Chapter 2.6 City Manager
2.6.10 Purpose of this Chapter
The purpose of this Chapter is to establish the duties and conduct of the office of the City Manager.
2.6.20 Duties of the Office of the City Manager
The City Manager shall serve as the administrative head of the City of La Habra Heights under the direction and control of the City Council. The City Manager shall be responsible for the administration of all affairs of the City.
A. City Manager as Chief Executive and City Administrator. The City Manager shall exercise control over and supervise all departments and divisions of the City Government, including but not limited to:
1. The supervision of all public buildings, streets, and other public property that are under the control and jurisdiction of the City Council.
2. The coordination and activities of all City departments and staff and personnel that provide services on a contract basis.
3. The initiation of contracts, agreements and other written obligations on behalf of the City, including those that require City Council approval.
4. The execution of contracts, agreements and other written obligations on behalf of the City, subject to the City’s purchasing ordinance.
B. City Manager Duties. The duties of the City Manager shall include the following.
1. The City Manager shall keep the City Council fully appraised as to the financial conditions and needs of the City, shall oversee the preparation of reports and recommendations as requested by City Council, and ensure the performance of other duties specified by the City Council.
2. The City Manager shall be responsible the preparation and administration of the City’s annual budget.
3. The City Manager shall administer the City’s personnel system including, but not limited to, the development of personnel rules, hiring and discipline, employee evaluations, and management of contract personnel. The City Manager shall administer all personnel policies except for those specifically reserved to the City Council.
4. The City Manager, when acting in the capacity of City Clerk, shall be responsible for the maintenance of the official records of the City of La Habra Heights, the publication of all legal notices, the maintenance of election records and property used in connection with elections, the publication of appointments to all commissions and committees, the administration of oaths or affirmations, the certification of affidavits and depositions and the receipt of all claims against the City.
5. The City Manager shall perform such additional duties as are prescribed by ordinance or the City Council.
6. The City Manager shall conduct his duties without interference from the City Council in the day-to-day operation of the City. (Ord. 2007-04 § 1)
2.6.30 Appointment, Removal and Compensation of City Manager
The City Manager shall be appointed by the City Council solely on the basis of executive and administrative qualifications and ability and shall hold office at the pleasure of the City Council. No person elected to membership on the City Council shall, subsequent to such election, be eligible for appointment as City Manager until one (1) year has elapsed after leaving the City Council. The following conditions shall apply to the office of City Manager:
A. Absence of City Manager. In the case of a short absence or disability of the City Manager, the City Manager designee or Assistant City Manager shall perform the duties of the City Manager.
B. Removal of City Manager. The City Council shall appoint the City Manager for an indefinite term and the City Manager may be removed by three (3) members of the City Council. The removal need not be for cause. The City Council may suspend the City Manager from duty but shall, in any case, cause to be paid any unpaid balance of the City Manager’s monthly salary during such suspension. Within thirty (30) days of the suspension, the City Council shall provide for either the dismissal or reinstatement of the City Manager.
C. Removal After Municipal Election. The City Manager may not be removed from office within a period of ninety (90) days succeeding any general municipal election held at which a new member of the City Council is elected unless such removal is for good cause. After the expiration of the ninety (90) day period, the provisions of the preceding section (2.6.30.B) will apply.
D. Compensation. The City Manager shall receive such compensation as determined by the City Council and as reflected in the employment contract. The terms of the employment contract may be modified by written agreement of the City Council and City Manager.
E. Bond. The City Manager shall furnish a corporate surety bond approved by the City Council. The fee for such surety bond shall be the responsibility of the City.