INFORMATIONREPORT
TO: HonorableCityCouncil FROM:NikkiFortunatoBasMembersofthePublic CouncilPresident,District2SUBJECT:
Informational Report FromTheCouncil President
DATE: November25,2024
RECOMMENDATION
PresidentBasRecommendsThatTheCityCouncilReceiveAnInformationalReportFromTheCouncilPresident,Including(1)DutiesOfTheCouncilPresident,(2)AccomplishmentsAndLessonsOverThePastFourYears,And(3)PlansForAnOaklandCityCouncilOrientationAndOverview.
REPORT
IthasbeenmyhonorandprivilegetoserveasOakland’sCityCouncilPresidentoverthepastfouryears.AswegetreadytowelcomethenewCouncilandelectnewOfficers,I wouldliketosharemyexperienceandlessonstosupportthenextphaseoftheCityCouncil’swork.I alsowanttothankmystaff whohavesupportedourworkastheOfficeoftheCouncilPresidentandtheOfficesoftheCityClerk,CityAttorneyandCityAdministrator. Eachofyouhavebeenextremelydedicatedandhaveworkedtoaveryhighstandard.
Thisreportincludesthefollowingtopics:1. DutiesoftheCouncilPresident2. InsightsfromtheOfficeoftheCityClerk,CityAdministrator’sOffice(CAO)andOfficeoftheCityAttorney(OCA)3. AccomplishmentsandLessonsoverthePastFourYears4. PlansforanOaklandCityCouncilOrientationandOverview
1. Dutiesof theCouncil President
TheCouncilRulesofProceduredescribetheelectionanddutiesoftheCouncilPresident(CP)asfollowsinRule6.
Rule6. Electionof Council President; President’sPowers/ Duties TheCouncil President shall beelectedfor atwo-year termbyresolutioninaccordancewithCharter section208. ThePresident of theCouncil shall serveasthepresidingofficer of theCityCouncil andshall performthefollowingduties:
● Chair Regular MeetingsandSpecial Meetingsof theCityCouncil; Special CityCouncilDecember 3, 2024
HonorableCityCouncil &Membersof thePublicSubject: Informational Report FromTheCouncil PresidentDate: December 3, 2024 Page2 ● ManagetheOfficeof theCityCouncil andpresent thebudget of theOfficeof theCityCouncil for adoption;● Appoint Council committeemembersandchairpersonsof committeesinaccordancewithRule4of theseRulesof Procedure;● Except for thoseappointmentsreservedfor theMayor pursuant totheCityCharter or other enablinglegislation, thePresident of theCouncilshall recommendappointmentstoregional andlocal boardsandagencies, asappropriate, subject toconfirmationbyCouncil resolution.
TheCouncil, byresolution, shall elect aCouncilmember toserveas"PresidentProtempore" inaccordancewithCharter section208. Intheabsenceorunavailabilityof thePresident of theCouncil, thePresident Protemporeshallperformthedutiesof thePresident of theCouncil.
Thefollowinginformationprovidesmoredetailsabouttheduties:
1. CommitteeandCommitteeChairassignments
AtthefirstmeetingofanewCouncil(firstMondayinJanuaryduringoddnumberedyears),theCouncilapprovesaresolutionelectingitsOfficersandtheelectedCouncilPresidentintroducesaresolutionwithCommitteeandCommitteeChairassignments.(SeecurrentassignmentsintheAttachments,andresolutionhere.) Historically, theCouncilPresidenthasalsochairedtheRulesandLegislationCommittee.Ihavefoundthistobeveryefficientasonepersonmanagesschedulingaswellaschairsmeetings,andIwouldrecommendthatthispracticecontinues.ThisreducestheneedforcoordinationbetweentwoCouncilmembersservingineachrolewhichwouldbetimeconsumingandcouldalsocreatechallenges.HavingtheCouncilPresidentchairRulesisalsosupportedbytheotherbranchesofgovernmentwhosupportandstaff theRulesCommittee.
2. ExternalBoardandCommissionappointments
TheCouncilPresidentmakesappointmentstoexternalBoardsandCommissions.Theyareresponsibleformonitoringtheexpirationoftermsandvacanciesandmakingappointmentsthroughouttheyearasneeded.(SeecurrentappointmentsintheAttachments.)
3. Meetingmanagement
a. ChairingmeetingsTheCouncilPresidentchairsCouncilmeetingsandClosedSessionmeetingsinadditiontotheCommittee(s)theychair, suchasRulesandLegislation.ItisnecessarytobefamiliarwiththeCouncil’sRulesofProcedure,theSunshineOrdinanceandtheBrownAct. DependingontheCP’sexperience,itmaybehelpfultohavemeetingfacilitationskillsand/ortrainingtomanagecomplexissuesandmultipleviewstobringthemtocompletion.TheCP, withstaff support,isalsoresponsibleforensuringquorumat Special CityCouncilDecember 3, 2024
HonorableCityCouncil &Membersof thePublicSubject: Informational Report FromTheCouncil PresidentDate: December 3, 2024 Page3 meetingsandpollingforanyspecialmeetings.Itiscriticaltohavethetimeandsupportforthispartoftherole. b. MeetingpreparationHavingtheCouncilPresidentalsochairRulesmakesmeetingmanagementandpreparationmoreefficient.
