REPORT TO COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
Direction on Amendments to City Council Policy 7.4.2 (Council Equipment, Materials, and Supplies)
Report
BACKGROUND
At their December 1, 2020 meeting, Council directed staff to add Council Policy 7.4.2 (Council Equipment, Materials, and Supplies) (Attachment 1) to the January 12, 2021 Council meeting agenda for possible changes. On November 25, 2014, this Policy was separated from Council Policy 7.3.13 (Support for Councilmembers; Staff-Council Communications).
Section I.D. of Council Policy 7.4.2 provides a $1,300 allowance per Councilmember per four-year term for the purchase of various technology equipment. The Policy provides that equipment purchased with these funds be returned to the City or purchased from the City at market rate when a Councilmember leaves office. The Policy also provides an amount not to exceed $60 per month (non-taxable) via reimbursement for monthly service charges for equipment purchased under this Policy. These amounts were last updated in the 2009/10 fiscal year.
EXISTING POLICY
Council Policy 7.4.2 Council Equipment, Materials, and Supplies (See Attachment 1)
Charter Section 605 (Compensation) (See Attachment 2)
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
The action being considered does not constitute a "project" within the meaning of the California Environmental Quality Act ("CEQA") pursuant to CEQA Guidelines section 15378(b)(5) in that it is a governmental, organizational or administrative activity that will not result in direct or indirect changes in the environment.
DISCUSSION
When Council directed staff to add this Council Policy to the January 12, 2021 Council meeting agenda, Councilmembers expressed interest in increasing the current amount of $1,300 provided for purchasing technology equipment and removing the requirement that the equipment must be purchased from the City or returned to the City at the end of a Councilmember's service on Council. Council also suggested staff propose any changes they recomm...
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