City of Gonzales
CITY ATTORNEY
STAFF REPORT
TO: Honorable Mayor Rios and City Council
DATE: June 5, 2023
FROM: Michael Rodriquez, City Attorney
THROUGH: Carmen Gil, Acting City Manager
SUBJECT: Ordinance No. 2023-138 Amending Chapter 1.28-City Manager, of Title 1- Administration of the Gonzales City Code
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the City Council introduce, waive reading and read by title only Ordinance No. 2023-138, An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Gonzales Amending Chapter 1.28 City Manager, of Title 1- Administration of the Gonzales City Code.
BACKGROUND
The City of Gonzales has adopted a City Code, which consists of administrative, criminal and regulatory ordinances adopted by the City Council for operation of various aspects of the City. The Code provisions, when read together with various statutory mandates, are the law of the City of Gonzales.
Topics covered in the Gonzales City Code include administrative matters related to internal organization and functions of the city government, revenue and finance, public health and safety, and building and zoning regulations. The Code is a “living document,” in that it is subject to modification on a periodic and ongoing basis to meet the needs of the City and/or to bring City operations into compliance with state law. Changes to the Code are effectuated by the adoption of ordinances, which generally speaking, are written laws that must appear before the City Council and public at noticed meetings twice, once for introduction to allow review of proposed provisions, and then again for consideration of adoption.
REVIEW & ANALYSIS
The City Council is embarking on a project to revise and restate various sections of the City Code, many of which have not been updated for decades. The first chapter of the Code to be addressed in this project is Chapter 1.26- City Manager. Recent activities in the recruitment and retention of a new city manager led staff to conclude that various portions of Chapter 1.28, including enumerated duties, rights and gender AGENDA
ITEM
17 references, need to be modified and/or corrected. This is not surprising since many of the provisions of Chapter 1.28 have not been changed since adoption in 1972. The new proposed Chapter 1.28 is before the City Council for introduction, wavier of reading and reading by title this evening. After introduction, it will be placed on a subsequent Council agenda for consideration of adoption.
How Recommendation Supports the Vision
Gonzales will continue to be a safe, clean, family-friendly community, diverse in its heritage, and committed to working collaboratively to preserve and retain its small town charm.
Explain: The City will be well-served by updates to its City Code, allowing for enhanced efficiency in operations.
Explain how the Recommendation Directly Implements the Mission The City Council and Staff of the City of Gonzales will realize our Vision by providing the leadership, commitment and resources necessary to provide excellent services that enhance the quality of life of our diverse community. X Yes ____ No____ N/A
Explain: Updating the City Code, including provisions dealing with the City Manager, will help the Council and Staff achieve their vision by providing clear, concise, and thorough direction for City operations.
City services will be delivered in a cost-effective, respectful and friendly manner to i\ensure the safety and well being of the residents and the promotion of business, recreational, housing and employment opportunities in an environmentally sustainable manner. X Yes ____No ____ N/A Explain: See above.
Strong fiscal policies allow us to provide appropriate infrastructure for:
• Public Safety Yes No X N/A
• Housing Yes No X N/A
• Recreation Yes No X N/A
• Environment Yes No X N/A
• Education Yes No X N/A
Explain: See Vision above.
ALTERNATIVES
1. Introduce, waive reading and read Ordinance No. 2023-138 by title only.
2. Do not introduce the proposed ordinance and provide staff with direction.
BUDGET IMPACT
N/A.
CONCLUSION
It is recommended that the City Council consider and introduce, waive reading and read Ordinance No. 2023-138 by title only.
Attachments:
1. Ordinance No. 2023-138