AsRulesChair, theCPleadsapre-meetingrightbeforetheweeklyRulesmeetingonThursdaysat10amwiththeCityAdministrator’steam,CityAttorney’steamandCityClerk’steam.Thismeetingiscriticaltoeffectiveagendamanagementandprioritizationofkeylegislation,anditisimportantfortheCPtohavestafftosupportthispartoftheirwork.Atthismeeting,they:● reviewagendaitemsforproperscheduling(titlechanges,Rule24forbypassingcommittee,urgencyfindings,coordinationwithrelevantdepartments,etc.)and● Reviewdraftagendasandpendinglists,makingadjustmentsifagendasareimpactedbymovingitemstoasubsequentmeeting,startingameetingearlier,etc..TheClerkalsosendsdraftagendastotheCPforreviewpriortopublishingforaccuracyandorderingofitems.
Priortoeachmeeting,theCPmeetswiththeCityAdministratortoreviewtheCouncilagendaanddiscussanyitemsthatneedadditionalattentionduetotheircomplexity,outstandingquestions/issuesorpublicinterest.TheCPalsomeetswiththeCityAttorneypriortoClosedSessionmeetingstorevieweachagendaitemandplanfutureagendas.Thesemeetingsare30minutespriortoeachCouncilmeetingandClosedSession. c. CommitteeChairsEachyearanewCouncilisseated,theCityClerksharesaCommitteeChairWelcomePacketwitheachChair. Thisyear, theCouncilPresident,CityClerkandCityAttorneyworkedtogethertoorientCommitteeChairstotheirresponsibilitiesandensuresharedexpectations,includingthatCommitteeChairs:
■ MeetregularlywithrelevantDepartmentHeadstoreviewthecommitteependinglistandupcominglegislation■ ReviewandorderdraftagendasfromtheCityClerk■ Ensurequorumpriortoeachmeeting■ Assignstaff toattendRulestotrackagendaitems.TracknumberofagendaitemsateachCommitteemeeting.Ifagendaisimpacted,workwithAdministrationtoadjustschedulingofitemsoradjustmeetingtime.■ ApproveanyitemsunderRule24(bypassingcommittee)andRule28(schedulingintheabsenceofaRulesCommitteemeeting)■ FollowProtocolsincludingPublicCommentandmanagingdisruptions Special CityCouncilDecember 3, 2024
HonorableCityCouncil &Membersof thePublicSubject: Informational Report FromTheCouncil PresidentDate: December 3, 2024 Page4 d. BallotmeasuresDuringelectionyears,itisimportantfortheCouncilPresidenttoproactivelymanageproposedballotmeasuresaspartofmeetingmanagementandprioritizationwiththeCityClerkandCityAttorney. In2022,theCouncilconsiderednine(9)proposedballotmeasureswhichwasverytimeintensive.In2024,theCityAttorney, CityClerkandCouncilPresidentcreatedguidelinesandtimelinesfordevelopmentandconsiderationofproposedballotmeasurelegislationthatallowsfordevelopment,publicparticipation,andadherencetoelectiontimelines.(SeeAttachmentfortheballotmeasureguidelinesandtimelines.)
4. BiennialandMidcycleBudgets,includingBiennialStrategicPlanningRetreat TheCouncilPresidentleadstheCouncil’sworktopassabalancedbudgetasoutlinedintheConsolidateFiscalPolicy. BudgetDevelopmentisacriticalpartoftheCouncilPresident’srole;theymusthavetheavailabletimetoleadthisprocessandthestafftosupporttheirworkintheareasofbudgetanalysisandadministration/scheduling.TheCPworkswiththeAdministration–CityAdministrator, FinanceDirectorandBudgetAdministrator–todevelopthemeetingtimelinefromtheFebruarybudgetworkshop,otherbudgetmeetingsandtownhalls,considerationoftheproposedbudgetandamendmentstofinaladoption.EachCouncilmember’sbiennialbudgetprioritiesareduebyMarch15th.TheMayor’sproposedbiennialbudgetisduebyMay1st.TheCouncilPresident’sproposedbudgetamendmentsareduebyJune17th.Thefinalbudget,andallamendments,mustbeapprovedbyJune30th.ThefinalbudgetalsoincludesCouncilPolicyDirectives,whichtheCouncilPresidentmonitorstheimplementationofwiththeCityAdministrator. (SeecurrentFY2023- 2025BiennialBudgethere.) Duringtheearlypartofthebiennialbudgetprocess,theCouncilPresidenthashistoricallyorganizedastrategicplanningretreattodevelopsharedCouncilbudgetandpolicypriorities.Thishasincludedcontractingwithaconsultanttohelpplanandfacilitatetheretreatandhelpsummarizepriorities.(Seethe2023CouncilandCouncilmemberprioritieshereand2023Retreatdocumentshere.) Duringthebiennialbudgetseason,I havespentthemajorityofmytimeontheCouncil’sbudgetprocessfromFebruarythroughJune.
