Chapter 2.06 ADMINISTRATIVE CODE

Chapter 2.06
ADMINISTRATIVE CODE

Sections:

2.06.010 Departments and offices established.

2.06.020 Departments and offices may be combined.

2.06.030 City manager’s office.

2.06.040 Legal department.

2.06.050 Human resources department.

2.06.060 Finance and administrative services department.

2.06.070 Police department.

2.06.080 Fire and emergency services department.

2.06.090 Development and permitting services department.

2.06.100 Public works department.

2.06.110 Parks and recreation department.

2.06.120 Municipal court.

2.06.130 Hearing examiner.

2.06.140 Library department.

2.06.010 Departments and offices established.

Administrative services of the city shall be organized in departments and offices. Pursuant to RCW 35A.13.100, as existing on the date of enactment of this code or hereafter amended, any officer who may be appointed by the city manager, except those subject to civil service, serves at the pleasure of the city manager and may be, with the exception of the municipal court judge, removed by the city manager at any time. The department and office titles are created and established as follows:

Department/Office	Administrative Officer
City Manager’s Office	City Manager
Assistant City Manager	Assistant City Manager
Finance, Administrative Services Department	Finance Director
City Clerk’s Office	City Clerk
Human Resources Department	Human Resources Director
Legal Department	City Attorney
Municipal Court Department	Judge
Police Department	Police Chief
Fire and Emergency Services Department	Fire Chief
Parks and Recreation Department	Parks and Recreation Director
Public Works Department	Public Works Director
Development and Permitting Services Department	Director of Development and Permitting Services
Office of the Hearing Examiner	Hearing Examiner
Library Department	City Librarian

(Ord. 3210 § 1, 2020; Ord. 2553 § 1, 1998; Ord. 2519 § 1, 1997; Ord. 2254 § 2, 1991).

2.06.020 Departments and offices may be combined.

The city manager may, during any budget year, and subject to city council approval into the next budget year, combine one or more departments and offices and assign them on an interim basis to any other officer or department administrative officer, except the municipal court judge in his/her judicial position. (Ord. 2553 § 1, 1998; Ord. 2519 § 1, 1997; Ord. 2254 § 2, 1991).

2.06.030 City manager’s office.

(1) The city manager shall be the chief administrative officer of the general city government and shall supervise and be responsible for the effective and economical management of the administrative and financial affairs of the city and shall supervise all city departments and offices. The city manager shall be responsible for the proper execution of the policies set by the city council and the enforcement of all laws and ordinances. The city manager shall be responsible to the city council for the efficient operation of all city departments and offices under the control of the city manager. The city manager shall likewise be responsible to the city council for the economical conduct and operation of all city departments and offices under the jurisdiction of the office. In addition to the foregoing, the city manager shall have the following duties:

(a) Keep the city council informed of the conditions and needs of the city;

(b) Make such reports and recommendations as deemed desirable or as may be requested by the city council;

(c) Prepare and submit to the city council a proposed biennial budget for the city which shall include a six-year capital expense budget;

(d) Control city expenditures so that actual expenditures do not exceed amounts available for expenditures. Supervise the purchase, lease, rental, use, maintenance and assignment of city property required by the various departments and offices of the general government of the city;

(e) Appoint, remove, suspend or discipline all officers and employees of the city subject to the control of the city manager, subject to civil service rules, the policies and procedure manual of the city and other applicable laws and contracts. The city manager may, in the exercise of discretion, authorize the head of a department or office reportable to his office to appoint, remove, suspend or discipline subordinates in such department or office;

(f) Subject to approval by the city council in the budgetary process, to fix and establish the number of employees in the various city departments and determine their duties;

(g) Negotiate and sign, on behalf of the city, contracts duly authorized by the city council or by ordinance and administer the provisions of such contracts;

(h) Exercise all powers conferred by law upon the city but not specifically conferred upon any official;

(i) Take or cause to be taken or recommend to the city council in the proper case all and every action necessary to protect the best interests of the city;

(j) Have an opportunity to attend all meetings of the council, including executive sessions and subcommittees of the council, and to have input but no vote at such meetings;

(k) Communications. Under the direction of the assistant city manager or other person designated by the city manager, the division shall supervise the city telephone system and report to the city manager on all possible improvements to the system. In addition the division shall maintain a central dispatch system for police and fire calls, not only for the city, but also for those other jurisdictions which should contract with the city for those services.

