HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-26-2016 Charter Committee Agenda & Backup City of San Bernardino
Volunteer Citizen-Based Charter Committee
Agenda
Time: 5:30 p.m.
Date: Tuesday, April 26, 2016
Place: EDA Board Room 201 N. E Street, San Bernardino, CA 92418
The City of San Bernardino recognizes its obligation to provide equal access to public services to those
individuals with disabilities. Please contact the City Clerk's Office at(909) 384-5102 one working day
prior to the meeting for any requests for reasonable accommodation,to include interpreters.
Anyone who wishes to speak on a numbered agenda item will be required to fill out a speaker slip. Speaker
slips should be turned in to the City Clerk before the item is taken up by the Committee. The Clerk will
relay them to the Committee Chair person. Public comments for agenda items are limited to three minutes
per person, a total of 15 minutes per item, comments to be received from the public before discussion of the
item by Committee members.
ROLL CALL
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
COMMITTEE MEMBER COMMENTS
PUBLIC COMMENTS (LIMIT 30 MINUTES)
ACTION ITEMS (subject to time available with meeting scheduled to end by 8:00 p.m.)
1. Approval of minutes from April 19, 2016 meeting(to be emailed separately)
2. Special Presentations
3. Discuss comments received during April 25 Workshop with Mayor and Common Council
4. Review and make final adjustments to Draft Proposed Charter(draft#5a) and revised organization
chart
5. Review draft of Committee's Final Report (to be emailed separately) and discuss presentation to the
Mayor and Common Council
6. Procedural Matters
a. Review Timeline (attached)
ADJOURN
Unless changed at the April 26`h meeting, the next regular meeting of the Volunteer Citizen-Based Charter
Committee will be 5:30 p.m., Tuesday, May 10, 2016, in the EDA Board Room, 201 N. E. Street. Attendees
are encouraged to park on the top floor of the City Hall parking structure and access the EDA building
from there.
Charter Review Committee
Tuesday, April 19, 2016
DRAFT Minutes
Committee Members Present: Phil Savage, Hillel Cohn, Casey Dailey, Tom Pierce, Gloria Harrison, Michael
Craft, Gary Walbourne, Dennis Baxter, and Vicki Lee.
Staff/Committee Consultants Present
City Attorney Gary Saenz, City Clerk Gigi Hanna, Cathy Standiford, of Management Partners, City Manager
Mark Scott.
Chair Savage called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m.
Following the Pledge of Allegiance, Dailey said he liked the shorter length of the new charter and said he'd like
to discuss the role of a facilitator in the workshop with the MCC. Harrison said she was concerned about the
upcoming joint meeting and said the committee needs to stay focused.
Public Speakers
Jim Smith, of San Bernardino, said he felt the size of the new proposed charter is more appropriate than the
current one, said the committee played an important part in the process and congratulated them for their efforts.
He said the city is making specific positive changes and it needs to be shared with the citizens, the last link in
the charter change process.
Shirley Harlan, of San Bernardino, spoke about the difference in the old and proposed organizational charts
and said the new one was confusing. She suggested changes to the diagram to make it more understandable and
asked the committee to clarify the changes in the charts.
Minutes
• A motion was made by Cohn, seconded by Baxter, to approve the Minutes of the March 22, 2016
meeting. The motion passed unanimously.
• A motion was made by Cohn, seconded by Dailey, to approve the Minutes of the April 22, 2016
meeting. The motion passed unanimously.
Action Items
The Committee reviewed the revised organizational structure of the proposed new charter, discussed the
upcoming workshop with the MCC, including the need and identity of a facilitator being offered by the San
Bernardino City Unified School District, and the committee's final report and presentation to the MCC,
scheduled for May 16, 2016.
Next Meeting Date and Time
The meeting adjourned to 5:30 p.m. April 25, 2016 for a joint meeting with the MCC in the EDA Board Room.
The next regular meeting of the Charter Review Committee is scheduled for Tuesday, April 26, 2016 in the
EDA Board Room at 5:30 p.m.
Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 7:40 p.m.
Respectfully submitted by
Gigi Hanna
City Clerk
Charter Committee Working Timeline—April 26, 2016
Following is an excerpt from the Working Timeline showing recent outcomes and future activities and
dates only.
Meeting
Date Task or Activity Comments/Status
3/22 Continue working on specific language Discussed. Completed first draft of preliminary
charter
Discuss workshop with Mayor and Common Discussed
Council
4/12 Review first complete draft of preliminary charter Discussed
Discuss 4/25 Workshop with Mayor and Common Discussed
Council
4/19 Review revised organizational structure under Discussed
draft proposed new charter
Discuss workshop with Mayor and Common Discussed
Council
Discuss Committee's Final Report and Discussed
Presentation to Mayor and Common Council
Discuss Draft Proposed Charter Discussed
4/25 Workshop with Mayor and Common Council to 5:30 p.m., EDA Board Room
discuss preliminary Charter recommendations
4/26 Discuss revisions to the preliminary charter based
on workshop with Mayor and Council
Discuss additional discussion items presented at
April 19 Committee meeting
Review draft Committee final report to Mayor
and Common Council
Discuss presentation of Committee report
5/10 Review and discuss Committee report
presentation
5/16 Present Charter Committee Report to Mayor and Note:Committee's report due to City Clerk by
Common Council? 4129 to meet deadline for May 16 MCC meeting;
5/24 Possible Committee meeting(if necessary)
6/6 Alternative date to present Charter Committee Note: Committee's report due to City Clerk by
Report to Mayor and Common Council May 20 to meet deadline for June 6 MCC meeting
Note:Should the timeline slip, additional regular Charter Committee meetings may be scheduled if necessary.
Management
Partners
To: Volunteer Citizen-Based Charter Committee
From: Cathy Standiford, Partner
Subject: Alternative Language for Water Board (Draft Charter Section 603)
Date: April 26, 2016
At its meeting of April 19, the Charter Committee received information about several sections of
the proposed Charter that might benefit from additional discussion. One of these sections was
Section 603 entitled "Water, Wastewater and sewer collection. The Committee had questions
about the difference between the terms "wastewater" and "sewer" and wanted to be sure the
appropriate terminology is reflected in the proposed Charter. The Committee Chair also
proposed alternative language to streamline and simplify Section 603. Management Partners
was asked to get input from Stacey Aldstadt, the Water Department General Manager, on this
proposed language to provide guidance to the Charter Committee.
We had a telephone conversation with the General Manager to relay the Committee's request
and forwarded the alternative language to her for review. We confirmed that "wastewater" is
the more current and preferred terminology for sewer systems and functions, and that all
references to "sewer" should be changed to "wastewater." Ms.Aldstadt supports the adoption
of the alternative language,but requested some minor modifications for technical accuracy.
Specifically, the phrase "Water and Wastewater Systems" should be used to describe the
collective functions as defined in 603(a) instead of"Water Systems," because water and
wastewater are two completely different systems utilizing different infrastructure. In addition,
the Water Department provides wastewater treatment to Loma Linda and Highland in addition
to San Bernardino. Following is the alternative language incorporating Ms. Aldstadt's
modifications.
