10/12/1977 Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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Mr. Obie was wondering if he had need of an assistant, whether he could call that staff person directly or whether he would have to go through e City Manager's office. Also, if he were to have a position paper re- searched, whether that paper would be available to City staff. Manager replied those ground rules would have to be worked out but depending on the nature of the request, i.e., research of a future issue, a direct call to the aide would probably be in order. In regard to position papers, these would not necessarily be considered confi~ential and a copy would be routed to Manager. Assistant Manager said in establishing ground rules, all efforts will be made to address the issues, needs, and concerns of Council. In responding to a question by Mr. Obie, Manager said if staff could research a certain position for a Councilor, it would be done by staff; otherwise, the Council assistants would be used. Mr. Lieuallen asked for clarification regarding a desire by a Councilor to pursue certain issues that might be contrary to City policy, if Councilor aides would be allowed to pursue those efforts without the report being circulated among City staff. Manager again said ground rules would have to be set up; however, before the matter would be brought to the entire City Council, it would have to be reviewed by City Manager. Assistant Manager said Council should be aware of the public records law, and the matter of ground rules between Councilors. There has to be some understanding of how the resources will be used between City Councilors as well as between staff and City Council people. Mr. Delay said he felt there was a need to have flexibility for working with these aides to bring in new ideas, but doing so without bringing e concern to any City staff. He said he was not planning to hide any proposals, but would like the flexibility to work on new ideas and new approaches. Manager said discussion of ground rules could be held October 26. IV. Code Change Re: Responsibilities of Finance Officer--Memo, table, and ordinance distributed. Manager said the main issue was to allow the Finance Officer to write checks up to $3,000 as opposed to currently $1,000 between Council meetings. Also, there was a matter of paying vendors more promptly and reducing paper work. Other items in the ordinance were house cleaning items, i.e., clearly legalizing current policy of writing checks for daily investments of City cash. C.B. 1555--Concerning duties of Finance Officer; amending Sections 2.515, 2.525, and 2.527 of Code; renumbering Section 2.530 of Code as 2.567; adding new Section 2.530, and declaring an emergency was read by council bill number and title only, there being no Council member present requesting it be read in full. . 10/12/77--7 179