Investigation of City Affairs - Please Note:  Councilmember Howell handed out an attachment to this case at the meeting - Investigation into City Affairs

The purpose of this case is to seek Council authorization to proceed with further investigation into the recruitment and filling of the Charter Commission vacant seats.  This item was discussed at length at the February 22 meeting and suggestions to investigate further were not adopted by the full board.  There is some interest on the Council to continue this inquiry and attached is a list of initial questions that have been submitted so far.  Council Members have indicated a desire for follow-up questions as might be necessary.  Also, additional questions may be added as a result of discussion.  Staff will be working on responses to the questions and will include those in the case upon completion.

The City Charter provides that the Council (as a body) may investigate city affairs:

Section 2.8 Investigation of City Affairs. The council may make investigations into the affairs of the city and the conduct of any city department, office or agency and for this purpose may subpoena witnesses, administer oaths, take testimony, and require the production of evidence. The council shall provide for an audit of the city’s accounts at least once a year by the state department in charge of such work or by a certified public accountant. At any time, the council may provide for an examination or audit of the city accounts of any city officer or agency, and it may provide for any survey or research study of any subject of municipal concern.

Staff recommends that the City Attorney, as a more neutral party, supervise the inquiry and summarize the responses for the Council.  The City Attorney has been consulted and indicated that he would do this work under his current retainer at no additional expense.    

 

NA

It is recommended that the City Attorney report back at the March 22, 2022 Council meeting.

NA

Staff recommend that the Council provide authorization to proceed with further investigation under the supervision of the City Attorney, into the recruitment and filling of the Charter Commission vacant seats, and to report findings to the City Council.

Motion to authorize proceeding with further investigation under the supervision of the City Attorney, into the recruitment and filling of the Charter Commission vacant seats, and to report findings to the City Council.