DATE:
February 21, 2023
TO:
Paul Buddenhagen, City Manager
FROM:
April Richardson, City Clerk
SUBJECT:
Consideration of Travel Authorization for Council Member Priforce and League of California Cities Caucus Memberships Recommendation
This item offers the City Council the opportunity to discuss and authorize City business related travel for Council Member Priforce consistent with the City Council’s travel reimbursement practice and League of California Cities Caucus membership opportunities for all Council Members.
Background
Council Member Priforce has applied and been accepted to the EXED Forum for Local Leaders hosted by the University of Southern California (USC) Sol Price School of Public Policy on March 10-11, 2023. The forum is held on the USC campus.
Council Member Priforce has requested membership to several of the caucuses within the League of California Cites. There are five diversity caucuses: the African American Caucus, the Asian Pacific Islander Caucus, the LGBTQ Caucus, the Latino Caucus, and the Women’s Caucus. According to the League’s website, the diversity caucuses provide city officials with common interests, characteristics, issues, and identity another way to connect with each other. Membership is open to all League of California Cities members.
Discussion
Council Member Priforce’s application was accepted to attend the EXED Forum. Approval of this travel authorization would include registration ($245), three nights of lodging, and travel expenses to the USC campus.
Council Member Priforce has registered for the African American, Asian Pacific Islander, and LGBTQ caucuses. His Latino Caucus membership is pending, as there was no online registration option. All of the caucuses charge a $100 membership fee, except the LGBTQ caucus is $50.00. Staff is presenting this information to provide all Council Members the opportunity to join. Please let the City Clerk know if you are interested in memberships to any of the caucuses.
Fiscal Impact
The fiscal impact of this item will depend on the costs of travel and the number of memberships requested. The City’s adopted Budget includes $8,000 for travel, conferences and meetings, and $4,326 for memberships and dues for Council Members. Through December 2022 the remaining balance for those items was $4,829 and $4,326 respectively.
The City Council’s adopted Travel Reimbursement Policy is included as Attachment A. The policy provides for reimbursement of travel expenses related to City business in an amount “limited to the most economical method and the most usually traveled route.” Staff Communication with the Public
There was no communication with the public.
Conflict of Interest
Not applicable.
Conclusion
Staff requests the City Council discuss and provide direction with regard to the travel request for Council Member Priforce and any Council Member requests for additional League of California Cities caucus memberships.
PREPARED BY: April Richardson, City Clerk
Approved and Forwarded to the
City Council of the City of Emeryville:
Paul Buddenhagen, City Manager
Attachments
Attachment A – Council Policy #3: Reimbursement for Approved Travel and Other Expenses For City Council Members, Commissioners and Committee Members Travel Authorization Council Member Priforce and Caucus Memberships City Council Meeting | February 21, 2023
City of Emeryville
CALIFORNIA
MEMORANDUM