HomeMy WebLinkAbout07/15/2008, C10 - MINOR ADMINISTRATIVE CHARTER AMENDMENT FOR NOVEMBER 4, 2008 ELECTION council MmfinDe 8
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acjEn Va Repopm lam Num6n /• JI OO
CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO �/
FROM: Jonathan Lowell, City Attorney
Audrey Hooper; City Clerk
SUBJECT: MINOR ADMINISTRATIVE CHARTER AMENDMENT FOR
NOVEMBER 4, 2008 ELECTION
CAO RECOMMENDATION
Adopt a resolution that will:
1. Submit to voters a proposed Charter amendment that would make non-substantive changes,
clarifications and minor clerical and language revisions.at the General Municipal Election to
be held on Tuesday,November 4, 2008.
2. Set priorities for filing written arguments regarding a City measure and directing the City
Attorney to prepare an impartial analysis.
3. Approve submittal of the proposed primary ballot argument and appoint an ad hoc committee
to prepare and submit a rebuttal argument, if warranted.
REPORT-IN-BRIEF
The City's first Charter was ratified by the electorate of San Luis Obispo on May 1, 1876. A new
Charter was ratified in 1910. Between then and 2002, the electorate has been presented with
amendments to the Charter at 23 elections, most of which have been substantive in nature. The
current Charter is largely based on the framework adopted by voters in 1958.
During the past few years, it has become apparent that it would be beneficial to modemize the
City Charter and incorporate minor clarifications and/or corrections. As a result, staff from each
department has reviewed the Charter and is recommending some limited revisions. These
revisions do not involve changes in policies and are non-substantive in nature. The specific
changes recommended and the reasons for the changes are set forth in greater detail below,
following the format of the attached amending legislative draft(Attachment#1).
Because the State Constitution and California Law require that Charter amendments be ratified
by the electorate, it would be timely to present the proposed Charter amendment to the City
voters as a ballot measure at the November 2008 General Municipal Election.
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DISCUSSION
Proposed Minor Administrative Revisions to Charter
Section 201 and Subsequent Sections. The revision reflected in Section 201, and each related
section as indicated in the legislative draft of the Charter, changes the title of the City
Administrative Officer to City Manager. Staff reviewed chief administrative positions in 453
cities statewide. Of those positions, 409 (including all other cities in SLO County) had the title
of City Manager while only three had the title of City Administrative Officer. A small
percentage of cities used the title City Administrator.
Based on titles and duties in other California cities, and considering the responsibilities of the
CAO position as set forth in the City Charter, the title that best describes this position in today's
local government environment is "City Manager." This more common and contemporary title
will also better serve the City when recruiting for the position in the future.
Section 407. The reference to the preparation of an annual work program by the Mayor has been
deleted. Council develops its work program through its goal-setting sessions and adoption of its
Financial Plan. The Council further reviews the status of its work program during its mid-year
budget review.
In this same section, the reference to a Disaster Council has been deleted. The City's Municipal
Code and Emergency Operations Plan are in the process of being updated. An
Administration/Policy Group will serve the function originally intended for the Disaster Council.
The duties and responsibilities of this Group will be set forth in the Municipal Code and further
defined in the City's Emergency Operations Plan.
Section 410. This section has been revised to eliminate inconsistencies and to align changes in
Council compensation with the City's regular payroll schedule.
Section 505. Language has been added to clarify that Council Members may recuse themselves
due to a conflict of interest.
Section 601. Because ordinances may be adopted that do not become part of the Municipal
Code, clarifying language has been added.
Section 701. This section has been revised to delete the reference to assistants and deputies since
these appointments are made by the City Administrative Officer.
Section 709. Revisions have been made to reflect the correct title of the Personnel Regulations
and the Human Resources Department.
Section 901(D). This section regarding reimbursement agreements has been revised to be
consistent with City practice.
Section 905. This section regarding progress payments has been revised to include the statement
"unless otherwise required by Federal law."
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Section 906. This section has been revised to enable the Council to establish policies and
procedures for the sale or lease of City property that are consistent with its other policies and
procedures, and to eliminate a threshold set in 1958 that does not keep pace with inflation or
match current purchasing authority.
Section 1001. This section was modified to provide Council with the authority to establish fees
or charges for the granting of licenses or franchises.
Section 1006(E). A clerical error was found in this section regarding franchises and corrected.
Section 1202. This section was revised to enable the Council to appoint non-registered voters
and non-citizens with an opportunity to participate on citizen committees, commissions, boards
and authorities as the Council deems appropriate.
Section 1205. Because certain advisory bodies meet only on a quarterly basis, this section was
revised to provide greater flexibility for submitting annual reports and budgets to the Council.
Submitting a Charter Amendment to the Voters
Section 302 of the City Charter establishes November of even-numbered years as the City's
General Municipal Election date for the election of Mayor and two Council Members. The ballot
may also include measures submitted by the Council or citizens by initiative petition.
In accordance with Article 11 of the California Constitution and Section 34458 of the California
Government Code, the Council may propose an amendment to the Charter in the form of a ballot
measure and submit that amendment to the registered voters within the City of San Luis Obispo.
The ballot measure must pass by a majority of the electors voting on the amendment. If the
voters vote in favor of the measure, the Charter amendment will be ratified. Pursuant to
Government Code Section 34460, the Charter amendment will not take effect until accepted and
filed by the Secretary of State. The resolution submitting the proposed Charter amendment to the
voters includes the ballot question and the full text of the Charter amendment(Attachment#2)..
Impartial Analysis, Primary Ballot Arguments and Rebuttals
Elections Code Section 9280 authorizes the Council to direct the City Clerk to provide a copy of
the proposed Charter amendment to the City Attorney for the purpose of preparing an impartial
analysis of the measure for publication in the voters' sample ballot. The impartial analysis shall
be submitted to the City Clerk no later than July 29`". The attached resolution directs the City
Attorney to prepare an impartial analysis.
Elections Code Section 9282 establishes a 300-word limit for primary ballot arguments and
priorities for selecting those arguments. Based on dates established by State law, primary ballot
arguments would have to be submitted to the City Clerk no later than Tuesday, July 29, 2008.
The public examination period for these arguments would be from July 30th through August 8th
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Included for Council's consideration is a proposed draft primary ballot argument (Attachment
#3). If acceptable to the Council, the CAO recommends the Council approve said argument for
submission to the Registrar of Voters for inclusion in the sample ballot pamphlet.
On July 28, 2000, the Council adopted Resolution No. 9081 (2000 Series) (Attachment #4)
adopting provisions for rebuttal arguments. Pursuant to Section 9285(b) of the Elections Code,
no further action is required to enable the submittal of rebuttal arguments. It is recommended
that the Council appoint an ad hoc subcommittee consisting of two of its members and the City
Administrative Officer to prepare and submit a rebuttal argument if warranted. (Note: public
funds may not be used for these purposes. These committee members will meet on their own
time and not utilize City resources.) The deadline for submitting rebuttal arguments is also
dictated by State law and would be Friday, August 8`}'. The public examination period for
rebuttal arguments would be from Monday, August 18th
CONCURRENCES
The City Charter was reviewed by each Department Head. Concurrence has been received from
those who will be impacted by the proposed revisions.
FISCAL IMPACT
The cost of including a Charter amendment on the ballot in November will be influenced by
several factors, including the number of candidates that will be filing for elected office. The City
Clerk's office received an estimate from the County Registrar of Voters based on some of these
factors and including one ballot measure election will cost approximately $40,000. There is
sufficient money set aside in the City Clerk's Election budget to pay these costs.
ALTERNATIVES
The Council could choose to not to place these minor, non-substantive Charter revisions on the
ballot as this time.
The Council could decide to place this matter on the ballot at some future time. Staff would not
recommend doing so at a special election because of increased costs associated with holding a
special election before the November 2008 election.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Legislative Draft
2. Resolution Ordering Submission of Measure to Voters
3. Proposed Primary Ballot Argument
4. Resolution No. 9081
G:\701-06 Charter Amendments\2008 CHARTER\7-15-08 Agenda Report.docDocument32
ATTACHMENT i
LEGISLATIVE DRAFT
CHARTER
of the
City of San Luis Obispo
California
Adopted on
With Amendments adopted through
Filed with the Secretary of State
State of California
ARTICLE I. INCORPORATION AND APPLICATION
SECTION 101. Name of the City.
The Municipal Corporation now existing and known as "The City of San Luis Obispo" shall
remain and continue a body politic and corporate, as at present, in fact and in law, and by such
name shall have perpetual succession.
