordinances, or are items to be later set for public hearing are to be placed on the Consent Agenda. Items of significant neighborhood or community public interest should be heard as a Public Hearing or Business item,and not placed on the Consent Agenda. 1.3.8.1 Minor Questions. A Council Member may ask questions on any item without it being pulled from the Consent Agenda. When a Council Member has a minor question for clarification concerning a consent item that will not involve extended discussion, the item may be pulled for clarification at the beginning of the meeting and the questions will be addressed along with the rest of the Consent Agenda. There should be no objections at this time. Council Members are encouraged to seek clarifications prior to the meeting(if at all possible). 1.3.8.2 No Vote. When a Council Member wishes to pull an item simply to register a dissenting vote, a request should be made that the item be pulled for separate vote without discussion. Such items will also be handled at the beginning of the meeting along with the rest of the Consent Agenda. 1.3.8.3 Any item may be pulled by a Council Member for discussion. A member of the public may request the Council to pull an item for discussion. 1.3.8.4 Pulled items shall be heard at the close of the Consent Agenda unless a majority of the Council chooses another time. Council Policies&Procedures Manual 2004 Adopted 4/20/04 by Resolution No.X=(2004 Series) Page 13 C1 1.3.9 COMMUNICATIONS 1.3.9.1 The purpose of this time is to allow staff and Council to provide an update or share information regarding a particular matter. Examples of appropriate communications would be information of general interest received from outside agencies, and comments or inquiries received from individuals or from the public,or requests to agendize future items. 1.3.9.2 If possible, written material connected with a particular communication item should be provided to the CAO sufficiently in advance of the meeting to be distributed with the regular agenda materials. 1.3.9.3 State law provides that Council can take action only on.such matters that have been noticed at least three days in advance of the meeting, unless special circumstances are found to exist. Formal action or approval on non-agendized items is not allowed, and such an item should be placed on the agenda of the next regular meeting. 1.3.9.4 The communications period should not exceed 15 minutes and speaking to a particular item should be limited to five minutes. 1.3.10 CLOSED SESSIONS (closed to the public) 1.3.10.1 Closed Sessions are regulated pursuant to the Brown Act. 1.3.10.2 No member of the Council, employee of the City, or anyone else present shall disclose to any person the content or substance of any discussion which takes place in a closed session unless authorized by a four-fifths vote of the Council, or as otherwise required by law. 1.4 MEETING COVERAGE The purpose of cablecasting meetings of the San Luis Obispo City Council is to enhance the awareness and education of the general public regarding the actions and deliberations of the City Council. 1.4.1 Coverage of City Council meetings shall be gavel-to-gavel; whether presented to the public live or taped, Council coverage is not to be edited or subjected to editorial comment. Council Policies&Procedures Manual 2004 Adopted 4/20/04 by Resolution No.XXXX(2004 Series) Page 14 C"Lfr L4 1.4.2 All City Council meetings shall be cablecast, except for meetings or portions of meetings which are closed to the public, or when the Council directs otherwise. 1.4.3. Cameras used for the gavel-to-gavel coverage shall be owned by the City and operated only by City employees or persons under contract with the City. 1.4.4 Cameras shall be operated so that they are focused only on the officially recognized speaker, and on any visually displayed information they may be showing. 1.4.5 "Reaction" shots will not be permitted. 1.4.6 The City Clerk's minutes shall remain the official record of Council proceedings. 1.4.7 Tips on the Dais. 1. Avoid saying things near a microphone you do not wish heard. 2. Ask all speakers to come forward to the podium. Speakers shall direct their comments to the Council, not the audience. Discourage people from speaking from the audience. 3. Certain colors of clothing present difficulties to the television system, and thus can be distracting to viewers at home. White causes glare and makes the picture around it appear dark, with loss of detail. Bright red and orange reproduce poorly on television and can also cause glare problems. Clothing with fine patterns, such as stripes and grids, can cause a rainbow effect in the picture that is extremely distracting. Shiny objects that reflect light should be avoided. Good colors for television include blues, greens, browns, grays, and most pastels. Council Policies&Procedures Manual 2004 Adopted 4/20/04 by Resolution No.} XX {(2004 Series) Page 15 eA- crH CHAPTER TWO COUNCIL COMPENSATION Council compensation and benefits are established every other year by Council action after the Council Compensation Committee conducts a biennial review and makes a recommendation. See Section 6 of this Chapter. 2.1 SALARIES FOR MAYOR AND COUNCIL MEMBERS Effective January 1, 2001, compensation for services rendered in an official capacity shall be provided as follows: Members of the City Council shall receive $900 per month; and the Mayor shall receive a monthly salary of$1,100. (Res. 9035, 2000 series). 2.2 RETIREMENT,MEDICAL,DENTAL,VISION,AND LIFE INSURANCE The Mayor and Council Members shall be entitled to city-funded participation in P.E.R.S. retirement. The City shall contribute$lett an amount equivalent to that received by City department heads monthly towards the Mayor and Council Members participation in PEMCHA,dental, vision and life insurance. Any unexpended amount shall not be distributed to the Mayor and Council Members in cash. 2.3 PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT Allowances shall be budgeted for the Mayor and each Council Member as follows: 23.1 PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT For costs of professional development and educational conferences designed to improve understanding of and proficiency in municipal affairs. Said allowance shall be used for out-of-county expenses only and shall be reimbursed in accordance with accepted City Travel Guidelines: Annual Allowance: Council Member $1500 Mayor $1800 2.3.2 LEAGUE OF CALIFORNIA CITIES CONFERENCE For the cost of participating in the Annual Conference of the League of California Cities. The City shall also reimburse the following costs for spousal participation, which is encouraged: Council Policies&Procedures Manual 2004 Adopted 4/20/04 by Resolution No.XXXX(2004 Series) Page 16 0,4-C; - - Double room instead of a single room. Spousal registration fees to attend Conference seminars(this does not include reimbursement for recreational activities that may be offered by the League during meeting activities). - Travel expenses only if a bus,train, or plane must be used rather than a city vehicle. If the public official uses his/her personal vehicle, travel reimbursement shall be provided only the employee. - Meals that spouses are expected to attend as part of directly-related Conference activities will be reimbursed at the same per diem as the public official. 