City of Victorville
City Council Policy and Procedures Manual
Adopted by the Victorville City Council
by Resolution No. 17-056 on October 3, 2017
Revised by Resolution No. 18-074 on September 4, 2018
Revised by Resolution No. 19-057 on October 1, 2019
Revised by Resolution No. 20-055 on June 23, 2020
Revised by Resolution No. 21-021 on March 16, 2021
Revised by Resolution No. 22-015 on May 17, 2022
Revised by Resolution No. 22-111 on October 4, 2022
Revised by Resolution No. 23-015 on March 7, 2023
Revised by Resolution No. 23-018 on March 21, 2023
Revised by Resolution No. 23-025 on April 4, 2023
Revised by Resolution No. 23-030 on May 16, 2023
Revised by Resolution No. 23-104 on December 19, 2023
TABLE OF CONTENTS
TABLE OF CONTENTS i
C
HAPTER 1
- IN
TRODUCTION AND PURPOSE 1
CHAPTER 2 - RO LE OF CITY COUNCIL 2
CHAPTER 3 - CO UNCIL MEETINGS 11
CHAPTER 4 - A GENDA 19
CHAPTER 5 - M EETING RULES OF CONDUCT AND DECORUM 22
CHAPTER 6 - A DMINISTRATIVE MATTERS 32
CHAPTER 7 - RE LATIONSHIP AND CONDUCT 35
CHAPTER 8 – COMMUNICATION AND REPRESENTATION 40
CHAPTER 9 - C OMMISSIONS, COMMITTEES AND BOARDS 48
CHAPTER 10 - ENFORCEMENT 52
-i-
Chapter 1
1 CHAPTER 1 ‐ INTRODUCTION AND PURPOSE
I. PURPOSE OF MANUAL
A. Compile, Revise and Adopt Rules and Policies. By adopting this Policy and Procedures Manual (“Manual”), the City Council of the City of Victorville (the “City Council” or “Council”) hereby establishes updated Rules of Procedure for the preparation of its agendas, conduct of its meetings, and transaction of other City Business. In addition, by adopting this Manual, the City Council further compiles, consolidates, updates, and supersedes any prior Council Policies, Resolutions, rules, and related administrative procedures that have been formally adopted by the City Council addressing the subject matter and/or the topics discussed herein.
B. Provide Standards and Guidance. The purpose of this Manual is to set a standard of professionalism for the conduct of the City Council’s business. Victorville has a long and proud tradition of open government and civil, intelligent public discourse. This Manual is intended to enhance public participation and Council debate so that the best possible decisions can be made for Victorville. While attempting not to be overly restrictive; procedures, policies, and codes of ethics and conduct are being established and/or clarified so that expectations and practices are clearly articulated to guide City Councilmembers in their day -to-day conduct and actions.
C. Ease of Reference. Having the majority of the rules, procedures, practices and policies (hereinafter collectively “Rules”) of the Victorville City Council consolidated and contained in a single, easily -accessible document will clarify expectations and responsibilities and will streamline the conduct of meetings and other City Council business in the public interest.
II. EFFECTIVE DATE AND PERIODIC REVIEW/UPDATE OF MANUAL
A. Effective Date. The Rules contained in this Manual shall be in effect immediately upon their adoption by City Council resolution, and shall remain in effect until such time as this Manual is amended and new Rules are adopted and/or updated by City Council resolution.
B. Biennial Review. This Manual will be reviewed at least biennially (once every two years) and be revised by City Council Resolution if and as needed.
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2 CHAPTER 2 ‐ ROLE OF CITY COUNCIL
I. OVERVIEW
A. City Council Acts as a Body. One of the fundamental tenets of city governance is recognizing that the City Council acts as a body. No individual Councilmember has extraordinary powers beyond those of other members. Although the Mayor and the Mayor Pro Tempore (“Pro Tem”) have additional ceremonial, parliamentary and administrative responsibilities as described below and elsewhere in this Manual, with respect to the establishment of policies, voting, and in other significant areas, all members are equal.