SECTION 102. Boundaries.
The boundaries of the City of San Luis Obispo shall continue as now established until
changed in a manner authorized by law.
SECTION 103. Effective Date of Charter.
This Charter shall not take effect until accepted and filed by the Secretary of State pursuant
to the provisions of Section 34464 of the Government Code.
SECTION 104. General Law Applicable.
All general laws of the State applicable to municipal corporations,now or hereafter enacted
and which are not in conflict with the provisions of this Charter or with ordinances or resolutions
adopted in pursuance of this Charter, shall be applicable to the City.
SECTION 105. Amendments.
This Charter may be amended in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution and
laws of the State of California.
SECTION 106. Definitions.
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when used in this Charter the masculine gender includes the feminine and neuter. The
present tense includes the past and future tenses, and the future, the present. The singular number
includes the plural, and the plural, the singular. "Shall" is mandatory and "May" is permissive..
"Oath" includes affirmation.
The word "City" wherever it occurs in this Charter, means the City of San Luis Obispo, and
every Commissioner, Commission, Board, Officer, Employee, wherever mentioned in this Charter
means the Commissioner, Commission, Department, Board, Officer, or Employee, as the case may
be, of the City of San Luis Obispo. The word "Council" when used in this Charter means the
Council of the City of San Luis Obispo.
SECTION 107. Conflicts.
Any municipal ordinance, resolution, or motion duly approved by the City Council which is
in effect at the time this Charter is made effective shall continue in force unless it is in conflict with
any provision of this Charter, at which time it shall become null and void.
SECTION 108. Validity of Charter.
If any section, subsection, sentence, clause or phrase of this Charter is for any reason held to
be unconstitutional or void, such decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining separable
portions of this Charter. The people of the City of San Luis Obispo hereby declare that they would
have adopted this Charter and each section, subsection, clause or phrase thereof irrespective of the
fact that any one or more sections, subsections, sentences, clauses or phrases be declared
unconstitutional or void.
SECTION 109. Violation of Charter.
The violation of any provision of this Charter shall be deemed a misdemeanor; and may be
prosecuted by the authorities of the City in the name of the people of the State of California, or may
be redressed by civil action, at the option of said authorities. The maximum penalty upon
conviction for the violation of any provision of this Charter shall be a fine not exceeding one
thousand dollars ($1,000.00) or imprisonment for a term not exceeding one (1) year or both such
fine and imprisonment. Any person sentenced to imprisonment for the violation of a provision of
this Charter may be imprisoned in the County jail of the county in which the City of San Luis
Obispo is situated.
The ity Manager shall be responsible for the enforcement of
the provisions of the Charter.
ARTICLE H. FORM AND POWERS OF MUNICIPALITY
SECTION 201. Form of Government.
The municipal government provided by this Charter shall be known as the "Council-Mayor-
�. .Administfative Office 7ityManager" form of municipal government.
SECTION 202. Governing Body.
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All power herein granted to and vested in the City of San Luis Obispo shall, except as
herein otherwise provided, be exercised by a Council to be designated the Council of the City. The
Council shall be the governing body of the City and, subject to express limitations of this Charter;
shall be vested with all powers of legislation in municipal affairs adequate to a complete system of
local government consistent with the Constitution and laws of the State of California.
SECTION 203. Powers of City.
The City shall have the power to make and enforce all laws and regulations in respect to
municipal affairs, subject only to such restrictions and limitations as may be provided in this
Charter and in the constitution and laws of the State of California. It shall also have the power to
exercise any and all rights, powers and privileges heretofore or hereafter established, granted or
prescribed by any law of the State, by this Charter, or by other lawful authority, or which a
municipal corporation might or could exercise under the Constitution and laws of the State of
California. The enumeration in this Charter of any particular power shall not be held to be
exclusive of or any limitation upon this general grant of power.
SECTION 204. Organization of City Government.
After obtaining and considering the recommendations of the City
O€f eet City Manama, the Council shall provide by ordinance or resolution, not inconsistent with
this Charter, for the powers and duties of all officials and employees of the City and for the
organization, function, conduct, and operation of the various departments of the City and may
provide for the creation of additional departments, divisions, offices; and agencies, and for their
consolidation, alteration, or abolition.
SECTION 205. Consolidation of Functions..
The Council may transfer or consolidate functions of the City government to or with
appropriate functions of the State or County government, or may make use of such functions of the
State or County government, and in case of any such transfer or consolidation, the provisions of this
Charter providing for the function of the City government so transferred or consolidated, shall be
deemed suspended during the continuance of such transfer or consolidation, to the extent that such
suspension is made necessary or convenient and is set forth in the ordinance or resolution
establishing such transfer or consolidation. Any such transfer or consolidation may be repealed in
.like manner.
ARTICLE III. MUNICIPAL ELECTIONS
SECTION 301. Procedure.
Unless otherwise provided by ordinance hereafter enacted, all elections shall be held in
accordance with the provisions of the Elections Code of the State of California, as the same now
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exists or may hereafter be amended.
SECTION 302. General Municipal Elections.
General municipal elections to fill elective offices shall be held in the City on the first
Tuesday after the first Monday in November in each even-numbered year.
SECTION 303. Special Municipal Elections.
All other municipal elections that may be held by authority of this Charter, or of general
law, or by ordinance, shall be known as special municipal elections.
SECTION 304. Initiative,Referendum and Recall.
The provisions of the Elections Code of the State of California, as the same now exists or
may hereafter be amended governing the initiative, referendum and recall of municipal officers,
shall apply to the use thereof in this City insofar as the provisions of the Elections Code are not in
conflict with this Charter.
ARTICLE IV. ELECTIVE OFFICIALS
SECTION 401. Enumeration.
The elective officers of the City of San Luis Obispo shall be a Mayor and four Council
Members each of whom, including the Mayor, shall have the right to vote on all questions coming
before the Council.
SECTION 402. Election at Large.
The Mayor shall be elected at the general municipal election on a general ticket from the
City at large.
The Council Members shall be elected at the general municipal election from the City at
large,two being selected biennially.
SECTION 403. Eligibility for Office.
No person shall be eligible for election to; or to hold, the office of Mayor or Council
Member of said City unless said person is and shall have been a resident thereof, or of territory
legally annexed thereto, on or prior to the date of such election or appointment, for at least thirty
(30) days next preceding said person's election thereto or appointment to fill a vacancy therein, and
is an elector thereof at the time of such election or appointment.
SECTION 404. Terms of Office.
(A)The term of the Mayor shall be two years, and the terms of the Council Members shall
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be four years.
(B)Terms shall commence on the first day of December at twelve o'clock noon following
the election and each shall serve until a successor is elected or appointed and qualified.
Ties in voting shall be settled by the casting of lots.
SECTION 405. Limitation of Terms.
Neither the Mayor nor any member of the Council shall serve in the same office for more
than eight(8) years in succession; provided,however, that any time in office resulting from a partial
term which is less than one-half (1/2) the length of the full term for that office, shall not be
considered.
SECTION 406. Vacancies.
An elective office becomes vacant when the incumbent thereof dies, resigns, is removed
from office under recall proceedings, is adjudged insane, convicted of a felony, or of an offense
involving a violation of the Mayor or Council Member's official duties,or ceases to be a resident of
the City, or has been absent from the State without leave granted by the City Council for more than
sixty (60) consecutive days, or fails to attend the meetings of the Council for a like period without
being excused there from by said body.
A vacancy in the Council shall be filled for the remainder of the unexpired term, if any, at
the next regular municipal election following not less than seventy-two (72) days upon the
occurrence of the vacancy, but the Council by a majority vote of its remaining members shall
appoint a qualified person to fill the vacancy until the person elected to serve the remainder of the
unexpired term or new term takes office. If the term still has two (2) years until expiration at the
time of the next regular municipal election, the election to that seat shall be separated from the
election for the other Council candidates. If the Council fails to fill the vacancy within thirty (30)
days following 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. The election shall be governed by the provisions of Article III.
A person elected to fill a Council vacancy for an unexpired term shall take office on the
first Tuesday following his election. Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Charter, a
minority of the members of the Council may fill vacancies on the Council by appointment in the
event that a majority of the Council seats becomes vacant.
SECTION 407. Mayor-Powers and Duties.
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
^diniais6m6,-e ^ffeerCity Manager in matters of policy.
The Mayer-shall r an ..1 nt work- r{tea to the Ga eil f its eensider-ation afifst Fneeting in May. The Mayor- shall have the r-espeasibility for ��,RfdiRg the W84E rh
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approved by the Council.