(2) City Manager – Administrative Rules. The city manager is authorized to issue rules or administrative regulations not inconsistent with general law or council policy, outlining the general procedures for the administration of the city under the jurisdiction of that office. By exercise of discretion the city manager may provide for a system of departmental regulations issued by the heads of the various departments which are not inconsistent with the general rules of the city.

(3) City Manager – Staff. The city manager shall have the power and duty, within the limits of the budget approved by the city council, to appoint and remove at any time all department heads, officers, and employees of the city, except members of the council, and subject to the provisions of any applicable law, rule, or regulation relating to civil service.

(4) City Manager – Absence or Disability. Whenever the city manager is unable to perform the duties of the office because of a temporary disability or absence from the city for a period not exceeding 21 calendar days, the city manager may designate an assistant city manager, or, if there be none, some other city official to serve in said office. The official so designated shall supervise and be responsible for the effective management of the administrative affairs of the city, but shall have only those powers necessary to deal with the administrative affairs of the city until the return or recovery of the city manager, not including, however, the power to appoint and remove heads of departments or subordinates. Whenever the disability or absence exceeds 21 calendar days and/or appears to be of a continuing nature, the city council shall appoint a qualified administrative officer to perform the duties of the office until the city manager returns to duty. (Ord. 3209 § 3, 2020; Ord. 2961 § 2, 2010; Ord. 2915 § 1, 2008; Ord. 2905 §§ 3, 4, 2008; Ord. 2553 § 1, 1998; Ord. 2519 § 1, 1997; Ord. 2254 § 2, 1991).

2.06.040 Legal department.

The legal department, under the supervision of the city attorney, and subject to the provisions of the general laws and ordinances, shall:

(1) Advise and assist in the preparation of, and prepare in final form and review for legal correctness, all ordinances, resolutions and regulations;

(2) Prepare or review for legal correctness all contracts, bonds, franchises and other instruments to which the city is a party;

(3) Attend all regular and special council meetings unless excused by the city manager;

(4) Advise the council, the city manager, all department directors and other administrative officials and all boards and commissions, as to the legality of any proposed action;

(5) Be responsible for the prosecutions for violations of ordinances, unless the city manager, with approval of the council, provides otherwise;

(6) Represent the city in all legal proceedings in which the city is a party or has an interest, before any court, judicial, administrative or other tribunal, unless the city manager, with the approval of the council, otherwise provides;

(7) Settle or compromise, with the approval of the council, claims or suits at law or in equity, which have not been assigned to insurance counsel, to which the city may be a party; and

(8) Preserve, in the office of the city attorney, copies of all legal opinions rendered. (Ord. 2553 § 1, 1998; Ord. 2519 § 1, 1997; Ord. 2254 § 2, 1991).

2.06.050 Human resources department.

The human resources department under the supervision of the human resources director shall:

(1) Plan, organize and manage the city’s risk management and safety and loss prevention programs;

(2) Be responsible for directing and administering the personnel program of the city and all departments thereof in accordance with the best personnel practices and in accordance with general laws and applicable ordinances;

(3) Maintain proper records of examinations, appointments, removals, leaves of absences and other significant events in the service of employees of the city;

(4) Propose policy and procedure manual amendments deemed desirable and propose them to the city manager, after review by the policy review committee, directors and managers. After approval of policy and procedure documents, insure that all employees are provided with copies of the new material and publicize their content;

(5) Propose and maintain a classification plan including job descriptions and pay plans;

(6) Recruit and recommend regarding the selection of personnel for all positions within the city;

(7) Certify the names and classification of all employees to the finance director and, in addition, perform such other duties as may be prescribed by ordinance, or by the city manager;

(8) Direct and administer the health and welfare programs for the city which may include medical, dental, vision, prescription drugs, life insurance, supplemental life insurance, employee assistance plan, long term disability and deferred compensation, and to insure these benefits conform to all applicable laws and regulations;

(9) Be responsible for the labor relations for the city, and provide required support for labor negotiations with employee bargaining representatives;

(10) Assist in the public relations program of the city;

(11) Provide administrative and financial assistance to the secretary/chief examiner and the civil service commission;

(12) Direct and administer the overall training program for the city and work with departmental trainees on department programs. This would include, but not be limited to, job-related training and safety;

(13) Perform such other duties as directed by the city manager. (Ord. 2553 § 1, 1998; Ord. 2519 § 1, 1997; Ord. 2254 § 2, 1991).