B. Establishment of City Policy. City Policy is established and direction is given to City staff by a majority vote of the Council. Neither the Mayor nor the Mayor Pro Tem has veto power or any other policy-making authority beyond that of the other Councilmembers.
C. Decisions of Majority of Body Binding on City Council. While individual Councilmembers may disagree with decisions of the majority, a decision of the majority does bind the City Council to a course of action and provides City staff with clear direction to follow. Similarly, City staff is responsible to ensure that the policy set by the City Council is implemented and upheld consistent with the wishes of the majority. Implementation of City Council policy by staff does not reflect a bias against Councilmembers who held a minority opinion on an issue.
II. COUNCIL ELECTION AND GOVERNANCE
The City of Victorville is governed by a five -member City Council elected to four -year terms on a staggered basis. Councilmembers are elected in the general election in November of even - numbered years. The Mayor and Mayor Pro Tem will be appointed by a majority vote of the entire membership of the City Council. The City Council shall appoint the Mayor and Mayor Pro Tem for one-year terms at the first regular meeting in December of every year or as soon thereafter as feasible and, when applicable, following the certification of election results and seating of new City Councilmembers. Effective as of the organization meeting of 2024, with respect to Councilmember terms, the following provisions shall apply : in no event shall a Mayor serve more than two (2) consecutive terms per his or her term of office, unless additional service is granted by a two-thirds (2/3) affirmative vote of the entire Council membership. The newly-appointed Mayor and Mayor Pro Tem assume their positions immediately following the majority vote.
The nomination and appointment procedure for the offices of Mayor and Mayor Pro Tem shall be conducted in successive order and as shown below.
1. The City Clerk opens nominations.
2. The City Clerk receives up to one nomination per Councilmember until no further nominations are forthcoming. Seconds are not required.
3. The City Clerk closes nominations.
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3 4. The City Clerk calls on each Councilmember to cast by verbal vote the name of his/her nominee of choice.
5. The City Clerk announces the outcome of the vote and declares the appointment upon a majority vote of the full membership.
6. If an appointment is not confirmed, the City Clerk repeats the foregoing procedure once more on the prospect of the City Council reaching agreement.
The newly-appointed Mayor shall preside over the process for the office of Mayor Pro Tem, unless he/she prefers the City Clerk facilitate the appointment.
Should the City Council be unsuccessful in its appointment efforts, whether it be by insufficiency of votes or failed action pursuant to Chapter 5, Section R, Tie Votes, the item shall be reconsidered during the next regular City Council meeting in expectation of securing the requisite consensus of the full body. Effective as of the organization meeting of 2024, if such consensus is not gained after the second consecutive Council meeting during which one or more appointments were considered, the Mayor Pro Tem, to the extent he/she is willing, shall assume the office of the Mayor until the next annual organizational meeting and the position of the Mayor Pro Tem will be reopened for nominations consistent with the procedures herein at the next regular City Council meeting.
III. ROLE AND DUTIES OF MAYOR
A. Official Ceremonial Head of City. The Mayor is recognized as the official head of the City for all ceremonial purposes and shall perform such other duties consistent with the office as set forth in this Manual and as may be delegated to the Mayor by majority vote of the City Council.
B. Presiding Officer. The Mayor is the Presiding Officer at all meetings of the City Council and acts as the chair. In this role, the Mayor has authority and discretion
1. to preserve order at all Council meetings by facilitating the effective conduct of business during meetings and assisting, when deemed necessary, fellow Councilmembers in understanding their roles and responsibilities in municipal governance;
2. to enforce (or cause to be enforced) the Meeting Rules of Conduct and Decorum as set forth in Chapter 5 of this Manual;
3. to determine the order of business at meetings of the City Council; and
4. to require any person addressing the City Council to be sworn as a witness and to testify under oath when, for example, testifying in judicial or quasi -judicial proceedings. The Mayor or other Presiding Officer shall also require such swearing-in if directed to do so by a majority of the Council.
