FOR THE COUNCIL MEETING OF DECEMBER 20, 2022
COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
TO: City Council
FROM: City Manager
SUBJECT: APPOINTMENT OF MAYOR PRO TEM
RECOMMENDATION:
That the City Council ratify a nomination from the Mayor regarding the appointment of the Mayor Pro Tem for the calendar year 2023.
BACKGROUND:
Historically, the assignment of Mayor Pro Tem has been periodically rotated amongst Councilmembers on an annual basis each calendar year. There are no formal rules, policies, or procedures regarding how the Mayor Pro Tem is selected. The Municipal Code is silent in this regard. The only guidance comes from the California Government Code.
Section 36801 of the California Government Code generally states:
The City Council shall meet on the Tuesday after the general municipal election and choose one of its number as mayor (for those cities who do not directly elect their mayor), and one of its number as mayor pro tempore.
The duties of the Mayor Pro Tem include acting on behalf of the Mayor in the Mayor's absence. The Mayor Pro Tem presides at City Council meetings when the Mayor is absent. The Mayor Pro Tem also fills in for the Mayor at various community functions and meetings when the Mayor is unavailable.
Section 36802 of the California Government Code states:
The mayor shall preside at the meetings of the council. If s/he is absent or unable to act, the mayor pro tempore shall serve until the mayor returns or is able to act. The mayor pro tempore has all of the powers and duties of the mayor.
DISCUSSION:
On December 21, 1999, the City Council considered and approved a change to the informal practice previously used to appoint the Mayor Pro Tem. The City Council modified the practice to allow the appointment to occur yearly instead of a term concurrent with the term of the Mayor.
On December 21, 2021, Mayor Patino nominated, and the City Council ratified, Councilmember Cordero to serve as Mayor Pro Tem for the calendar year 2022. It is now time for the Mayor to consider nominating a Councilmember to serve as Mayor Pro Tern for the calendar year 2023. After Mayor Patino makes her nomination, a majority of the City Council will be required to ratify the appointment.
JASON STILWELL
City Manager
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