REPORT TO COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
Adoption of Ordinance No. 2019 Amending the Compensation for the City Clerk As Set by the Salary Setting Commission [Council Pillar: Enhance Community Engagement and Transparency]
Report
BACKGROUND
At the May 12, 2020 Council meeting, proposed Ordinance No. 2019 was introduced and passed for the purpose of publication. Pursuant to City Charter Sections 808 and 812, a summary of proposed Ordinance No. 2019 was published by The Weekly on May 20, 2020, and copies were posted in three public places. The Ordinance now comes to Council for final adoption.
DISCUSSION
The proposed ordinance would amend Section 2.20.015 (Compensation), of Chapter 2.20 (“City Clerk”) of Title 2 (“Administration and Personnel”) of “The Code of the City of Santa Clara, California.”
The proposed amended Ordinance provides clarity and transparency by including in the Ordinance itself a reference to the reduced compensation rate of $1,500 per month for the approximately six month period of time beginning when the individual elected to the position at the next election takes office, and ending when the next Salary Setting Commission’s decision is effective. The aim is to ensure that candidates for the position (as well as the public at large) are aware of the compensation schedule prior to running for the position.
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.
FISCAL IMPACT
There are sufficient funds to pay for the Elected City Clerk’s monthly stipend in the City Clerk’s Office Salaries budget that was included as part of the Adopted FY 2019/20 and 2020/21 Biennial Operating Budget. The reduction in compensation for the City Clerk will result in savings of approximately $6,000 annually and will be factored into future operating budgets if necessary.
COORDINATION
This report has been coordinated with the City Attorney’s Office.
PUBLIC CONTACT
A summary of proposed Ordinance No. 2019 was published to the Santa Clara Weekly on May 20, 2020, and copies were posted in three public places and made available for public inspection at the City Clerk’s Office.
Public contact was made by posting the Council agenda on the City’s official-notice bulletin board outside City Hall Council Chambers. A complete agenda packet is available on the City’s website and in the City Clerk’s Office at least 72 hours prior to a Regular Meeting and 24 hours prior to a Special Meeting. A hard copy of any agenda report may be requested by contacting the City Clerk’s Office at (408) 615-2220, email clerk@santaclaraca.gov.
RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
Adopt Ordinance No. 2019 amending Section 2.20.015 (Compensation), of Chapter 2.20 (“City Clerk”) of Title 2 (“Administration and Personnel”) of “The Code of the City of Santa Clara, California” which will amend the compensation for the City Clerk.
Staff
Reviewed by: Aracely Azevedo, Director of Human Resources
Approved by: Deanna J. Santana, City Manager
ATTACHMENTS
1. City Clerk Ordinance No. 2019 (Intro)