The Mayor shall be recognized as the official head of the City for all ceremonial purposes.
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TL.e 4.4a ...r hallexereise eh .slier powers and perfOr-t7, such other dbiiies . l.e
SECTION 408. Mayor Pro Tempore
The Council shall elect one of its members to be Vice Mayor. During the temporary
absence or disability of the Mayor, the Vice Mayor shall act as Mayor Pro Tempore. In case of the
temporary absence or disability of both the Mayor and Vice Mayor, the Council shall elect one of
its members to be Mayor Pro Tempore: In case of vacancy in the office of Mayor, the Vice Mayor
shall act as Mayor until such vacancy can be filled as provided in this Charter.
SECTION 409. Council Member to Hold No Other Office.
No member of the Council shall hold any other municipal office or hold any office or
employment, the compensation of which is paid out of the municipal monies; nor be elected or
appointed to any office created or compensation of which is increased by the Council, while a
member thereof,until one year after the expiration of the term for which elected.
SECTION 410. Compensation.
The Mayor and each Council Member shall receive compensation for services payable
according to the regular City payroll schedule, with the Mayor receiving greater compensation than
the other Council Members.
Compensation for Mayor and Council Members shall be reviewed biennially in even-
numbered years. When warranted, said compensation may be adjusted by Council resolution, to be
effective the first full pay period in January of the year following the review. The
compensation rate may be revised by the electorate by initiative.
Mayor and Council Member expenses incurred for official business shall be reimbursed.
ARTICLE V. COUNCIL POWERS AND PROCEDURES
SECTION 501. 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 which are not specifically forbidden by the
Constitution and laws of the State of California, or which now or hereafter it 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.
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SECTION 502. Meetings of Council.
The Council shall provide by ordinance for the time and place of holding its meetings and
the manner in which its special meetings may be called. Public interest and convenience shall be
the 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.
SECTION 503. Quorum.
A majority of the Council Members shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of
business.
SECTION 504. Rules of Procedure.
The Council shall determine its own rules of procedures.
SECTION 505. Voting.
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. Upon the request of any member, the
ayes and noes shall be taken and recorded on any vote. All members, when present, must vote
except in the case of a recusal due to a conflict of interest.: Failure or refusal to vote shall be
construed as an affirmative vote.
SECTION 506. Majority Rule.
No ordinance, resolution or motion shall be passed or become effective without receiving
the affirmative vote of at least three(3) members of the Council.
SECTION 507. 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 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 this State.
SECTION 508. Limitations.
No member of the Council shall be appointed to or serve as a voting member of any City
Board, Committee, Commission, 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.
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ARTICLE VI. LEGISLATIVE ACTIONS
SECTION 601. 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 that prescribe rules applicableeg ierally within the jurisdiction 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.
SECTION 602. Requirements of Ordinances.
(A) With the sole exception of ordinances which take effect upon adoption referred to in
this article, no ordinance shall be passed by the Council on the day of its introduction nor within
five (5) days thereafter, nor until its publication at least once in full in a newspaper of the City of
San Luis Obispo at least three (3) days before its adoption; and in case of amendment being made
thereto before the final adoption of the ordinance, the amended portion or portions of said
ordinance must in like manner be republished at least one (1) day before its adoption as amended,
provided that no less than a full subsection shall be published. The correction of typographical or
clerical errors shall not constitute an amendment within the meaning of the foregoing sentence.
(B) The publication of ordinances as required by subdivision (A) may be satisfied by the
publication of a summary of the proposed ordinance in lieu of publication of the full text as
required in subdivision (A). At the time the proposed ordinance is introduced, the Council shall
determine whether the full text of the ordinance shall be published or whether a summary shall be
published; if the Council fails to so determine, the full text shall be published. If the Council
determines that a summary shall be published, the summary shall be approved by the City Attorney.
A copy of the full text of the proposed ordinance shall be on file in the office of the City Clerk on
and after the first business day following its introduction, and shall be available to any interested
member of the public.
SECTION 603. Enactment.
The enacting clause of every ordinance passed by the Council shall be: "Be it ordained by
the Council of the City of San Luis Obispo." The enacting clause of every ordinance initiated by
the people shall be: 'Be it ordained by the People of the City of San Luis Obispo."
SECTION 604. Effectiveness.
Except as otherwise provided in this Charter, every ordinance and every measure passed by
the Council shall go into effect at the expiration of thirty (30) days after its final passage, unless
otherwise provided in said ordinance or measure; provided, however, that no such ordinance or
measure shall go into effect in less than thirty (30) days from its final passage. But ordinances
declared by the Council to be necessary as emergency measures as hereinafter provided, ordinances
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relating to public improvements, the cost of which is to be bome wholly or in part by special
assessments, and taxing ordinances, may go into effect at the will of the Council.
SECTION 605. Emergency Legislation.
Any ordinance declared by the Council to be necessary as an emergency measure, for
preserving the public peace, health or safety, and containing a statement of the reasons for its
urgency, may be introduced and adopted at once at the same meeting if passed by at least four (4)
affirmative votes.
SECTION 606. Amending Ordinances.
No ordinance shall be amended by reference to its title, but the subsections thereof to be
amended shall be re-enacted at length as amended; and any amendments passed contrary to the
provisions of this section shall be void.
SECTION 607. Repeal.
No ordinance or section thereof shall be repealed except by an ordinance adopted in the
manner provided in this Charter. This is not to prohibit the voiding or expiration of any ordinance
when such voiding or expiration is provided for in the ordinance itself.
SECTION 608. Codification of Ordinances.
Any or all ordinances of the City which have been enacted and published in the manner
required at the time of their adoption, and which have not been repealed, may be compiled and
codified in accordance with the provisions of the laws of the State of California as the same now
exist or may hereafter be amended.
Detailed regulations pertaining to the construction of buildings, plumbing and wiring, fire
prevention and similar matters, when arranged as a comprehensive code, may likewise be adopted
by reference in the manner provided by State law.
SECTION 609. Violation of Ordinances.
The violation of any ordinance adopted and published by the City Council shall constitute a
misdemeanor unless by ordinance it is made an infraction, provided that the City Attorney may
elect to prosecute any misdemeanor as an infraction. Both misdemeanors and infractions may be
prosecuted or may be redressed in the manner provided by the general law of the State.
ARTICLE VII. APPOINTIVE OFFICIALS
SECTION 701. General Description.
The officials of the City of San Luis Obispo shall consist of a C=45, Admiais�
Offiee Manager, a City Treasurer, a City Clerk, and a City Attorney. . ~a
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deputies. as the Gouneil may deem neees. Such officials shall be appointed by and may be
removed only by the affirmative votes of a majority of the members of the Council. All other
officials and department heads of the City shall be appointed by and may be removed by the
n.7. iiiirtrati ,e @4iee-City Manager.
SECTION 702. Duties of Officials and Employees.
After obtaining and considering the recommendations of the Eity Administr-ative
Q94eerCity Manager, the Council shall provide in a manner not inconsistent with this Charter, for
the powers and duties of all officials and employees of the City.
SECTION 703. City. "dMiRiStFiltiVe Offlee City Manager.
The City ^dmin:s._ative Q fieef.City Manager shall be the administrative head of the
government of the City. As such, the ity Manager shall be responsible
to the Council for the efficient implementation of its policy and effective administration of all the
affairs of the City government that the office controls. Any action, determination or omission of the
^,,ministnisive Q f.,., r ity Manager or staff shall be subject to review by the Council but no
individual Council Member or the Mayor shall overrule, change or modify any such action,
determination or omission except by affirmative vote of at least three (3) members of said Council
at a duly constituted session.
The dfnip�stFa`iye Offiee amity Manager shall advise and make recommendations to the
Council concerning any conditions or governmental situations that need Council direction or policy
determination.
The ^d...iais,...,,iye Offiee 7ity Manager will insure that the Council, as a whole or as
individuals,anis permitted timely and complete freedom of access to requested.information.
SECTION 704. Qualifications.
The Cky ^a..,:. ist.,,,:.,o 0 4eefCity Manager shall be chosen on the basis of administrative
qualifications; need not be a resident of the City or the State at the time of appointment, but during
tenure in office shall reside within the City.
SECTION 705. Eligibility of Council Members.
No member of the City Council shall, during the term for which elected or appointed, or for
one year thereafter,be eligible to hold the position of ' ity Manager.
SECTION 706. Combining of Offices.
Where the positions are not incompatible, the Council may combine in one person the
powers and duties of two or more offices created or provided for in the Charter.
