Item A: City Council Process Session

Home Browse Search

For local intergovernmental bodies or advisory groups, to which an official Eugene City Council representative has been appointed, the representative is to serve as an “instructed delegate,” that is, to represent pertinent adopted city and Council policy. If possible, the Mayor or councilors should inform the other members of the City Council of the matters being considered by intergovernmental bodies, and to the greatest extent possible, seek direction from the City Council on issues directly pertaining to the City of Eugene and adopted city policy. The representative may express his or her own opinion, provided it is identified as such, but when voting or considering matters with policy implications or budgetary considerations, the representative must follow adopted City or Council policy and direction. Participating in state and national groups such as the League of Oregon Cities and the National League of Cities present the opportunity to enhance skills and knowledge, and are important avenues for the Mayor and councilors to advocate for the members of the community and the city itself. If the Mayor or councilors attend meetings of these organizations, an official voting delegate should be selected by the City Council. This voting delegate, to the greatest extent possible, informs the Mayor and City Council of issues or matters on which the voting delegate may be asked to vote. If there is existing City or Council policy, the voting delegate will vote in accordance with that policy. When providing a report to the council (see Section 10.06), votes of the delegate should be included in that report. If the Mayor or individual councilor serves on a committee of a state or national advisory committee and has been selected in an “at large” role, that is, not a specific seat or position for a City of Eugene elected official, that person should state the adopted City or Council policies. However, that person is not bound by the adopted policy and can represent his or her own position, provide that the person makes such a disclaimer. 10. COUNCILOR EXPENSES 10.01 General Guidelines for Reimbursed Expenses Under the provisions of the City Charter, the City may pay a councilor or the Mayor expenses that are directly related to City business. It is each councilor’s and the Mayor’s responsibility to determine if expenses are actually City related. If there are questions about the propriety of such expenditures, the Manager shall first review the issue with the councilor. If the City Manager and the councilor cannot resolve the issue, the Manager shall discuss the matter with the Mayor. Receipts should be secured for any expenses and should accompany Council expense report forms to record mileage and other expenses. The forms shall be available from the City Manager's Office. Activities that support or oppose a political campaign shall not be reimbursable. 10.02 Out-of-Town Expenses Out-of-town expenses include those incurred while attending City-related conventions, conferences, training seminars, or meetings. Expenses that are paid by the City include fees for seminars or conferences; transportation to, from, and at the destination; and lodging, meals, and Eugene City Council Operating Agreements – March 7, 2005 Page 9 of 12