January 17, 2023
City Manager's Office
DATE: January 17, 2023
TO: Mayor Martinez and Members of the City Council
FROM:
Shasa Curl, City Manager
Pam Christian, City Clerk
Dave Aleshire, City Attorney
Subject:
City Council Orientation
FINANCIAL IMPACT: N/A
PREVIOUS COUNCIL
ACTION:
N/A
STATEMENT OF THE
ISSUE:
The City Council Orientation Handbook and presentation
has been prepared by staff as a reference to help elected officials in carrying out the duties and responsibilities of public office.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
RECEIVE a City Council orientation presentation and
handbook from City staff – City Manager/City Clerk/City Attorney (Shasa Curl/Pam Christian/Dave Aleshire 510-
620-6512).
DISCUSSION:
The City of Richmond operates under the council–manager form of government. Under this form, residents elect a governing body, including a chief elected official, such as a mayor, to adopt legislation and set policy. The governing body then hires a manager or administrator with broad executive authority to carry out those policies (International City/County Management Association, 2019).
AGENDA
REPORT
January 17, 2023
Richmond’s Mayor is elected at-large, and six (6) council members are elected by district to serve four-year terms. The City Council serves as the policy-making body of the City of Richmond (City of Richmond Charter Article 3 – The Council and Article 3A – The Mayor). Furthermore, the City Council is responsible for reviewing and approving the annual budget, establishing long and short-term objectives and priorities, and for hiring and conducting performance evaluations for the City Manager, City Clerk, and City Attorney (City of Richmond Charter Article 3 Sections 9 – The Council). Working with City departments and staff, the City Manager implements and operationalizes policies created and adopted by the City Council, in addition to overseeing the City’s day-to-day operations of the City (City of Richmond Charter Article 4 – Duties of Officers).
With the November 2022 election certified, Richmond is welcoming three (3) new council members and a new Mayor. City staff members have thoughtfully prepared a City Council Orientation presentation and handbook which is designed to provide new and existing members with information regarding the following:
Overview of City Council roles and responsibilities
Outline of ethical and legal parameters related to their working relationships Information regarding the responsibilities of City staff members Presentation regarding operating frameworks to ensure they are clearly understood
The orientation handbook (Attachment 1) is divided into the following five (5) sections:
1. City of Richmond Overview and Contacts
2. City Council Agenda Process and Administrative Support
January 17, 2023
3. Meeting Procedures and Mandatory Council Trainings
4. Municipal Finance and Budgeting
5. City-Wide Guiding Documents
City staff members are here to support, guide, and execute the vision of the City Council and ensure we fulfill the goals set on behalf of the community. Together we will provide efficient municipal services that are responsive to local needs and expectations.
DOCUMENTS ATTACHED:
Attachment 1 – City Council Orientation Handbook
Attachment 2 – Presentation