603. Water and Wastewater
A Water Board of Commissioners shall be appointed by the entire Council and Mayor. They shall serve
six year terms of office, staggered as in the same manner as at the time of the adoption of this Charter.
Any one or more of these Commissioners may be removed by vote of the entire Council and Mayor. The
Board shall have the following powers and responsibilities:
a. Be responsible to oversee and manage the City's water supply, recycled water, wastewater
collection and treatment ("Water and Wastewater Systems")functions in accordance with State
law.
1730 MADISON ROAD • CINCINNATI,OH 45206 • 513 8615400 • FAx 513 8613480 MANAGEMENTPARTNERS.COM
2107 NORTH FIRST STREET,SUITE 470 • SAN JOSE,CALIFORNIA 95131 • 408 437 5400 • FAx 408 453 6191
3152 RED HILL AVENUE,SUITE 210 • COSTA MESA,CALIFORNIA 92626 • 949 2221082 • FAx 408 453 6191
Alternative Language for Charter Section 603 Page 2
b. Employ such persons, including a general manager, as may be needed for proper administration
of the City's Water and Wastewater Systems.
c. Set and collect all rates,fees and charges for operation of the Water and Wastewater Systems.
d. Allocate all receipts and expenditures to separate, independent, Water and Sewer Funds in
accordance with State law.
e. Compensate members of the Water Board in accordance with actions of the Water Board
following public hearing.
f. Collaborate with the Council,Mayor and City Manager concerning the City's Water and
Wastewater Systems. In this regard, the Council shall take such actions as may be appropriate to
enforce rules and regulations of the Board.
g. Establish and periodically review and revise such rules and regulations as may be appropriate for
managing the City's Water and Wastewater Systems.
Both Ms.Aldstadt and Management Partners agree that there is no need to reference an
Appendix in the alternative language because subsections 603(a) through (g) encompass all of
the functions and authorities of the Water Board and Department.
Based on the input from the Water Department General Manager, we recommend the Charter
Committee substitute the above language in place of Section 603 in the proposed Charter.
4/21/16 SUPPLEMENT CHARTER REVISION SUGGESTIONS
Modify, and put all in sequence, suggested revision considerations as follows:
§301(c) Delete this subsection.
§302 (3`d paragraph): Revise this as follows: "The Council, and in collaboration with the
Mayor, shall create and implement a vision and plan of implementation to
maintain the City's fiscal integrity. "
(2"d sentence of last paragraph): Revise this as follows: "Actions of the Council require
a simple majority vote of the quorum present for approval, unless otherwise specified by this
Charter as requiring the vote of the entire Council or by State or Federal law."
§303(c) The examples of where Draft Charter powers to act which are not referenced in
this section can have deleted from it §300. Also, if the suggested changes to
§§302 and 401(h) are made, they can be deleted. §603(b) is an additional
example.
305(c) Add after the word "preclude" in the 2 n sentence the words"the Mayor or".
§306(a) Revise this section to read as follows: "Upon the entire Council determining the
occurrence of any of the events enumerated in provisions of the Government Code
pertaining to vacancies in public offices, it shall declare a vacancy on the Council or for
the office of Mayor." The substantive change is to require a vote of the entire
Council. The rest of the is to better clarify the language of this section.
§307 Should it require a vote of the entire Council to act as judge of elections?
Probably not, but what does the Committee think?
§400 I've resolved my most of my issues here and am no longer suggesting the
Committee further review paragraphs concerning adding the word entire except as
they are mentioned elsewhere in this Supplement.
§401(h) Change the word "require" to "request".
§604 Add to following sentence: "The entire Council and Mayor may remove
Commissioners n the same manner."
Ask Attorney re both of the following:
1. Throughout document, why not eliminate "legalese" and delete numerical references
to numbers and leave them just verbal? [ie.: "five" rather than"five (5)"]; and
2. Why are the words "if any" are needed in §308?
City of San Bernardino
Volunteer-Based Citizens Charter Committee
Final Report to the Mayor and Common Council
May 16, 2016
Charter Committee Final Report, May 16,2016 Page 2
[Note to Committee: We plan to insert a Table of Contents before this page.
Executive Summary
The Volunteer-Based Citizen Charter Committee ("Charter Committee")was established in
March 2014 to review San Bernardino's Charter and make recommendations for improvement.
The Charter Committee is comprised of nine residents appointed by the Mayor and Common
Council. It provided initial recommendations in May 2014, some of which were placed on the
ballot for the November 2014 election.
The need for more substantive charter reform became evident after the City of San Bernardino
filed bankruptcy. The bankruptcy recovery plan approved by the Common Council and
submitted to the U.S. Bankruptcy Court made clear the City's need to streamline governance
and operations. It stated "until fundamental government and management issues are resolved,
it will be difficult to operate in a modern and efficient manner." The Charter Committee
subsequently has continued its work to review and develop recommendations for a new or
substantially revised charter that reflects the principles of good governance and meets the needs
of the community.
This report summarizes the Charter Committee's work and contains recommendations for
consideration by the Mayor and Common Council. The most significant recommendation is
that the Mayor and Common Council take action to place a new, streamlined, modern charter
before the voters on November 8, 2016, consistent with the intent expressed in the adopted
bankruptcy recovery plan. The Charter Committee has prepared a proposed Charter, included
in this report,which applies best practices for municipal governance applicable to San
Bernardino,while maintaining several practices that seem to be supported by community.
If adopted, the proposed Charter will help San Bernardino emerge from bankruptcy with a clear
and streamlined governance structure based on the council-manager form of government. This
form of government(in which the Council and Mayor serve as the legislative policy-making
authority and a professional City Manager is responsible for managing daily operations and
executing the policies of the Council and Mayor), is the most common form of government in
the State of California and the nation as a whole. Because the roles and responsibilities of the
Common Council,Mayor and City Manager will be clear, accountability for the effective
leadership and management of the City should significantly improve.
Consistent with best practices,the proposed Charter establishes the City Attorney and City
Clerk as positions appointed by the entire Council and Mayor instead of directly elected
positions. The functions of the City Treasurer would be assigned to professional staff in the
Finance Department.
Charter Committee Final Report,May 16, 2016 Page 3
Although the proposed Charter recommends changes to the overall governmental structure and
contains the provisions necessary to implement them, there are a number of governance and
operational elements that are not proposed for change. These include maintaining the current
ward system and number of wards, retaining the Mayor as a directly elected,full-time position
with limited ability to vote on items of business, and retaining the current independence of the
Water Board of Commissioners and Library Board of Directors to oversee and administer the
Water Department and Library, respectively. The name of the Civil Service Board is proposed
to change to more commonly used "Personnel Commission,"however, the proposed Charter
maintains the Commission's independent authority to hear and decide appeals of employee
disciplinary matters. A summary of the Charter elements and the Committee's rationale for
recommending them is provided later in this report.
The proposed charter represents a true collaboration between the Charter Committee, the
Mayor, Common Council, City Manager, City Attorney, and City Clerk;representatives from
various Boards and Commissions, and members of the public. The Charter Committee
appreciates the time and input all of these individuals have provided to help develop
recommendations and a proposed Charter that will make San Bernardino strong,vibrant,
efficient and effective well into the future.