SECTION 707. Nepotism.
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The Council shall not appoint to a salaried position under the City government, any person
who is a relative by blood or marriage.within the third degree of any one or more members of such
Council, and neither shall any department head or other officer having appointive power appoint
any relative of the Council or themselves within such degree to any such position. Nothing herein
shall prevent the " , : : ^'^'ea ^f£ wCi[y Manager from supplementing the provisions of
this section.
SECTION 708. Equal Opportunity Employment.
All persons seeking employment with the City and all City employees shall be treated
equally and without discrimination prohibited by Federal, State or local laws.
SECTION 709. Employment Policy.
The City Council shall adopt a-Personnel Rei Regulations by ordinance or resolution,
prescribing hiring, discharge and performance standards for Council appointees, department heads,
and other appointive officials.
No official appointed by the City Council shall be terminated within the three (3) months
following a municipal election. No official subject to appointment by the City AdminisiF
A€€eeeCity Manager shall be terminated within the three (3) months immediately following the
appointment of a new City "dm inti-ative Offieeity Manager. Any notice of termination,
transfer, or demotion shall state the effective date of the action and a copy shall be filed with the
Persome! Human Resources Department.
SECTION 710. Oath of Office.
Every official of the City, before entering upon the duties of the office, shall take the oath of
office as provided for in the Constitution of this State, and shall file the same with the City Clerk.
SECTION 711. Compensation of Officials and Employees.
The compensation of all City officials and employees, except as otherwise provided in this
Charter, shall be by salary to be fixed by ordinance or resolution. No official or employee shall be
allowed any fees, perquisites, emoluments, rewards or compensation for any work performed as an
official or employee, aside from the salary or compensation as fixed by the Council, but all fees
received in connection with official duties shall be paid into the City Treasury.
SECTION 712. Official Bonds.
The Council shall, by ordinance or resolution, determine what officials and other persons in
the service of the City shall give bond either of an individual type or be included in a master bond,
for the faithful performance of their duties and/or honesty, and shall fix the amounts of such bond
or bonds, and each of such officers and other persons shall before entering upon the duties of office
or employment, execute a resolution, including in the same bond the duties of all offices of which
the official or person is made, by this Charter or otherwise, ex officio incumbent. Such bonds must
be examined by the City Attorney and approved by the City Council. All bonds when approved
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shall be filed with the City Clerk, except the City Clerk's bond, if any, which shall be filed with the
itv Manager. All the provisions of any law of this State relating to the
official bonds of officials as then existing shall apply to such bonds, except as herein otherwise
provided. In all cases where surety company bonds are approved by the Council, the premium
therefore shall be paid by the City.
ARTICLE VIII. FISCAL ADMINISTRATION
SECTION 801. The Fiscal Year.
The fiscal year of the City shall commence upon the first day of July of each year, or at such
other time as may be fixed by ordinance.
SECTION 802. Annual Budget.
On such date in each year as shall be fixed by the Council, the City na,, iRis.
Of€ieerCity Manager shall send to the Council a careful estimate, in writing, of the amounts,
specifying in detail the objects thereof required for the business and proper conduct of the various
departments, offices, Boards and Commissions of the City, over which the office has control,
during the next ensuing year. The ity Mana= shall also at said time
submit to the Council an estimate of the amount of income from all sources of revenue, exclusive
of taxes upon property, and the probable amount required to be levied and raised by taxation.
SECTION 803. Public Hearing on the Budget.
After reviewing the proposed budget as submitted by the Cky AE1fflinistfa4v&-0W4eefCLitv
Manager and making such revisions as it may deem advisable, the Council shall determine the time
for holding of a public hearing, and shall cause a notice thereof to be published not less than ten
(10) days prior to said hearing by at least one insertion in a newspaper in the City of San Luis
Obispo. Copies of the proposed budget shall be available for inspection by the public at the office
of the City Clerk at least ten(10)days prior to said hearing. At the time so advertised or at any time
to which such public hearing shall from time to time be adjourned, the Council shall hold a public
hearing on the proposed budget at which interested persons desiring to be heard shall be given such
opportunity.
SECTION 804. Adoption of the Budget.
After the conclusion of the public hearing the Council shall further consider the proposed
budget and make any revisions thereof that it may deem advisable and thereafter it shall adopt the
budget with revisions, if any. Upon final adoption, the budget shall be in effect for the ensuing
fiscal year. From the effective date of the budget, the several amounts stated therein as proposed
expenditures shall be and become appropriated to the various departments or activities therein
described. All appropriations shall lapse at the end of the fiscal year to the extent that they shall not
have been expended or lawfully encumbered. At any meeting after the adoption of the budget, the
Council may amend or supplement the budget by motion adopted by a majority vote of the Council.
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SECTION 805. Grants and Subsidies.
Sufficient funds may be budgeted by the Council for grants, subsidies, contributions,
subventions and the like to economic, promotional, environmental, cultural, or other agencies
Whose operations are unrelated to those of the City but who contribute largely to the quality of life
of the City. Such funds shall be allotted only after a public hearing on consideration of an
application by the requesting group or agency. Such application shall include complete justification
of the need for the requested aid.
SECTION 806. Income from Public Utilities.
All income derived from the operation and management of any public utility by the City
shall be devoted exclusively to the payment of the expenses of operating, maintaining, improving,
or bettering such public utility, and to the payment of any debts and interest thereon which may
have been incurred for the acquiring, improving,operating, or maintaining of such utility.
SECTION 807. (Deleted -November 5, 1996- Measure "W".)
SECTION 808. Accounts Payable.
Monies shall be drawn from the City Treasury only in the manner prescribed by ordinance
of the Council.
SECTION 809. Claims Against the City.
(A) No suit shall be brought on any claim for money or damages against the City or any
Board, or official thereof, until a demand for the same has been presented as herein provided and
rejected in whole or in part. If rejected in part, suit may be brought to recover the whole. All
claims for damages against the City must be presented to the City Clerk within the time limits
prescribed by the laws of the State of California after the occurrence, event, or transaction from
which the damages allegedly arose, and shall set forth in detail the name and address of the
claimant, the time, date, place, and circumstances of the occurrence and the extent of the injuries or
damages received.
(B) The provisions of the foregoing subsection (A) shall not prohibit payment on invoice,
claims for goods, wares, materials, and/or services supplied to the City, and the provisions for
payment on account of said items shall be set out by an ordinance adopted by the Council.
SECTION 810. Independent Audits.
The Council shall employ, at the beginning of each fiscal year, an independent certified
public accountant who, at such time or times as may be specified by the Council, at least annually,
shall examine the books, records, inventories, and reports of all officials, employees, departments,
and agencies who receive, handle, or disburse public funds. As soon as practicable after the end of
the fiscal year, a final audit and report shall be submitted by such accountant to the Council, one
copy thereof to be distributed to each member, one each to the City Clerk, the City Treasurer, the
City df flifiist_a. ive O ffieet ity Manager, and City Attorney respectively, and three (3) additional
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copies to be placed on file in the office of the City Clerk where they shall be available for
inspection by the general public for the period required by the laws of the State of California.
Restricted and special assessment district funds shall be segregated in the audit report.
ARTICLE IX. PUBLIC WORKS AND CONTRACTS
SECTION 901. Public Works To Be Done By Contract.
(A) Except as provided in subsection (D) of this section, every project involving an
expenditure of City monies of more than the amount specified in Section 20162 of the Public
Contract Code of the State of California, as the same now exists or may hereafter be amended for
the construction or improvement of public buildings, works, drains, sewers, utilities, parks,
playgrounds, and streets (exclusive of projects for resurfacing, maintenance, and repair of streets)
shall be let by contract to the lowest responsible bidder after notice by publication in the official
newspaper by one or more insertions the first of which shall be at least ten(10) calendar days before
the time for opening bids.
(B) All bids shall be accompanied by either a certified or cashier's check, or a bidder's bond
executed by a corporate surety authorized to engage in such business in California, made payable to
the City. Such security shall be in an amount not less than that specified in the notice inviting bids
or in the specifications referred to therein, or if no amount be so specified then in an amount not
less than ten percent (10%) of the aggregate amount of the bid. If the successful bidder neglects or
refuses to enter into the contract, within the time specified in the notice inviting bids or
specifications referred to therein, the amount of the bidder's security shall be declared forfeited to
the City and shall be collected and paid into its general fund and all bonds so forfeited shall be
prosecuted and the amount thereof collected and paid into such fund. The Council may reject any
and all bids presented and may readvertise at its discretion.
