CC 2020-12-08_11b Selection of Mayor Pro TemMEMORANDUM
TO: CITY COUNCIL
FROM: KELLY WETMORE, DIRECTOR OF LEGISLATIVE AND INFORMATION
SERVICES/CITY CLERK
SUBJECT: CONSIDERATION OF SELECTION OF COUNCIL MEMBER PAULDING
AS MAYOR PRO TEM
DATE: DECEMBER 8, 2020
SUMMARY OF ACTION:
Annual appointment of a Mayor Pro Tem to serve for the next one year period.
IMPACT ON FINANCIAL AND PERSONNEL RESOURCES:
There is no financial or staffing impact from this action.
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended the City Council appoint Council Member Paulding as the Mayor Pro
Tem for the next one-year period, pursuant to Council policy.
BACKGROUND:
At the December 10, 2002 meeting, the City Council established a policy regarding the
selection of the Mayor Pro Tem. At that time, the City Council agreed to appoint the
Mayor Pro Tem on a one-year rotational basis by seniority of those members who have
not yet served as Mayor Pro Tem. In 2005, the policy was modified to include additional
language to address circumstances in which two members have the same tenure on the
City Council. If this situation exists, the order of rotation is then based upon time served
on a City Council appointed Commission and/or Committee prior to being elected to the
City Council. In January 2014, the policy was again modified so that newly elected
and/or appointed Council Members become eligible to serve as Mayor Pro Tem after
serving on the City Council for a period of one year. (Attachment 1 – Section 2.2 of the
City Council Handbook)
ANALYSIS OF ISSUES:
Council Members Barneich and Storton have previously served as Mayor Pro Tem.
Based on Council policy regarding seniority of those members who have not yet served
as Mayor Pro Tem, Council Member Paulding would be the next in line for the position
of Mayor Pro Tem.
Item 11.b. - Page 1
CITY COUNCIL
SELECTION OF COUNCIL MEMBER PAULDING AS MAYOR PRO TEM
DECEMBER 8, 2020
PAGE 2
ADVANTAGES:
Appointment of Council Member Paulding as Mayor Pro Tem is consistent with Council
policy, which was developed to provide an orderly and fair procedure for alternating the
position of Mayor Pro Tem. The proposed recommendation is consistent with the
current policy.
DISADVANTAGES:
No disadvantages have been identified regarding this item.
ALTERNATIVES:
The following alternatives are provided for the Council’s consideration:
1. Appoint Council Member Paulding as the Mayor Pro Tem for the next one-year
period;
2. Do not appoint Council Member Paulding and provide staff with direction on
modifications to the policy; or
3. Provide staff direction.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW:
No environmental review is required for this item.
PUBLIC NOTIFICATION AND COMMENTS:
The Agenda was posted in front of City Hall and on the City’s website in accordance
with Government Code Section 54954.2.
Attachment:
1. Section 2.2 of City Council Handbook
Item 11.b. - Page 2
CITY COUNCIL HANDBOOK
PAGE 7
2.COUNCIL ORGANIZATION & DUTIES
2.1 Newly-Elected Members
Newly-elected Council Members are sworn into office generally at a special
meeting in December following a regular municipal election. Immediately
upon election (even before being sworn into office), newly-elected Council
Members are subject to the provisions of the Brown Act.
A reception is traditionally held immediately following the reorganization
meeting.
2.2 Appointment of Mayor Pro Tem
The City Council appoints a Council Member as Mayor Pro Tem to serve the
duties of Mayor in his/her absence.
The Mayor Pro Tem shall serve a term of one year.
The appointment of the Mayor Pro Tem takes place at the first meeting in
December of each year.
It is the City Council’s policy to rotate appointment of the Mayor Pro Tem
based upon the seniority of City Council Members that have not yet served in
the position of Mayor Pro Tem. City Council Members become eligible to serve
as Mayor Pro Tem after serving on the City Council for a period of one year.
If two Members of the City Council have the same seniority, the order of
rotation will be based upon time served on a City Council appointed
Commission and/or Committee prior to being elected to the City Council.
2.3 Meeting Duties of Mayor and Mayor Pro Tem
The Mayor shall preside at the meetings of the Council. If he/she is
absent or unable to act, the Mayor Pro Tem shall serve until the Mayor
returns or is able to act.
In the absence of the Mayor and Mayor Pro Tem, the City Clerk shall call
the Council to order, whereupon a temporary Chairperson shall be elected
by the members of the Council present.
2.4 Seating Order
Following the Council reorganization, the City Clerk shall designate the
seating order for the Council dais. The Mayor Pro Tem shall sit to the Mayor’s
left.
2.5 Signing of City Documents
The Mayor, unless unavailable, shall sign all ordinances, resolutions,
contracts/agreements and other documents which have been adopted by the
City Council and require an official signature, except when the City Manager
has been authorized by Council action to sign such documents. In the event
the Mayor is unavailable or has a conflict of interest, the Mayor Pro Tem’s
signature may be used.
ATTACHMENT 1
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