2.3.3 CHANNEL COUNTIES DIVISION MEETINGS When the spouse of an official or employee is expected to attend a quarterly meeting of the Channel Counties Division of the League,the meal expense will be paid by the City with the authorization of the City Administrative Officer. 2.3.4 START-UP ALLOWANCE An additional professional development allowance up to$1,000 shall be budgeted to each new Mayor and Council Member to help accelerate his/her comprehension of municipal and legislative operations during the first 12 months following the taking of office. 2.4 CITY BUSINESS AND MILEAGE REUVIBURSEMENT Quarterly allowances shall be budgeted for the Mayor and each Council Member as follows: 2.4.1 CITY BUSINESS For costs incurred in connection with official City business. Said allowance shall be used for in-county expenses and shall include all meals,tickets,periodicals, dues, subscriptions, and similar miscellaneous expenses. Quarterly Expense Allowance: Council Member $300 Mayor $450 Council Policies&Procedures Manual 2004 Adopted 4/20/04 by Resolution No.XXXX(2004 Series) Page 17 a4r a3 2.4.2 MILEAGE For official travel within the County of San Luis Obispo,reimbursement shall be made upon submittal of an official mileage expense form: Quarterly Mileage Allowance: Council Member $300 Mayor $450 2.5 GENERAL-PROCEDURES AND LIMITATIONS Appropriate budgetary practices and accounting controls shall be established to ensure that expenditures and reimbursements are in compliance with approved budget allocations. The Mayor and each Council Member is expected to plan business activities so as to stay within his/her budget. When exceptional circumstances require that additional amounts be allocated to accounts,formal Council action shall be required. 25.1 ACCOUNTING An account shall be established in the name of each Council Member with all expenditures charged to the individual Council Member or Mayor. If any account is depleted prior to the end of the fiscal year, additional allocations shall require a specific action of the City Council. Claims for reimbursement as specified in Section 4, above, may be submitted monthly but the aggregate of three monthly claims may not exceed the quarterly maximum. Receipts shall be submitted within the fiscal year. The Council budget shall be available for review in the City Clerk's Office and the Mayor and Council Members shall receive periodic statements. 2.5.2 REIMBURSEMENT LMTATION The City's adopted Travel Guidelines shall govern all expenditures for non-local professional development and conferences. These guidelines include all non-local official meals,tuition or fees,transportation to meeting sites, materials and telephone usage. 2.5.3 SPECIAL EXPENSES For occasions when the Mayor and/or a Council Member is designated by the City Council to represent the City at special meetings,reimbursement shall be made from an unallocated Travel Expense Account. Council Policies&Procedures Manual 2004 Adopted 4/20/04 by Resolution No.XXXX(2004 Series) Page 18 L--,—% r.IJ 25.4 HONORARIUM If the Mayor or a Council Member receives an honorarium as a result of his/her participation in a meeting or conference, the amount of the honorarium shall be deducted from the amount normally provided by the City for that meeting or conference if the City paid for the Council Member's attendance at such meeting or conference. 2.5.5 OTHER GUIDELINES Any other travel-related issue not specifically governed in this resolution shall be adjudicated in accordance with the City of San Luis Obispo adopted Travel Guidelines. 2.6 COUNCIL COMPENSATION COMMITTEE A five-member review committee shall be appointed by January 31,in even-numbered years and shall bring its proposed recommendations in resolution form to the City Council within 90 days, or no later than May 1st. 2.6.1 MEMBERSHIP The committee membership shall have as broad a representation as possible,including but not limited to, one previously elected official,one Personnel Board member, and one citizen-at-large. 2.6.2 REVIEW RESPONSIBILITY The committee shall review the full Council compensation package including salary,benefits, expense reimbursement,professional development allowances and any other compensation provided the City Council. Review should include, but shall not be limited to: 1) compensation of Council and Mayors of cities of similar population/budget size; 2) compensation practices of both Charter and General Law cities; 3)Government Code provisions for General Law cities;and 4)Council and Mayor responsibilities in San Luis Obispo at the time of the committee's review; and, 5) any structural changes that may have occurred in municipal government either as a result of State legislation or by actions of the local electorate that may have added to or deducted from the duties and responsibilities of the Council Members and/or Mayor. Council Policies&Procedures Manual 2004 Adopted 4/20/04 by Resolution No. XXXX(2004 Series) Page 19 ' 1 CHAP'T'ER 3 COUNCIL POWERS & APPOINTMENTS 3.1 MAYOR-POWER AND DUTIES 3.1.1 The Mayor shall preside at all meetings of the City Council and perform such other duties consistent with the office as may be imposed by the Council or by vote of the people. The Mayor shall be entitled to, and must vote when present,but shall possess no veto power. As presiding officer of the Council, the Mayor will faithfully communicate the will of the Council majority to the Administrative Officer in matters of policy. (Charter §407) 3.1.2 The Mayor shall present an annual work program to the Council for its consideration at the first meeting in May. The Mayor shall have the responsibility for forwarding the work program approved by the Council. The Mayor should submit the annual work program at the beginning of the budget process to allow incorporation into the Council goal-setting process. (Charter§407) The Mayor shall be recognized as the official head of the City for all ceremonial purposes, and by the Governor for military purposes. In time of public danger or calamity,the Mayor shall take command of the public forces,maintain order, and enforce laws. (Charter§406) 3.1.4 The Mayor may order flags flown on City property to be lowered to half-staff in mourning for any member of the community designated to have made significant contributions to the City of San Luis Obispo, in accordance with recognized customs or practices not inconsistent with State and Federal law. 3.1.5 The Mayor shall exercise such other powers and perform such other duties as may be prescribed by law or ordinance or by resolution of the Council, except as limited by this Charter. (Charter§407) 3.2 .APPOINTMENT OF VICE MAYOR The appointment of the Vice Mayor shall be for a one-year tern and is made on a rotational basis, the appointment going to the next senior member. The Vice Mayor shall be appointed at the first meeting in December. (Motion adopted 12/19/83 and 12/02/85.) Council Policies&Procedures Manual 2004 Adopted 4/20/04 by Resolution No.XXXX(2004 Series) Page 20 CA- 3.3 FILLING COUNCIL VACANCIES 3.3.1 APPOINTMENT OR SPECIAL ELECTION Per City Charter Section 406, the Council shall by a majority vote of the remaining Council members, appoint a replacement member to the Council within 30 days of the occurrence of the vacancy. If the Council fails to fill the vacancy within thirty(30) days of its occurrence, it shall call a special municipal election to fill the vacancy,to be held not sooner than ninety(90) days or not later than one hundred and fifty(150)days following the occurrence of the vacancy. 