Chapter 3.60
OMBUDSMAN

Sections:

3.60.010    Established – General provisions.

3.60.010 Established – General provisions.

A. Established. There is established the office of ombudsman as a part of the legislative branch of the municipality.

B. Appointment. Pursuant to the provisions of AS 24.55.320, the municipality elects to become subject to the jurisdiction of the Alaska State Ombudsman who shall be appointed as municipal ombudsman effective upon the notification provided for in subsection (E) of this section.

C. Jurisdiction. The ombudsman shall have jurisdiction to investigate the administrative acts of all departments, offices, boards, commissions or committees of the municipality, but shall have no such jurisdiction over the assembly, the school district, Wrangell Medical Center and Long-Term Care Facility, or any grievance matter of an employee covered by the ordinances or personnel rules of the borough.

D. Procedures. Investigations shall be initiated and conducted by the ombudsman according to the procedures, with the powers, and subject to the duties established by the Alaska Ombudsman Act and the Alaska Administrative Code enacted pursuant to law.

E. Term. The manager is authorized to negotiate with the office of the State Ombudsman for a contract incorporating the requirements of the ordinance codified in this chapter and such other terms and conditions as the manager may find in the public interest. The assembly shall approve the contract by motion, whereupon the manager shall execute the contract and give notice to the ombudsman pursuant to AS 24.55.320 that the municipality has elected to become subject to the jurisdiction of the ombudsman. The contract shall have a term coincident with the fiscal year, shall be renewed annually upon the appropriation of funds therefor, shall terminate on June 30th of any year during which the assembly fails to appropriate sufficient funds for the contract during the following fiscal year and may be amended or terminated by the manager at any other time in accordance with its terms and upon approval by the assembly by motion. The municipality may also remove the municipality from the jurisdiction of the ombudsman by ordinance.

F. Annual Report. The ombudsman shall submit to the assembly and the public an annual report of activities under this section.

G. Criminal Liability. Any person who willfully hinders the lawful actions of the ombudsman or the ombudsman’s staff, or willfully refuses to comply with their lawful demands, is guilty of a misdemeanor. [Ord. 531 § 4, 1988.]