Title
Adoption of Resolution Approving a City Council Handbook and Code of Conduct. (City Manager)
Body
To: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
To clearly state expectations related to the integrity of local government and its effective and fair operation, the City Council is being asked to consider the adoption of a City Council Handbook and Code of Conduct (Handbook) for its members, as well as the City of Alameda's (City) boards and commissions (see Exhibit 1 - Draft Handbook and Code Conduct). The Ethics section of the document provides guidance on questions of 'right and wrong' and the Conduct section is designed to describe the manner in which Councilmembers and board and commission members should treat one another, City of Alameda (City) staff, constituents, and others they may come into contact with while representing the City. The document also includes guidance regarding training, agenda setting, media inquiries, as well as monitoring and sanctions. Appendix A is a "Model of Excellence" signature page, which is an acknowledgement, and affirmative statement, regarding the content of the Handbook.
BACKGROUND
Many cities have a developed guidance for elected officials, as well as appointed board and commissioners. During the 2019 Grand Jury Report titled, "Alameda City Council Interference," Recommendations 19-1 and 19-4 read:
The Alameda City Council must establish policies mandating initial training and orientation and ongoing annual training for elected officials and senior staff related to ethics and governance.
The Alameda City Council working with the city attorney, city manager, and city clerk must develop and implement a code of conduct and councilmember handbook.
The City's response to the Honorable Wynne Carvill, Presiding Judge, on July 17, 2019, noted that within six-months to one year from the date of the response letter, staff would provide Council with recommendations on a handbook and related training. Coun...
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