33.2 PUBLIC APPOINTMENT In order that the public may know how its business is being conducted, all phases of the Council process to appoint a replacement member to a vacancy shall be conducted in public. 3.3.3 ADVERTISE FOR APPLICANTS At least ten days before Council meets the first time to select a replacement member for a vacancy, the City shall advertise in a local newspaper of general circulation describing the vacancy and term thereof, requesting applications from those persons interested in being appointed. 33.4 QUALIFICATIONS Although the only two established minimum qualifications for appointment are(1)residency in the City for at least 30 days prior to appointment, and(2)elector status at the time of appointment(City Charter§403),each applicant shall be encouraged to submit a written statement of 200 words or less covering at least the following areas: 3.3.4.1 The amount of time available each week to devote to the Council. 3.3.4.2 Reasons for wanting to be appointed. 3.3.4.3 Involvement in community affairs and organizations,especially in the preceding 23-month period. 3.3.4.4 Personal qualifications for the position. 3.3.4.5 Prior experience in government, or areas associated with or doing business with government. Council Policies&Procedures Manual 2004 Adopted 4/20/04 by Resolution No.XXXX(2004 Series) Page 21 N 4 33.5 PUBLIC MEETING 3.3.5.1 At a time(s) selected by the Council, a meeting open to the public shall be held by the Council to consider the selection of an applicant to fill the vacancy. 3.3.5.2 The applications shall be given to the Council and be available to the public at least four days before the opening of the meeting. 3.3.5.3 Members of the public may submit written comments regarding an application at any time up to 24 hours before the meeting begins. 3.3.5.4 At the meeting each applicant wishing to serve should be present to verify that they would be willing to serve if appointed, and that they are residents of the City. Each candidate will be given five minutes to make a presentation to Council. 3.3.5.5 Thereafter, all discussion shall be confined to the Council except for questions directed by the Council to staff or to members of the public. 3.3.5.6 Upon the conclusion of such discussion,the Mayor shall open the floor to nominations by the remaining Council Members. All nominations, seconding, and voting, shall be done audibly in public. 3.3.5.7 If no person is appointed,the Council may adjourn the meeting from time to time to attempt to reach a decision at any time within 30 days of the occurrence of the vacancy. 3.4 GENERAL POWERS OF THE COUNCIL Subject to the provisions and restrictions contained in this Charter and the delegation of power,if any, to any person, officer,Board, or Commission,the Council shall have the power in the name of the City,to do and perform all acts and things appropriate to a municipal corporation and the general welfare of its inhabitants and that are not specifically forbidden by the Constitution and laws of the State of California,or which now or hereafter would be competent for this Charter to specifically enumerate. No enumeration or specific statement herein of any particular powers shall be held to be exclusive of,or a limitation of, the foregoing general grant of powers. (Charter Section 501) Council Policies&Procedures Manual 2004 . Adopted 4/20/04 by Resolution No.XXXX(2004 Series) Page 22 Mr W 3.5 ADMINISTERING OATHS: SUBPOENAS Each member of the Council shall have the power to administer oaths and affirmations in any investigation or proceeding pending before the Council. The Council shall have the power and authority to compel the attendance of witnesses, to examine them under oath and compel the production of evidence before it. Subpoenas may be issued in the name of the City and be attested by the City Clerk. Disobedience of such subpoena or the refusal to testify(upon other than constitutional grounds), shall be deemed contempt and shall be punishable as provided by the general laws of the State. (Charter§ 507) 3.6 LIMITATIONS No member of the Council shall be appointed to or serve as a voting member of any City Board, Committee,or Authority, whether composed of citizen volunteers,City employees,or a combination of both. This is not to be construed as prohibiting members of the Council from serving on Committees or Subcommittees of the Council itself,or of agencies representing other levels of government. (Charter§508) 3.7 METHOD OF ACTION BY COUNCIL All action by the Council shall be taken only by means of ordinance, resolution, or oral motion duly made and passed. Ordinances shall become a part of the Municipal Code and so remain until amended or voided. All municipal laws relating to taxation or to possible criminal action against an offender shall be in the form of ordinances. Resolutions shall be serially numbered and filed sequentially in the office of the City Clerk. Oral motions shall be recorded only in the minutes of any regular or special meeting of the Council. (Charter§60 1) 3.8 ORDINANCES The consideration and adoption of ordinances shall be in accordance with the Charter and relevant state law. Ordinances not legally required to have a public hearing shall be set for a public hearing if the subject matter is controversial or of a special nature. Any Council Member,prior to the time required for notice and publication,may request the CAO to set a public hearing on an ordinance. No ordinance, resolution or motion shall be passed or become effective without receiving the affirmative vote of at least three members of the Council. (Charter§ 506) Council Policies&Procedures Manual 2004 Adopted 4/20/04 by Resolution No.XXXX(2004 Series) Page 23 r 3.9 ACCEPTANCE OF GRANTS OR DEEDS The Mayor and Vice Mayor of the City of San Luis Obispo are hereby authorized to accept and consent to the recording of any deed or grant conveying any interest in or easement upon real property to the City of San Luis Obispo. 