REPORT TO COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
Action on Recommendations from Governance and Ethics Committee for Updates to Council Policy 006 ("Guidelines for City Commissions, Boards and Committees for Attendance at Conferences and Training Events")
Report
BACKGROUND
As background, Council Policy 006 ("Guidelines for Commissioners Attendance at Conferences and Training Events") (Attachment 1) was identified for review and revision as part of the Governance and Ethics Committee (Committee) workplan. The policy establishes guidelines for official travel by members of City Commissions, Boards and Committees, defines reimbursable expenses for official travel, and ensures compliance with fiscal responsibility standards.
At the September 8, 2025 Committee meeting, staff presented proposed amendments to Council Policy 006 which included general cleanup language, clarifications, and additional procedures.
During its discussion, the Committee Provided further direction regarding reimbursable meal rates. The existing policy limited reimbursement for meals on the first and last day to 75% of the applicable U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) per diem rate. Committee members noted that actual travel schedules may necessitate full meals regardless of departure or return timing and recommended updating the policy to allow reimbursement at 100% of the GSA per diem rate for all days of authorized travel.
The Committee also emphasized the importance of ensuring sufficient budget resources for Commissioner and Committee members. The Committee recommended that City staff liaisons actively promote and encourage available trainings and conferences to help support the development of Commissioners, Board, and Committee members.
The Committee approved the staff recommendations to amend Council Policy 006 with the following change:
1. Remove the 75% GSA limitation for the first and last days of travel and allow for reimbursement at 100% of the GSA rate for all travel days.
DISCU...
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