Chapter 1 CITY ADMINISTRATIVE ORGANIZATION

The office of City Manager of the City of Carson is hereby created and established. The City Manager shall be appointed by the City Council solely on the basis of his or her executive and administrative qualifications and ability, and shall hold office at the pleasure of the City Council. All references in the Carson Municipal Code and in the ordinances, resolutions, policies, procedures, contracts, agreements, and other official promulgations of the City of Carson to the “City Administrator” shall be deemed to be references to the “City Manager” upon and after the effective date of this Section. (Ord. 2, § 2100; Ord. 96-1096, § 1)

2101 Eligibility.

The permanent City Manager shall, at a minimum, have the following qualifications:

(a) A college degree in Public Administration or related field; and

(b) Five (5) years’ experience as a City Manager or Chief Executive Officer of a County, or equivalent experience as determined by the City Council.

These qualification requirements shall not apply to an acting or interim City Manager.

No person elected to membership on the City Council shall, subsequent to such election, be eligible for appointment as acting, interim or permanent City Manager of the City of Carson until one (1) year has elapsed after such person has ceased to be a member of the City Council. (Ord. 2, § 2101; Ord. 87-789, § 1; Ord. 98-1131U, § 1; Ord. 98-1131, § 1; Ord. 00-1190, § 2)

2102 Bond.

The City Manager shall furnish a corporate surety bond to be approved by the City Council in such sum as may be approved by the City Council which bond shall be conditioned on the faithful performance of the duties imposed on the City Manager as herein prescribed. (Ord. 2, § 2102; Ord. 00-1190, § 2)

2103 Absence.

In case of the absence or disability of the City Manager, the City Council may designate some duly qualified person to perform the duties of the City Manager, during the period of absence or disability of said City Manager, subject, however, to said person’s furnishing a corporate surety bond and conditioned on faithful performance of the duties required to be performed, as set forth in CMC 2102. (Ord. 2, § 2103; Ord. 00-1190, § 2)

2104 Removal.

The City Council shall appoint the City Manager, and may remove him, subject to his contractual rights, if any, by a three (3) member vote. At least thirty (30) days before such removal shall become effective, the City Council shall by a three (3) member vote of its members adopt a preliminary resolution stating the reasons for his removal. By the preliminary resolution, the Council may suspend the Administrator from duty, but shall in any case cause to be paid to him forthwith any unpaid balance of his monthly salary and his monthly salary shall continue to be paid for the next one (1) calendar month following adoption of the preliminary resolution. (Ord. 2, § 2104; Ord. 00-1190, § 2)

2105 Removal After Municipal Election.

Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Code, the City Manager shall not be removed from office during or within a period of ninety (90) days next succeeding any general municipal election held in said City at which said election a member of the City Council is elected.

The purpose of this provision is to allow any newly elected member of the City Council or a reorganized City Council to observe the actions and ability of the City Manager in the performance of the powers and duties of his office. After the expiration of said ninety (90) days aforementioned, the provisions of the preceding Section as to the removal of the said City Manager shall apply and be effective. (Ord. 2, § 2105; Ord. 00-1190, § 2)

2106 Compensation.

The City Manager shall receive such compensation as the City Council shall from time to time determine and fix, and said compensation shall be a proper charge against such funds of the City as the City Council shall designate.

Said City Manager shall be reimbursed for all sums necessarily incurred or paid by him in the performance of his duties, or incurred when traveling on business pertaining to said City under direction of the City Council; reimbursement shall only be made, however, when a verified itemized claim, setting forth the sums expended for which reimbursement is requested, has been presented to the City Council, and by said City Council duly approved and allowed. (Ord. 2, § 2106; Ord. 00-1190, § 2)

2107 Powers and Duties.

The City Manager shall be the administrative head of the City government under the direction and control of the City Council, except as otherwise provided in this Code. He shall be responsible for the efficient administration of all the affairs of the City which are under the City Manager’s control. In addition to the City Manager’s general powers as administrative head and not as a limitation thereon, it shall be the City Manager’s duty and the City Manager shall have the power and duty:

(a) Enforcement. To see that the laws of the State of California pertaining to the City and all laws and ordinances of the City are duly enforced, and that all franchises, permits and privileges granted by the City are faithfully observed.

(b) Groups, Divisions, and Employees.

(1) To control, order, give directions to, appoint, promote, discipline and demote or remove all heads of groups and divisions, except the City Clerk, the City Attorney, and the City Treasurer, and all subordinate officers and employees of the City; to recommend to the City Council the transfer of employees from one (1) group or division to another; and to consolidate or combine offices, positions, groups, divisions or units under his jurisdiction.

(2) The City Manager, upon written request from a City employee, may authorize transfer of said employee from one (1) group or division to another provided the affected group managers and directors consent to the transfer.

(c) Control and Supervise. To exercise control over and to supervise in general all groups and divisions of the City Government and all appointive officers and employees thereof except the City Clerk, the City Attorney, and the City Treasurer.

