CHAPTER 7
REPRESENTATIVES TO LEGISLATIVE AND ADMINISTRATIVE BODIES

SECTION:

1-7-1:    Legislative Service Necessary

1-7-2:    City Employees Designated

1-7-3:    Duty, Authority Of Representative

1-7-4:    Compensation Of Representative

1-7-5:    Expenditures From City Funds

1-7-6:    State And City Regulations Enforced

1-7-1 LEGISLATIVE SERVICE NECESSARY:

It is hereby determined by the City Council of the City of Renton that the study and collection of information, data and opinions of the administrative and enforcement efficiency and costs attendant therewith, and the societal effects of proposed, pending or enacted legislation is necessary and desirable for legislative planning or revision. 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, authority and planning 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 hereby declared a proper municipal purpose.

1-7-2 CITY EMPLOYEES DESIGNATED:

The Mayor is hereby authorized to designate City employees or representatives from time to time 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; to respond and provide data and information and give testimony to members of the State Legislature, its legislative committees, State and regional administrative officers, or other municipalities investigating the City’s experience or anticipated costs, benefits or problems from such enacted or proposed legislation.

1-7-3 DUTY, AUTHORITY OF REPRESENTATIVE:

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 as declared by the Renton City Council and shall consult the Mayor and/or the City Council for advice and guidance when required. All such informational activities 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.

1-7-4 COMPENSATION OF REPRESENTATIVE:

While engaged in such informational, educational and testimonial activity, a City employee shall continue to receive his or her regular current salary as such City employee. No additional compensation of any type 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 established by ordinance.

Whenever such official, staff employee, or other representative appears on behalf of the City before any such legislative or administrative body as hereinabove specified, he shall thereafter make a report in writing addressed to the Mayor and City Council summarizing his testimony or other activity, together with copies of any written memoranda or briefs submitted to such agency.

1-7-5 EXPENDITURES FROM CITY FUNDS:

No expenditures from City funds for the hosting, entertainment or campaign assistance of any legislator or State officer shall be authorized, expended or reimbursed at any time.

1-7-6 STATE AND CITY REGULATIONS ENFORCED:

The City’s employee or representative in such informational or lobbying activities shall comply fully with all State and City regulations relating to ethical practices and conduct, and comply with all regulations relating to the reporting of expenditures in connection therewith. (Ord. 3014, 3-1-76, eff. 3-10-76)