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HomeMy WebLinkAboutRES 940125-UURESOLUTION NO. _2-ZO/A5 — JIZZ A RESOLUTION OF THE CTry CO I UNCEL OF THE CTITY 0 ORODOD OPO GEGETWN, MCAS, APTING REVISEGVERNANCE LI FOR CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS AND FOR THEM RELATION TMO S�Tj WHEREAS, the City Council has the duty to establish rules of behavior for Council Members and their relation to staff-, and WHEREAS, the City Council desires to capture the spirit of the Century Plan and focus upon creating a vision for the community. NOW'T'HEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED By THE CTI'Y COUNCIL OF TEE CTI'Y OF GEORGETOWN, THAT: SECTION 1 The facts and recitations contained in the preamble of this resolution are hereby found and declared to be true and correct, and are incorporated by reference herein and expressly made a part hereot as if copied verbatim. The City Council hereby finds that this resolution implements the Finance Policy I of the Century Plan - Policy Plan Element which states: "The City will conduct all municipal operations in an efficient bess-like mannerand further finds that the adoption of this resolution is not inconsistent or in conflict with any other Century Plan Policies, aa required by Section 2.03 of the Administrative Chapter of the Policy Plan. mr-411CONIN The attached Exhibit "A" (City Council Governance Policies) is hereby adopted. oxejv� These policies shall be in force and effect immediately upon adoption. RESOLVED this day of 17& pt ua r 1994. Attest: THE CITY OF GEORGETOWN 9_a_nUra —Lee, City SecretaryBY: 4eo—w—ood, mayor Approved as to Form: / — I Marianne Landers Banks City Attorney Revised niance GovePolicies _W_TkW4;TA,1f LM- JICIN CITY OF GEORGETOWN CITY COUNCIL ai"Al 1-11 4yayek AINIF, i The Georgetown City Council is the governing body for the City of Georgetown; therefore, it must bear the initial responsibility for the integrity of governance. The Council is responsible for its own development (both as a body and as an individual� its own discipline, and its own performance. The development of this policy is designed to ensure effective and efficient governance. This policy will address governance process, and council/staff relations. By adopting the 'e guidelines for elected officials, we acknowledge our responsibility to each other, to o professional staff, and to the public. The City Council will govern the City in a 1.1: 1' associated with a commitment to the preservation of the values and integrity of representati j local government and democracy, and a dedication to the promotion of effent a1 d effecti governing. The following statements will serve as a guide and acknowledge the commitme being made in this service to the community. The City Council shall: be responsive to the needs of citizens of the Georgetown community. In doing so, the Council will provide pro -active visionary and strategic leadership, delineate a clear distinction between the Council and staff roles, and focus on the future rather than on the past; strive to recognize its responsibility to the future generations by addressing the interrelatedness of the social, cultural, and physical characteristics of the community when developing ends (goals); continue to be dedicated to friendly and courteous relationships with staff, other Councilmembers, boards and commissions, and the public; and seek to improve the quality and image of public service; endeavor to keep the community informed on municipal affairs; encourage communicatioT, between citizens and the City Council; strive for strong, working relationships amongi Georgetown, Williamson County, Southwestern University, Georgetown Independent City of Georgetown Governance Policies Page 1 of 7 Pages School District, Georgetown Chamber of Commerce, and the Georgetown Industrial Foundation; and UTJ rLMA7,7- M ri7r "t, - � . V, - - I Suai ana 11 community, and to be dedicated to the faithful stewardship of the public trust City Councilmember Responsibties: The office of elected official is one of trug and service to the citizens of Georgetown. This position creates a special responsibility for the Georgetown City Councilmember. In response to this, the Georgetown City Council is expected to govem this City in a manner associated with a commitment to the preservation of the values and integrity of representative local government and local democracy and a dedication to the promotion of efficient and effective governing. To further these objectives, certain principles shall govern. the conduct of every Councilmember, who shall: represent unconflicted loyalty to the interests of the citizenry. This accountability supersedes any conflicting loyalty such as that to advocacy or interest groups and membership on other boards or staffs. This accountability supersedes the personal interest of any Councilinember acting as an individual citizen of the City; be dedicated to the highest ideals of honor and integrity in all public and