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. Council provided feedback and direction to Council on an earlier draft of the handbook at the December 17, 2019 City Council meeting.
DISCUSSION
The draft City Council Handbook, including the attached Model of Excellence Member Statement, provides detailed guidance and expectations regarding the conduct of Councilmembers and board and commissioners. There is sufficient detail and examples included in the document, but in summary, the Handbook encourages elected and appointed officials to participate in appropriate training, act with transparency, honesty, dignity, and with the best interest of the public in mind. At the same time, elected and appointed officials are expected to treat others with civility and respect.
The Model of Excellence Member Statement suggests that Councilmembers and board and commissioners will adhere to the following guiding principles:
Recognize the worth of individual members and appreciate their individual talents, perspectives and contributions;
Help create an atmosphere of respect and civility where individual members, City staff and the public are free to express their ideas and work to their full potential;
Conduct my personal and public affairs with honesty, integrity, fairness and respect for others;
Respect the dignity and privacy of individuals and organizations;
Keep the common good as my highest purpose and focus on achieving constructive solutions for the public benefit;
Avoid and discourage conduct which is divisive or harmful to the best interests of Alameda; and
Treat all people with whom I come in contact in the way I wish to be treated.
ALTERNATIVES
Staff is recommending that Council adopt a Resolution approving a City Council Handbook and Code of Conduct. Alternatives to this recommendation might include:
• Modifications to the draft City Council Handbook and Code of Conduct.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
There is no particular financial impact by adoption of this resolution.
MUNICIPAL CODE/POLICY DOCUMENT CROSS REFERENCE
In accordance with the 2019 Grand Jury Report and City response, staff has drafted a City Council Handbook and Code of Conduct for consideration by the City Council.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
This action is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines section 15601(b)(3), which is known as the “General Rule” exemption and is used where it can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility that the activity in question may have a significant effect on the environment.
CLIMATE IMPACTS
There are no identifiable climate impacts or climate action opportunities associated with the subject of this report.
RECOMMENDATION
Adopt a Resolution approving a City Council Handbook Code of Conduct.
CITY MANAGER RECOMMENDATION
The City Manager recommends approval of the City Council Handbook Code of Conduct. This document is consistent with changes the City Council requested on the initial review.
Respectfully submitted,
Gerry Beaudin, Assistant City Manager
Exhibits:
1. Draft Handbook and Code of Conduct