(C) The Council, after rejecting bids or if no bids are received, may declare and determine
that, in its opinion, based on estimates approved by the ity Manager,
the work in question may be performed better or more economically by the City with its own
employees and after the adoption of a resolution to this effect by at least four (4) affirmative votes
of the Council and containing a declaration of the facts constituting such urgency.
(D) Nothing in this section shall be construed to apply to any project involving the
expenditure of City monies by the City for public works in cooperation with a developer or
subdivider for oversized facilities or such cooperative extension or replacement of mains and
appurtenances. For those projects the City shall have the authority to make funds available to the
cooperating developer or subdivider through an Reimbursement Aagreement en a fixed faf+mul
was established at least annual! by Council ordinance or resolution.
(E) Notwithstanding any provisions of this Charter to the contrary, the City may
perform maintenance related projects using a unit price contract for all necessary labor,
materials, and equipment provided such contracts are secured on a competitive basis as
otherwise required by Public Contract Code Section 20128.5. The City Council shall
establish by ordinance, guidelines for the award and use of such unit price contracts, and
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may set an amount below which the r;.., k a...iaisti:alive nfr:,.e.rity Manager may award
such contracts.
(F) Notwithstanding any provision of this Charter to the contrary, public projects,
as defined by the Uniform Public Construction.Cost Accounting Act, sections 2.2000 et
seq. of the Public Contract Code, of one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000) or less may
be let to contract by informal procedures as set forth in Sections 22032 et seq. of that code.
The City Council shall establish by ordinance guidelines for the use of such contracts.
SECTION 902. Collusion.
(A) Any officer or employee of the City, or of any department thereof, who shall willfully
aid or assist a bidder in securing a contract to furnish labor, materials or supplies at a higher price
than that proposed by any other bidder; or who shall favor one bidder over another, or who shall
willfully mislead any bidder in regard to the character of the materials or supplies called for, or who
shall knowingly accept materials or supplies of a quality inferior to those called for by the contract
or who shall knowingly certify to a greater amount of labor performed than has been actually
performed, or to the receipt of a greater amount or different kind of materials or supplies than has
been actually received, any of the above which is to the detriment of the City, shall be deemed
guilty of malfeasance and shall be removed from office.
(B) If at any time it shall be found that the person to whom a contract has been awarded has,
in presenting any bid or bids, colluded with any other party or parties for the purpose of preventing
any other bids being made, then the contract so awarded shall be null and void, and the Council
shall advertise for a new contract for said work, or provide for such public work to be done by the
City.
(C) If at any time it shall be found that the person to whom a contract has been awarded has
colluded with any other party or parties, including a City officer or employee, during the
administration of the contract, then the contract so awarded shall be null and void and any funds
paid pursuant to it shall be returned to the City. Any City officer or employee guilty of such
collusion to the detriment of the City may be prosecuted pursuant to State law or charged with a
misdemeanor for violation of this Charter.
SECTION 903. Purchases of Supplies and Equipment.
The City Council,by ordinance or resolution,shall adopt policies and procedures, including
appropriate bidding regulations, governing purchases of supplies and equipment. Purchases of
supplies and equipment shall be made only in accordance with the adopted policies and in
accordance with all provisions of law governing the same.
The City Council also shall by ordinance or resolution adopt policies and procedures for
contracting for personal services. Such personal services shall be contracted for only in accordance
with the adopted procedures and in accordance with all provisions of law governing the same.
SECTION 904. Abridgement of Contract.
Inasmuch as a contract is a legal document attesting to the terms of an agreement providing
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for an exchange of services for a mutually-agreed-upon compensation in return, each separate
deletion, modification, or addition shall be completed in writing, signed by authorized
representatives of the contractor and the City, and filed with the City Clerk within thirty (30)
calendar days.
Any willful abridgement of any provision of a contract, without a written memorandum as
required above, shall be considered a breach of contract and a misdemeanor.
SECTION 905. Progress Payments.
Any contract may provide for progressive payments '.if the ordinance or resolution
authorizing such work includes such a provision. No progressive payments may be provided for or
made at any time which with prior payments, if there have been such, shall exceed in amount at any
time ninety percent (90%) of the value of the labor done and the materials used up to that time, and
no contract shall provide for or authorize or permit the payment of more than ninety percent (90%)
of the contract price before the completion and acceptance of the work, unless otherwise required
by Federal Law.-
SECTION 906. Sale or Lease of City Property.
The feliewing
g Fegulatiens shall be applieabie to-Cityawned-prepeny. No Cale crieaseease 4
real prepefty nor anysale of personal pfepeFty ef a value in mee—ss Af ese 1;1;;;dFed dellani ($100.004
O
thi-ee (3) yeafs, shall be authorized by
AF "moi;-The City Council, by ordinance or resolution, shall adopt policies and procedures
that shall be applicable to the sale or lease of City Property.
SECTION 907. Exemptions.
Nothing in this article shall be construed to apply to the acquisition or purchase of natural
gas, telephone service, electricity, electric power or electric energy by the City for any use or
purpose.
SECTION 908. Development of Annexed Lands.
Lands annexed to the City may only be developed at a time and in a manner consistent with
the General Plan adopted by the City and as may be amended from time to time by the Council.
SECTION 909. Use of Reliability Reserve.
As identified in the Water Management Element of the General Plan, the City shall strive to
acquire additional water supplies as a "reliability reserve" to protect the City from.future water
shortages. Once the City has acquired a portion or all of the reliability reserve, the additional water
supply shall only be used to meet City needs during unpredictable changes such as a new worst case
drought, loss of one of the City's water sources, contamination of a source, or failure of a new
source to provide projected yield, and not to allow additional development.
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ARTICLE X. LICENSES AND FRANCHISES
SECTION 1001. Granting of Franchises.
The City Council is empowered to grant by ordinance a franchise to any person; firm or
corporation, whether operating under an existing franchise or not, to furnish the City and its
inhabitants with transportation, communication, terminal facilities, water, light, heat, power,
refrigeration, storage, or any other public utility of public service, and to use the public streets,
ways, alleys, and other places, as the same now or may hereafter exist, for the construction and
operation of plants, works, or equipment necessary or convenient for traversing any portion of the
City for the transmitting or conveying of any service elsewhere. The City Council may prescribe
the terms and conditions of any such grant. It may also provide, by procedural ordinance, the
method of procedure and additional terms and conditions for making such grants, subject to
provisions of this Charter. The City Council may. by ordinance or resolution, establish fees or
charges for thearg nting of licenses or franchises.
SECTION 1002. Resolution of Intention,Notice,and Public Hearing.
Before granting any franchise,the.City Council shall pass a resolution declaring its intention
to grant the same, stating the name of the proposed grantee, the character of the franchise and the
terms and conditions upon which it is proposed to be granted. Such resolution shall fix and set
forth the day, hour and place when and where any persons having any interest therein or any
objection to the granting thereof may appear before the City Council and be heard thereon. It shall
direct the City Clerk to publish said resolution at least once within fifteen (15) days of the passage
thereof in a newspaper in the City of San Luis Obispo. The time fixed for such hearing shall not be
less than twenty (20) or more than sixty (60) days after the passage of said resolution. At the time
set for the hearing, the City Council shall proceed to hear and pass upon all protests, and its
decision thereon shall be final and conclusive. Thereafter, it may grant or deny the franchise,
subject to the right of referendum of the people.
SECTION 1003. Term of Franchise.
Every franchise shall state the term for which it is granted, which, unless it is indeterminate
as provided for herein, shall not exceed thirty-five (35) years. No franchise may be renewed until
three(3) years before its term expires. A franchise grant may be indeterminate,that is to say, it may
provide that it shall endure in full force and effect until the same, with the consent of the Public
Utilities Commission of the State of California, shall be voluntarily surrendered or abandoned by its
possessor, or until the State of California or some municipal or public corporation, thereunto duly
authorized by law, shall purchase by voluntary agreement or shall condemn and take, under the
power of eminent domain, all property actually used and useful in the exercise of such franchise and
situated within the territorial limits of the State, municipal or public corporation purchasing or
condemning such property, or until the franchise shall be forfeited for non-compliance with its
terms by the possessor thereof.
SECTION 1004. Grant to be in Lieu of All Other Franchises.
