REPORT TO GOVERNANCE AND ETHICS COMMITTEE
SUBJECT
Title
Review and Approval of Proposed Amendments to Council Policy 006 ("Guidelines for Commissioners Attendance at Conferences and Training Events") to be retitled Council Policy 006 ("Guidelines for City Commissions, Boards and Commissions for Attendance at Conferences and Training Events")
Report
BACKGROUND
As part of the Governance and Ethics Committee workplan, Council Policy 006 ("Guidelines for Commissioners Attendance at Conferences and Training Events") (Attachment 1) was identified for review and revision. The purpose of Council Policy 006 ("Guidelines for Commissioners Attendance at Conferences and Training Events") is to establish guidelines for official travel by members of City Commissions, Boards and Committees who attend conferences and training events. The policy also defines reimbursable expenses for official travel and ensures compliance with fiscal responsibility standards.
DISCUSSION
This item presents proposed amendments to Council Policy 006 for Governance Committee's consideration and direction.
The proposed amendments (contained in Attachment 2) include clarifications, cleanup language, and corrections. Key changes include:
1. Title: The title has been updated to "Guidelines for City Commissions, Boards and Committees for Attendance at Conferences and Training Events" to clarify that the policy applies to all Commissions, Boards, and Committees.
2. Criteria for Official Travel: Language has been added to specify that overnight lodging is not permitted for local travel, defined as less than fifty miles from Santa Clara City Hall. Exceptions may be approved by the City Manager when an extensive commute would otherwise be required.
3. Procedures for Travel: This section includes the following proposed language which details procedures for travel.
* Travel arrangements should be made as far in advance as possible to obtain the best possible fares, early bird and discounted rate...
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