The Charter Committee
Mission and Membership
The Mayor and Common Council established the Volunteer Citizen-Based Charter Committee
("Charter Committee") in March 2014. The Charter Committee was originally asked to review
all provisions of the Charter, report its findings, and provide initial recommendations in time
for the November 2014 general election. The Committee made its report and initial
recommendations in May 2014. The authorizing resolution contains no ending date for the
Charter Committee.
In May 2015, San Bernardino filed a Plan of Adjustment with the U.S. Bankruptcy Court in an
effort to emerge from bankruptcy. The Plan of Adjustment(or bankruptcy recovery plan)
identified the City's Charter as a barrier to efficient, effective government because it is overly
complex,hard to understand, and contains elements that are inconsistent with best practices for
modern municipal government. Subsequently, the Charter Committee has continued its work
to develop recommendations for a new or substantially revised charter that reflects the
principles of good governance and meets the needs of the community.
The Charter Committee consists of nine members appointed by the Mayor and Common
Council. The current members are as follow.
Charter Committee Final Report, May 16, 2016 Page 4
• Phil Savage,Ward 7 appointee (Committee Chair)
• Casey Daily,Ward 1 appointee
• Dennis Baxter,Ward 2 appointee
• Gary Walbourne,Ward 3 appointee
• Hillel Cohn,Ward 4 appointee
• Michael Craft,Ward 5 appointee
• Vicki Lee,Ward 6 appointee
• Tom Pierce,Mayoral appointee
• Gloria Macias Harrison,Mayoral appointee
Although they have been appointed by the Mayor or individual Council members, Charter
Committee members have worked diligently to represent the interests of the City as a whole,
not the interests of a particular ward or geographic area. Members also believe their role is to
be independent from whoever appointed them. In other words, the views and decisions of
individual Committee members have been their own,not based on the influence of their
appointing official. The views and recommendations contained in this report reflect the
majority consensus of the entire Committee.
The Charter Committee has been meeting approximately twice per month since May 2015. All
meetings have been open to the public and conducted in accordance with the Ralph M. Brown
Act to ensure transparency. All work products of the Committee, including agendas, minutes,
research studies, presentations and progress reports made to the Mayor and Common Council
are available on the City's website and/or from the City Clerk's Office.
Why Charter Reform Is Needed
The charter is the basic document that defines the City's organization, powers, functions and
essential procedures. It is comparable to the U.S. or a state constitution.
The need for more comprehensive charter reform became evident after the City of San
Bernardino sought bankruptcy protection. In fact,the bankruptcy recovery plan filed with the
United States Bankruptcy Court made clear the City's need to streamline governance and
operations, stating"until fundamental government and management issues are resolved, it will
be difficult to operate in a modern and efficient manner." The recovery plan further states:
The Core Team and other constituencies, including outside experts, have concluded that
decades of questionable management and inefficiency are very much the result of a
convoluted City Charter that complicates daily management and generally neutralizes
executive authority. The City's governance structure is highly complex and unique
compared with any other city in California. Overlapping authority and ambiguities in
Charter Committee Final Report, May 16, 2016 Page 5
the City's Charter create operational uncertainty and ineffectiveness because the role,
responsibility and authority of the Common Council, City Manager, City Attorney and
Mayor are unclear and, at times, contradict each other. No other city in California has
followed this peculiar governmental approach. The Charter itself has grown and
progressively become more unwieldy as a result of City initiated amendments in 1992,
1995 (twice), 1996, 2001,2004, and 2014.
Well-known journalist James Fallows articulately described the consequences of the City's
convoluted charter in an article written for The Atlantic magazine':
San Bernardino has a uniquely dysfunctional city-governance system, sort of a
metropolitan parallel to the current zero-sum gridlock of national politics. Some cities
we've seen run on the "strong mayor"principle, others, "strong city manager." Because
of San Bernardino's unique and flawed charter, it has in theory a "strong mayor"but in
reality a "strong nobody"system of government and an electoral system so discouraging
that the turnout rates are extremely low even by U.S. and California Standards.
Based on its review of San Bernardino's current charter, the Committee affirms the accuracy of
these statements. Some of the provisions are confusing and contradictory. For example, the
charter indicates the Police and Fire Chiefs shall receive general supervision from the Mayor,
but direct supervision from the City Manager, making reporting relationships unclear and
potentially impeding accountability. Some provisions are so antiquated they have been
superseded by changes in higher law. For example,the Charter contains requirements for the
San Bernardino Unified School District, even though the City has no legal authority over the
School District pursuant to State law.
The Charter Committee's independent research also concluded many provisions of the current
charter are either highly unusual or inconsistent with best practices for the operation of a
modern city government. For example,most modern-era charters provide flexibility to
organize City departments and services to maximize efficiency and effectiveness. San
Bernardino's charter, however, makes it unclear who is authorized to restructure the
organization,not to mention who is accountable for managing it. It is highly unusual for
charters to include detailed personnel rules or mandate specific employee job titles and
functions the way San Bernardino's does. Instead, these rules are more commonly found in
adopted personnel rules and regulations or in agreements negotiated with labor associations.
Modern-era charters are clear, concise, and provide maximum flexibility to elected and
' "Generation Now—What People Do,When There Seems to Be Nothing to Do," The Atlantic,April 28,
2015.
Charter Committee Final Report,May 16, 2016 Page 6
appointed officials to operate the government efficiently and effectively. San Bernardino's
existing charter lacks those modern-day characteristics.
Finally, the clear intention of the City when it adopted the bankruptcy recovery plan was to
"draft a new Charter and place that new City Charter on the November 2016 ballot for
consideration by voters, or sooner if possible" (Recovery Plan p. 7). The amendments to the
bankruptcy recovery plan filed in November 2015 and March 2016 have reiterated the City's
intent to place a charter ballot measure before San Bernardino's voters. This report and the
proposed Charter fulfills the Charter Committee's mission in helping the City meet that clear
intention.
The Charter Development Process
The Charter Committee began its work by studying best practices for the contents of modern-
day municipal charters. These best practices became the basis for a charter "skeleton," an
outline of the key elements, ideas and principles to be addressed in the City's charter. Once the
charter "skeleton" was defined, the Committee began discussing and developing specific
language. The Charter Committee considered the advantages and disadvantages of becoming a
general law city, and determined that remaining a charter city is in the best interests of the
community. The Committee also discussed whether the charter should be substantially
modified or completely re-written. In order for San Bernardino to have a charter that reflects
best practices consistent with modern municipal governance, the Charter Committee
recommends the adoption of a completely new charter instead of proposing numerous
amendments to the existing charter. The proposed charter developed by the Committee is
provided as Attachment A to this report.
Resources Guiding the Committee's Work
The Charter Committee used a variety of resources in developing recommendations for a new
charter, including the following.
A "Model Charter"prepared by the National Civic League(NCL). The National Civic League
is a non-partisan,non-profit organization founded by Theodore Roosevelt, Frederick
Law Olmsted,Louis Brandeis and other leading municipal reformers in 1894 to make
local governments more open, accountable and effective. The model charter was used as
the basis for some of the language in the proposed charter for San Bernardino.