2.06.060 Finance and administrative services department.

The finance department, under the supervision of the finance director who shall assume the duties and responsibilities of finance director as those are set forth in the ordinances and general laws, shall consist of the city clerk’s office, accounting division, data processing division and central purchasing, and shall provide basic support service to all departments of the city. The director will also make investments, assist in the preparation of budgets, provide statistical support, keep records, maintain equipment, and perform such other duties as the city manager may direct. The following divisions of the finance department perform the stated duties:

(1) City Clerk’s Office. The office of the city clerk, under the supervision of the city clerk, and subject to the general laws and ordinances, shall:

(a) Be responsible for the publication, filing, indexing and safekeeping of all the records of all proceedings of the council, including the ordinances and resolutions thereof;

(b) Serve as custodian of the city seal and official city records, including, but not limited to, contracts, deeds, titles, and other evidences of city ownerships or responsibilities;

(d) Publish all legal notices unless otherwise provided by general law or ordinance;

(e) Prepare and distribute the council agenda and packet for each council meeting; and

(f) Perform other duties as may be required by the general laws, ordinances, the city council, or the city manager. The city clerk shall attend all meetings of the council and keep a permanent record of its proceedings.

(2) The accounting unit under the supervision of the accounting supervisor shall:

(a) Maintain the general accounting records of the city including the general ledger accounts, expenditures and revenues subsidiary accounts;

(b) Audit and prepare payrolls and maintain employee compensation records;

(d) Disburse all moneys, and pre-audit purchase orders and contracts to determine the availability of funds;

(e) Keep property and inventory financial control records;

(f) Prepare utility bills and keep subsidiary records of utility receivables. Collect all receipts, including payments of utility bills, and receive all moneys due to the city and make the appropriate deposits of these funds;

(g) Administer the recycling and sanitation program of the city and provide liaison with the responsible refuse contractor for the city; and

(h) Perform such other duties as the finance director may from time to time direct.

(3) Data Processing Unit. The data processing unit shall:

(a) Implement any contractual programs relating to data processing which the city may from time to time undertake;

(b) Confer with the various departments in the development of new programs;

(d) Provide liaison with Eden Systems and the user group associated therewith, or with other software suppliers as need directs, in the development of new programs and, in the event the city determines to develop an internal programming ability, direct and supervise these efforts; and

(e) Perform such other duties as the finance director may from time to time direct.

(4) Central Purchasing. The department may manage a central purchasing function which shall prepare or assist in the preparation of specifications and solicit bids for supplies, materials and services to be purchased in the name of the city. In addition the department shall process and maintain all records relating to the purchase of supplies, materials and services.

(5) Sanitation. The department shall be the liaison with any franchise solid waste contractors under the terms of contracts negotiated with them. In addition the department shall administer the community-wide recycling program. (Ord. 2553 § 1, 1998; Ord. 2519 § 1, 1997; Ord. 2254 § 2, 1991).

2.06.070 Police department.

The police department, under the supervision of the police chief, shall:

(1) Organize city and community efforts to prevent crime;

(2) Conduct patrol and enforce all traffic ordinances, conduct accident investigation, enforce all criminal laws and ordinances, including the making of arrests and following up on cases; detect, apprehend and confine offenders and suspected persons;

(3) Preserve peace and order in the city and protect the persons and property therein;

(4) Maintain proper records of crimes and criminals and matters relating thereto;

(5) Enforce all license ordinances except as otherwise may be provided;

(6) Develop sufficient service training programs; supervise the jail and any police reserve program that may be created;

(7) Supervise the operation of the city animal control program, animal pound and/or related contractual services;

(8) Maintain records, police labs, and photo services; and

(9) Explore cooperative efforts with other governmental jurisdictions and perform such other duties as the city manager may direct. (Ord. 2553 § 1, 1998; Ord. 2519 § 1, 1997; Ord. 2254 § 2, 1991).