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Any franchise granted by the City with respect to any given utility service shall be in lieu of
all other franchises, rights, or privileges owned by the grantee, or by any successor of the grantee to
any rights under such franchise, for the rendering of such utility service within the limits of the City
as they now or may hereafter exist, except any franchise derived under Section 19 of Article XI of
the Constitution of California as said section existed prior to the amendment thereof adopted
October 10, 1911. The acceptance of any franchise hereunder shall operate as an abandonment of
all such franchises, rights, and privileges within the limits of the City as such limits shall at any
time exist, in lieu of which such franchise shall be granted. Any franchise granted hereunder shall
not become effective until written acceptance thereof shall have been filed by the grantee thereof
with the City Clerk. Such acceptance shall be filed within ten (10) days after the adoption of the
ordinance granting the franchise and when so filed, such acceptance shall constitute a continuing
agreement of such grantee that if and when the City shall thereafter annex, or consolidate with,
additional territory, any and all franchises, rights, and privileges owned by the grantee therein,
except a franchise derived under said constitutional provision, shall likewise be deemed to be
abandoned within the limits of such territory.
SECTION 1005. Eminent Domain.
No franchise grant shall in any way or to any extent impair or affect the right of the City to
acquire the property of the grantee thereof either by purchase or through the exercise of the right of
eminent domain, and nothing herein contained shall be construed to contract away or to modify or
to abridge either for a term or in perpetuity the City's right of eminent domain with respect to any
public utility. Every franchise grant shall reserve to the City the right to purchase the property of
such utility either at an agreed price or a price to be determined in a manner to be prescribed in the
grant, or in the procedural ordinance hereinabove mentioned. In fixing the price to be paid by the
City for any utility, no allowance shall be made for franchise value (other than the actual amount
paid to the City at the time of the franchise acquisition), goodwill, going concern, earning power,
increased cost of reproduction, severance damage, or increased value of right of way.
SECTION 1006. Duties of Grantee.
By its acceptance of any franchise hereunder, the grantee shall covenant and agree to
perform and be bound by each and all of the terms and conditions imposed in the grant or by
procedural ordinance, and shall further agree to:
(A) Comply with all lawful ordinances, rules, and regulations theretofore or thereafter
adopted by the City Council in the exercise of its police power, governing the construction,
maintenance, and operation of its plants, works, or equipment;
(B) Pay to the City on demand the cost of all repairs to public property made necessary by
any of the operations of the grantee under such franchise;
(C) Pay to the owner on demand the cost of all repairs to private property made necessary
by any of the operations of the grantee under such franchise;
(D) Indemnify and hold harmless the City and its officials from any and all liability for
damages proximately resulting from any operations under such franchise;
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(E) Remove and relocate without expense to the City and-py facilities installed, used and
maintained under the franchise if and when made necessary by any lawful change of grade,
alignment; or width of any public street, way, alley; or place, including the construction of any
subway or viaduct; and
(F) Pay to the City during the life of the franchise, a percentage, to be specified in the grant,
of the gross annual receipts of the grantee within the limits of the City, or such other compensation
as the City Council may prescribe in the grant.
The City Admiaistfative Offiee ity Manager shall be responsible for the enforcement of
all provisions of the grant.
SECTION 1007. Violations.
The exercise by any person, firm or corporation of any privilege for which a franchise is
required, without procuring such franchise, shall be a misdemeanor, and each day that such
condition continues to exist shall constitute a separate violation.
ARTICLE XI. PERSONNEL ADMINISTRATION
SECTION 1101. Rules and Regulations.
After •obtaining and considering the recommendations of the Eity--Adminise
Of€eerCity Manage r, the Council shall provide by ordinance or resolution, not inconsistent with
this Charter, for personnel rules and regulations governing all City employees.
SECTION 1102. .Personnel Board.
The Council shall establish a Personnel Board consisting of five (5) members whose duties
shall be advisory only.
SECTION 1103. Political Activities.
The political activities of all City employees shall conform to pertinent provisions of the
Federal and State laws.
SECTION 1104. Employee Candidacy for Public Office.
Nothing in Section 1103 shall be construed to prevent any full-time employee from seeking
election or appointment to public office. Upon becoming a candidate for elective office for the City
of San Luis Obispo, any such person shall request and be granted a leave of absence, without pay,
to remain in effect during the period of time such person is a candidate.
SECTION 1105. Retirement.
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The City Council shall be authorized to enter into a contract with the Board of
Administration of the Public Employees' Retirement System of California that shall include all
employees of the City of San Luis Obispo. Should the contract at any time be broadened, the City
Council may have the contract amended to provide the improved coverage.
The Council may terminate the contract or negotiate another contract with reduced
employee coverage with the Board of Administration of the Public Employees' Retirement System
only upon authority approved by a majority vote of the electorate.
SECTION 1106. Reserved for Future Use.
SECTION 1107. Impartial and Binding Arbitration For San Luis Obispo Police Officers
Association and San Luis Obispo Firefighters Association, IAFF Local 3523, Employee
Disputes.
(A) Declaration of Policy. It is hereby declared to be the policy of the City of San Luis
Obispo that strikes by firefighters and police officers are not in the public interest and should'be
prohibited, and that a method should be adopted for peacefully and equitably resolving disputes
that might otherwise lead to such strikes.
(B) Prohibition Against Strikes. No City of San Luis Obispo firefighter or police officers
shall willfully engage in a strike against the City. Any such employee against whom the City
brings charges of failing to report for work as part of a strike shall be subject to dismissal from
his or her employment in the event the charges are sustained upon conclusion of the proceedings
that are required by law for the imposition of disciplinary action upon said employee.
(C) Obligation to Negotiate in Good Faith. The City, through its duly authorized
representatives, shall negotiate in good faith with the San Luis Obispo Police Officers
Association and/or the San Luis Obispo Firefighters Association, IAFF Local 3523, as the
exclusive representatives of representation units comprised solely of employees of the police
department and/or the fire department, as such units are currently constituted or as they may be
amended through negotiation or arbitration as provided in this section, on all matters relating to
the wages, hours, and other terms and conditions of City employment. Unless and until
agreement is reached through negotiations between authorized representatives of the City and
said employee organization or organizations or a determination is made through the impartial
arbitration procedure hereinafter provided, no existing benefit, term or condition of employment
for employees represented by the San Luis Obispo Police Officers Association and/or the San
Luis Obispo Firefighters Association, IAFF Local 3523, shall be altered, eliminated or changed.
(D) Impasse Resolution Procedures.
(1) All disputes, controversies and grievances pertaining to wages, hours or terms and
conditions of City employment which remain unresolved after good faith negotiations between
the City and said employee organization shall be submitted to a three member Board of
Arbitrators upon the declaration of an impasse by the City or by said employee organization.
Upon declaration of impasse by either party, the City and employee organization shall each
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exchange a written last offer of settlement on each of the issues remaining in dispute. Written last
offer of settlement shall be exchanged between parties within two days of the declaration of
impasse.
(2) Representatives designated by the City and representatives of the employee
organization shall each select and appoint one arbitrator to the Board of Arbitrators within three
(3) business days after either party has notified the other, in writing, of the declaration of impasse
and the desire to proceed to arbitration. The third member of the Board of Arbitrators shall be
selected by agreement between the City's and the employee's organization representative within
ten (10) business days of the declaration of impasse. This third member shall serve as the neutral
arbitrator and Chairperson of the Board. In the event that the City and the employee organization
cannot agree upon the selection of the neutral arbitrator within ten (10) business days from the
date that either party has notified the other that it has declared an impasse, either party may then
request the State Mediation and Conciliation Service of the State of California Department of
Industrial Relations to provide a list of seven (7) persons who are qualified and experienced as
labor arbitrators. If the arbitrators selected by the City and the employee organization cannot
agree within three (3) days after receipt of such list on one of the seven (7) to act as the third
arbitrator, they shall have five (5) business days to alternately strike names, with the City's
arbitrator striking first, from the list of nominees until one name remains and that person shall
then become the neutral arbitrator and Chairperson of the Board of Arbitrators.
(3) Any arbitration proceeding convened pursuant to this Article shall be conducted in
conformance with, subject to, and governed by Title 9 of Part 3 of the California Code of Civil
Procedure. The Board of Arbitrators shall hold public hearings, receive evidence from the parties
and cause a transcript of the proceedings to be prepared. The Board of Arbitrators may adopt by
unanimous consent such other procedures that are designed to encourage an agreement between
the parties, expedite the arbitration hearing process, or reduce the costs of the arbitration process.