Research on best practices for modern-era charters. This research was conducted by the
Committee's consultant, the Committee Chair, and individual Committee members.
Charter Committee Final Report, May 16, 2016 Page 7
Charters from 17 California charter cities with populations between 150,000 and 400,000. The
Committee and its consultant reviewed the charters for each of these cities to identify
trends and best practices. Comparisons between San Bernardino's charter and the peer
agencies helped illustrate elements where San Bernardino's approach to governance is
consistent with best practices, and where it is not. The peer agencies and their
populations are shown in Table 1 below.
Table 1. Peer Agencies by Population
Population'City
200,000 to 299,000 Population
San Bernardino 212,584
Chula Vista 257,989
Irvine 250,384
Modesto 209,186
Stockton 306,999
300,000 to 399,000 Population
Anaheim 351,433
Bakersfield 369,505
Riverside 317,307
Santa Ana 335,264
150,000 to 199,000 Population
Glendale 199,182
Hayward 152,889
Lancaster 160,784
Oceanside 171,682
Palmdale 157,009
Pomona 152,419
Salinas 154,720
Santa Rosa 170,974
Torrance 148,427
California State Department of Finance,2015
2Stockton's population was 299,878 in 2014(California State Department of Finance)
San Bernardino's "Charter Reform Principles and Objectives," "Operating Practices for Good
Government,"and strategic plan. Each of these documents were adopted by the Mayor and
Common Council and provided important guidance to the Committee.
Public input gathered at public forums and Charter Committee meetings. The Committee sought
and received public input throughout the charter development process. Additional
information about public input,education and outreach is provided later in this report.
Input from elected and appointed officials, department directors and board and commission
representatives. This input was received through one-on-one interviews,meetings with
board and commissions, and/or special presentations provided during regular Charter
Committee meetings.
Charter Committee Final Report, May 16, 2016 Page 8
In addition to the above resources, the Committee received technical support and guidance
from the City Attorney, City Clerk and a professional consultant(Management Partners).
Research Studies
The Committee received a variety of research memorandums and studies from its consultant
and the Committee Chair. Some contain the results of peer agency research, while others
provide aggregated input from elected and appointed officials or other stakeholders. These
studies helped inform the Committee's discussions and decisions, and are available from the
City's website or by contacting the City Clerk's Office.
• Typical Powers and Roles for Mayor, City Council and City Manager
• Interrelationship between Mayor, Common Council and City Manager as Described
by the Operating Practices for Good Government
• Summary of Results from Interviews with Elected Officials
• Alternatives and Implications for Mayoral Voting Authority
• Process for Establishing or Modifying Voting Districts or Wards
• Elected vs. Appointed City Officials—City Attorney, City Clerk, City Treasurer
• Establishment of Departments and Appointment of Department Heads
• Summary of Interviews with Department Directors—Police, Fire, and Library
• Civil Service Boards and Systems
• Water and Wastewater Utility Functions and Boards
• Mayor and City Council Employment Status and Compensation
• Preservation of Rights over Natural Resources
• General Law City vs. Charter City Characteristics and Authorities in California
• Public Forum Summary Results (November)
• Public Forum February-March and Aggregated Results
Public Education and Outreach Efforts
Public input has been a consistent area of emphasis and interest for the Charter Committee,
which invited and welcomed public comments at each of its meetings. In addition, the
Committee offered a variety of public education and outreach opportunities to gather
additional input from the community. These efforts are described in more detail below.
Public Survey
The Charter Committee sought public input through a survey made available online and in
print from July to September 2015. A total of 440 complete responses to the survey were
submitted. Although the survey gauged public opinion, it was not a randomized sampling of
Charter Committee Final Report, May 16, 2016 Page 9
voters, and did not contain any background or educational information about charter issues and
concerns. The summary results of the survey are as follow.
• 92%of respondents indicated the Charter should be revised (51%) or replaced(42%).
Only 8%indicated the charter should remain unchanged.
• 53%of respondents indicated support for San Bernardino remaining a charter city.
• 46%indicated preference for a council-manager form of government where the City
Council sets policy and the policy is implemented by the City Manager as the chief
executive officer. However, approximately 30%reported they were unsure.
• A majority of respondents favored retaining the City Attorney, City Clerk and City
Treasurer as elected positions (62%, 58% and 57%, respectively).
• 79%of respondents favored having the Mayor directly elected by voters, instead of
being selected by the City Council.
• 65%of respondents indicated the Mayor should be responsible for intergovernmental
relationships and be recognized as the head of the City government for ceremonial and
other purposes,but that the City Manager should be responsible for administrative
functions of the City.
• 74%of respondents favored consolidating City elections with those for state and federal
offices.
Public Forums
In November 2015 the Charter Committee held three public forums in three different wards.
Additional public forums were held in February and March 2016 in the remaining four wards.
The purpose of the public forums was to provide education about San Bernardino's charter
reform efforts and engage participants in sharing their opinions on the preliminary
recommendations presented to the Mayor and Common Council related to governance. All of
the forums followed a similar format.
A cumulative total of approximately 170 participants attended the seven forums, not counting
Charter Committee members, staff or School District personnel. Common themes aggregated
from input received during the public forums include the following.
• The Mayor should be allowed to vote.
• The Mayor should continue to be elected at large.
• To avoid tie votes, changing the number of wards is preferable to adding a Council
member elected at large
• More participants favored reducing the number of wards over increasing them
• The City Attorney, City Clerk and City Treasurer should be appointed, not elected.
• There was consensus that charter reform is necessary.
Charter Committee Final Report,May 16,2016 Page 10
• Proposing a new charter was preferable to amending the existing charter.
• There was strong support for changing the election cycle to even number years.
The public forums held in February and March generated similar responses to those received in
November, although there was more disagreement expressed at two of them. In fact, opinions
expressed during those two particular public forums were almost evenly split. Even with this
disagreement, the aggregated themes for all seven forums did not change.
Committee Member Presentations
Members of the Charter Committee have made presentations to a number of community groups
and neighborhood associations. The purpose of these presentations has been to provide
information about the Committee and its work and obtain input. Since July, members of the
Charter Committee have provided approximately presentations, and they continue to
respond to requests for information from the community. [Note to Committee: Please provide
me with the total number of presentations you have made (or a reasonable estimate) since May
2015 so I can fill in the blank!]
Committee Timeline
The Charter Committee maintained a timeline to document its activities throughout the Charter
development process. The complete timeline is presented as Attachment B.
Key Elements of the Proposed Charter
At approximately 15 pages, the proposed Charter drafted by the Charter Committee is
substantially shorter than the existing City Charter. Table 2 summarizes the substantive
elements of the proposed Charter and the Charter Committee's rationale for recommending
them. [Note to Committee: This Table is the same as that provided for the April 25 Workshop
with the Mayor and Council, and will be updated based on Committee's actions, if any, on
April 26.]