5. StateandFederalLegislativeAgenda
TheCouncilPresidentworkswiththeMayorandOakland’slobbyisttodevelopOakland’sStateandFederalLegislativeAgendatoadvancepolicyandfundingpriorities.Oakland’slobbyist,currentlyTownsendPublicAffairs,meetswiththeMayorandeachCouncilmembertodrafttheagenda.TheCPschedulestheLegislativeAgendatoRulesCommitteefordiscussionandfeedbackandalsoschedulesanendofyearreport.Inaddition,theCPmeetswiththelobbyisttwicepermonthtoensurecoordinatedadvocacy, trackprogressandensurethattheCouncil’sstateandfederallegislativepriorities(suchasresolutionssupportingoropposinglegislation)are Special CityCouncilDecember 3, 2024
HonorableCityCouncil &Membersof thePublicSubject: Informational Report FromTheCouncil PresidentDate: December 3, 2024 Page5 coordinatedwithourlobbyist.(Seetheproposed2025LegislativeAgendahereandthe2024AdvocacyUpdatehere.)
6. CouncilAuditrecommendations
TheCouncilPresidenttracksauditrecommendationsforCityCouncilfromtheCityAuditor,ensuringauditrecommendationsareconsideredandimplemented.ThenextSemi-AnnualAuditRecommendationFollow-UpReportwillbeheardbyCityCouncilonDecember3,2024.
7. ResponsetoAlamedaCountyCivilGrandJuryReports
TheCouncilPresidentisresponsibleforcoordinatingresponsestotheAlamedaCountyCivilGrandJuryuponrequestwhenareportmakesfindingsandrecommendationsfortheCityCouncil.TheCPworkswiththeCityAdministrationandCityAttorneyontheseresponses,withtheCityAdministrationcoordinatingwithrelevantdepartments.Recentresponseswereinregardsto:OaklandBillboards(2024),9-1-1System(2023),FinancialDisclosures(2022)andFireInspections(2022).
8. Officemanagement
AsstatedintheCouncilRulesofProcedure,theCouncilPresidentmanagestheOfficeoftheCityCouncilanditsbudget.ThisworkisledbytheCouncil’sExecutiveAssistantwhomanagesthedaytodayoperations,supportingtheOfficeasawholeandeachCouncilOffice.TheExecutiveAssistantonboardseachnewCouncilmemberandsupportsintheareasofadministration,budgetandhumanresources,andtheyonboardnewCouncilmembers.WhenthelastgroupofnewCouncilmemberswereonboardedin2023,theBudgetOfficestaff reviewedtheCouncilOfficebudgetwitheachoffice.WhennewCouncilmembersjoin,theCouncilPresidentmakesofficeassignments.Historically, thepracticehasbeenthatseniorCouncilmembershavepreferenceforanyofficespacesthatbecomevacant.
9. Mayoralunavailabilityandvacancy
WhentheMayorisnotavailable,theCouncilPresidentmayserveintheirplaceforCityfunctionssuchasceremonies,meetings,communityeventsandpressconferences.
AsstatedintheCityCharter, intheeventthattheOfficeoftheMayorisvacant,itshallbefilledbytheCouncilPresident.
10.Staffing
TheOfficeoftheCouncilPresidenthasabudgetforpart-timestaff tohelpsupporttheadditionalworkofthisrole.ThesefundsareintheCouncilOffice’sadministrativebudget,separatefromthebudgetofeachCouncilmemberOffice.I haveutilizedthefullstaff budgetforthefirstthreeyearsinthisrole,howeverafterastaff transitioninJanuary2024,I havekeptthatposition Special CityCouncilDecember 3, 2024
HonorableCityCouncil &Membersof thePublicSubject: Informational Report FromTheCouncil PresidentDate: December 3, 2024 Page6 vacantinordertosupportoverallCitybudgetreductiongoals.I thankmythreestaff forthededicatedandhardworktheyhavecarriedoutdespitelimitedstaff capacityandresources.
2. InsightsfromOtherBranchesof Government
FromtheOfficeoftheCityClerk
Historically, theOfficeoftheCityClerkhasworkedcollaborativelywiththeCouncilPresidenttomanageCouncilmeetingagendas.TheCityClerkhasservedundervariousCouncilPresidentsandoffersinsightintotheidealqualitiesforthebodytoconsiderwhenelectinganewpresident.
TheidealCouncilPresident-electshouldbeaforward-thinkingleaderwhoisorganizedandcommittedtoconductingthecity’sbusinesseffectively, efficiently, andtransparently, inaccordancewiththeBrownAct,SunshineLaws,andtheCouncil’sownRulesofProcedure.TheCouncilPresidentmustnotonlyadheretobutalsoenforcetheCouncil’sbylaws.
TheidealcandidateshouldbeabletoforecasttheimpactofCouncilagendasandworkcloselywiththeOfficesoftheCityAdministrator, Attorney, andCityClerk.Beingmethodical,nimble,fair, andjustarekeyattributesforasuccessfulCouncilPresident.TheCouncilPresidentshouldmaintainaneventemperament,evenwhenchallengedoropposed.
TheCouncilPresidentshouldprioritizetheproposeditemsbroughtbeforethelegislativebodyandbededicatedtocompletingtheactionsontheagendaintheirentirety. TheCouncilPresidentisresponsibleforsustainingorderinthemeetingstheychair. Additionally, theCouncilPresidentshouldbephysicallypresentatallmeetingstheyarechairinguntiladjournment,exceptinthecaseofanemergency.