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4 C. External Communication of Policy. The Mayor is to faithfully communicate the position of the Council majority in matters of policy.
D. Seating Arrangement for City Council. The Mayor assumes the center chair on the dais and oversees the seating location of the other Councilmembers at all meetings of the Council, in council chambers or elsewhere. The Mayor will, following each Council election of officers and at such other times as the Mayor deems it necessary, establish the seating arrangement of the Councilmembers. The Mayor Pro Tem will always be seated immediately next to the Mayor.
E. Signing Documents. The Mayor, whenever available, shall sign all ordinances, resolutions and other documents that have been adopted and authorized by the City Council and require an official signature. However, the City Manager or another City official may sign certain documents when so authorized by Council action and/or the provisions of the Victorville Municipal Code.
F. Absence of Mayor. In the absence of the Mayor, the Mayor Pro Tem performs the duties of the Mayor, including acting as the Presiding Officer at meetings. When both the Mayor and the Mayor Pro Tem are absent from any meeting of the Council, the City Clerk shall call the Council to order, whereupon a temporary Presiding Officer shall be elected by the Councilmembers present to serve until the arrival of the Mayor or Mayor Pro Tem, or until adjournment, whichever comes first.
G. New Councilmember Orientation. The Mayor will lead, with the assistance of the City Manager, new Councilmember orientations.
IV. ROLE AND DUTIES OF ALL COUNCILMEMBERS
A. Annual Review of Residency
Government Code Section 36502(a) requires Councilmembers of this City to maintain a legal residence or domicile within the City of Victorville and rules regarding residency are further discussed in Section 243 and 244 of the Government Code. To properly ensure compliance, Councilmembers shall be required to certify with the City Clerk annually, their residency or domicile within the City of Victorville. To be considered certified, each proof of residency as described below must contain the house number (and apartment number if applicable) and street name of the residency or domicile in an unredacted state.
Acceptable forms of proof of residency are as follows:
Councilmembers are required to live in the District they represent and are required to live in the City of Victorville during their entire term in office. To ensure that the Councilmembers continue to live in the area they represent, each elected official must submit one of the following Chapter 2
5 documents to the City Clerk during the first 31 calendar days of the year (January 1st to 31st):
1. Proof of home ownership as evidenced by:
1) a copy of a title deed or grant deed, a mortgage payment billing statement verifying the address or any other document that can verify home ownership and residency of the property, or
2) evidence of a homeowner's property tax exemption filed with the County of San Bernardino Assessor for proof that the home is their primary residence.
If the elected official does not have a tax exemption on file they must submit an affidavit signed by the elected official verifying that the home is their primary residence; or
If the home ownership is in the name of a person other than the elected official, or in the name of a legal entity, such as a trust, partnership or corporation, the elected official must submit an affidavit signed by the homeowner or authorized legal representative of the entity verifying that the elected official is living in the home as their primary residence; or If the residence is rented or leased by the elected official, the elected official will provide proof of residency by submitting a signed copy of a current and legally enforceable lease or rental agreement demonstrating that the elected official resides at the specified address; or
If an elected official is living at a residence without a lease/rental agreement the elected official must have the landlord or property owner sign an affidavit verifying, under penalty of perjury, the elected official's residency in landlord or owner's property
2. Proof of current motor vehicle registration, if any motor vehicles are registered to the elected official for the residence claimed or proof of a valid California driver's license showing their address on their license is within the Disrtict they represent. If the residence address on either the driver's license or auto registration is in process of being changed, the elected official must provide a document from the California Department of Motor Vehicles (Form DMC14) verifying the change is in process. If the elected official does not own an automobile or does not have a California driver's license, the elected official must submit any other State of California issued identification showing that their address on the identification document is consistent with the address shown on their current voter registration.