Charter Committee Final Report, May 16,2016 Page 11
Table 2: Key Elements of the Proposed Charter and their Rationale
Proposed Charter Element Preliminary Recommendation Rationale
Form of Government Council-manager Most common form of city
City Council and Mayor powers limited to government in California and in peer
legislative and policy making agencies
City Manager functions as chief executive Helps the Mayor and Council function
officer, responsible for daily operations of as one governing body,although
the City respective powers are slightly
different
Consistent with NCL Model Charter
Consistent with Operating Practices
for Good Government(OPGG)and
Charter Reform Principles
City Council, Powers and City Council is composed of seven Council Consistent with current charter
Duties members(i.e.,excluding Mayor) Consistent with Operating Practices
Elected by ward for Good Government(OPGG)and
Same four-year terms Charter Reform Principles
Entitled to vote on all matters coming Public input indicated lack of
before the City Council consensus for changing the number
Shall perform duties and exercise powers of Council members or wards
to serve best interests of entire City,rather
than a particular geographic area or
special interest
May override Mayor veto with a vote of 5
Council members
Mayor, Powers and Duties Mayor continues to be elected at large Somewhat consistent with current
Continues to be presiding officer at charter
meetings,and may fully participate in Consistent with NCL Model Charter
discussions Consistent with OPGG
May not vote except to break a tie,veto a Mayor voting rights,election at large
matter or appoint or remove the City and full-time status supported by
Manager,City Attorney,City Clerk,or majority of public forum participants.
members of boards,commissions and However,giving the Mayor a vote
committees;and generally establishing created complexities for dealing with
their duties and responsibilities tie votes that generated public
May veto any Council action approved by concerns
less than five Council members
Continues to be the City's key face and
chief spokesperson
Continues to be full time
Continues to represent the City in
intergovernmental relations, establish and
maintain partnerships and regional
leadership roles,although may delegate
such roles to other members of the
Council
No longer has independent administrative,
appointment or removal powers
Charter Committee Final Report,May 16, 2016 Page 12
Proposed
City Council and Mayor Together,City Council and Mayor: Consistent with NCL Model Charter
Collaboration Shall ensure fundamental municipal Consistent with best practices
services are provided to protect and Consistent with practices of most
promote public health,safety and welfare peer agencies
Shall jointly appoint the city manager,city Allows both Mayor and Council to
attorney,city clerk,and members to vote on appointments(or removals)
boards,commissions and committees of key officials
Shall establish clear expectations for city
manager and conduct periodic
performance evaluations to ensure
accountability
Shall develop and implement norms(or a
Code of Conduct),including measures to
hold each other accountable
Shall not control or demand the
appointment or removal of any City
employee whom the City Manager is
empowered to appoint
Shall not interfere with the discretion of
the City Manager in the exercise of his or
her powers or the performance of his or
her duties
May establish advisory or independent
boards or commissions
Compensation for Mayor Shall be set by Mayor and City Council Most peer agencies do not specify a
and Council Members following a public hearing salary amount for elected official
Shall be based on recommendations of an compensation in the charter, but
advisory commission charged with the either follow general law provisions
periodic review of compensation for City or establish the amounts by
elected officials ordinance following a public hearing
Mayor's compensation shall be Current Council compensation is
commensurate with that for a full-time significantly lower than the peer
position agencies studied
Effective date of approved increases to be Setting the Mayor's salary based on
deferred to commence with the terms of the salary of a superior court judge is
council members elected in next regular an antiquated practice
election Some peer agencies appoint advisory
commissions to provide independent
review of compensation and
justification for increases
Deferring compensation increases
reduces perception that such
increases are self-serving
City Manager, Powers and Appointed(or removed)by majority vote Consistent with council-manager
Duties of entire City Council and Mayor form of government
Shall be sole authority for managing City Consistent with OPGG
operations and appointing,directing and Consistent with best practices
removing City staff, unless otherwise Consistent with practices of peer
specified by the charter agencies
Shall prepare and submit annual budget Consistent with NCL Model Charter
and capital improvement plan
Charter Committee Final Report, May 16, 2016 Page 13
Proposed
Shall assist Mayor and Council in
developing long-term goals and strategies
for City
Shall be accountable for implementing
Council goals and policies and the overall
performance of the City
Shall ensure the Mayor and Council are
informed on all aspects of important
issues, including City's financial condition
and future needs
Shall attend Council meetings and brief the
Mayor and Council on the business
matters before them.
Shall make business and policy
recommendations based on independent
professional judgement and best practices
in the interests of the City
City Attorney Duly qualified City Attorney shall be 16 of 17 peer agencies have an
appointed by majority vote of entire City appointed city attorney.
Council and Mayor, not elected Appointed City Attorney is consistent
City Attorney shall function as chief legal with NCL Model Charter,although
officer to provide legal advice to Mayor, Model Charter recommends the
Council and City Manager appointment be made by city
City Attorney shall not be involved in manager or by the city manager with
formulation of policy confirmation by the city council.
Appointment of the city attorney by
the city council as a whole is common
practice in California
Most public forum participants
support appointed city attorney
Current City Attorney supports the
position being appointed instead of
elected
City Clerk Duly qualified City Clerk shall be appointed 14 of 17 peer agencies have an
by entire City Council and Mayor, not appointed City Clerk,appointed by
elected Mayor and Council
Consistent with NCL Model Charter,
although Model Charter recommends
appointment by city manager
Public forum participants support
appointed city clerk
Current City Clerk supports the
position being appointed instead of
elected
City Treasurer City Treasurer is not referenced in charter 10 of 17 peer agency charters make
City's municipal code will either reference no reference to City Treasurer;
Treasurer as an appointed position or treasury functions are assigned to
delegate treasury functions to professional professional staff in the Finance
staff in the Finance Department Department
Only 3 peer agencies have elected
treasurers
Charter Committee Final Report, May 16, 2016 Page 14
Proposed . .. .
Public forum participants support
appointed treasurer and/or
delegation to professional staff
Consistent with NCL Model Charter
Current City Treasurer supports the
position being appointed
City Departments,Generally All departments,agencies,offices and Consistent with best practices
services in existence shall continue in same Mostly consistent with peer agency
manner as before, unless changed by practices
ordinance. Consistent with council-manager
City Manager may establish departments form of government
and prescribe the functions of Consistent with NCL Model Charter
departments to meet the needs of the
community in the most effective and
efficient manner
All departments except Library and Water
shall be administered by an executive
appointed and directed by the City
Manager
Parks and Recreation City shall provide for parks and recreation Committee believes it is important
services for the Charter to reference these
services
Personnel System The City shall provide for a personnel Most peer agencies make reference
system consistent with all applicable to a personnel system in the charter.
Federal and State laws In some cases the reference merely
Core elements of a civil service system are authorizes the City Council to
described, however details to be adopted establish such a system
by ordinance. Most modern-era charters do not
Appointments and promotions shall be include specific personnel rules,
made solely on the basis of merit and policies or procedures. Instead,
fitness demonstrated by examination or these are found in the municipal
evidence of competence. code, negotiated labor agreements
Administration of employee matters and/or adopted personnel policies
delegated to a Human Resources or and procedures.
