REPORT TO COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
Introduction of Ordinance Amending Section 2.04.030 of the Sunnyvale Municipal Code Relating to City Manager Claims Settlement Authority
Report
BACKGROUND
On November 28, 2023, the Council reviewed a colleagues' memo requesting creation of a Charter Review Committee (CRC) to conduct a comprehensive review of the Sunnyvale City Charter and nine specific potential Charter amendments.
On June 4, 2024, the City Council created a CRC to consider amendments proposed by the Council as well as additional amendments proposed by the CRC and City staff. Following a recruitment and interview process, Council appointed the committee on December 3, 2024, and members were sworn in on December 10, 2024.
On June 3, 2025, City Council held a joint meeting with the CRC (RTC No. 25-0212). At that meeting, Council reviewed the CRC's list of potential amendments to the City Charter and directed the CRC to study five specific potential amendments. The CRC studied each item and developed proposed amendments for Council consideration. On February 3, 2026, after public input, a community survey, and its analysis, the CRC presented its report (RTC No. 26-0254), which included recommendations for four potential charter amendments, including allowing the City Manager to settle claims above $50,000, with the limit set by ordinance.
Between February 3 and June 23, 2026, the Council reviewed and approved the CRC report and recommendations, directed staff to conduct public opinion polling on the proposed amendments, received and discussed polling results. On May 19, 2026 (RTC No. 26-0380), Council directed staff to return with all materials necessary to place three measures on the November 2026 General Election ballot. One of those measures would authorize the Council to establish the City Manager's settlement authority by ordinance, with an initial limit of $250,000, aligning it with the City Manager's existing purchasing authority, if approved by vote...
Click here for full text