FOR THE COUNCIL MEETING OF FEBRUARY 21, 2023
COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
TO: City Council
FROM: City Manager
SUBJECT: CITYWIDE GOVERNANCE RESOLUTION REVIEW
RECOMMENDATION:
That the City Council review Resolution 2018-17 Citywide Governance by District Elected Policy and reaffirm its intent to continue its practice of governing with a Citywide perspective following the shift to elections of Councilmembers by Council Districts.
BACKGROUND:
On February 12, 2018, the City Council held its biannual City Council Goal Setting Workshop. During the workshop, one of the items the Council discussed was the then - upcoming shift to elections of Councilmembers by district, which was put partially in place in November 2018 and fully in place in 2020. The conclusion reached by the City Council was that governing the City of Santa Maria should not change. All members of the City Council would continue to serve all of the people of Santa Maria.
On March 5, 2018, the City Council adopted the minutes from the Workshop and directed staff to return with a resolution establishing the principles of governance within the system of Councilmembers being elected by district, which was subsequently passed and adopted on March 20, 2018.
The principles established were:
• The City Council will govern on an at -large basis, considering the needs and interests of the entire community. The City Council wishes to remain united in its service to the community.
• Any member of the City Council will help anyone in the community who calls or contacts them. Customer service is the priority.
• Professional management in a strong City Manager form of government will continue, with all of the best management practices that the City Council expects now. Resources will be allocated based on needs and expertise. • Current practices regarding invitations to members of the City Council to events and activities, and appointments to committees and various bodies will remain in effect.
The City Council reaffirmed the Resolution of Governance at its February2020 and February 2022 City Council goal setting workshops. In addition, the League of California Cities has used the City of Santa Maria's Resolution of Governance as a model for city governance in cities with district elected officials.
DISCUSSION:
The purpose of this Council Agenda Report is to bring Resolution 2018-17 Citywide Governance by District Elected Policy back before the City Council for review and discussion regarding the continuance of practicing governing with a Citywide perspective.
Fiscal Impact:
There is no fiscal impact associated with this item.
Impact to the Community:
The continuance of governing with a Citywide perspective, governing at large, allows for the continuation of accessible customer service, the most effective use of taxpayer resources, and consistency in City services with all members of the City Council continuing to serve all of the people of Santa Maria.
JASON STILWELL
City Manager
Attachment A — Resolution 2018-17 Citywide Governance by District Elected Policy