3. A current utility bill in the elected member's name showing that the service address is within the respective District for the Councilmember in the elected official's name. In the event a utility bill has not been generated, a letter from an authorized rep resentative of the utility provider stating that an account has been opened in the elected official's name will suffice. If there is an agreement with a landlord or other legal entity, as verified by a rental contract or lease contract, that the landlord o r other legal entity will pay the utility bill, the elected official must submit an affidavit signed by the landlord or the other legal entity's Chapter 2
6 authorized legal representative, verifying that the landlord or other legal entity is responsible for paying the utility bill.
4. Other documents showing current residence address in the respective District for Councilmembers:
A. School records or any official document issued by an accredited educational institution, sealed by the school.
B. Current paycheck stub or personnel record issued by the elected official's employer.
C. Current homeowner or renter insurance policy.
D. Current documents issued by any California court or a federal court that lists the name of the elected official and their residence address.
E. Original record issued by any state or national bank, state or federal savings association, trust company, industrial loan company, state or federal credit union, or any institution or entity that has issued a credit card.
Additionally, the elected official must sign an affidavit verifying, under penalty of perjury, residency.
In the event that a Councilmember moved to a new residence within the District, after the filing of the previous affidavit, the elected official must confirm the new address within 30 days of moving by providing one of the documents listed in items 1 through 4 and an affidavit to the City Clerk.
Incumbent elected officials who have not relocated since the information required by this Section was last provided may comply with this Section by supplying a copy of a current driver's license or State of California issued identification card and an affidavit that they have not relocated and all previously supplied information remains true and correct. The City Clerk shall confirm that the residence address on the incumbent elected official's voter registration is consistent with the other items supplied to demonstrate the residence address in the respective District that residence is claimed for serving in a City Council seat.
Failure to provide any of the above-required documents on or before January 31st of each year shall be referred to the City Council for further action and could result in his/her office becoming vacant in accordance with Government Code Section 36502, and the City Council could take an action to remove said Councilmember.
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7 Government Code Section 36502(a) provides:
“A person is not eligible to hold office as councilmember…unless he or she is at the time of assuming the office an elector of the city, and was a registered voter of the city at the time nomination papers are issued to the candidate…If, during his or her term of office, he or she moves his or her place of residence outside of the city limits or ceases to be an elector of the city, his or her office shall immediately become vacant.”
Alternatively, for non-compliance with this Section, the Council could consider taking action to remove the Councilmember from committee assignments and access to public facilities outside of normal working hours.
B. Advance Preparation for Meetings.
1. Prior Review of Agenda Materials . Prior to attending Council and committee meetings, study sessions and/or workshops, Councilmembers shall read or otherwise familiarize themselves with each agenda and supporting documentation for the items thereon.
2. Seek Prior Clarification of Agenda Materials. In respect for everyone’s time and to help ensure that individual Councilmembers may be equipped to make informed decisions, do his/her best work, and move meetings forward in a meaningful way, it is incumbent upon each Councilmember to promptly seek answers to questions he/she may have about the posted agenda items and agenda -package materials for the immediately pending meeting. Toward fulfilling these objectives, Councilmembers should seek the aforementioned assistance from the City Manager, City Attorney, City Clerk, or such Senior Management as the City Manager may designate (e.g., Assistant City Manager, Deputy City Manager, C ity Engineer, Public Information Officer, City Department Directors, or the Police Chief) as soon as possible after receipt of the agenda package and prior to the meeting to which the agenda package relates.
3. Avoid Unfair Surprise . Councilmembers should advise the City Manager in advance of issues or questions they intend to bring up at a public meeting. This refers to issues and questions that City staff would not normally anticipate or have researched for that particular meeting.
4. Report Possible Absences. Each Councilmember shall report immediately to the Mayor and City Clerk any likelihood of absence in order to ensure the most effective facilitation of City Council meetings. To the extent any Councilmembers are absent or going to be absent for two or more consecutive regular council meetings, that Councilmember should seek the consent of the City Council to excuse such absence either prior to the absence, or immediately upon return, which consent shall require majority vote of the quorum.