(4) In the event no agreement is reached prior to the conclusion of the arbitration
hearings, the Board of Arbitrators shall direct each of the parties to submit, within such time limit
as the Board of Arbitrators may establish, but not to exceed thirty (30) business days, a last offer
of settlement on each of the remaining issues in dispute. The Board of Arbitrators shall decide
each issue by majority vote by selecting whichever last offer of settlement on that issue it finds
most nearly conforms to those factors traditionally taken into consideration in the determination
of wages, hours, benefits and terms and conditions of public and private employment, including,
but not limited to the following: changes in the average consumer price index for goods and
services using the San Francisco-Oakland-San Jose index, as reported at the time impasse is
declared for the preceding twelve (12) months, the wages, hours, benefits and terms and
conditions of employment of employees performing similar services in comparable cities; and the
financial condition of the City of San Luis Obispo and its ability to meet the costs of the decision
of the Board of Arbitrators.
(5) After reaching a decision, the Board of Arbitrators shall mail or otherwise deliver a true
copy of its decision to the parties. The decision of the Board of Arbitrators shall not be publicly
disclosed and shall not be binding until ten (10) days after it is delivered to the parties. During that
ten (10) day period the parties shall meet privately, attempt to resolve their differences, and by
mutual agreement amend or modify the decision of the Board of Arbitrators. At the conclusion of
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the ten (10) day period, which may be extended by mutual agreement between the parties, the
decision of Board of Arbitrators, as it may be modified or amended by the parties, shall be publicly
disclosed and shall be binding on the parties. The City and the employee organization shall take
whatever action is necessary to carry out and effectuate the arbitration award. No other actions by
the City Council or by the electorate to conform_ or approve the decision of the Board of Arbitrators
shall be permitted or required.
(6) The expenses of any arbitration proceeding convened pursuant to this Article,
including the fee for the services of the chairperson of the Board of Arbitrators and the costs of
preparation of the transcript of the proceedings shall be borne equally by the parties. The
expenses of the arbitration, which the parties may incur individually; are to be borne by the party
incurring such expenses. Such expenses include, but are not limited to, the expense of calling a
party's witnesses, the costs incurred in gathering data and compiling reports, and any expenses
incurred by the party's arbitrator. The parties may mutually agree to divide the costs in another
manner.
(7) The proceedings described herein shall supercede the dispute resolution process for
the San Luis Obispo Police Officers Association and the San Luis Obispo Firefighters
Association which is set forth in Sections 13.2 and 14.1 of City of San Luis Obispo Resolution
No. 6620, to the extent that such language is in conflict with this amendment. Furthermore, the
proceedings described herein shall supercede any language within the Employer-Employee
Resolution, the Personnel Rules and Regulations, any Memorandum of Agreement with the
employee associations or any written policy or procedure relating to wages, hours or other terms
and conditions of City employment, to the extent that such language is in conflict with this
amendment. However, nothing in this section shall preclude the parties from mutually agreeing
to use dispute resolution processes other than the binding arbitration process herein set forth.
Nor, does it preclude the parties from negotiating, and submitting to the arbitration process set
forth herein, a grievance process, which includes a form of binding arbitration that differs from
the one, set forth herein.
ARTICLE XII. BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS
SECTION 1201. Authority.
The City Council shall have the authority to establish by ordinance citizen Committees,
Commissions, Boards, and Authorities as required by the State of California or as the Council
deems necessary to give it advice or assistance. Such authorizing ordinances shall clearly define
goals, responsibilities,and jurisdiction of such a body.
The Council shall have the authority to establish by resolution any temporary or "ad hoc"
citizen Committees with limited lifespan and clearly define objectives specified in such a
resolution.
SECTION 1202.. Eligibility,Appointment,and Length of Terms.
All registered voters within the City, except part or full-time officials and management
EijgL22 of 23 7/3/2008
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a 9
employees of the City, shall be eligible for appointment, and shall be selected and appointed by any
method deemed appropriate by the Council. Participation.on citizen committees, commissions,
boards and authorities b non-registered voters or non-city residents may be permissible depending
upon the nature and purpose of the advisory body, as determined by the City Council.
No Committee member shall be appointed to a term exceeding four (4) years. Committee
members may be reappointed to serve additional terms.
SECTION 1203. Vacancies.
If a vacancy occurs in the body created by the Council, that vacancy may be filled by the
Council for the unexpired term of such a position. A member of any such body may be removed by
three (3) affirmative votes of the Council.
SECTION 1204. Bylaws and Procedures.
Each body established by ordinance shall present in writing to the Council for approval its
bylaws for procedure: purpose, specific function, meetings, officers, budget, etc.
SECTION 1205. Annual Reports.
By May n an annual basis, each established body shall report to the Council
on its activities for the preceding year, as well as its proposed activities and requested budget for the
forthcoming year.
SECTION 1206. Functional Review.
Every five (5) years of a standing Committee's life, the activities of such a body shall be
reviewed by a citizens' "ad hoc" Committee and recommendations presented to the Council for
modification or continuation of function, or for termination. The Council, at its discretion, may
refer this task to the Personnel Board.
Pie 23 of 23 7/3/2008
ATTACHMENT a-
RESOLUTION NO. (2008 Series)
A RESOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO
ORDERING THE SUBMISSION TO THE QUALIFIED ELECTORS
OF THE CITY A PROPOSED CHARTER AMENDMENT
AT THE GENERAL MUNICIPAL ELECTION
TO BE HELD ON TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 20089
AS CALLED BY RESOLUTION NO. 9994 (2008 SERIES)
WHEREAS, a General Municipal Election on Tuesday, November 4, 2008 has been
called by Resolution No. 9994, 2008 series, adopted on June 17, 2008; and
WHEREAS, Article XI of the Constitution, Title 4, Division 2, Chapter 3 of the
Government Code and Division 9, Chapter 3, Article 3 (commencing at section 9255) of the
Elections Code of the State of California Elections Code and applicable local law provide the
Council with the authority to submit a Charter amendment to the electorate; and
WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of San Luis Obispo desires to submit to the
voters a proposed Charter amendment making minor, non-substantive changes to the City
Charter; and
NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAN LUIS
OBISPO, CALIFORNIA, DOES RESOLVE, DECLARE, DETERMINE AND ORDER AS
FOLLOWS:
SECTION 1: The Council of the City of San Luis Obispo hereby proposes on its own
motion that amendment of the Charter of the City of San Luis Obispo be submitted to the voters at
the General Municipal Election on Tuesday,November 4, 2008 to read as follows:
A. By amending Section 201 (Form of Government)to read:
The municipal government provided by this Charter shall be known as the
"Council-Mayor-City Manager" form of municipal government.
[And, also, changing all references to "City Administrative Officer" within the
Charter to "City Manager", consistent with the above revision. This will entail
revision of Sections 109, 204, 407, 701, 702,703, 704, 705, 707,709, 712, 802, 803,
810, 901, 1006, and 1101 of the Charter.]
B. By amending Section 407 (Mayor—Powers and Duties) to read:
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 City
R G
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ATTACHMENT
Resolution No. (2008 Series)
Page 2
Manager in matters of policy. The Mayor shall be recognized as the official head
of the City for all ceremonial purposes.
C. By amending Section 410 (Compensation) to read:
The Mayor and each Council Member shall receive compensation for
services payable.according to the regular City payroll schedule, with the Mayor
receiving greater compensation than the other Council Members.
Compensation for Mayor and Council Members shall be reviewed
biennially in even-numbered years. When warranted, said compensation may be
adjusted by Council resolution, to be effective the first full pay period in January of
the year following the review. The compensation rate may be revised by the
electorate by initiative.
Mayor and Council Member expenses incurred for official business shall be
reimbursed.
D. By amending Section 505 (Voting)to read:
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. Upon
the request of any member, the ayes and noes shall be taken and recorded on any
vote. All members,when present, must vote, except in the case of a recusal due to a
conflict of interest. Failure or refusal to vote shall be construed as an affirmative
vote.
E. By amending Section 601 (Methods of Action by Council)to read:
All action by the Council shall be taken only by means of ordinance,
resolution,or oral motion duly made and passed.
Ordinances that prescribe rules applicable generally within the jurisdiction
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.
Clo � z�
C ATTACHMENT �-
Resolution No. (2008 Series)
Page 3
F. By amending Section 701 (General Description)to read:
The officials of the City of San Luis Obispo shall consist of a City Manager,
a City Treasurer, a City Clerk; and a City Attorney, Such officials shall be appointed
by and may be removed only by the affirmative votes of a majority of the members
of the Council. All other officials and department heads of the City shall be
appointed by and may be removed by the City Manager.
G. By amending Section 709 (Employment Policy)to read:
The City Council shall adopt Personnel Regulations by ordinance or
resolution, prescribing hiring, discharge and performance standards for Council
appointees, department heads, and other appointive officials.