Personnel Department
Boards,Commissions and Those established prior to adoption of the Consistent with council-manager
Committees,Generally new Charter will continue to exist. form of government, best practices
Appointment,removal,terms of office and Authorizing the City Council to
other rules pertaining to boards, determine advisory or independent
commissions and committees prescribed authority of boards and commissions
by majority vote of entire Council and is consistent with NCL Model Charter
Mayor
Members of boards,commissions and
committees must be residents unless
exempted by ordinance or State law
Library Board of Trustees Appointed by entire Council and Mayor Of 11 peer agencies operating a city
No compensation library,only 8 have a Library
Shall be responsible for providing Commission or Board of Trustees
adequate library services However,the Charter Committee
Shall appoint and supervise the Library recognizes the importance of
Director libraries as a community asset and
Charter Committee Final Report, May 16, 2016 Page 15
Proposed Charter Element Preliminary Recommendation
Shall administer the allocated Library the Library Board as advocates for
budget,and make and enforce all rules that asset
and regulations applicable to library Reflects input from Library Board of
services Trustees
Board of Water Appointed by majority vote of entire Most peer agencies make no
Commissioners Council and Mayor reference to a water department,
Responsible for water,wastewater board or commission in the charter.
treatment and collection (sewer),and However,the Charter Committee
recycled water functions recognizes the importance of water,
Water Board shall continue to have the wastewater and sewer as an
independent authority to establish rates, essential City function.
hire the General Manager and other The Water Department is highly
employees necessary to operate the effective and efficient,and there is
water,wastewater and sewer systems, concern that changing the authorities
incur debt on behalf of these systems and independence of the Water
Other provisions of current Charter are Board and Department may be
retained in the proposed draft(with some harmful instead of helpful
language modernized) Reflects input from the Water Board
of Commissioners
Personnel Commission Shall be appointed by the Mayor and Retains the independent hearing
(formerly Civil Service entire Council to serve without authority of the Civil Service
Commission) compensation Commission,while assigning all other
Sole responsibility is to hear appeals of functions to a Personnel or Human
disciplinary action by City employees, Resources Department
subject to the provisions of adopted labor Reflects input from the Civil Service
agreements Board
Financial Management Retains current fiscal year(July—June) Consistent with best practices for
Requires City Manager to submit proposed municipal financial management
budget and message to Mayor and Council Consistent with NCL Model Charter
at least 30 days prior to start of each fiscal Independent audit requirements
year consistent with State law and best
Specifies budget and capital improvement practices
plan requirements and standards,as well
as Council action required
Requires Council to provide for an
independent audit of all City accounts at
least annually
Elections Municipal elections shall be consolidated Consolidated elections are less
with the cycle for state and federal expensive due to greater economies
elections(i.e., November of even- of scale
numbered years) Majority of California cities hold
To facilitate this transition, proposes to elections in November of even-
extend terms of Mayor and Council numbered years
members in office at the time of adoption Public forum participants expressed
for 1 year support for changing the timing of
Mayor and Council members continue to elections as a strategy for increasing
be the elective officers voter turnout
Retains seven wards Consolidating municipal elections
City elections shall follow provisions and with federal and state elections has
procedures of the State Elections Code(as had a positive impact on voter
applicable to general law cities),which turnout in other cities
Charter Committee Final Report,May 16,2016 Page 16
Proposed
calls for election by plurality vote, instead Most California cities follow State
of a primary and runoff process Elections code procedures for
Initiatives, referendums and recalls also municipal elections,initiatives,
shall follow procedures of State Elections referendums and recalls
code Most California cities elect officers by
Requires periodic adjustment of ward plurality vote, not a primary/runoff
boundaries consistent with applicable process,consistent with the State
State and Federal laws Elections Code
Charter Amendments Shall follow procedures specified in State Consistent with current practice for
Elections Code as applicable to charter Charter amendments
cities Periodic review of governance
Council shall establish a process to ensure documents is a best practice
the periodic review of the Charter to
identify potential amendments to enhance
clarity,efficiency and the principles of the
Council-manager form of government
Rights and Succession The City shall continue to own, possess Ensures succession of the City's rights
and control all rights and property of every and controls assuming a new charter
kind a nature,owned, possessed or is adopted
controlled by it at the time the new
charter is approved, and shall be subject to
all its debts,obligations and liabilities
All ordinances,codes, resolutions, rules
and regulations in place remain in place as
long as they are consistent with the
proposed charter
All present officers and employees shall
continue to perform their duties under the
same conditions until the election or
appointment of their successors
Significant Proposed Changes
The proposed Charter includes elements that would be significant changes for San Bernardino.
However,the Committee would not be recommending these changes if it did not believe they
are necessary for the City to improve its governance, operations and efficiency. As shown in the
above table, the most significant changes fall into several categories.
Form of Government. As has been highlighted by the bankruptcy recovery plan, San
Bernardino's current form of government is neither"strong Mayor" nor "council-manager,"but
a confusing hybrid between the two that impedes accountability and effectiveness. Perhaps the
most important element in the proposed Charter is the recommendation that San Bernardino
adopt the council-manager form of government. Many of the proposed Charter elements
provide the mechanism for implementing this form of government.
Charter Committee Final Report, May 16,2016 Page 17
Interrelationships between the Mayor, Council and City Manager. The proposed Charter
contains specific language regarding the powers and duties of the City's elected and appointed
leaders. The intent is to provide clarity over who is responsible for what, consistent with best
practices and the council-manager form of government. To implement this form, some of the
Mayor's current powers would be transferred to the Council,while others would be transferred
to the City Manager. The Council would continue to be the primary legislative body, and the
Mayor would continue to have veto powers when Council action is approved by less than five
Council members. However, the proposed Charter gives the Mayor voting authority, along
with the entire Council, for the City's most important appointments (or removals), such as the
City Manager and members of boards, commissions and committees. Giving the Mayor limited
ability to vote on these critical matters provides an incentive for the Council and Mayor to
function as one governing body, consistent with the principles of good governance.
Elected vs.Appointed Officials. The proposed Charter converts the elected City Attorney and
City Clerk into positions appointed by the Mayor and entire Council, and does not reference a
City Treasurer. This allows the functions of the City Treasurer to be assigned to professional
staff in the Finance Department, the more common practice. Although they would no longer be
elected, the City Clerk's role and responsibilities would not change under the proposed charter.
The City Attorney's role as legal advisor to the City's elected and appointed officials also would
not change,however the proposed Charter clearly prohibits the City Attorney from
involvement in policy formulation.
Elections. The proposed Charter recommends transitioning the election cycle from November
of odd-numbered years to November of even-numbered years, i.e., to coincide with State and
Federal elections. This will not only reduce election costs to the City,but may also improve
voter turnout. The proposed Charter, if adopted as presented,would facilitate this transition by
extending the terms of the Mayor and Councilmembers in office at the time of adoption by one
year. The next regular municipal election would then be in November 2018. The sequencing of
elections for Council members and the Mayor would continue in the same pattern they
currently follow.
To remedy past problems the City has encountered with certain elections procedures, the
proposed Charter recommends following the provisions of the State Elections Code. This will
not significantly change many of the City's current procedures,but will improve clarity,
particularly for procedures regarding citizen initiatives, referendums and recalls. However, one
consequence of following the State Elections Code is that the Mayor and City Council would be
elected by plurality(i.e., the highest vote getter), instead of through a primary and runoff
process.