C. Councilmember Appointments and Assignments. Following nominations by individual Chapter 2
8 Councilmembers, the City Council confirms by a majority vote of the entire membership its appointments to City commissions, boards, and standing committees, as well as its appointments to the various boards, commissions, and committees of outside agencies on which Councilmembers serve as representatives of the City. The nomination process for such appointments shall follow the same nomination procedures as provided in Chapter 2, Section II of this Manual relating to the nomination of Mayor and Mayor Pro Tem. See Chapter 9 as to the roles and duties of such committee, commission, and board appointees, and additional rules relating to nominations and the filling of vacancies. Chapter 9 also provides rules relating to the creation and purposes of Ad Hoc subcommittees composed of less than a quorum of the City Council.
D. Council Vacancies. Whenever a vacancy occurs in the office of City Councilmember, the City Council will fill the vacancy by appointment or special election in accordance with the procedures set forth in Government Code section 36512 or the provisions of any ordinance adopted by the City Council thereunder. If a vacancy is to be filled by appointment, and in order that the Council may select the candidate best suited to the position, the City shall initiate an application and interview process which shall be robust, uniform, and free from the appearance of impropriety. Except for official communication with the City Manager’s office, which includes the City Clerk, all contact between Councilmembers and candidates regarding the appointment process and/or potential appointment is restricted to a formal interview process during a public meeting. Any candidate who violates this protocol may be excluded from appointment. An ad hoc subcommittee of less than a quorum of the Council shall develop the process for appointment, which is subject to Council approval.
E. Leadership, Goals, and Policy; Ex-Officio Roles of the City Council.
1. Leadership, Goals, and Policy. City Councilmembers are elected to provide leadership in setting goals and in formulating policies. The City Council is the focal point for identifying and interpreting the wishes of the citizens and translating these into specific programs.
Successful goal setting and policy formulation largely depend on a good working relationship amongst the Council and between the Council and the administr ative staff.
Under the City Manager’s direction, staff can provide assistance in analyzing the City’s needs, suggesting action programs, and calculating the costs of proposals. However, the Council has the final responsibility for establishing local policies and determining services and budget levels appropriate for the City.
2. Ex-Officio Roles. The City Council also serves as the Boards for the Victorville Water District (“VWD”), the Southern California Logistics Airport Joint Powers Authority (“SCLAA”), the Southern California Logistics Rail Authority ("SCLRA”), the Library Board of Trustees, the Successor Agency to the Victorville Redevelopment Agency, the Housing Assets Successor, and the Victorville Joint Powers Financing Authority (“JPFA”), with all meetings being held concurrently. References made in this Manual to the City Council also include the Council when acting in it its roles as the boards of the aforementioned entities.
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9 F. Engaging in Legislative and Quasi -Judicial Decisions/Acts . Almost all actions or decisions made by the City Council fall into one of two categories: legislative or quasi-judicial.
1. Legislative. These actions/decisions formulate rules to be applied to all future cases.
Examples include, but are not limited to: adoption and amendments to municipal codes, general plans, zoning codes, and personnel regulations. These actions are generally taken by ordinance or resolution.
2. Quasi-Judicial. While legislative actions establish public policy and rules applicable to groups of property or people, quasi -judicial proceedings affect individual properties or parties. Quasi -judicial proceedings involve the application of established standards to individual facts to determine specific rights or to take specific actions under existing law.
3. Due Process. The distinction between these two types of acts/decisions comes into play in the due process afforded to parties (particularly in the public and appeal hearing context), as explained in more detail in Chapter 3, Section VI of this Manual.
G. Issuing Subpoenas. Pursuant to Government Code section 37104, the City Council may issue subpoenas to require attendance of witnesses or production of books or other documents for evidence or testimony in any action or proceeding pending before the Council. The form of oaths administered by the City Clerk will be substantially in the following form:
<Name of affiant>
“I hereby declare or affirm under penalty of perjury that the testimony I am about to give before the City Council is the truth.”
