Chapter 2.60
LEGISLATIVE INFORMATION GATHERING AND ANALYSIS
Sections:
2.60.010 Purpose – City council findings.
2.60.020 Representatives – Designated by city manager – Duties.
2.60.030 Representatives – Restrictions on authority and conduct.
2.60.040 Reimbursement for expenses.
2.60.050 Certain expenditures not authorized.
2.60.060 Compliance with state regulations required.
2.60.010 Purpose – City council findings.
It is determined by the city council that the study and collection of information, data, and opinions on the administrative and enforcement efficiency and costs attendant therewith and the societal effects of proposed, pending, or enacted legislation is necessary for legislative planning or revision, and that a prompt, informative response to inquiries from legislators and public administrators, and attendance at legislative committee hearings, relating to the effect of legislation on municipal finances, services, and authority, is necessary and helpful to the legislator in the enlightened performance of the legislative function and serves the best interests of the citizens and the public, and is declared to be a municipal purpose. [Ord. 97B, 1976.]
2.60.020 Representatives – Designated by city manager – Duties.
The city manager is authorized to designate city employees or representatives to collect, accumulate, and analyze information concerning the effect of enacted legislation or the anticipated effect of proposed or pending legislation; to consult with employees or representatives of other municipalities or counties and associations thereof; and to respond and provide data and information and give testimony to state legislators, legislative committees, state administrative officers, or other municipalities investigating the city’s experience or anticipated costs, benefits, or problems from such enacted or proposed legislation. [Ord. 97B, 1976.]
2.60.030 Representatives – Restrictions on authority and conduct.
In all matters in which an official, staff employee, or other representative appears on behalf of the city, such representative shall observe, carry out, or support the known relevant policies of the city council and shall consult the city manager or the city council for advice and guidance when required. All such informational activity shall be conducted with prudence and good judgment and within all legal regulation of such activity. Such representative shall not have any authority to make any statements, commitments, or promises binding upon the city, but may speak to influence the passage, defeat, or amendment of legislation affecting the city in accordance with the policy or position approved by the city council. [Ord. 97B, 1976.]
2.60.040 Reimbursement for expenses.
While engaged in such informational, educational, and testimonial activity, a city employee shall continue to receive his or her current salary as a city employee. No additional compensation shall be paid or accrue to an elected official during his or her term of office with the city for such research, informational, or lobbying services to the city. An employee or official shall receive reimbursement for the reasonable costs of travel, lodging, and personal meals reasonably incurred in the course of such service, in accordance with the city’s regular policies and rates as to such reimbursement. [Ord. 97B, 1976.]
2.60.050 Certain expenditures not authorized.
No expenditures from city funds for the hosting, entertainment, or campaign assistance of any legislator or state officer shall be authorized, expended, or reimbursed. [Ord. 97B, 1976.]
2.60.060 Compliance with state regulations required.
The city’s employee or representative in such informational or lobbying activity shall comply fully with all state regulations relating to ethical practices and conduct, and comply with all regulations relating to the reporting of expenditures in connection therewith. [Ord. 97B, 1976.]