Charter Committee Final Report, May 16, 2016 Page 18
Focus on Policy, Not Procedures. The proposed Charter omits procedural matters that are
more appropriately found in the Municipal Code, adopted personnel rules and regulations,
agreements negotiated with labor associations, or other operational documents. Assuming the
proposed Charter is put before the voters in November, the City Attorney's Office will need to
conduct a review of the existing charter to determine what, if any, provisions should be adopted
by ordinance to effect this transition.
What Will Not Change
Although the above changes are significant, there are a number of elements found in the current
Charter that are not proposed for change. Specifically,no change is proposed to the number of
Council members, the wards they represent, or who elects them (i.e., Council members will
continue to be elected by ward). The Mayor will continue to be a full-time position, elected at
large, and serve as the presiding officer at meetings, and the City's key face and spokesperson.
The Mayor's responsibility to represent the City in intergovernmental relations and provide
regional leadership also will not change.
The functions and essential municipal services currently provided by San Bernardino will
remain the same, although the City's elected and appointed leaders will have more flexibility in
how they are organized and provided. Reference to most of these functions, as well as specific
departments will transition to the City's Municipal Code. In fact, some language in the current
Charter is redundant with that found in the Municipal Code.
The independence of the Water Board of Commissioners to operate the Water Department and
establish rates remains intact in the proposed Charter. However the proposed Charter would
expand the responsibilities of the Water Board and Water Department to include wastewater
(sewer) collection. The Water Board and Water Department have a superior track record for
providing quality service and effective maintenance of the City's water and wastewater
treatment infrastructure,but does not have authority for wastewater collection, infrastructure or
rates. The Charter Committee believes that they should.
The proposed Charter also maintains the independence of the Library Board of Trustees over
the City's Libraries and their operation. The Civil Service Board would continue to have
independent authority over appeals related to employee discipline,but would be called the
Personnel Commission, consistent with common practice. All other boards, commissions and
committees would be unchanged under the proposed Charter.
Recommended Governance Structure for San Bernardino
The proposed Charter, if adopted, results in a governance structure that looks fundamentally
different than the current one. The existing governance structure as documented in the City's
Charter Committee Final Report, May 16,2016 Page 19
bankruptcy recovery plan is provided as Figure 1 below. The proposed governance structure is
presented as Figure 2, and shows an organizational structure with greater clarity in roles,
responsibilities and reporting relationships, with all Boards and Commissions appointed by and
accountable to the City Council, and all but two departments (Library and Water) accountable
to the City Manager. This structure is consistent with best practices for council-manager forms
of government, as well as the provisions of modern-era charters, while retaining practices that
are important for San Bernardino to continue, such as the independent authority of the Water
Board of Commissioners, and Library Board of Trustees..
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Charter Committee Final Report, May 16,2016 Page 22
Next Steps
Now that the Charter Committee has completed its work and has recommended a new Charter
for San Bernardino, it would be appropriate for the Mayor and Common Council to consider
the Committee's recommendations and decide what to place before voters in November. The
Council has the authority to transmit the proposed Charter as presented by the Committee,
make modifications to the proposed Charter as it sees fit, determine whether one ballot measure
for the entire proposed Charter should be proposed, or propose a series of ballot measures to
give voters the ability to determine which elements of the proposed charter should be adopted,
as opposed to adoption of the entire document.
Once the Council has decided what should be submitted to voters, the City Attorney should be
directed to conduct a final review of the proposed charter for consistency and technical legality,
and prepare the appropriate resolution and ballot measure language. The Council will need to
take action on the resolution calling for the ballot measure(s) and the proposed ballot measure
language no later than its regular meeting of August 1,2016 to meet the deadline for the
November 8,2016 election. The deadline for a governing body to submit a ballot measure for
adoption of or amendment to a charter is 88 days prior to the date of the election.
Once the Council takes action to propose a ballot measure(or measures), the City may not
expend funds to advocate for or against passage. However,this does not preclude the City
from providing educational information to the public about the measure. The Charter
Committee has been deliberate in creating a body of work consisting of research studies,
presentations, progress reports and other public documents that may be appropriate for future
public education efforts regarding charter reform.
Once the ballot measure(s) have been filed with the County Registrar of Voters it would be
appropriate for the City Attorney and legal staff to identify the need for and begin preparing
any ordinances necessary to implement provisions of the proposed charter. This may include
transitioning some of the procedural language currently found in the Charter to either the
Municipal Code or other City policy documents.
Assuming the voters approve the ballot measures in November, the adopted charter will need
to be filed with the California Secretary of State. Based on past experience in San Bernardino
and other cities, it is most likely this would not occur until January 2017. The new Charter
would go into effect upon the certification of the Secretary of State. The proposed Charter as
drafted is explicit in stating that all ordinances, codes, resolutions, rules, regulations,
departments, officers,boards, commissions and committees remain in effect at the time of
adoption will remain in place and continue in force until such time as they have been duly
Charter Committee Final Report, May 16, 2016 Page 23
repealed, amended, changed, or superseded by proper authority as provided by the proposed
Charter.
Conclusion
This report contains the collective and collaborative work of the Charter Committee and
represents their best work in drafting a governance document that will facilitate the City's
emergence from bankruptcy and a path to a more effective,efficient government serving the
needs of the San Bernardino community. However, the Committee did not operate in a
vacuum. Instead, it has relied upon various individuals and groups who provided their time,
expertise and insights. The Committee appreciates the dedication and commitment of all of
these individuals in helping to design a proposed charter and governance structure that will
make San Bernardino a stronger,vibrant, effective, and efficient city for many years to come.
Charter Committee Final Report,May 16, 2016 Page 24
Attachment A: The Proposed Charter
[Note to Committee: Final draft to be inserted, including Charter Table of Contents following
your 4/26 meeting]
Charter Committee Final Report, May 16, 2016 Page 25
Attachment B: Charter Committee Working Timeline
Meeting
Date Task or Activity Comments/Status
5/12/15 Developed Input Questionnaire Complete
(Survey)
5/26 Receive Input from Survey Agreed to continue to receive input on survey
Request Council approval for Complete; professional assistance provided effective
professional input 7/7/15
Discuss plan to develop Draft was available, but was not discussed
Timeline
Discuss plan to deal with Draft was available, but was not discussed
Charter topics
6/9 Discuss approach to Charter Agreed upon approach, including focusing on Charter
Review skeleton before specific topic details
Received and reviewed Discussed
information on professional and
public input
Approve plan for disseminating Complete
survey
Review working timeline Complete. Timeline will be updated regularly as changes
occur
Consider form of Government Preliminary Recommendation: Council—Manager Form of
for Charter skeleton Government in Charter Skeleton
Discuss skeleton City Council Preliminary Recommendation: Maintain a Ward System
structure and powers Council
representation for Charter
skeleton
6/23 Meeting Cancelled
7/7 Discuss professional advisors Complete
and scope of work
Introduce new participants to Welcomed Committee Member Vicki Lee
Charter Committee
Complete discussion of skeleton Preliminary Recommendation:City Council powers should
City Council structure and be limited to legislative and policy making, not
powers ' administrative and operational
Discuss skeleton Mayor Preliminary Recommendation: Mayor should be elected
provisions at-large.