personal relationships in order that the member may merit the respect and confidence of the citizens of Georgetown; refrain from any activity or action that may hinder one's ability to be objective and impartial on any matter coming before the Council, shall not seek nor accept gifts or special favors, and shall believe that personal gain by use of confidential information or by misuse of public funds or time is dishonest; recognize that public and political policy decisions, based on established values are ultimately the responsibility of the City Council; conduct business in open, well-publicized meetings in order to be directly accountable to the citizens of Georgetown. It is recognized that certain exceptions are made by the State for executive sessions. However, any action as a result of that type of meeting will be handled later in open session. City of Georgetown Governance Policies Page 2 of 7 Pages I ADIV,:1 To avoid any appearance of conflict of interest with respect to their fiduciary responsibility, Councilmembers shall: act and conduct themselves, both inside and outside the City's service, so as to give no occasion for the distrust of their integrity, impartiality, or of their devotion to the best interests of the City and the public trust which they hold; ensure that the Mayor, all City Councilmembers, City Manager, City Division Directors, City Secretary, Municipal Court Judge, City Attorney, and all members of such committees, commissions and boards appointed by the City Council have complied with the provisions of the City's Ethics Ordinance (Chapter 2.20 of the Georgetown Municipal Code); not condone any unethical or illegal activity. All members of the Council agree to uphold the intent of this policy and agree to govern their actions accordingly. In the event of a violation, or a perceived violation of the governance and/or ethics policies; 1. One or more members of the Council may request that the Mayor select two Councilmembers to accompany him/her to meet with the Councilmember who has "violated" the policy. A. If the Mayor is in question, then the Mayor Pro Tern will select Councilmember to accompany him/her to meet with the Mayor. the Councilmembers fail to mitigate the problem, then two Councilmembers m request an item to be placed on the City Council Agenda for additional discussion wits the affected Councilmember or Mayor. I W 111-11010111' Councilmembers will be familiar with and follow the "Council Meeting Procedures" Ordinance (Chapter 2.24 of the Georgetown Municipal Code); effectively use the Consent Agenda-- mzcz�� az=� liff-IMMOVAUMM be responsible for being prepared to come to the City Council Meeting and discuss the agenda, and are encouraged to attend at least one Texas Municipal League -sponsored conference each year in order to stay informed on issues facing municipalities; be informed about previous action taken by the Council in their absence. In the case oll absence from a workshop session where information g the individual Councilmember is responsible for obtaining this information prior to the Council Meeting when said item is to be voted upon. when addressing an agenda item, first be recognized by the Mayor, confin .1 himself/herself to the question under debate, avoid reference to personalities, and refrai from impugning the integrity or motives of any other Councilmember or staff member i his/her argument or vote; I during the Council Meeting, preserve order and decorum. Councilmembers, shall not interrupt or delay proceedings, and shall not refuse to obey the orders of the Mayor or the rules of the Council. Councilmembers shall demonstrate respect and courtesy to each other, to City staff members, and to members of the public appearing before the Council. Councilmembers shall refrain from rude and derogatory remarks and shall not belittle staff members, other Councilmembers, or members of the public. They should not use their position to secure special privileges and should avoid situations that could cause any person to believe that they may have brought bias or partiality to a question before the Council. The Mayor is responsible for the integrity of the Council's process and is the authorized speak for the Council. The Mayor shall be the presiding officer at all meetings, shall preserve ord and decorum and encourage all Councilmembers to participate in discussion. The Mayor wi act as mediator in any conflict and will seek consensus of Councilmembers. The Mayor res,,Tonsible for orientation of w�-w GiLtu 111-117rr Council procedures, staff and media relations, current agenda items and meetings. I In order for the Council to maximize its effectiveness, it may choose to utilize any or all of the following three processes: council committees, citizen advisory committees, and standing boards/commissions. City of Georgetown Governance Policies Page 4 of 7 Pages Council Committees will assist the Council by preparing policy alternatives a implications for Council deliberation. Council