H. Compliance with Code of Ethics. On July 7, 2009, the City Council adopted Resolution No. 09- 059 establishing a Code of Ethics setting forth principles and standards of conduct to be observed by all Councilmembers. Immediately upon adoption of this Manual by resolution of the City Council, Resolution No. 09-059 shall be superseded in its entirety by the provisions of Section V, below.
I. Handling Concerns or Complaints from the Public and Staff. Councilmembers shall function within their established roles when listening to concerns or complaints from the public and staff. While it is important to be available when issues arise, Councilmembers shall abide by uniform procedures to ensure matters are handled expeditiously and everyone is treated respectfully and fairly. Councilmembers shall remain neutral when receiving reports, conveying that they have no individual authority to resolve issue s and further recognizing that only one side of the story is being heard. Councilmembers shall adhere to their policy role pursuant to Chapter 2 of this Manual, being certain not to interfere with the administrative functions of the City or the professional duties of City staff. The same level of care must be exercised when responding to emails as is described for personal interactions.
Chapter 2
10 Councilmembers shall use the following procedures when handling concerns or complaints:
1. Receive - Listen to what the person has to say without preparing a response.
2. Repeat - Paraphrase or ask a question to clarify for understanding. Ask the person to identify those to whom s/he has spoken about the matter prior to contacting a Council member.
3. Request - Ask what the person would like the Council member to do with the information and/or what is seen as a solution to the problem.
4. Review - Indicate that the information will be shared with the City Manager in order that the City Manager or his or her designee may be able to provide a response or additional information as may be necessary.
V. CODE OF ETHICS FOR COUNCILMEMBERS
A. Intent and Purpose. To assure public confidence in the integrity of local government and its effective and fair operation, this Code of Ethics provides a framework for day-to-day actions and decision-making by Councilmembers and represents a commitment to uphold a standard of integrity beyond that required by law. The citizens and businesses of Victorville are entitled to a fair, ethical, and accountable local government that has earned the public’s full confidence for integrity. To ensure the effective functioning of democratic government, the City Council requires each of the following:
1. Public officials, both elected and appointed, comply with both the letter and spirit of the laws and policies affecting the operations of government.
2. Public officials be independent, impartial, and fair in their judgment and actions.
3. Public office be used for the public good, not for personal gain.
4. Public deliberations and processes be conducted openly, unless legally confidential, in an atmosphere of respect and civility.
B. Principles and Standards. The principles and standards of ethical conduct for Victorville City Councilmembers are hereby established as set forth below.
1. Act in the Public Interest. Recognizing that stewardship of the public interest must be their primary concern, Councilmembers will work for the common good of the people of Victorville and not for any private or personal interest, and they will assure fair and equal treatment of all persons, claims and transactions coming before the Victorville City Council.
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11 2. Comply with the Law. Councilmembers shall comply with the laws of the nation, the State of California, and the City of Victorville in the performance of their public duties. These laws include, but are not limited to: the United States and California Constitutions, the Victorville City Charter, the Victorville Municipal Code, laws pertaining to conflicts of interest, election campaigns, financial disclosures, employer responsibilities, open government, and City ordinances and policies.
3. Councilmember Conduct. The professional and personal conduct of Councilmembers must be above reproach and avoid the appearance of impropriety. While it is understood that Councilmembers enjoy First Amendment rights, they shall practice civility and decorum in discussions and debate, and refrain from abusive conduct, personal charges, or verbal attacks upon the character or motives of other members of the Council, boards, commissions, staff, or the public that is intended to disrupt and not further the City' s business.
4. Respect for Process. Councilmembers shall perform their duties in accordance with the processes and rules of order established by the Council governing the deliberation of public policy issues, meaningful involvement of the public, and implementation of policy decisions of the Council by City staff.