2.06.080 Fire and emergency services department.

The fire and emergency services department, under the supervision of the fire chief, and such deputy chief, assistant chief and battalion chiefs as the fire chief may direct, who shall work under guidelines established by the fire chief, shall:

(1) Prevent fires through property and building inspections, enforcement of fire codes and ordinances, and by special instruction public education in fire safety with schools and civic groups;

(2) Confine, control and extinguish fires by use of effective techniques with trained personnel;

(3) Utilize available rescue and medical aid equipment and personnel in responding to emergencies which threaten the destruction of property, injury or death to citizens of the municipality;

(4) Maintain fire stations, apparatus and equipment in efficient operating condition;

(5) Investigate all questionable fire causes and possible arson fires, enlisting the cooperation of the proper law enforcement agencies and outside special investigators when the occasion demands and assist in the charging or prosecution of known arsonists;

(6) Develop training programs and facilities to improve fire protection capabilities;

(7) Explore cooperative efforts with other governmental jurisdictions;

(8) Maintain the ability to perform surface water rescue, high angle rescue and hazardous material control in addition to heavy rescue and extraction capabilities;

(9) Maintain compliance with SARA Title III Community Right to Know or other required statutes, and be prepared to respond to hazardous material incidents at a Class B level; and

(10) Perform such other duties as the city manager may direct. (Ord. 2675 § 2, 2000; Ord. 2553 § 1, 1998; Ord. 2519 § 1, 1997; Ord. 2254 § 2, 1991).

2.06.090 Development and permitting services department.

The development and permitting services department, under the supervision of the director of development and permitting services, shall be responsible for planning, engineering, zoning, code and environmental enforcement, assistance and support to the planning commission, office of hearing examiner and such other activities as the city manager or his designee shall assign. Specific duties shall include but not be limited to the following:

(1) Investigate zoning problems and recommend necessary revisions to the zoning code;

(2) Serve as secretary and act in an advisory capacity to the planning commission;

(3) Enforce all appropriate rules, regulations and ordinances relating to environmental standards that may fall within the purview of the department;

(4) Prepare and execute the city’s annexation program to keep the city current with urban development;

(5) Encourage preparation of plans on a regional basis to assure that the city’s plans and developments are consistent with plans for the metropolitan area;

(6) Serve as coordinating department for all project permit applications and planning activities related to the Washington State Growth Management Act;

(7) Establish processes for monitoring and enforcing permit decisions and conditions; issue and revoke, as necessary, all building and sign permits, enforce building, and other ordinances regulating building and housing, and examine proposed building plans;

(8) Oversee the development engineering unit, which shall perform design services, supervise construction projects, review and comment on development permits and plats, and such other duties as the director may assign.

(9) Perform plan reviews of development plans submitted to the city for compliance with applicable laws and regulations; and

(10) Inspection Division. The inspection division, under the supervision of the code enforcement manager, who shall report to the planning and community development director, shall administer all codes relating to construction and maintenance of buildings and property, review and recommend updates to model codes as published, and such other activities as the director shall assign. (Ord. 3210 § 2, 2020; Ord. 2553 § 1, 1998; Ord. 2519 § 1, 1997; Ord. 2475 § 1, 1996; Ord. 2254 § 2, 1991).

2.06.100 Public works department.

(1) The public works department, consisting of an administrative division, engineering division, street division, water division, wastewater division, storm water division, and equipment rental, all under the supervision of the public works director, shall perform the following general duties:

(a) Design public facilities and improvements, make related field surveys and prepare specifications for contract bids, all as may be required;

(b) Repealed by Ord. 3210;

(c) Repair and maintain all public rights-of-way as required by law or insure that the responsible property owner makes the necessary repairs to sidewalks abutting their property;

(d) Keep streets and alleys clear of trash, and perform any such other duties as the city manager may assign;

(e) Operate and maintain the water supply and distribution system and supply water to public and private customers;

(f) Operate and maintain the wastewater collection and disposal system and provide wastewater services to the public and private customers; and

(g) Operate and maintain the storm water collection and disposal system and provide storm water services to the public and private customers.

(2) Engineering Unit. The engineering unit, under the supervision of the city engineer, shall perform design services, supervise construction projects, inventory and design traffic control and water, sewer and storm water improvements, and such other duties as the director may assign.

(3) Street Unit. The street unit, under the supervision of the street supervisor, shall be responsible for the planning, construction, cleaning and maintenance of all streets (whether city or developer proposed), alleys and public rights-of-way and such other tasks as the director shall assign.

(4) Water Unit. The water unit, under the supervision of the water supervisor, shall be:

(a) Responsible for the development, operation and maintenance of the water distribution and supply system to both private and public customers, review city or developer proposed additions to the water system; and

(b) Perform such other tasks as the director shall assign.

