Sponsor: Mayor Quinton Lucas and City Manager COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE Amending Chapter 2, Code of Ordinances, “Administration,” by repealing and replacing Section 2-89 for the purpose of clarifying authority over employees in the administrative service and reauthorizing and amending the City Manager’s authority to enter into severance agreements with unclassified employees.

Summary

This ordinance amends Chapter 2 of the Code of Ordinances, specifically Section 2-89, to clarify the City Manager's authority over administrative service employees and reauthorize their ability to enter into severance agreements with unclassified employees. The changes aim to reinforce the city manager form of government, as recommended by the Red Flag Commission, by establishing clear boundaries between the City Council's legislative role and the City Manager's administrative and employment decision-making authority. Key provisions include:

• Council-Manager Interaction: Council members and the Council as a whole shall direct orders or directives to the City Manager, not directly to subordinates in the administrative service, except for routine information requests.
• Employment Decisions: The City Manager holds sole responsibility for all employment decisions, including appointments and removals, for administrative service employees, prohibiting Council interference.
• Severance Agreements: The City Manager is authorized to execute severance agreements for unclassified employees appointed by the City Manager with at least one year of service. These agreements can include payments up to the employee's annual base salary and other benefits, contingent on a release of claims against the city. Employees receiving severance are ineligible for rehire for at least five years. Retirement or termination for cause disqualifies employees from severance.

Citizen Impact

This ordinance clarifies the lines of authority between the City Council and the City Manager regarding city employees. For residents, this means administrative decisions and personnel matters will be handled by the City Manager's office, ensuring a more streamlined and defined management structure.

Confidence

high