5. Decisions Based on Merit. Councilmembers shall base their decisions on the merits and substance of the matter at hand, rather than on unrelated considerations.
6. Conflict of Interest. In order to assure their independence and impartiality in the City’s best interest, Councilmembers shall not use their official positions to influence decisions in which they have a conflict of interest.
7. Gifts and Favors. Councilmembers shall follow the laws that apply to the acceptance of gifts or favors as a public official.
8. Use of Title. Councilmembers may use their title only when conducting official City business, for informational purposes, or as an indication of background and expertise.
Individual Councilmembers must be careful not to: 1) exceed or appear to exceed his/her authority, 2) use his/her position to influence others unduly or, 3) use his/her title to improperly gain leverage or preferential treatment.
9. Confidential Information. Councilmembers shall respect the confidentiality of information concerning the property, personnel, or affairs of the City. They shall neither disclose confidential information without proper legal authorization, nor use such information to advance their personal, financial, or other private interests.
10. Use of Public Resources . Councilmembers shall not use public resources, such as City staff time, equipment, supplies, or facilities, for private gain or personal purposes.
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12 11. Advocacy. Councilmembers shall represent the official policies or positions of the Council to the best of their ability when designated as delegates for this purpose. When presenting their individual opinions and positions, Councilmembers shall explicitly state they do not represent the opinion of the entire Council.
12. Positive Workplace Environment . Councilmembers shall support the maintenance of a positive and constructive workplace environment for their employees, City employees, private citizens, and businesses dealing with the City. Councilmembers shall recognize their role in individual dealings with City employees. Councilmembers shall not be immune to potential liability and/or legal proceedings by City employees when the rights of such employees who are acting within the scope of their employment have been infringed upon or violated by Councilmembers.
13. Policy Role of Councilmembers . Councilmembers shall respect and adhere to the Council-Manager structure of Victorville City government. In this structure, the City Council determines the policies of the City with the advice, information, and analysis provided by the public, boards, commissions, and City staff. Councilmembers shall not interfere with the administrative functions of the City or the professional duties of City staff, nor shall they impair the ability of staff to implement Council policy decisions.
14. Enforcement. Councilmembers have the primary responsibility to ensure that this Code of Ethics is followed so the public may have full confidence in the integrity of government.
Although this Code of Ethics and Conduct is intended to “be self -enforcing” and will be most effective when Councilmembers are thoroughly familiar with and embrace its provisions, City Councilmembers who intentionally and/or repeatedly do not follow proper conduct may be subject to an informal reprimand (a statement of disapproval) or formal censure as set forth in Chapter 10 of this Manual.
C. Norms and Protocols. The following norms were agreed to by each individual Councilmember present during the Governance Workshops of February 2020 and February 2021. On March 28, 2023, during the Governance Workshop, Council revised said norms to the following:
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13 1) We conduct ourselves in a
professional manner during
meetings and beyond.
2) We respect open government in
word and deed.
3) We expect civil, intelligent public
discourse.
4) We are efficient in our
meetings.
5) We treat all members of the
public with respect.
6) We contribute to a positive
workplace environment.
7) We yield ourselves to the
Council- Manager form of
government, and
Councilmembers do not
interfere with the role of the
City Manager or any
professional duties of City staff.
8) We keep confidential matters
confidential.
9) We foster a good working
relationship between Councilmembers
and staff to promote good goal setting,
policy making and service delivery.
10) We understand that the Council acts as a
body, all members are equal, and policy
direction is only given by a majority vote
of the Council.
11) We support staff’s obligation to
implement decisions made by the
Council, even if one of us doesn’t agree
with the Council’s decision.
12) We are prepared for Council meetings
and ask our questions of staff in advance
so we can avoid surprising staff at the
meetings. We know this is good
teamwork.
13) We act with high integrity in all matters
and follow our code of ethics.
DOC\041.2.1-CITY COUNCIL POLICY MANUAL COVER THROUGH CH 2 REV ONLY CLEAN 12.12.23.DOCX