Chapter 2.09
CITY ADMINISTRATOR
Sections:
2.09.030 General powers and duties.
2.09.040 Creation of department heads.
2.09.050 Department heads – Authority.
2.09.060 Interference by Councilmembers.
2.09.070 Residency requirement.
Prior legislation: Ords. 606 and 611.
2.09.010 Position created.
There is created the office of City Administrator, which shall be filled by appointment of the Mayor, subject to confirmation by the City Council, to serve at the pleasure of the Mayor. At the discretion of the Mayor, the City Administrator may assume the duties of department-head-level positions on an interim or permanent basis. When these positions and responsibilities are combined in the same person for a period exceeding six months, the salary shall take into consideration the joint responsibilities and shall be recommended by the Mayor and approved by the City Council. The City at its discretion may specify additional terms and conditions of employment in a written agreement executed by the Mayor and approved by the City Council. (Ord. 2178 § 1 (Att. 1), 2021; Ord. 1216, 1999)
2.09.020 Scope of authority.
Under the direction and authority of the Mayor, the City Administrator shall supervise, administer, and coordinate the activities and functions of all City officers, departments, commissions and boards to implement City ordinances and policies through the effective use of City employees, funds, materials, facilities, and time, and shall direct and control the overall operations of the City to assure optimum services to the community. (Ord. 2178 § 1 (Att. 1), 2021; Ord. 1216, 1999)
2.09.030 General powers and duties.
Under the direction and authority of the Mayor, the City Administrator shall have the following powers and duties:
A. Plan and direct all administrative activities of the City, develop and implement internal policies and procedures, evaluate City employees, and take necessary actions to improve operations.
B. Provide information and advice to the Mayor, City Council, other public officials and the public on the City’s operations.
C. Act as the City’s representative in such areas as labor relations, intergovernmental relations, conferences, conventions, and seminars related to public management.
D. Delegate responsibility as necessary to accomplish the desired objectives.
E. Attend meetings of the City Council and other boards and commissions as necessary to coordinate and satisfy the administrative needs of the City.
F. Act to resolve operational conflicts, decide and implement alternate courses of action, formulate administrative policies, and otherwise make decisions in the best interest of the City’s operations.
G. Recommend for adoption by the Council such measures as he or she may deem necessary or expedient.
H. Prepare and submit to the Mayor and Council such reports as may be required by that body, or as he or she may deem advisable to submit.
I. Keep the Mayor and Council fully informed and advised of the financial conditions of the City and its future needs.
J. Assist the Mayor in the preparation of preliminary budget expectations and areas of focus for submission to the Finance Director, and coordinate with the Finance Director in the administration of the budget after its adoption.
K. In the Mayor’s absence, the City Administrator acts on behalf of the Mayor for purposes of emergency and disaster powers of the Mayor, as defined in FMC 2.07.030.
L. Perform such other duties as the Mayor and Council may determine by ordinance or resolution, including but not limited to interpreting and coordinating the roles of department heads, particularly where there is the potential for overlap, and authorizing certain actions by individual staff and department heads. (Ord. 2178 § 1 (Att. 1), 2021; Ord. 1550 § 2 (Add. B), 2009; Ord. 1216, 1999)
2.09.040 Creation of department heads.
On recommendation of the City Administrator, the City Council may create, by ordinance, such departments and employments as may be necessary to conduct City business. Upon their creation, the City Administrator shall administer the offices, employments, powers, and duties of each department or office. (Ord. 2178 § 1 (Att. 1), 2021; Ord. 1216, 1999)
2.09.050 Department heads – Authority.
The City Administrator, acting within the scope of the delegated authority of the Mayor, may authorize the head of a department or office responsible to him or her to appoint or remove subordinates in such department or office consistent with adopted City regulations and policies. Any officer or employee who may be appointed by the City Administrator, or by the head of a department or office, may be removed by the Administrator or by the Mayor at any time consistent with employment contracts associated with that individual. The decision of the City Administrator or Mayor shall be final, and there shall be no appeal therefrom to any other officer, body or court whatsoever. (Ord. 2178 § 1 (Att. 1), 2021; Ord. 1216, 1999)
2.09.060 Interference by Councilmembers.
Neither the Council, nor any of its committees or members, shall direct or request the appointment of any person to, or his removal from, office by the City Administrator or any of his or her subordinates. Except for the purpose of inquiry, the Council and its members shall deal with the administrative service solely through the Administrator and Mayor, and neither the Council nor any committee or member thereof shall give orders to any subordinate of the City Administrator, either publicly or privately; provided, however, that nothing herein shall be construed to prohibit the Council, while in open session, from fully and freely discussing with the Administrator and Mayor anything pertinent to appointments or removals of City officers and employees and City affairs. (Ord. 2178 § 1 (Att. 1), 2021; Ord. 1216, 1999)
2.09.070 Residency requirement.
The City Administrator need not be a resident of the City, but may be required to reside within a distance of the City limits which would provide opportunity of optimum response time in case of a City emergency. (Ord. 2178 § 1 (Att. 1), 2021; Ord. 1216, 1999)
2.09.080 Qualifications.
The City Administrator shall have experience and qualifications suitable to manage the City. A college degree in public administration or a B.A. degree in a related field combined with a minimum of seven years of experience and advanced education in public management is desirable. Membership and participation in an appropriate professional organization is required. (Ord. 2178 § 1 (Att. 1), 2021; Ord. 1216, 1999)