(d) Attend Meetings. To attend all meetings of the City Council and its committees unless excused therefrom by the City Council.

(e) Recommendations. To recommend to the City Council for adoption such measures and ordinances as he deems necessary or expedient.

(f) Inform and Advise. To keep the City Council at all times fully advised as to the financial condition and needs of the City.

(g) Annual Budget. To prepare and submit to the City Council the annual budget and to administer it after adoption.

(h) Salary Plan. To prepare and to recommend to the City Council a salary plan and personnel ordinance.

(i) Purchasing. To purchase or cause to be purchased all supplies for all of the groups or divisions of the City. No expenditure shall be submitted or recommended to the City Council except upon report or approval of the City Manager.

(j) Investigation of Affairs. To make investigations into the affairs of the City, and any group or division thereof, and any contract or the proper performance of any obligation running to the City.

(k) Investigation of Complaints. To investigate all complaints in relation to matters concerning the administration of the government of the City and in regard to the service maintained by public utilities in the City, and to see that all franchises, permits and privileges granted by the City are faithfully observed.

(l) Supervision of Public Property. To exercise general supervision over all public buildings, public parks, streets, and other public property which are under the control and jurisdiction of the City Council.

(m) Full-Time Duties. To devote his entire time to the duties and interests of the City.

(n) Reports and Recommendations. To make reports and recommendations as may be desirable or as requested by the City Council.

(o) Offices. To service any appointed office or as head of any group or division within the City Government for which he may be qualified when appointed thereto by the City Council, and to perform the duties thereof at the pleasure of the City Council.

(p) Temporary Employment Contracts. To execute contracts on behalf of the City of the temporary employment of persons to fill the vacant positions in the City service or to provide other temporary services in extraordinary situations. No such contract my be in excess of $6,000 nor for a duration of more than three (3) calendar months. Any extension of such a contract shall be considered as part of the original contract for the purposes of computing the cost and time limitations of this Section.

(q) Management Information Systems and Procedures.

(1) To develop, review, publish and audit City-wide management systems, policies and procedures.

(2) To develop, implement and manage the City computer system in support of City programs and operations. Organize, manage and operate City computing equipment and facilities.

(3) To provide City research and analysis in support of City groups, divisions, programs and functions.

(r) Other Powers and Duties. To perform such other duties and exercise such other powers as may be delegated to the City Manager from time to time by ordinance or resolution of the City Council. (Ord. 2, § 2107; Ord. 77-419, § 1; Ord. 87-816, § 1; Ord. 00-1190, § 2, 3)

2108 Ex Officio Member of Boards and Commissions.

The City Manager shall be an ex officio member of all Boards and Commissions appointed by the Mayor or City Council pursuant to law with a right to participate in all deliberations or actions by his voice but without vote. (Ord. 2, § 2108; Ord. 00-1190, § 2)

2109 Duty of Other Officers.

It shall be the duty of all other officers including the City Clerk, the City Treasurer, and the City Attorney, to cooperate with and assist the City Manager in administering the affairs of the City most efficiently, economically, and harmoniously so far as may be consistent with their duties as prescribed by law and this Code. (Ord. 2, § 2109; Ord. 00-1190, § 2)

2110 Repealed.

Repealed by Ord. 15-1548. (Ord. 2, § 2110; Ord. 00-1190, § 2)

2120 Position of Assistant City Manager Established.

The position of Assistant City Manager of the City of Carson is hereby created and established. The Assistant City Manager shall be appointed by the City Manager, with the approval of the City Council, on an at-will employment basis. (Ord. 00-1190, § 4)

2121 Duties of the Assistant City Manager.

The Assistant City Manager shall be responsible to the City Manager and perform the following duties:

(a) Assist the City Manager with those duties specified in CMC 2107.

(b) Serve as a General Manager as directed by the City Manager.

(d) Perform such other duties as the City Manager may from time to time assign. (Ord. 00-1190, § 5)

2130 Economic Development Group.

There is hereby created and established an Economic Development Group which shall consist of such personnel as may be authorized by the City Council, and the following divisions:

(a) Redevelopment Division. This division shall be responsible for the administration of the City’s Redevelopment Agency programs.

(b) Business Development Division. This division shall be responsible for the administration of the City’s business attraction and retention programs.

(c) Employment Development Division. This division shall be responsible for the City’s programs enhancing employment opportunities in the City of Carson.

(d) Housing and Neighborhood Development Division. This division shall be responsible for the Housing and Community Development Block Grant, Mobile Home Rental Review Board, First Time Home Buyers Program, Residential and Commercial Rehabilitation and the Relocation Appeals Board. (Ord. 00-1190, § 6; Ord. 00-1210, § 1)

2131 Economic Development General Manager.

The Economic Development Group shall be headed by an Economic Development General Manager who shall be appointed by the City Manager, with the approval of the City Council, on an at-will employment basis. (Ord. 00-1190, § 7)

2132 Duties of the Economic Development General Manager.

The Economic Development General Manager shall be responsible to the City Manager and shall perform the following duties:

(a) Be administrative head of the Economic Development Group and shall have direct charge of all City personnel assigned to the Economic Development Group.

