City Council Memorandum
TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL DATE: DECEMBER 19, 2023 FILLIN "DATE" \* MERGEFORMAT FROM: CITY CLERK’S OFFICE WARDS: ALL
SUBJECT: BOARD AND COMMISSION RESIGNATIONS
ISSUES:
File resignations of Gustavo Garcia Jr. from the Board of Ethics Citywide seat and Nipunjeet Gujral from the Board of Public Utilities Ward 3 seat.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
That the Mayor and City Council:
File the resignation of Gustavo Garcia Jr. from the Board of Ethics Citywide seat; and File the resignation of Nipunjeet Gujral from the Board of Public Utilities Ward 3 seat.
BACKGROUND:
On November 27, 2023, the City Clerk’s Office contacted Gustavo Garcia, Jr., regarding his absenteeism from the Board of Ethics. He stated he intended to resign due to other obligations. The City Clerk’s Office followed up with an email; whereupon Mr. Garcia confirmed his resignation effectively immediately. Mr. Garcia held the Citywide seat on the Board of Ethics. His term expires on March 1, 2027.
On December 6, 2023, the City Clerk’s Office received a resignation from Nipunjeet Gujral. Mr. Gujral held the Ward 3 seat on the Board of Public Utilities. His term expires on March 1, 2026.
Riverside City Charter Section 802 provides that each board and commission have one representative from each Council Ward.
The City Council Rules of Procedure and Order (Resolution No. 23976), Section XIV.G, provide that resignation is effective upon receipt of a resignation letter:
Resignations from City boards and commissions shall be effective immediately upon receipt by the City Clerk, who shall then forward a received resignation to the City Council for filing. Future effective dates noted in writing and submitted as part of, or with any resignation, shall be honored to the extent the resignee remains eligible. Withdrawal of a resignation for desired continued service must be submitted to the City Clerk in writing and must include the reason for withdrawing. The City Clerk shall forward any withdrawal to the Mayor and City Council, who may consider and approve the withdrawal. A resignation shall remain in effect notwithstanding the submission of a withdrawal, unless and until the Mayor and City Council approve the withdrawal.
STRATEGIC PLAN ALIGNMENT:
The Mayor and City Council process for filing a board/commission member vacancy contributes to the City Council’s Envision 2025 Strategic Plan Priority and Goal:
High Performing Government - Provide world-class public service that is efficient, accessible, and responsive to all, and the following goal:
Goal 5.3 - Enhance communication and collaboration with community members to improve transparency, build public trust, and encourage shared decision-making.
The board/commission resignation and appointment process for filling a vacancy aligns with the 5 Cross-Cutting Threads as follows:
1. Community Trust and 2. Equity - Riverside is transparent in providing timely notification when vacancies occur to provide opportunities for residents interested in community engagement and involvement on the City Boards and Commissions.
3. Fiscal Responsibility - Riverside is a prudent steward of public funds and ensures responsible management of the City’s financial resources. The City Clerk’s Office annual budget includes funding to support and maintain Board and Commission operations administration.
4. Innovation - Board and Commission appointments allow new members to bring innovative ideas to meet the community’s changing needs and prepare for the future through collaborative partnerships and adaptive processes.
5. Sustainability & Resiliency - Riverside is committed to meeting the present needs without compromising the needs of the future and ensuring the City’s capacity to preserve, adapt and grow during fluctuating times are met. The City is prepared to fill vacancies due to unforeseen resignations by keeping an active pool of applicants.
FISCAL IMPACT:
Recruitment and appointment costs are included annually in the City Clerk’s budget.
Prepared by: Donesia Gause, City Clerk
Approved as to form: Phaedra A. Norton, City Attorney
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