(5) Wastewater Unit. The wastewater unit, under the supervision of the wastewater supervisor, shall be:

(a) Responsible for the operation and maintenance of the wastewater collection system and treatment plant which shall collect and dispose of the wastewater discharge of the private and public customers of the city; and

(b) Perform such other tasks as the director shall assign.

(6) Storm Water Unit. The storm water unit, under the supervision of the wastewater supervisor, shall be:

(a) Responsible for the operation and maintenance of the storm water collection system which shall collect and dispose of the storm water discharge from the private and public property in the city; and

(b) Perform such other tasks as the director shall assign.

(7) Equipment Rental and Maintenance. The equipment rental and maintenance unit shall:

(a) Operate an automotive shop to service, repair and maintain all trucks, passenger cars, and equipment owned by the city; provided, however, that within budget appropriations, the equipment unit may repair equipment in commercial shops when necessary;

(b) Maintain equipment records, work orders, and make recommendations concerning the purchase and replacement of equipment for all city departments;

(c) Maintain and inventory the assignment record and replacement program for city passenger cars, other rolling stock, electronic equipment and all city office equipment; and

(d) Perform such other tasks as the director shall assign. (Ord. 3210 § 3, 2020; Ord. 2553 § 1, 1998; Ord. 2519 § 1, 1997; Ord. 2254 § 2, 1991).

2.06.110 Parks and recreation department.

(1) The parks and recreation department, under the supervision of the parks and recreation director, shall:

(a) Conduct studies and prepare special reports relative to park and recreation services;

(b) Maintain all parks, street trees, playgrounds and other municipal grounds;

(d) Operate and maintain the city cemetery;

(e) Operate a recreation program which will assess the recreational needs of the city and develop, within budgetary and facility constraints, a program to meet these needs; with the director authorized to set interim fees and charges for recreation programs and facilities, upon the review of the parks and recreation board;

(f) Provide a variety of activities and services for the senior population of the community; and

(g) Perform such other duties as the city manager may direct.

(2) Parks. The parks unit shall be responsible for parks planning, development and maintenance, street trees, municipal grounds and other such tasks as the director may assign.

(3) Building Maintenance. The building maintenance unit shall be responsible for the cleaning, repair and maintenance of all municipal buildings and such other tasks as the director may assign.

(4) Cemetery. The cemetery unit shall be responsible for the efficient operation and maintenance of the municipal cemetery and such other duties as the director may assign.

(5) Recreation. The recreation unit shall:

(a) Plan and supervise public recreational programs and facilities; and

(b) Work with appropriate agencies in planning and coordinating youth, adult and recreational programs and related civic programs; and such other activities as the director shall assign.

(6) Senior Center. The senior center unit shall manage and direct activities that take place or are organized by the senior center. The center will engage in planning activities and programming for the senior citizens of the community and maintain liaison with local, state and regional agencies, both private and public, which have impacts on senior citizens. The center shall also perform such additional duties as the director may assign. (Ord. 2553 § 1, 1998; Ord. 2519 § 1, 1997; Ord. 2357 § 1, 1993; Ord. 2254 § 2, 1991).

2.06.120 Municipal court.

The municipal court department, under the supervision and control of the municipal court judge, shall perform those duties as set forth in Chapter 3.50 RCW. The judge shall be elected and qualified as provided in RCW 3.50.050. (Ord. 2906 § 1, 2008; Ord. 2705 § 1, 2001; Ord. 2553 § 1, 1998; Ord. 2519 § 1, 1997; Ord. 2254 § 2, 1991).

2.06.130 Hearing examiner.

The office of hearing examiner shall perform those duties as set forth in Chapter 2.54 PMC. (Ord. 2553 § 1, 1998; Ord. 2519 § 1, 1997; Ord. 2254 § 2, 1991).

2.06.140 Library department.

The library department, under the supervision of the city librarian, shall:

(1) Evaluate the level of library services provided by the city and explore means by which these needs may be met;

(2) Function under the framework of state law relating the libraries and under the limited authority of the library board;

(3) Plan and supervise the operation of the library and its programs;

(4) Prepare regular reports and budgets; and

(5) Perform such other duties as the city librarian or city manager may from time to time direct. (Ord. 2905 § 5, 2008; Ord. 2553 § 1, 1998; Ord. 2519 § 1, 1997).