Lastly, asuccessfulCouncilPresidentemploysandsurroundsthemselveswithknowledgeable,reliable,professional,organized,andresponsivestaff whoarerespectfultocolleagues,staff,andmembersofthepublic.
FromtheCityAdministrator’sOffice
FromtheCityAdministration’sperspective,wewouldechomanyofthequalitiesarticulatedbytheCityClerk’sOfficeforaCouncilPresident-elect.Tosupplementwhatisalreadyprovided,wewouldadd:
TheCouncilPresidentshouldpossessstrongleadershipskills,includingthecapacitytoeffectivelyguidetheCouncil,establishaclearvisionandstandards,anddemonstrateresponsivenessandadaptabilitytoevolvingcircumstances.
TheCouncilPresidentmaynotnecessarilyenforcethispiece;however, itshouldbeemphasizedintheCounciltrainingthatCouncilmembersmustadheretotheCounciland Special CityCouncilDecember 3, 2024
HonorableCityCouncil &Membersof thePublicSubject: Informational Report FromTheCouncil PresidentDate: December 3, 2024 Page7 Committee-Approvedscheduleofsubmissiondeadlines(asoutlinedintheCouncilRulesofProcedure),especiallywhenrequestingreportsfromtheDepartment.Additionally, asuccessfulCouncilPresidentwillliaisewithCityAdministrationandMayor’sOfficethroughtheCouncilBudgetprocesstoensurecohesionandalignmentofpriorities.
FromtheOfficeoftheCityAttorney:
TheCityAttorney’sofficeagreeswiththeadviceprovidedbytheCouncilPresident,theCityClerk’sofficeandtheCityAdministrator’soffice.Severalofthepointsthathavealreadybeenmadeareworthrepeating.
TheCouncilPresidentshouldseriouslyconsideralsoservingastheChairoftheRulesandLegislationCommittee.TheCouncilPresidentisultimatelyresponsibleformanagingtheagendasduringCityCouncilmeetings.TheirabilitytomanageitemsduringCouncilmeetingsisgreatlyenhancedwhentheyalsoplayanactiveroleinmanagingtheverysameitemsonthefrontendofthelegislativeprocess,whentheyareinitiallyscheduled.
ChairingtheRulesandLegislationCommitteeisdemandingwork.Todoitwell,theCouncilPresidentmustcarveoutasignificantamountoftime,onaweeklybasis,tocloselyreviewschedulingagendas.AnyonedoingthejobforthefirsttimewillalsoneedtocarveoutadditionaltimeearlyintheirtenuretoregularlystudyandfamiliarizethemselveswiththeCouncilRulesofProcedure.Iftheincumbenttakesthis“homework”seriously, theywillbeabletocomprehendinputandrecommendationsfromCitystaff andquicklymakedecisions.Buttobeaseffectiveaspossible,theRulesChairshouldbesofamiliarwiththeCouncilRulesandtheschedulingagendasthattheycanactuallyhelpstaff identifypotentialproblems,andalsohelpstaff findsolutions.SolvingschedulingproblemsoftenrequirestheCouncilPresidentortheirstaff togetcooperation,inputorclarificationfromanotherCouncilmember, withintherestraintsoftheBrownAct.Andallofthisisideallydonebefore(ratherthanduring)acommitteeorCouncilmeeting.
BecausetheworkofchairingRulesCommitteemeetingsandCouncilmeetingsissodemanding,theimportantroletheCouncilPresident’sstaff playscannotbeoverstated.Thestaff member(s)whowillbehelpingtheCouncilPresidentestablishandmanagetheCityCouncil’sagendasmustbeashard-working,detail-oriented,andpersonableasthePresident.
Special CityCouncilDecember 3, 2024
HonorableCityCouncil &Membersof thePublicSubject: Informational Report FromTheCouncil PresidentDate: December 3, 2024 Page8
2. AccomplishmentsandLessonsoverthePast FourYears
I’mproudoftheworkandnewsystemsI’veputinplaceasCouncilPresidentandgratefultomystaff aswellasstaff withtheOfficesoftheCityClerk,CityAttorneyandCityAdministrator.Eachpersonhasbeendedicated,professionalandcarriedoutworktoahighstandard.Inaddition,aswemanagetheCouncil’sbusiness,ourflexibility, organization,attentiontodetail,strongfollowthroughandcommitmenttoputtinginthenecessarytimeandefforthasplayedaninvaluableroleinsupportingtheCouncilPresidentandtheCouncilasourlegislativebody. IagreewiththelessonsandadviceabovefromtheOfficesoftheCityClerk,CityAdministratorandCityAttorney. Belowaresomeofthemainthingswehaveaccomplishedandlearnedthroughourpartnership.