No official appointed by the City Council shall be terminated within the
three (3) months following a municipal election. No official subject to appointment
by the City Manager shall be terminated within the three (3) months immediately
following the appointment of a new City Manager. Any notice of termination,
transfer, or demotion shall state the effective date of the action and a copy shall be
filed with the Human Resources Department.
H. By amending Section 901 (Public Works to be Done by Contract), subpart (D) to
read:
(D) Nothing in this section shall be construed to apply to any project
involving the expenditure of City monies by the City for public works in
cooperation with a developer or subdivider for oversized facilities or such
cooperative extension or replacement of mains and appurtenances. For those
projects the City shall have the authority to make funds available to the
cooperating developer or subdivider through a Reimbursement Agreement as
established by Council ordinance or resolution.
I. By amending Section 905 (Progress Payments)to read:
Any contract may provide for progressive payments if the ordinance or
resolution authorizing such work includes such a provision. No progressive
payments may be provided for or made at any time which with prior payments, if
there have been such, shall exceed in amount at any time ninety percent (90%) of
the value of the labor done and the materials used up to that time, and no contract
shall provide for or authorize or permit the payment of more thanninety percent
(90%) of the contract price before the completion and acceptance of the work,
unless otherwise required by Federal Law.
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ATTACHMENT
Resolution No. (2008 Series)
Page 4
I By amending Section 906 (Sale or Lease of City Property) to read:
The City Council, by ordinance or resolution, shall adopt policies and
procedures that shall be applicable to the sale or lease of City property.
K. By amending Section 1001 (Granting of Franchises)to read:
The City Council is empowered to grant by ordinance a franchise to any.
person, fum or corporation, whether operating under an existing franchise or not, to
furnish the City and its inhabitants with transportation, communication, terminal
facilities, water, light, heat, power, refrigeration, storage, or any other public utility
of public service, and to use the public streets, ways, alleys, and other places, as the
same now or may hereafter exist, for the construction and operation of plants,
works, or equipment necessary or convenient for traversing any portion of the City
for the transmitting or conveying of any service elsewhere. The City Council may
prescribe the terms and conditions of any such grant. It may also provide, by
procedural ordinance, the method of procedure and additional terms and conditions
for making such grants, subject to provisions of this Charter. The City Council may,
by ordinance or resolution, establish fees or charges for the granting of licenses or
franchises.
L. By amending Section 1006 (Duties of Grantee), subpart(E)to read:
(E) Remove and relocate without expense to the City any facilities installed,
used and maintained under the franchise if and when made necessary by any lawful
change of grade, alignment, or width of any public street, way, alley, or place,
including the construction of any subway or viaduct; and
M. By amending Section 1202 (Eligibility,Appointment and Length of Terms)to read:
All registered voters within the City, except part or full-time officials and
management employees of the City, shall be eligible for appointment, and shall be
selected and appointed by any method deemed appropriate by the Council.
Participation on citizen committees, commissions, boards and authorities by non-
registered voters or non-city residents may be permissible depending upon the
nature and purpose of the advisory body, as determined by the City Council.
No Committee member shall be appointed to a term exceeding four (4)
years. Committee members may be reappointed to serve additional terms. .
-' ATTACHMENT a-
Resolution No. (2008 Series)
Page 5
N. By amending Section 1205 (Annual Reports)to read:
On an annual basis, each established body shall report to the Council on its
activities for the preceding year, as well as its proposed activities and requested
budget for the forthcoming year.
SECTION 2: That the City Council, pursuant to its right and authority, does order
submitted to the voters at the General Municipal Election on Tuesday, November 4, 2008, the
following question:
Shall sections 201 (and related references
throughout the Charter), 407, 410, 505, 601, 701, Yes
709, 901, 906, 1001, 1006, 1202, and 1205 of
the Charter of the City of San Luis Obispo be
amended- to make technical, non-substantive No
revisions, asset forth in City Council Resolution
No. 2008 Series)?
SECTION 3. That the City Council authorizes any and all members of the City Council to
file written arguments In Favor.or Against the measure in accordance with Article 4, Chapter 3;
Division 9 of the Elections Code of the State of California and to change the argument until and
including the date fixed by the City Clerk after which no arguments for or against the measure may
be submitted to the City Clerk.
SECTION 4. That the City Council directs the City Clerk to transmit a copy of the
measure to the City Attorney, who shall prepare an impartial analysis of the measure showing the
effect of the measure on the existing law and the operation of the measure. The impartial analysis
shall be filed by the date set by the City Clerk for the filing of primary arguments.
SECTION 5. That in all particulars not recited in this resolution, the election shall be
held and conducted as provided by law for holding municipal elections.
SECTION 6. That notice of the time and place of holding the election is given and the City
Clerk is authorized, instructed and directed to give further or additional notice of the election, in
time, form and manner as required by law.
SECTION 7. That the City Clerk shall certify to the passage and adoption of this
resolution.
SECTION 8. That the City Clerk is hereby directed to file a certified copy of this
resolution with the San Luis Obispo County Board of Supervisors and Clerk-Recorder.
CIO - 32- .
ATTACHMENT C7'
Resolution No. (2008 Series)
Page 6
Upon motion of , seconded by
and on the following vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
The foregoing resolution was adopted this day of 2008.
Mayor David F. Romero
ATTEST:
Audrey Hooper
City Clerk
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
JonathP. ell
City Attorney
G:\701-06 Chatter Amendments\2008 CHARTER\Resoludon Adding Measure to Ballot.doc
CID - �3
AT TAC14MENT 3
ARGUMENT IN FAVOR OF MEASURE _
Measure -08 is a clean-up measure. It involves only non-controversial matters. It
will provide tools for the City Council and City staff to better serve the community. The
measure combines these minor,non-substantive revisions into a single ballot question.
A committee of City staff members has conducted a review of the current City Charter
and.presented its findings to the City Council. The committee finds that.our Charter
contains certain outdated language which can be easily modified to provide for greater
clarity. These changes can only be made by a majority vote of the electors,and so the
City Council has placed this measure on the ballot.
A unanimous City Council of the City of San Luis Obispo recommends a`yes"vote on
Measure -08.
s/David F. Romero
s/Paul Brown,Vice Mayor
s/Andrew Carter, Council Member
s/Christine Mulholland
s/Allen K. Settle
CI0 - 3`�
ATTACHMENT 4
RESOLUTION NO.9081(2000 SERIES)
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAN LUIS
OBISPO PROVIDING FOR THE FILING OF REBUTTAL ARGUMENTS FOR CITY
MEASURES SUBM rI`ED AT MUNICIPAL ELECTIONS
WHEREAS,Section 9220 and 9285 of the Elections Code of the State of California
authorizes the City Council,by majority vote,to adopt provisions to provide for the filing of
rebuttal arguments for City measures submitted at municipal elections;
NOW9 THEREFORE,BE IT RESOLVED,the City Council of the City of San Luis
Obispo,California,does resolve,declare,determine and order as follows:
SECTION 1. That pursuant to Sections 9220 and 9285 of the Elections Code of the
State of California, when the City Clerk has selected the arguments for and against the measure
which will be printed and distributed to the voters,the City Clerk shall send copies of the
argument in favor of the measure to the authors of the argument against,and copies of the
argument against to the authors of the argument in favor. The authors may prepare and submit
rebuttal arguments not exceeding 250 words. The rebuttal arguments shall be filed with the City
Clerk not more than 10 days after the final date for filing direct arguments. Rebuttal arguments
shall be printed in the same manner as the direct arguments. Each rebuttal argument shall
immediately follow the direct argument which is seeks to rebut.
SECTION 2. That all previous resolutions providing for the filing of rebuttal arguments
for City measures are repealed
SECTION 3. That the provisions of Section 1 shall apply at the next ensuing municipal
election and at each municipal after that time.
SECTION 4. That the City Clerk shall certify to the passage and adoption of this
Resolution and enter it into the book of original Resolutions.
On motion of Vice Mayor Schwartz,seconded by Council Member Ewan,and on the
following roll call vote:
AYES: Council Member Ewan,Vice Mayor Schwarz,and Mayor Settle
NOES. None
ABSENT: Council Members Marx and Romero
R 9081
C10 - 35
Resolution No.9091 (2000 Series)
iTrue"MINT 4
Page 2
Ile foregoing resolution was passed and adopted tins 28th day of July 2000.
Allen K.Settle, yor
ATTM:
Lee ,C.M.C.
City Clerk
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
Attorpy