3.10 LEGISLATIVE ACTION PROGRAM The City has adopted an aggressive legislative program to strengthen local government, promote City goals, and defend the City against legislative actions by state and federal governments that would weaken local government or take away traditional revenue sources. In order to respond promptly and proactively to fast-paced legislative changes, the City Council has authorized City staff to take positions on legislation provided the positions are consistent with the Legislative Action Priorities established annually by the City Council, and/or resolutions or recommendations of the League of California Cities. (Resolution No. 8912) 3.11 AMICUS CURIAE PARTICIPATION The City is frequently requested to join as amicus curiae (friend of court) in cases of statewide significance to cities. Because of the often short time limits for filing amicus curiae briefs, the City Council has authorized the City Attorney to participate in such briefs, at no cost to the City, if the Legal Advisory Committee of the League of California Cities has urged participation. (Resolution No. 8443) Council Policies&Procedures Manual 2004 Adopted 4/20/04 by Resolution No.XXXX(2004 Series) Page 24 CHAPTER FOUR THE BROWN ACT 4.1 APPLICABILITY AND PENALTIES The entire City organization conducts its business in compliance with the Ralph M. Brown Act, State Government Code Sections 54950. The intent of the Act is to ensure that deliberations and actions of local public agencies are conducted in open and public meetings. The law provides for misdemeanor penalties for members of a body who violate the Act(GC§ 54959). In addition, violations are subject to civil action (GC§ 54960). A current copy of the Act will be provided to all Council Members assuming office,but the provisions that most directly affect the Council are summarized in this Chapter. 4.2 MAJOR PROVISIONS 4.2.1 APPLICABILITY The Act applies to Council, City staff and all bodies that advise Council. (GC § 54952.2) 4.2.2 MEETINGS All meetings shall be open and public. 4.2.2.1 A meeting takes place whenever a quorum (three or more) members are present and information about the business of the body is received; discussions qualify for a meeting. 4.2.2.2 Serial meetings take place when any member of Council or City staff contact more than two Council Members for the purpose of deliberating or acting upon an item pending before the City Council (does not apply to the public or media). 4.2.2.3 Correspondence that merely takes a position on an issue is acceptable. (GC § 54953) 4.2.3 AGENDAS Agendas for regular meetings must be posted 72 hours in advance of the meeting and must meet various requirements. (GC§ 54954.2) Council Policies&Procedures Manual 2004 Adopted 4/20/04 by Resolution No.XXXX(2004 Series) Page 25 �r 4.2.4 ACTIONS No action shall be taken on any item not appearing on the posted agenda. Exceptions: 4.2.4.1 An emergency situation exists, (determined by a majority of the Council.) 4.2.4.2 That the need to take action arose subsequent to the agenda being posted (determined by 2/3 of the Council; or if less than 2/3 are present,by unanimous vote.) 4.2.4.3 The item was continued to another meeting that was scheduled and posted within five days of the original agenda. (GC § 54954.2) 4.25 PUBLIC INPUT The public has an opportunity to address the Council on any item of interest to the public that is within the jurisdiction of the Council. The City has the right to establish time limits on speakers and the total time allocated for a particular issue. (GC § 54954.3) 4.2.6 PUBLIC DISRUPTIONS The Presiding Officer may call a recess if a speaker or group of speakers become unruly and/or interferes with the orderly conduct of the meeting. A portion or all of the public may be removed if willful disruption makes conducting the meeting"unfeasible";the press may remain unless they participate in the disruption. (GC § 54957.9) 4.2.7 CORRESPONDENCE All writings received and/or distributed for discussion or consideration at a public meeting are public records. (GC § 54957.5) 4.2.8 CLOSED SESSIONS MAY BE HELD TO DISCUSS: 4.2.8.1 Real Property. The purchase, sale,exchange or lease of real property with the City's negotiator; the real property and the person(s)with whom the City may negotiate must be announced in open session prior to the closed session. (GC § 54956.8) 4.2.8.2 Litigation pending or a significant exposure to litigation,or the decision to initiate litigation;the litigation or title must be identified in open session prior to the closed session unless the Council states that to do so would Council Policies&Procedures Manual 2004 Adopted 4/20/04 by Resolution No.XXXX(2004 Series) Page 26 (� n4� UQ` jeopardize its ability to conclude existing settlement negotiation or effectuate service of process. A confidential memorandum from the City Attorney must be submitted to Council within one week of the closed session. (GC § 54956.9) 4.2.8.3 Compensation (salaries and benefits)of employees;to review its position and instruct designated representatives. (GC § 54957.6) 4.2.8.4 Personnel. The appointment,employment,evaluation of performance, or dismissal,of a public employee, or to hear complaint against the employee, unless the employee requests a public hearing. (GC § 549576) 43 SPECIAL MEETINGS Special Meetings may be called by the Mayor or a majority of the Council, with strict notification requirements delivered to the media and Council 24 hours before the time of the meeting. (GC § 54956) 4.4 EMERGENCY MEETINGS Emergency meetings may be called without the normal 24 hour notice and posting requirements if prompt action is required due to the disruption or threatened disruption of public facilities. Only work stoppages, crippling disasters or other activities that severely impair the public health and/or safety qualify for emergency meetings. (GC § 54956.5.) 4.5 ELECTRONIC MAIL (EMAIL),THE PUBLIC RECORDS ACT AND THE BROWN ACT City email is no less a part of`official city business"than any other written correspondence,and there is no expectation of privacy for city email messages. Good judgment and common sense should therefore prevail at all times regarding its appropriate use. For further detail, please see the City's "Electronic Mail Policy" and Chapter 5 of this manual. City email is subject to disclosure under the Public Records Act and is subject to the requirements of the Brown Act. While the Brown Act does not prohibit the use of email to make individual contacts between members of the Council, or the public or staff, great care should.be taken to avoid the use of email to contact a majority of the Council,either individually or serially, "in a connected plan to engage in collective deliberation on public business." 4.6 OTHER.PROVISIONS The Brown Act provides for many other restrictions and requirements; this chapter is intended merely as a Council summary and overview of the Act, and nothing in this Chapter supersedes the provisions of the Brown Act. This ,.e,.. ... was written in r,.t., 1993,and Since State law constantly Council Policies&Procedures Manual 2004 Adopted 4/20/04 by Resolution No.XXXX(2004 Series) Page 27 J changes, it is important to ensure you have the latest information. Please check with the City Attorney and/or the City Clerk for more information. Council Policies&Procedures Manual 2004 Adopted 4/20/04 by Resolution No.XXXX(2004 Series) Page 28 -54 CHAPTER FIVE COUNCIL/STAFF RELATIONSHIPS AND CONDUCT 5.1 INTENT The City Council as a whole retains full power to accept,reject, amend,influence, or otherwise guide and direct staff actions, decisions,recommendations, workloads and schedules,departmental priorities, and the conduct of City business. This chapter addresses the relationship and conduct between Council Members and staff with the intent of the Council to: 1) affirm that governing shall be by will of the collective Council, and 2)establish guidelines for Council and staff to ensure orderly, consistent and open City government. 