1. Budgetprocess
Inleadingthe2021budgetprocessfortheCouncil,I institutedincreasedcollaborationwiththeAdministrationthathascontinuedsincethen.CollaborationandcoordinationwiththeAdministrationaswellastheMayor’sOfficehasbeenimportantincreatingabudgetprocessandapprovedbudgetwithgreateralignmentandcohesionacrossthebranchesofgovernment.ThispartnershiphasincludedongoingmeetingswiththeFinanceDepartment(andCityAdministratorwhenavailable)andmyofficetodevelopthebudgettimelineinconformancewiththeConsolidatedFiscalPolicyandongoingmeetingswithmyCouncilPresident’sbudgetteamtoaskquestionsanddevelopamendments.Duringthetwoyearbudgetprocess,ourteamhasalsometwithseveraldepartmentdirectorstoheartheirfeedbackontheproposedbudgetandaskquestionstoinformouramendments.
Duringthistime,I alsoworkedcloselywiththeCityAdministratortotrackprogressofCouncilBudgetPolicyDirectives.FormerCityAdministratorEdReiskinandformerDeputyCityAdministratorAngelaRobinson-PinionpublishedupdatesonthestatusofpolicydirectivesontheCityAdministrator’swebpage.CurrentCityAdministratorJestinJohnsonandDCAMonicaDavishavebroughtinformationalreportsonprogresstotheFinanceandManagementCommittee.Thisprocesshasbeenveryhelpfulandallowsfortrackingofmulti-yeardirectivessuchasthosethatwererecommendationsfromtheReimaginingPublicSafetyTaskForce.
Finally, I havecontinuedtheutilizationofexternalfinancialadvisorstoverifybudgetprojectionsandsupportdevelopmentofsolutionstoachievingabalancedbudget.In2021,theCouncilagaincontractedwithHarveyRoseAssociates.In2023,withcollaborationwiththeMayor’sOffice,theMayorcontractedwithHR&A.Thisyear, theCityAdministratorisbringingonoutsidefinancialadviceandiscollaboratingwithmeandFinanceChairKevinJenkins.
2. CouncilRulesofProcedure
I haveledupdatestoourCouncilRulesofProcedure.InJanuary/February2023,weupdatedtheCouncilRulesaswetransitionedfromZoommeetingsunderTemporaryRulesofProcedureduringCOVIDtoinpersonhybridmeetings.Attheendof2023,workingwithCouncilmembers Special CityCouncilDecember 3, 2024
HonorableCityCouncil &Membersof thePublicSubject: Informational Report FromTheCouncil PresidentDate: December 3, 2024 Page9 Ramachandran,KaplanandReid,weupdatedtheCouncilRulestoensurereasonabletimeforpublicinputandcommentwithanagendathatismanagedmoreefficiently.
3. Protocols
WorkinginpartnershipwiththeOfficesoftheCityClerk,CityAdministratorandCityAttorney,weupgradedseveralprotocolsincluding:
a. TransitioningfromZoommeetingsunderCOVIDtoinpersonhybridmeetings.Thisincludedcoordinationofbuildingandtechnologyupgradesaswellassafetymeasures.b. ProvidingSpanishandCantoneseinterpretationatregularCouncilmeetingsonZoom.c. DevelopingsystemsformeetingsecurityandmanagingdisruptionsaswereturnedtomeetingsintheCouncilChambers.
3. Council OrientationandOverview
Historically, theorientationofnewCouncilmembershasconsistedofone-on-onemeetingswiththefollowingforrelationshipbuilding,informationsharing,andsharingprotocolsandprocedures.1. CouncilPresident2. CouncilExecutiveAssistant3. CityClerk4. CityAdministratorandDepartmentDirectors5. CityAttorney OaklandhasalsosupportednewCouncilmembersinattendingtheCaliforniaLeagueofCitiesCouncilMembersAcademy.
In2023,I collaboratedwithformerCityAdministratorEdReiskinandformerDeputyCityAdministratorAngelaRobinson-PiniontoorganizeafoursessionCityCouncilOrientationAndOverview. Itwasdesignedtoshareinformationabouttherolesofeachbranchofgovernment,legislativeprocess,organizationalstructure,citybudget,cityprioritiesanddepartmentaloverviews.(Seetheattachmentfordescriptionsandlinkstothese2023sessions.) AnotherusefuloverviewwasaFinanceStudySessiononFebruary5,2020regardingTheFiscalHealthOfTheCityOfOaklandIncluding:1)FinanceDepartmentOverview;2)CurrentEconomicEnvironment;3)DebtAndInvestment;4)PensionAndOtherPost-EmploymentBenefits(OPEB)Obligations;5)FinancialAndReservePolicies;And6)Revenues.
