Administrative
Report
N.5., File # 22-4819 Meeting Date: 11/8/2022
To: MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
From: ELIZABETH HAUSE, ASSISTANT TO THE CITY MANAGER
TITLE
DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION REGARDING CODE OF CONDUCT FOR CITY BOARDS
AND COMMISSIONS
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The City Council, as part of the Strategic Plan, requested an item to review the Code of Conduct for Boards and Commissions and discuss potential policy updates. This report provides an outline of the parameters set by the City’s current Code of Conduct policy and the associated enforcement measures.
BACKGROUND
Redondo Beach Municipal Code Section 2-9.103 authorizes each City Board and Commission to adopt its own set of rules and regulations governing its operations, provided that any such rules and regulations comply with (1) all other provisions of the Redondo Beach Municipal Code and (2) any other ordinances or resolutions adopted by the City Council pertaining to the operation of Boards and Commissions.
In September 2010, the City Council adopted a policy titled “Commission Roles, Responsibilities and Rules of Conduct,” and in November 2011, Council affirmed this policy by adopting the Code of Conduct with Resolution No. CC-1111-530. The Code of Conduct sets the parameters by which all Boards and Commissions must operate, though each Board and Commission may adopt additional rules for its operations (see attached).
The Code of Conduct adopted by Council addresses several operational elements including housekeeping items (the role of a staff liaison, creating commission agendas, meeting minutes), regulatory requirements (the Brown Act, Political Reform Act, and AB 1234) and what Council expects of its appointed commissioners.
The Code of Conduct also addresses the following Commissioner responsibilities:
· Attendance requirements
· Proper representation of the Commission
· Concern with the needs of the Redondo Beach community as a whole · Being conscious of the relationship with City Council and City staff · Establishing a good working relationship with other Commission members
N.5., File # 22-4819 Meeting Date: 11/8/2022
· Being prepared to vote on agendized items
The only enforcement element included in the Code of Conduct relates to extended absenteeism.
Absenteeism exceeding 60 consecutive days beyond the prior regular meeting can result in the seat being declared vacant. However, in 2021, the City Council adopted Ordinance No. O-3221-21, creating an all-encompassing enforcement measure granting Council the power to remove any Commission or Board member from their appointed position for any reason by a majority vote of the Council (RBMC 2-9.109).
Attached for Council’s review are Resolution No. CC-1111-530 and RBMC Title 2 Chapter 9, which largely define the City’s existing Commission regulations. Also attached are sample codes of conduct from other cities which may help guide the discussion and provide prospective on possible policy updates, including the following subjects:
· Social Media use
· Use of personal devices during meetings
· Maintaining a positive workspace environment
· Range of enforcement measures, including sanctions
It should also be noted that many cities choose to have one Code of Conduct that applies to both Elected and Appointed officials (i.e. City Councilmembers, Commissioners and Board Members).
Staff is seeking direction from the Council on any desired updates to the current Code of Conduct Policy for City Boards and Commissions.
COORDINATION
The City Manager’s Office coordinated this report with the City Attorney’s Office and the City Clerk’s Office.
FISCAL IMPACT
There are no fiscal impacts associated with the preparation of this report.
APPROVED BY:
Mike Witzansky, City Manager
ATTACHMENTS
· Resolution No. CC-1111-530
· Ordinance No. O-3221-21
· RBMC Title 2 Chapter 9
· Codes of Conduct - Other Cities
· Redondo Beach Commission By-Laws