5.2 GUIDELINES FOR COUNCIL MEMBERS The Council shall recognize that the primary functions of staff are to execute Council policy and actions taken by the Council, and to keep the Council informed. 5.2.1 REQUESTS FOR INFORMATION Individual Council Members as well as the Council as a whole shall be permitted complete freedom of access to any information requested of staff, and shall receive the full cooperation and candor of staff in being provided with any requested information. Council Members shall make routine requests for information through the appropriate department head. Complex or comprehensive requests for information shall be made through the CAO. 5.2.2 DIRECTION TO STAFF Generally, Council Members shall make requests for work to be done through the CAO. Individual members of the Council shall make no attempt to pressure or influence staff decisions,recommendations,workloads, and schedules, and departmental priorities without the prior knowledge and approval of the Council as a whole. 5.3 GUIDELINES FOR STAFF Staff shall recognize that its primary function is to execute Council policy and to keep the Council informed. Staff shall present the Council with all relevant information,as well as alternatives, in an objective, succinct manner.The CAO and staff are committed to treating each Council Member equally. Council Policies&Procedures Manual 2004 Adopted 4/20/04 by Resolution No.X3=(2004 Series) Page 29 OAP 3S 53.1 TIMELY RESPONSE City staff will make every effort to respond in a timely and professional manner to all requests made by individual Council Members for information or assistance, provided that, in the judgment of the City Administrative Officer the request is not of a.magnitude, either in terms of workload or policy, which would require that it more appropriately be assigned to staff through the collective direction of the City Council. In terms of making this judgment,the following guidelines should be considered: The request should be specific and limited in scope so that staff can respond without altering other priorities and with only minimal delay to other assignments; the request should only impose a"one-time" work requirement, as opposed to an on-going work requirement; the response to the request should not require a significant allocation of staff resources (generally defined as consisting of more than one staff person, or a single staff person working on the issue in excess of 1-2 hours). 53.2 DIRECTION FROM COUNCIL Staff is obligated to take guidance and direction only from the Council as a whole or from the appropriate management superiors as may be the case. Staff is directed to reject any attempts by individual members of the Council to unduly influence or otherwise pressure them into making,changing or otherwise suppressing staff decisions or recommendations, or changing departmental work schedules and priorities. Staff shall report such attempts to influence them in confidence to the City Administrative Officer, who may inform the Council as a whole of such attempts. 53.3 STAFF SUPPORT TO INDIVIDUAL COUNCIL MEMBERS An exception to the above guidelines may be staff work required in support of a Council Member designated by the City Council to represent the City in an intergovernmental role (e,g.,membership on Joint Powers Authority), or relative to a special assignment (e.g., a special task force). 53A INFORMATION DISTRIBUTION In cases where a staff response to an individual Council Member request involves written material that may be of interest to other Council Members,the CAO will provide copies of the material to all other Council Members. In making this judgment,the CAO will consider whether the information is significant or new or otherwise not available to the Council or of interest to the Council. 53.5 SIGNIFICANT INFORMATION Any information, service-related needs, or policy positions perceived as necessary by individual Council Members,which cannot be fulfilled per the above guidelines, should be Council Policies&Procedures Manual 2004 Adopted 4/20/04 by Resolution No.XXXX(2004 Series) Page 30 N �O raised by the individual Council Member under the "Communications" category of a regularly scheduled City Council meeting. If so directed by the collective action of the Council,then staff will proceed to complete the work within Council established deadlines. 5.4 REMOT&ACCESS TO TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SYSTEMS 5.4.1 TELEPHONES The City will provide each Council Member with direct access to the City's telephone system from their homes. Information Systems Technology(IT)staff will coordinate installation of a telephone line and a telephone with voice mail and fax capability for Council Member use at home while in office. The City's Telephone Use Policy applies to Council Member use of these telephones. 5.4.2 COMPUTER WORKSTATIONS & REMOTE ACCESS POLICY The City will provide each Council Member with a complete computer workstation and related City-standard software for their home use while in office. These computers and software will be upgraded or replaced pursuant to the City's computer replacement policy. Council Member access and use of the City's se tee systems IT is subject to all City guidelines concerning the use of its information technology resources. The most important of these are: • The City information systems exist solely for the purpose of conducting City business, not intended for personal use; • All data (including electronic mail messages) is owned by the City and subject to public disclosure; • All software and hardware installations should be made by k"Fmatien Systems IT staff. Except for screensavers, personal software is not allowed on City workstations; and all application software must be owned by the City and used in compliance with all software licensing agreements. All City information technology policies are included in the MI&Information Technology Policies and Procedures Manual, which is available for Council Member review upon request. e z COAUUMR ern 4 P4NG T-r-aining en City appheations and meess te City ififem,+atiea systems will be eeerdifla4ed by- the City Gler4E's Offiee. Council Policies&Procedures Manual 2004 Adopted 4/20/04 by Resolution No.XJM(2004 Series) Page 31 M-311 i 5.4.43 SECURITY Each Council Member shall have a uniquely assigned user name and password for security purposes. While this cannot guarantee privacy, confidentiality or data security, it is an important component of the City's overall system protection. Passwords should never be shared with others. 5.4.54 INTERNET ACCESS Council Members are authorized to use the City Internet connection,which includes electronic mail,for the purpose of conducting City business and communicating with the public.The City Internet Access and Use Policy is applicable to Council Members. 5.4.65 ELECTRONIC MAIL (EMAIL) Council Members will have access to the City electronic mail (Email)system that will allow Email communication internal to the City and with others via the Internet. Email correspondence sent and received by members of the City Council via the City website are public records and subject to disclosure. The City Electronic Mail Policy is applicable to Council Members. 