Buildingoff thesesessions,theCityAdministrationisplanninganOverviewandOrientationforthe2025Councilmembers.Thedraftoutlineisasfollows:
Special CityCouncilDecember 3, 2024
HonorableCityCouncil &Membersof thePublicSubject: Informational Report FromTheCouncil PresidentDate: December 3, 2024 Page10 DayOneGoals:1) ToprovidetheCityCouncil aclear articulationof therespectiverolesof therespectiveofficesandthedelineationof powers2) Tofacilitateanunderstandingof thelegislativeprocessindevelopingpolicyOverviewof theLegislativeBody- Itemstobediscussedwill include:CityStructure/Charter, HistoryandRolesOf Charter Officials, Council andAdministrationRelationsRolesOf Charter Officials–Mayor, Council Members, CityAttorney, CityAuditor, CityClerkandCityAdministrator. Andwill includeroles, responsibilities, andstructurepertheCityCharter.EthicsAndCivil RightsCompliance- AnoverviewfromEthics, ADAprogramandEmployment Investigations&Civil RightsComplianceCityCouncil PrioritiesandCouncil Rulesof ProcedureandLegislativeProcess a. CityCouncil Priorities- Discussionwill center onFY2023-2025Directivesb. Council Rulesof Procedure- CityCharter Section210mandatesCouncilestablishRulesof Procedurefor conduct of meetingsandorder of business.c. CityClerkwill provideanoverviewof theLegislativeProcess, Council Actions,Fair Political PracticesCommission(FPPC) andForm700d. CityRelationships(Commissions, Port, County, State/Federal) anoverviewofInternal andExternal BoardsandCommissionse. CityAdministrator’sOffice(CAO) andtheCitywideStrategicPlanf. Department of Race&Equity(DRE) DayTwoGoals:1) Tofacilitateanunderstandingof thecurrent fiscal statusof theorganizationandgeneral overviewof organizational health.2) Toprovideafoundational overviewof theDepartmentsprovidinginternalservices Special CityCouncilDecember 3, 2024
HonorableCityCouncil &Membersof thePublicSubject: Informational Report FromTheCouncil PresidentDate: December 3, 2024 Page11 Eachdepartment will providevital informationontheir Goals, Budget,PerformanceObjectivesinRelationtoCouncil PrioritiesandaDepartment OrgChart • FinanceandBudget• HumanResourcesManagement Department (HRM)• InformationTechnologyDepartment (ITD)• CAOOverview DayThreeGoal:1) Toprovideacomprehensiveunderstandingaroundhousingandhomelessnessandtherelateddepartmental services.2) Toprovidedetailsaroundthebusinessesanddevelopment landscapeinOaklandEachdepartment will providevital informationontheir Goals, Budget,PerformanceObjectivesinRelationtoCouncil PrioritiesandaDepartment OrgChart • Housing&CommunityDevelopment Department• HumanServicesDepartment• EconomicandWorkforceDevelopment Department• PlanningandBuildingDepartment• Department of WorkplaceandEmployment Standards(DWES) DayFourGoal:1) Toprovideacomprehensiveandholisticunderstandingof Oakland’sPublicSafetyAgenciesandpartner Commissions.Eachdepartment will providevital informationontheir Goals, Budget,PerformanceObjectivesinRelationtoCouncil PrioritiesandaDepartment OrgChart • OaklandFireDepartment (OFD)• Department of ViolencePrevention(DVP)• OaklandPoliceDepartment (OPD)• Officeof theInspector General (OIG)• CommunityPoliceReviewAgency(CPRA)• PublicSafetyandServicesOversight Commission(SSOC)• CommunityPolicingAdvisoryBoardandthePrivacyCommission Special CityCouncilDecember 3, 2024
HonorableCityCouncil &Membersof thePublicSubject: Informational Report FromTheCouncil PresidentDate: December 3, 2024 Page12 Forquestionsregardingthisreport,pleasecontactNikkiFortunatoBas,[email protected].
Respectfullysubmitted,
NikkiFortunatoBasCouncilPresident,District2
Attachments:A. CommitteeandChairAssignmentsB. ExternalBoardandCommissionAppointmentsC. January/ February2023CouncilOverviewandOrientationSessionsD. 2024LocalBallotMeasures- Memorandumre:GuidelinesforTimelinesforSubmissionofBallotMeasurestoCityCouncil Special CityCouncilDecember 3, 2024
HonorableCityCouncil &Membersof thePublicSubject: Informational Report FromTheCouncil PresidentDate: December 3, 2024 Page13 ATTACHMENTA: Council CommitteeandChairAssignments
OaklandCityCouncil2023CommitteeAssignments
FinanceandManagementCommitteeChairperson:KevinJenkinsMembers: RebeccaKaplanNikkiFortunatoBasJananiRamachandran PublicWorksCommitteeChairperson:NoelGalloMembers: DanKalbTrevaReidKevinJenkins CommunityandEconomicDevelopmentCommitteeChairperson:DanKalbMembers: CarrollFifeNoelGalloKevinJenkins LifeEnrichmentCommitteeChairperson:CarrollFifeMembers: TrevaReidNoelGalloJananiRamachandran PublicSafetyCommitteeChairperson:RebeccaKaplanMembers: CarrollFifeTrevaReidJananiRamachandran RulesandLegislationCommitteeChairperson:NikkiFortunatoBasMembers: DanKalbCarrollFifeJananiRamachandran EducationPartnershipCommitteeChairperson:TrevaReidMembers: NoelGalloDanKalbRebeccaKaplan City/PortLiaisonCommitteeChairperson:RebeccaKaplanMembers: NikkiFortunatoBasCarrollFifeTrevaReid Special CityCouncilDecember 3, 2024
