AgdaPkt 2003-07-21 - Laserfiche WebLink

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REPORT To the Honorable Mayor and City Council From the City Manager July 21, 2003 Subject Submission of certain specified amendments to the Redwood City Charter to the voters of the City of Redwood City at the general municipal election of November 4, 2003. Recommendation Adopt a resolution authorizing submission of certain specified amendments to the Redwood City Charter to the voters of the City of Redwood City at the general municipal election of November 4, 2003; authorizing any amendments to the Redwood City Charter to be combined within one ballot measure; directing the City Attorney to prepare an impartial analysis with respect to the proposed Charter amendments; and authorizing the Mayor and Vice Mayor to sign the. ballot arguments in favor of the measures. Background The Redwood City Charter was adopted by the voters of Redwood City in 1929 and has been amended on eleven (11) occasions. It was last amended in 1987. At the City Council meeting of June 2, 2003, Mayor Claire appointed Vice Mayor Ira to serve with him as an ad hoc committee to carefully study and consider proposing amendments to the City Charter. As a result of that review, the sections described below are being recommended for submission to the voters of Redwood City at the general municipal election of November 4, 2003. It is further recommended that if more than one section of the Charter is to be submitted to the voters of Redwood City, the sections be combined within one ballot measure. Section 17. Plannina Commission This section of the Charter establishes a Planning Commission and in relevant part, denies the city attorney or director of public works any right to vote or enter into the deliberations of the commission. They are to serve solely in an advisory capacity. As the City's planning director and not the director of public works serves as staff to the Planning Commission, it is proposed that the title "public works director" be replaced by "planning director." The proposed amendment to section 17 is attached hereto as Exhibit "A." Section 27. No Interference Between Council and Citv Manaaer This section restricts members of the City Council from interfering or intervening with the city manager's authority to hire or supervise and control subordinates; to purchase supplies; to exact promises from candidates for the position of city manager with respect to appointment of subordinates; or unduly influencing subordinates of the city manager. As the responsibilities of administrative officers and department directors of the City serving as executive officers to City Boards and Commissions have greatly expanded, it is proposed that the limitations imposed on the City Council by this section be applied in similarfashion upon appointive City Boards and Commissions. The proposed amendment to section 27 is attached hereto as Exhibit B." F: /Atty /Memos/ /Agenda Charter Amendments