5.4.76 SUPPORT RESPONSIBILITIES 5.4.6.1 Iatien Systems IT staff is responsible for installing all remote access hardware and software,including computer workstations,printers,telephones and fax machines, and for removing them at the end of the Council Member's term of office. 5.4.6.2 The Offi 6a ef the City Gler4E Administration will coordinate training on standard City application software, technical support and service, and provide related office supplies. 5.4.8 COUNCIL MEMBER RESPONSIBILITIES Council Members are responsible for using City information technology resources in accordance with the City's normal polices, procedures, and guidelines. Council Policies&Procedures Manual 2004 Adopted 4/20/04 by Resolution No.XXXX(2004 Series) Page 32 f- CHAPTER SIX ADVISORY BODY PROCEDURES 6.1 ROLE OF COUNCIL LIAISON SUBCOMMITTEE MEMBERS Annually,the Mayor shall appoint two members of the City Council to serve in a liaison capacity to each City advisory body(includes commissions, committee and boards). The subcommittee shall consist of the Chair and one Member. (See 6.6.2 for appointment procedures). Council liaisons do not serve as ex-officio members of the advisory bodies,but rather as a conduit to express the position of the Council and to gain a better understanding of the issues considered by the advisory body. 6.1.1 COMMUNICATION The purpose of the liaison assignment is to facilitate communication between the Council and advisory body. 6.1.2 EDUCATION Increase the Council's familiarity with the membership,programs and issues of the advisory body. 6.13 APPOINTMENT RECOMMENDATION Interview applicants and make recommendations for appointments to the full Council. 6.1.4 ATTENDANCE From time to time,attend commission meetings for observation purposes only. (ABH§II,C) Liaison members should be sensitive to the fact that they are not participating members of the advisory body,but are there rather to create a linkage between the City Council and advisory body. In interacting with advisory bodies, Council Members are to reflect the majority view of the Council as a whole,rather than their own personal opinions. 6.2 COUNTY OR REGIONAL REPRESENTATION Council Policies&Procedures Manual 2004 Adopted 4/20/04 by Resolution No. VM(2004 Series) Page 33 r2 1 Annually,the Mayor shall make appointments to a variety of County and/or regional committees and boards. One member of the Council shall serve as a voting representative and one member shall serve as alternate. (See 6.6.2 for appointment procedures). Voting delegates shall reflect the majority view of the Council as a whole,rather than their own personal opinions. Council Policies&Procedures Manual 2004 Adopted 4/20/04 by Resolution No.XXXX(2004 Series) Page 34 N-40 63 OTHER COUNCIL SUBCOMMITTEES Council may establish subcommittees of no more than two members to address areas of concern and/or study. 6.4 ROLE OF ADVISORY BODY MEMBERS AT COUNCIL MEETINGS 6.41.1 INTENT To honor advisory body deliberations, views and positions on issues before Council; enhance communications between Council and their advisory bodies; and allow participation and input by advisory body members. 6.4.2 COUNCIL AGENDA REPORTS 6.4.2.1 Recommendation Differences. For those rare occasions when the CAO recommendation differs from an advisory body recommendation, the difference should be clearly noted in a separate paragraph following the CAO recommendation. The Discussion section contains information relating to the advisory body recommendation. 6.4.2.2 The minutes of the advisory body item are included as an attachment to the Agenda Report. 6.4.3 COUNCIL MEETINGS 6.4.3.1 On appeals or items brought by the advisory body,the Chair(or Vice Chair, when the Chair is not available)may be seated next to the department head. The department head makes the introduction,then the Chair of the advisory body makes a brief presentation,representing the position of the advisory body. 6.4.3.2 Other members of the advisory body are free to appear and give testimony before Council using the public microphone, after identifying whether they are speaking as a representative of the advisory body or as a private citizen. (ABH§]E,B.l.g) 6.4.4 RECOMUdENDATIONS Recommendations or Reports to Council must be in written form. (ABH§IH,B.Lb). Council Policies&Procedures Manual 2004 Adopted 4/20/04 by Resolution No. X3M(2004 Series) Page 35 &4-41 6.5 ROLE OF CITY STAFF PERSONS Staff support and assistance may be provided or made available, but advisory bodies do not have supervisory authority over City employees. While they may work closely with advisory bodies, staff members remain responsible to their immediate supervisors and ultimately to the CAO and Council. The members are responsible for the functions of the advisory body and the chairperson is responsible for committee compliance with the policies outlined in the Advisory Body Handbook. (ABH§IID) Staff support includes preparation of a summary agenda after approval by the Chairperson, and preparation of agenda reports providing a brief background of the issue, a list of alternatives, recommendations, and appropriate backup material, if necessary. Members of advisory bodies are volunteers and should be treated with respect and courtesy. Advisory body members should have sufficient information to reach decisions based upon a clear explanation of the issues. The assigned staff person serves as Secretary,taking minutes as needed. (ABH§II,D) It is important that advisory bodies wishing to communicate recommendations to the City Council do so through adopted or approved Council agenda procedures. Staff members shall assist the advising body Chair to insure appropriate legal review or City and State legislation is in compliance. (ABH§UD) 6.6 APPOINTMENT PROCEDURES The following procedures shall be the policy of the City Council in regard to appointment of volunteer citizens to the various advisory bodies of the City. 6.6.1 PURPOSE The establishment of these procedures shall insure that well-qualified,responsible and willing citizens are given the opportunity to serve the City and participate in the governing of their community. These procedures will apply to all appointments and reappointments to standing advisory bodies. 6.6.2 COUNCIL SUBCOMMITTEE LIAISONS Subcommittee liaisons to advisory bodies are selected annually by the full Council,usually in December. The Mayor and Vice Mayor shall submit recommendations to the full Council, rotating nominations for Council Member Subcommittees, thereby ensuring an opportunity for each member to serve as liaison at least once on each advisory body,when possible. When terms of office do not allow each member to serve once, members with greatest seniority shall have first right of selection. (ABH§ III,C.6) Council Policies&Procedures Manual 2004 Adopted 4/20/04 by Resolution No.XXXX(2004 Series) Page 36 N' `� 6.7 PROCESS 6.7.1 QUALIFICATIONS 6.7.1.1 The applicant must be a resident and registered voter of the City at the time and during the entire term of appointment,unless excepted by State law or special circumstances such as deed restrictions. (ABH§ II1,C) 6.7.1.2 The applicant must be at least 18 years of age at the time of appointment. (ABH§III,C) 6.7.1.3 No member of the Councilmay be appointed to any office created or the compensation of which is increased by the Council,while a member thereof until one year.after the expiration of the term for which elected. (Charter$409). 