HonorableCityCouncil &Membersof thePublicSubject: Informational Report FromTheCouncil PresidentDate: December 3, 2024 Page14 ATTACHMENTB: External BoardandCommissionAppointments
AlamedaCountyTransportationCommissionRebeccaKaplanCarrollFifeAlternate:DanKalb AssociationofBayAreaGovernmentsNikkiFortunatoBasCarrollFifeTrevaReidAlternate:JananiRamachandran ColiseumJointPowersAuthorityRebeccaKaplanKevinJenkinsJacquelineA.Thompson(communityappointee)JohnBeam(communityappointee) YouthVenturesJointPowersAuthorityMayorShengThaoNikkiFortunatoBasKevinJenkins15LeadPoisoningPreventionProgramJPANoelGalloAlternate:WilliamGilchrist(Planning&BuildingDirector) OAKCommunityNoiseManagementForumJananiRamachandran
StopWasteDanKalbAlternate:TrevaReid
AVACommunityChoiceEnergyDanKalbAlternate:RebeccaKaplan
EastBayEconomicDevelopmentAllianceTrevaReidAlternate:NoelGallo ACTransitInter-AgencyLiaisonCommitteeNoelGalloRebeccaKaplanKevinJenkinsAlternate:DanKalb WildfirePreventionCoordinatingGroupJananiRamachandranAlternate:TrevaReid CaliforniaLeagueofCitiesConferenceDelegateDanKalbAlternate:NoelGallo(BoardofDirectorsisMayor’sAppointment) NationalLeagueofCitiesConferenceDelegateNikkiFortunatoBasFirstAlternate:CarrollFifeSecondAlternate:
Special CityCouncilDecember 3, 2024
HonorableCityCouncil &Membersof thePublicSubject: Informational Report FromTheCouncil PresidentDate: December 3, 2024 Page15 ATTACHMENTC. January/ February2023Council OverviewandOrientationSessions ThesefoursessionswereledbyCouncilPresidentNikkiFortunatoBas,CityAdministratorEdReiskin,andDeputyCityAdministratorAngelaRobinson-Pinion.
OaklandCityCouncilOrientationAndOverview- CityPrioritiesAndDepartments a. LegislativeBodyFrom: Councilmember FortunatoBasRecommendation: ReceiveAnInformational Report That ProvidesAnOverviewOf TheStructure, Procedures, AndRegulationsWhichGuideTheLegislativeProcessInTheCityOf Oakland. TopicsCoveredIncludes: (1) CityStructure/Charter - RolesOf Charter Officials,Council/AdministrationRelations(2) EthicsAndCivil RightsCompliance(3) CityCouncil Priorities(From2021Retreats) (4) Council RulesOf Procedures(5) CouncilMeetingProceduresAndLegislativeProcess(6) CityRelationships(Commissions, Port,County, State/Federal) b. FinanceAndBudget, Administration, ResiliencyAndCommunitySupports, AndCommunicationsFrom: OfficeOf TheCityAdministrator Recommendation: ReceiveAnInformational Report That ProvidesAnOverviewOf FinanceAndBudget,Administration, ResiliencyAndCommunitySupports, AndCommunicationsInTheCityOf OaklandThat Shall IncludePresentationsFromTheCityAdministrator’sOffice,FinanceDepartment, Department Of Race&Equity, Department Of WorkplaceAndEmployment Standards, InformationTechnologyDepartment, OaklandAnimal Services,OaklandPublicLibrary, HumanServicesDepartment, OaklandParksRecreationAndYouthDevelopment, HousingAndCommunityDevelopment Department, AndThePlanningAndBuildingDepartment c. PublicSafety, EmergencyResponse, PublicInfrastructure, AndConstituent ServicesFrom: OfficeOf TheCityAdministrator Recommendation: ReceiveAnInformationalReport That ProvidesAnOverviewOf PublicSafety, ViolencePrevention, EmergencyOperations/Response, PublicInfrastructure, AndConstituent ServicesInTheCityOfOaklandThat Shall IncludePresentationsFromTheCityAdministrator’sOffice,OaklandFireDepartment, OaklandPoliceDepartment, Department Of ViolencePrevention, OfficeOf TheInspector General, CommunityPoliceReviewAgency/PoliceCommission, OaklandPublicWorksAndOaklandDepartment Of Transportation d. HousingAndHomelessness, LandUseAndEconomicDevelopment From: OfficeOfTheCityAdministrator Recommendation: ReceiveAnInformational Report ThatProvidesAnOverviewOf HousingAndHomelessness, LandUse, AndEconomicDevelopment InTheCityOf OaklandThat Shall IncludePresentationsFromTheCityAdministrator’sOffice, EconomicAndWorkforceDevelopment Department, HumanServicesDepartment, HousingAndCommunityDevelopment Department, AndThePlanningAndBuildingDepartment Special CityCouncilDecember 3, 2024
OFFICE OF THE CITY ATTORNEY
CITY OF OAKLAND
MEMORANDUM
TO: Mayor Sheng Thao
Members of the City Council
City Administrator Jestin Johnson
FROM: City Attorney Barbara J. Parker
CC: Staff of Mayor, City Council and City Administrator
DATE: April 25, 2024
SUBJECT: Guidelines for Timelines for Submis sion of Ballot Measures to City Council
Dear Mayor Thao, Members of the Council, City Administrator Johnson and Staff of the Foregoing City Officials:
On February 12, 2024 in partnership, the offices of the City Clerk, City Attorney, and Council President sent you the timelines below, to guide elected officials who are interested in proposing local ballot measures for the General Election on November 5, 2024.