committees are to help the Council do 11 job, not to help the staff do its job. I Citizen Advisory Committees will assist the Council with technical expertise to resol special policy decisions. The Citizens Advisory Committees may be designed to assil either the Council or the stafE Standing Board/Commissions (in addition to their legal responsibilities) are to ma informed recommendations to Council. The City Council shall provide leadership throu clear ends (goals) for the boards/commissions. Further, the Council will provide regul on-going communication to boards/commissions. I Continuing education and training which focus upon city/county/reill. l/state/nationaI issues, policy and governance are encouraged for the Mayor and Councilmembers. Mandatory attendance is expected at the annual budget retreat� council orientation session, and ethics seminar. Continuing education and training are priority items and encouraged in accordance with the adopted travel policy. 15 1010) EV R The Council and the City Manager recognize that the media is an important link between the Council and the public. It is the Council's desire to establish a professional working relationship to insure well-informed and educated citizens. To this end: All reporters will receive an agenda in advance and will be furnished support material needed for clarification if requested. Ile Mayor is the primary spokesperson for the Council on matters regarding policy decisions or any Council information pertaining to issues on the agenda. On administrative matters, the City Manager is the spokesperson, unless he has appointed a media relations person to present staff information on the agenda. The City of Georgetown recognizes the importance of an excellent relationship between it - Council and the City Manager. The effectiveness of the organization is dependent on the respect City of Georgetown Governance Policies Page 5 of 7 Pages of the flow of authority as established by the Charter: Public to Elected City Council to City Manager to Staff. The power held by the Council is held collectively, not individually. Ilerefore, Councilmembers may not attempt to exercise individual authority over the City organization. Ile City Manager is the Council's single official link to the operating organization. All Council authority delegated to staff is delegated through the City Manager. The City Manager is authorized to make decisions, and take actions, as long as they are consistent with the Council's policies. T"he Council may change its policies, to restrict the latitude of choice given to the City Manager, but so long as any particular delegation continues, the Council and its members will respect the City Manager's choices. This does not prevent the Council from obtaining information in the delegated areas. The City Manager is responsible for providing information to all the Council concerning any inquiries by a specific Councilmember. The City Manager will be held responsible for the professional and ethical behavior of himselfYherself and his/her staff. The City Manager is also responsible for seeing that his/her staff receives the education and information necessary to addresses the issues facing municipal government. When a Councilmember is unhappy about a department, he/she should always talk it over with the City Manager, not the Division Director. The City Manager will also be responsible for meeting personally with new members ant' ? informing them about City facilities and procedures, and for insuring that staff has prepared information needed for the orientation of new Councilmembe-P. The City Council will monitor the City Manager and organization in a way which will be as automatic as possible, using a minimum of Council time so that meetings can be used to create the future rather than to review the past. A given policy may be monitored in one or more of three ways. Internal Report: Disclosure of compliance information to the Council from the City Manager, generally in the form of the monthly report and memos. External Report: Compliance information by an external auditor who is selected by and reports to the Council. Direct Council Inspection: Discovery of compliance information by a Councilmember, a committee or the Council as a whole. 71is is a Council BOB MiNA07-M inspection of documents, activities or circumstances directed by the Council, which allows a "prudent person" test of policy compliance. Upon the choice of the Council, any policy can be monitored by any method at any time. The City Council Agenda will be prepared by staff with direction from the City Manager. Ibc. Council expects a clear presentation of items and all information necessary to make informed decisions. Councilmembers will study agenda items, and if additional information is needed, request the City Manager to %rovide further informa4n, rt tro 7 i,-q-tMy -Fri z to the meeting to allow staff professional preparation time. City of Georgetown Governance Policies Page 7 of 7 Pages