6.7.2 TERMS 6.7.2.1 The term of office for each appointee to an advisory body shall be from one year to a maximum of four years. The length of a term is dictated by the principle that no more than two terms on any committee shall expire each year. (ABH § MD) 6.7.2.2 No appointee shall serve on the same advisory body for more than two consecutive, full terms (eight years),but may subsequently serve on another advisory body unless noted otherwise. Some exceptions include: The Housing Authority,Jack House Committee and Tree Committee. (ABH §IIID) 6.7.23 After a one-year interval,persons may reapply to serve on the same advisory body. 6.7.2.4 Mid-term appointment to a vacant seat shall not preclude the appointee from serving two additional consecutive full terms,provided that the initial,partial term served is less than one year. (ABH§MD) 6.7.2.5 Other Advisory Bodies. As a general policy, an applicant shall not be appointed to serve on more than one advisory body,except that a member may also serve on one technical or special-purpose committee at the same time. If appointed to another committee,he/she will be expected to resign from one body upon being appointed to another. (ABH§M,C.5) 6.7.3 PROCESS Council Policies&Procedures Manual 2004 Adopted 4/20/04 by Resolution No.XXXX(2004 Series) Page 37 C4 � �F3 6.7.3.1 Applications are obtained and filed with the City Clerk's Office. (ABH §III,C.1) 6.7.3.2 In February of each year,the City Clerk shall advise the City Council of the terms that are due to expire on each advisory body. The City Clerk shall also notify each advisory member whose term is due to expire. Each of these members shall be given the opportunity to apply for reappointment unless the member has then served a total of eight(8)years on that advisory body. 6.7.3.3. The Council Liaison Subcommittee reviews the current applications and determines the recruitment process, including whether to advertise. (ABH §III,C.3) If the committee is a technical or special purpose committee (Board of Appeals,Jack House Committee,Joint Recreational Use of School District Property Committee,Mass Transportation Committee,or Tree Committee),the City staff representative and Chair are invited to participate in determining the recruitment process. 6.7.3.4. The City Clerk shall then place an ad in the local newspaper, inviting citizens to apply for consideration as an appointment to an advisory body, 6.7.3.5 The applicant reads the Advisory Body Handbook and attends at least one meeting prior to the interview with the Council Liaison Subcommittee. 6.7.3.6 The subcommittee shall interview qualified applicants, inviting the advisory body Chair to attend(if the Chair is being considered for reappointment, the Council Liaison Subcommittee shall designate another representative). (ABH§ M,C.3) If the vacancy is for a technical or special-purpose committee(Board of Appeals,Jack House Committee, Joint Recreational Use of School District Property Committee,Mass Transportation Committee, or Tree Committee),the City staff representative will be invited. 6.7.3.7 The Council Liaison Subcommittee shall submit recommendations for appointment to the entire Council. If a unanimous decision for recommendation to the full Council cannot be reached, the Council shall take a separate motion for each candidate proposed by each member of the Council Liaison Subcommittee. (ABH§M,C.3) 6.7.3.8 Applicants not appointed will be advised and their applications held for consideration in the event of a future vacancy for no less than one year. (ABH§M,C.4) Council Policies&Procedures Manual 2004 Adopted 4/20/04 by Resolution No.XXXX(2004 Series) Page 38 1 4 `Tl 6.7.3.9 The Subcommittee may prepare a list of all qualified candidates that they interview. Such list shall be filed with the City Clerk and may be used as a basis for appointments to fill vacancies that may occur during the year. Council appointment of a particular term is required. Council Policies&Procedures Manual 2004 Adopted 4/20/04 by Resolution No.N=(2004 Series) Page 39 ATTACHMENT 2 MINUTES COUNCIL COMPENSATION COMMITTEE THURSDAY,FEBRUARY 19,2004 - NOON PLANNING CONFERENCE ROOM 990 PALM STREET, SAN LUIS OBISPO 1. Call to Order City Clerk Price called the meeting to order at 12:20 p.m. 2. Present: Members: Jeff Jorgensen, Dodie Williams,Louise Matheny, Cydney Holcomb, Rick May Staff: City Clerk Lee Price, Human Resources Director Monica Maloney,Deputy City Clerk Diane Reynolds 3. Elect Chair Moved by Jeff Jorgensen, seconded by Cydney Holcomb, to appoint Dodie Williams as Chair of the Council Compensation Committee; unanimously approved. 4. Review Council Compensation The Committee considered: • The current version of Chapter Two, Council Compensation • Who's receiving benefits now • Gov. Code Section 36516 (as it relates to General Law cities) • Survey of other similar cities • Average Council work hours, based on the existing Council • Current Council Subcommittee assignments • Summary of current Council expenditures Staff will check the accuracy of Council Member Settle's Professional Development figure on the expenditure chart and report back to the Committee. Moved by Jeff Jorgensen, seconded by Louise Matheny, to adjust the Retirement, Medical, Dental, Vision and Life Insurance benefit to match the department head benefit; and, to amend the wording of Council Policies and Procedures Manual, Section 2.2 as follows: Strike: "The City shall contribute $420 per month toward the Mayor and Council Members participation in PEMCHA, dental, vision and life insurance." 1 Minutes - Council Compensation Committee ATTACHMENT 2 2 Thursday,February 19, 2004—Noon Add. "The City shall contribute an amount equivalent to that received by City department heads monthly toward the Mayor and Council Members participation in PEMCHA, dental, vision and life insurance"; unanimously approved.. The Committee recommended that each Council Member receive a quarterly report of his/her expenditures to assist them in monitoring their own expenses. 5. Planning Commission and Architectural Review Commission (ARC) Stipends City Clerk Price presented a summary of a survey of General Law and Charter Cities Survey relating to Planning Commission and ARC stipends. She noted that SLO pays what appears to be the average stipend for Planning Commissioners statewide and, further, pointed out that only a few cities pay members of the ARC at all. Committee members mutually agreed that members of the public who choose to volunteer to serve the City in either capacity do it for reasons other than monetary benefit. The Committee decided that both advisory bodies are appropriately compensated at this time and took no action to formulate a recommendation to make a change. 