We are reissuing the guidance as a follow up. You may share this memorandum with members of the public who express interest in the timelines.
The timelines take into account the following deadlines and requirements:
x The City must submit materials to County Registrar of Voters (ROV) by August 9, 2024.
x The City must adopt an ordinance calling the November election, requesting consolidation with the statewide election, and publishing all local ballot questions. To meet the ROV deadline, this ordinance must be introduced at Council on or before July 2, 2024 and must be finally adopted on or before July 16, 2024. x Pursuant to Rule 23 of the Council Rules of Procedure, the Rules and Legislation Committee is responsible for making recommendations to the Council for proposed ballot measures.
x Pursuant to Charter section 221 (added with the passage of Measure X in 2022), certain types of City-sponsored ballot measures must be considered at no fewer than two Council meetings in order to be placed on the ballot, and those meetings must be at least 10 calendar days apart. Charter section 221 applies to the following types of ballot measures: (1) general obligation bonds; (2) new parcel taxes or increases in a parcel tax; and 3) Charter amendments. All of the timelines below allow the Council Mayor Sheng Thao, Members of the City Council and City Administrator Jestin Johnson April 25, 2024
SUBJECT: Guidelines for Timelines for Submis sion of Ballot Measures to City Council
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to consider proposals at two meetings since this is best practice for any proposed measure, and since it is legally required for many measures.
With these deadlines and requirements in mind, we provide three alternative timelines – an Optimal Timeline, a Workable Timeline, and an At-Risk Timeline. The At-Risk Timeline represents a last-minute timeline and we do not recommend it. If unforeseen but significant procedural or legal issues arise (e.g. canceled meetings, meeting disruptions, legal opposition), the At-Risk Timeline may not leave the sponsor(s) enough time to reconsider or address important or critical issues before the statutory deadlines. Conversely, the optimal timeline is more likely to allow proponents enough time to present a very thoughtful and well-crafted measure.
Furthermore, the timelines below do not take into account the possibility that a given ballot measure may benefit from or possibly require formal input from one or more stakeholders before the Council passes the resolution placing the measure on the ballot. If, for example, input from a board or commission is advisable, or if bargaining with one or more unions is required, the measure’s sponsor(s) will need to consult with City Attorney’s office even earlier to provide additional time.
In other words, as soon as you know you’d like to explore or pursue a ballot measure, please contact the City Attorney’s office (via email to City Attorney Parker and Chief Assistant City Attorney Richardson) so that we can assign appropriate advisors. The sooner we collectively begin discussions, planning and drafting, the better. At a minimum, please follow Council’s Rules of Procedure Rule 23(C) to ensure substantive drafts of the proposed ballot measure and accompanying legislation are submitted to the City Attorney and City Administrator at least three weeks prior to the deadline for scheduling.
OPTIMAL TIMELINE
This timeline will probably leave enough time for sponsors to get significant feedback on their proposed legislation from the public, the Rules Committee, and the Council.
If the Council wants to make substantial changes to the initial proposal, there will likely be time to work through last-minute legal issues and draft appropriate language. x Wed 4-17-2024 Scheduling request due
x Thu 4-18-2024 Agenda materials due to Clerk
x Thu 5-02-2024 Rules Committee considers and makes recommendations x Tue 5-07-2024 Proposal is considered at Council meeting x Tue 5-21-2024 Proposal is considered at second Council meeting.* * Second meeting is required for bonds, parcel taxes, and Charter amendments.
Mayor Sheng Thao, Members of the City Council and City Administrator Jestin Johnson April 25, 2024
SUBJECT: Guidelines for Timelines for Submis sion of Ballot Measures to City Council
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WORKABLE TIMELINE
This timeline will probably leave a minimal amount of time for sponsors to get significant feedback on their proposed legislation from the public, the Rules Committee, and the Council.
If the Council wants to make substantial changes to the proposal, there will probably be a minimal amount of time to work through last-minute legal issues and draft language. x Wed 5-01-2024 Scheduling request due
x Thu 5-02-2024 Agenda materials due to Clerk
x Thu 5-16-2024 Rules Committee considers and makes recommendations x Tue 5-21-2024 Proposal is considered at Council meeting. x Tue 6-04-2024 Proposal is considered at second Council meeting * * Second meeting is required for bonds, parcel taxes, and Charter amendments.
AT-RISK TIMELINE
This timeline may not leave enough time for sponsors to get significant feedback on their proposed legislation from the public, the Rules Committee, and the Council.
In addition, if the Council wants to make substantial changes to the proposal, this timeline may not leave enough time to work through last-minute legal issues and draft language. x Wed 5-15-2024 Scheduling Request due
x Thu 5-16-2024 Agenda material due to Clerk
x Thu 5-30-2024 Rules Committee considers and makes recommendations x Tue 6-04-2024 Proposal is considered at Council meeting x Tue 6-18-2024 Proposal is considered at second Council meeting * * Second meeting is required for bonds, parcel taxes, and Charter amendments.
Respectfully,
Barbara J. Parker
City Attorney
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Barbara J Parker