(b) Advise and assist the City Council, the Economic Development Commission, and the City Manager on all matters relating to economic development.

(c) Plan, organize, staff, direct and control all functions, operations, programs and responsibilities of the Economic Development Group.

(d) Perform such other duties as the City Manager may from time to time assign. (Ord. 00-1190, § 8)

2135 Administrative Services Group.

There is hereby created and established an Administrative Services Group which shall consist of such personnel as may be authorized by the City Council, and the following divisions:

(a) Finance Division (CMC 2720, 2721, 2723).

(b) Human Resources and Risk Management Division (CMC 2797.1, 2797.2, 2797.3). (Ord. 00-1190, § 9)

2136 Administrative Services General Manager.

The Administrative Services Group shall be headed by an Administrative Services General Manager appointed by the City Manager, with the approval of the City Council, on an at-will employment basis. (Ord. 00-1190, § 10)

2137 Duties of the Administrative Services General Manager.

The Administrative Service General Manager shall be responsible to the City Manager and shall perform the following duties:

(a) Be administrative head of the Administrative Services Group and shall have direct charge of all City personnel assigned to the Administrative Services Group.

(b) Advise and assist the City Council and the City Manager on all matters relating to finance and human resources and risk management.

(c) Plan, organize, staff, direct and control all functions, operations, programs and responsibilities of the Administrative Services Group.

(d) Perform such other duties as the City Manager may from time to time assign. (Ord. 00-1190, § 11)

2140 Public Services Group.

There is hereby created and established a Public Services Group which shall consist of such personnel as may be authorized by the City Council, and the following divisions:

(a) Parks and Recreation Division (CMC 2730, 2731, 2732, 2733).

(b) Public Safety Division (CMC 2780, 2781, 2782, 2783, 2784).

(c) Human Services and Fine Arts Division. This Section shall be responsible for the City’s programs dealing with seniors, early childhood, special interest classes, therapeutic recreation and fine arts programs and activities. (Ord. 00-1190, § 12)

2141 Public Services General Manager.

The Public Services Group shall be headed by a Public Services General Manager who shall be appointed by the City Manager, with the approval of the City Council, on an at-will employment basis. (Ord. 00-1190, § 13)

2142 Duties of the Public Services General Manager.

The Public Services General Manager shall be responsible to the City Manager and shall perform the following duties:

(a) Be administrative head of the Public Services Group and shall have direct charge of all City personnel assigned to the Public Services Group.

(b) Advise and assist the City Council and the City Manager on all matters relating to public services.

(c) Plan, organize, staff, direct and control all functions, operations, programs and responsibilities of the Public Services Group.

(d) Perform such other duties as the City Manager may from time to time assign. (Ord. 00-1190, § 14)

2145 Development Services Group.

There is hereby created and established a Development Services Group which shall consist of such personnel as may be authorized by the City Council, and the following divisions:

(a) Public Works Division (CMC 2793, 2794, 2795).

(b) Planning and Environmental Services Division. This division shall be responsible for all of the City’s planning activities, including staff support to the City’s Planning Commission. Environmental Services shall be responsible for the City’s environmental programs including waste management and support of the Environmental Commission.

(c) Building and Safety Division. This division shall be responsible for the review and approval of all building plans for new construction, reconstruction and structural modification; for building rehabilitation; for administration and enforcement of the Building, Plumbing, Electrical and Mechanical Codes. (Ord. 00-1190, § 15; Ord. 00-1210, § 2)

2146 Development Services General Manager.

The Development Services Group shall be headed by a Development Services General Manager appointed by the City Manager, with the approval of the City Council, on an at-will employment basis. (Ord. 00-1190, § 16)

2147 Duties of the Development Services General Manager.

The Development Services General Manager shall be responsible to the City Manager and shall perform the following duties:

(a) Be administrative head of the Development Services Group and shall have direct charge of all City personnel assigned to the Development Services Group.

(b) Advise and assist the City Council and the City Manager on all matters relating to Development Services.

(c) Plan, organize, staff, direct and control all functions, operations, programs and responsibilities of the Development Services Group.

(d) Advise and assist the City Council, the Planning Commission, and the City Manager on all matters relating to planning, zoning and subdivisions.

(e) Advise and assist the City Council, the Environmental Commission and the City Manager on all matters relating to environmental issues, CEQA guidelines, SCAQMD rules, etc.

(f) Coordinate the preparation and adoption of the Comprehensive or Master Plan along with the precise plan studies required to implement the City Policy as described in the Comprehensive or Master Plan.

(g) Be responsible for the administration and enforcement of the zoning and the subdivision ordinances and shall investigate and make recommendations to the Planning Commission and the City Council on all applications for changes of zoning and zoning regulations, variances, lot division maps and subdivision.

(h) Perform such other duties as the City Manager may from time to time assign. (Ord. 00-1190, § 17)