6. Public Comment The Committee considered written correspondence submitted by Andrew Carter, San Luis Obispo, encouraging an increase in Council compensation (on file in the Office of the City Clerk). There were no other public comments. Individual comments followed about Council compensation. The Committee acknowledged that members of the City Council dedicate many long hours to the City of SLO and often make personal sacrifices, whether it be time away from family or business/profession (or sometimes both), in order to meet the many demands of serving on the City Council. The Committee agreed as a whole that while it would have liked to have been able to forward a recommendation to the Council to increase its compensation package, it could not do so based on their extensive review of similar cities in the State and in light of the City's current economic constraints, given the State's budget crisis. 7. Next Meeting The Committee agreed that their work was complete and no additional meetings would be necessary. Staff will submit a final report to Chair Dodie Williams and take this matter to the full Council as part of the Council's Policies and Procedures update scheduled for the month of March. 8. Adjourn Chair Dodie Williams adjourned the meeting at 1:30 p.m. � `4 PTTACHMENT 3 m m 1 1 pp u1 2U2 )C w W 3 e n yp O O O w D w w O U w z= w U O Q W ¢ W t i y Y o R S U U 2 C1 6 m w w w N w ym m- N O 3 S w w W > m 2 1 LL ? W y dG6 w 1.1 ONi N J C WZ F¢ $$ O ¢ O 2Z W Z U O X Z 0 _ a z _ 2 6 w 2 < w 2 LL w N W 1 LL 3 U U w a ~ U w a O O O O O 6 m ¢ LN m W. ¢ U Q w 6 ¢ Q E U ��•1 N j 6�. m 6 ® ¢> ® 6 O m 6 o J O U ® a j 0 d W 3 n U N � a '�" - T a w C n U w U U ¢ O O O m O m ~ u2iY O O O O O O i 2 i w T UQ z z z z z z ] j 0 _ 9 N 2 O 2 z > e w > i 1 W b W > O > $ w 1 F R w a Ja w m m w LL m an d ) r o m m z = 0 t 2 LL a N m LL W U LL W � , Q ¢ W c ' LL C 7 w LL LL C LL W C IY t) a W tO.t2 N w w1 Q 3 a w » c, Q 8 so 2 O . . n g O Q w 00 8 8 6 r 0 w w g I Q w w w p 1 w 1 w w » J 6 6 ii¢�� 6 6 6 6 W ¢ 6 W W w U W ¢�¢ w U WQ 6 C 6 ~ ¢ ~ 6 w p a a Pd w S 50 V U U U U U U Op z U U U z Oa w 2WEs N U O 1 2 6 N N 40 Lee Prtce Council Compensation Comm*ee Page 1= From: <ANCARTER@aol.com> ATTACHMENT 4 To: <Iprice@slocity.org> Date: 2/19/04 12:33AM Subject: Council Compensation Committee Lee, Please pass this on to the Council Compensation Committee, which is meeting today. Thanks. Andrew Carter To: _ Members of the Council Compensation Committee From: Andrew Carter Date: 2/19/04 Having run for City Council in 2002 and thinking about running again this year, I am obviously an "interested party"to the discussions you are having. So feel free to discount my recommendations to whatever extent you feel appropriate. Nonetheless, it is my belief that council compensation needs to be raised significantly. I would suggest a doubling,to approximately$2000 per month. My reasoning centers on the amount of time required to be a Council member, the value that time should be given, and the opportunity cost of that time for many people who might otherwise be interested in serving. As to amount of time, my sense is that it is increasing dramatically. And that sense is based on just four years of closely watching City Council. It used to be there were just two Council meetings a month. Now, it seems the average is three, and some months there are four. It used to be the meetings ran from 7:00 pm to 11:00 pm. Now they usually run to midnight, and oftentimes the meetings begin at 4:00 pm or 5:00 pm. Add to this the amount of time spent preparing for each meeting. It also seems to me the length of the Council packets is increasing. I don't know what the average is, but 200 page packets, even 300 page ones, aren't.unusual. Add to this the need to physically visit sites for which an appeal is to be heard. Finally, add all the liaison work the Council Members do-- both to City advisory committees and to County and regional committees as well (SLOCOG, Regional Water Quality Board, Regional Air Pollution Control District, Airport Land Use Commission, etc.) I wouldn't be surprised if the average time commitment is at least 20 hours a week. And I'm sure some Council members put in significantly more time. Is $900 (or$1000) a month,just compensation for the amount of time and the quality of the effort? My argument here isn't that the time should be completely compensated. The idea of public service and the sacrifice one makes for it is still important. Nonetheless,the actual compensation shouldn't be completely"out of the ball park"from its true worth. C�-- �k9 Lee Price Council Compensation Committee g4 2 ATTACHMENT 4 Now, let's consider the opportunity cost. I can tell you that just putting in the time I do following City Council, my own business has suffered significantly. I recall,too, a conversation I had with Jan Howell Marx in which she detailed how much her legal practice had been hurt by the time she had to spend on Council matters. John Ewan has also told me that one of the reasons he wasn't interested in running for mayor last year was that he just couldn't afford to spend any more time away from his business. It is this opportunity cost which leads us to a Council that is not truly representative of our community from an employment standpoint. Because of the low pay,we tend to end up with retirees, business owners, professionals, or people who are independently wealthy. Retirees have the time and have a pension so they don't desperately need additional compensation. Business owners, professionals, and the independently wealthy aren't slaves to the time clock and may be making enough so that they feel they can forego the lostincome. (And for the first two groups, public service sometimes helps their business or profession.) But it's important to note, we don't tend to have hourly or salaried employees (other than the occasional college professor). My thought is that if we make the pay of a City Council member equivalent to a well paying half-time job, more people might be financially able to serve. I don't know to what extent my arguments are persuasive. I will note two other things. First, Council salaries haven't been increased in four years. Second, our County Supervisors make almost$70,000 a year. Now, I personally believe$40,000 to$50,000 for them would be more appropriate. But consider the dichotomy. At$70,000, are the Supervisors working seven times as hard as our Council members? At$40,000, are they working four times as hard? Thank you. From: <ANCARTER@aol.com> To: <asettle@slocity.org>, <cmulholland@slocity.org>, <kschwartz@slocity.org>, <jewan@slocity.org>, <dromero @ slocity.org> Date: 4/15/04 7:27 PM Subject: 4/20 Agenda — Item C4 CC: <Ipdce@slocity.org>, <khampian@slocity.org> Dear Council Members: The Council member benefit package represents a major portion of Council members' potential compensation,yet it is something few Council members can actually take advantage of—currently only one of you. As a matter of fairness to all members, I would urge you to consider a "Cash back" option similar to Santa Cruz and Santa Maria. Andrew Carter 1283 Woodside Drive San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 805-594-1906 --- ancarter@aol.com RECEIVED PR 16 2004 SLO CITY CLERK --ti:OUtvCIL .TCDD �,R ,,e CAO T FIN DIR -0ACAO ZFIRE CHIEF .Q ATTORNEY a PW DIR ,a CLERKZ1POLICE CHF RED FILE G3 DEPT HEADS Z PEC DIR ,Q-UTIL DIR MEETING AGENDA i t DATE—'P#ITEM # C