Chapter 1.24
ADOPTION OF UNIFORM POLICIES AND ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES

Sections:

1.24.010  Purpose.

1.24.020  Preparation – City manager approval.

1.24.030  Adoption of policy by city council – Implementation.

1.24.040  Maintenance of policies and procedures.

1.24.050  Appeals.

Legislative history: Ord. 96-389.

1.24.010 Purpose.

The purpose of this chapter is to establish an optional, uniform procedure for the adoption and maintenance of certain city policies. The procedures set forth in this chapter are not exclusive and shall not waive, limit or abrogate the city council’s legislative authority or other prerogative, or the city manager’s administrative authority or other prerogative, to take action or adopt policies in a different manner.

1.24.020 Preparation – City manager approval.

A. Proposed policies adopted under this chapter shall be prepared by or at the direction of the city manager or department heads. The city council may in its discretion propose policies or direct the city manager to prepare or propose policies to be adopted under this chapter.

B. A policy proposed under this chapter shall contain or direct promulgation of administrative procedures to implement the proposed policy.

C. All proposed policies and administrative procedures shall be reviewed and approved by the city manager before presentation to the city council.

1.24.030 Adoption of policy by city council – Implementation.

A. The city council may take whatever action it deems appropriate when presented with a policy proposed under this chapter, but the city council shall adopt any final policy proposed under this chapter at a public meeting. At the city council’s discretion, a public hearing may be scheduled before or after adopting or taking action on the proposed policy.

B. The city manager shall implement all adopted policies through administrative procedures approved by the city manager.

1.24.040 Maintenance of policies and procedures.

The city clerk shall maintain a compilation of all policies adopted under this chapter, together with any related administrative procedures.

1.24.050 Appeals.

Unless specifically stated otherwise in an adopted policy, all appeals shall be in accordance with the following:

A. There shall be no appeal of a decision to propose, forego, adopt or not adopt any policy under this chapter.

B. There shall be no appeal of an action taken in accordance with administrative procedures authorized or adopted pursuant to an adopted policy except in the following circumstances:

1. The administrative action taken to implement the policy is a final action.

2. The appeal is filed by an adversely affected city resident or property owner.

3. The appeal is filed with the city clerk within 10 days of the final action.

4. The appeal is in writing and contains a concise statement setting forth the name and address of the appellant, the reason(s) for the appeal, and the factual and/or legal basis for the appeal.

C. The appropriate department head shall within 15 days investigate and attempt to resolve the appeal. If the appeal is not resolved within 15 days from the date of appeal, the appeal shall be forwarded to the city council for review and final decision.

D. An appeal under this chapter shall not suspend adoption or implementation of any policy or any action taken pursuant to an adopted policy or administrative procedure.