Title
Adopt a Resolution to Approve Updates and Edits to the City Council Handbook
Staffreport
RECOMMENDATIONS
It is recommended that the City Council approve the proposed updates and edits to the City Council Handbook as outlined in this report. The updates and edits incorporate changes recommended by the City Council Rules Committee and align with current policies and best practices.
BACKGROUND
The City Council Handbook serves as a reference document outlining the roles, responsibilities, and operational guidelines for the Mayor and City Councilmembers. The Handbook is periodically reviewed to ensure its alignment with applicable laws, City policies, and governance best practices. The City Council Rules Committee has conducted a review of the Handbook and recommended several revisions for Council consideration.
SUMMARY OF UPDATES
Key updates to the City Council Handbook include:
1. Consequences for Violating the Handbook (Page 8)
o Added language specifying that violations of the Handbook’s rules and policies may result in disciplinary action as determined by the City Council.
o Reference to Title 1, Chapter 13 of the San Leandro Administrative Code, adopted by Resolution No. 2024-138.
2. Councilmembers Code of Ethics (Pages 9-12)
o A new section providing ethical expectations for City Councilmembers, including principles of integrity, accountability, transparency, and public service.
3. Nomination and Role of the Vice Mayor (Page 14)
o Added language specifying that the Vice Mayor nominee shall be the most senior Councilmember who has not previously served in the role.
4. Strategic Organizational Training (Page 17)
o Established an annual $17,400 training fund for the Mayor and Councilmembers to participate in educational programs designed for elected officials.
o Selection criteria include prior participation, leadership potential, and commitment to professional development.
5. Reimbursement for Expenses (Pages 17-18)
o Clarified the proration of travel and training budgets for newly appointed Councilmembers.
o Provided guidelines for staff assistance in booking flights for Councilmembers with detailed flight requests.
6. City Councilmember Handbook Acknowledgement Form (Page 69)
o Added a requirement for Councilmembers to formally acknowledge receipt and understanding of the Handbook.
7. General Clean-Up and Reorganization
o Reorganized sections for improved flow and readability.
o Updated references to City committees, including removing the Human Relations Committee and adding the City Council Rules Committee.
o Corrected spacing, grammar, and formatting inconsistencies.
FISCAL IMPACT
The proposed changes do not result in additional financial obligations beyond the budgeted $17,400 Strategic Organizational Training fund.
NEXT STEPS
Upon adoption, the updated Handbook will be distributed to all Councilmembers. Councilmembers must sign the acknowledgment form to confirm receipt and understanding.
ACTION REQUESTED
Approve the proposed updates to the City Council Handbook as recommended by the City Council Rules Committee.
ATTACHMENTS
A: Draft Resolution City Council Handbook Update
B: Council Handbook (Redline Edits)
C: Presentation
PREPARED BY: Kelly B. Clancy, CMC
City Clerk, City Manager’s Office