Powers,voting privileges and impacts on ward system
deferred to next meeting
7/14 Continue discussion of skeleton Preliminary Recommendation: Retain the current number
Mayor provisions of wards (7)
Preliminary Recommendation: Mayor should have no
administrative,appointment or removal powers except as
otherwise provided in the Charter
Deferred consideration of Mayor's voting rights until input
Charter Committee Final Report, May 16,2016 Page 26
is received from the Mayor and Council members
Agreed to provide meeting summaries to Mayor and
Council following each Committee meeting.
Agreed to periodically provide progress reports to the
Mayor and Council at their regularly scheduled meetings
Begin discussion of skeleton Preliminary Recommendation: Majority vote of all
City Manager provisions members of the Common Council and Mayor required for
appointment of City Manager
7/28 Continue discussion of City Discussed. Recommendations deferred until August 11
Manager Charter Skeleton meeting(to consider results from elected official
Discussions interviews)
Begin discussion of skeleton Discussion regarding City Attorney begun;
provisions for City Clerk,City recommendations deferred until August 11
Attorney, City Treasurer
8/11 Review common themes from Reviewed
Elected Official Interviews
Review applicability of Discussion continued, but not completed.
Operating Guidelines for Good Preliminary recommendation:The Mayor shall have the
Governance to Charter Skeleton same voting privileges as Common Council members
Complete discussion on Mayor, Preliminary recommendation: Incorporate the roles of
Council, City Manager Mayor as reflected in the Operating Practices for Good
interrelationship, roles and Government (OPGG) into the Charter skeleton
authorities
Complete Charter skeleton Presentations by City Treasurer Kennedy and Mayor Davis
discussion regarding City
Attorney, City Clerk, City
Treasurer
8/25 Complete discussion on Mayor, Preliminary recommendations:
Council, City Manager • Reduce number of wards from 7 to 6
interrelationship, roles and . Incorporate recommended roles for City Manager,
authorities Common Council and Mayor and Common Council
(combined)from OPGG into the Charter skeleton
Complete Charter skeleton Not discussed
discussion regarding City
Attorney, City Clerk,City
Treasurer
Charter Skeleton Discussion on Not discussed
Establishment of City
Departments, Commissions and
Committees;City Officers and
Fiscal Management
Discuss plans for progress Confirmed scheduling for September 21 MCC meeting
report to Mayor and Council on
skeleton
9/8 Meeting Rescheduled to
September 15
9/15 1 Charter skeleton discussion Preliminary recommendations:
Charter Committee Final Report, May 16, 2016 Page 27
regarding City Attorney,City • Duly qualified City Attorney to be appointed by Mayor
Clerk, City Treasurer and Common Council
• Incorporate OPGG language re:City Attorney into the
Charter Skeleton
• Duly qualified City Clerk to be appointed by Mayor and
Common Council
• Charter will contain no references to City Treasurer
Discuss Charter skeleton Preliminary recommendation: Charter will not specifically
provisions related to City mention departments except as otherwise provided or
departments and their delineated
establishment
9/15 Review and Discuss survey Discussed
results
Finalize plans for progress Discussed
report to Mayor and Council on
skeleton
9/21 Present Progress Report at Presented
Mayor Common Council
Meeting
9/22 Discuss input from Mayor and Discussed, no change in skeleton based on input from
Council from 9/21 Progress Mayor and Council at this time
Report presentation, modify Discussion of whether to reconsider alternatives for
skeleton as desired ensuring odd number of voting members—Deferred to
next meeting agenda
Discuss specific departments Preliminary recommendations:
referenced in the charter to • No reference to School Districts in Charter
determine whether language . Include reference to Library Board of Trustees,with
should be included in charter specific powers and authority to be determined by the
City Council
Discuss other department or Discussion of whether services to be provided should be
agency language to include in included in the Charter— Deferred to next meeting
charter agenda
Identify other topics to be Not discussed
covered by the Charter
skeleton, i.e.,elections,fiscal
matters,code of ethics, etc.
10/13 Discuss reconsideration of Discussed, but deferred to obtain input through public
alternatives to ensure odd forums
number of voting members
Discuss whether to add Discussed. Alternative options to be discussed at 10/27
language on services to be meeting
provided without specifying
departments
Discuss potential Police and Fire Preliminary recommendation: No reference to Police or
Department skeleton Fire Department in Charter
provisions, if any
Charter Committee Final Report, May 16,2016 Page 28
Discuss potential civil Not discussed
service/personnel system
skeleton provisions, if any
Review plans and content for Discussed
upcoming public forums
10/27 Discuss potential civil service/ Preliminary recommendation: No specific reference to
personnel system skeleton Civil Service Board or Department in the Charter. Instead,
provisions include language that the City shall establish a personnel
system.
Discuss potential Water Not discussed—deferred to November 10 meeting
Department skeleton
provisions, if any.
Finalize plans for public forums Discussed
Review potential language Preliminary recommendations:
(possibly in a Preamble) • Add "The City shall ensure fundamental services are
regarding fundamental services provided to protect and promote the public health,
to be provided safety and welfare,"to the Charter Preamble.
• Add "The Common Council may establish departments
and assign departmental functions in order to meet
the needs of the community in the most effective and
efficient manner.The Common Council may also
establish advisory or independent boards or
commissions to provide guidance regarding the
provision of City services.Any services, boards or
commissions in existence at the time of the adoption
of the Charter shall continue unless and until changed
by the Council'to the skeleton section for Common
Council
11/4 Public Forum, Golden Valley Held
Middle School, 6:30 p.m.
11/5 Public Forum:Arroyo Valley Held
High School, 6:30 p.m.
11/9 Public Forum, Indian Springs Held
High School, 6:30 p.m.
11/10 Discuss potential Water Discussed. Action postponed to next meeting
Department skeleton provisions
Review input received at public Discussed
forums
Reconsider Mayoral voting and Discussed. Action postponed to next meeting
options for ensuring odd
number of voting members
Review and discuss how charter Not discussed
issues would be treated under
general law
11/24 No Meeting Meeting rescheduled to December 1, 2015
12/1 Discuss potential Water Preliminary recommendations:
Charter Committee Final Report, May 16, 2016 Page 29
Department skeleton provisions • The Charter shall make reference to a department
responsible for water,wastewater and sewer
functions with an oversight Board of Commissioners;
with their specific powers and authority to be
determined by the Council;and with the
Commissioners to be appointed by the Council
(including the Mayor). The Board shall recommend
rates for water,wastewater and sewer services to the
Council. The City Manager shall have responsibility
and supervision of the department.
• Include a section on Rights,Succession and Liabilities
to read:The City of San Bernardino shall continue to
own, possess, and control all rights and property of
every kind and nature,owned, possessed or controlled
by it at the time this Charter takes effect and shall be
subject to all its debts,obligations and liabilities.
Reconsider Mayoral voting and Discussed.
options for ensuring odd Revised Recommendation:
number of voting members Retain current charter skeleton provisions for Mayoral
voting rights and a six-ward Council system.
Compare and consider general Not discussed.
law vs. charter options for San
Bernardino
Review and discuss other Discussed. Will discuss compensation and employment
elements to be considered in status of Mayor and Council (full-time vs. part-time)at
the skeleton next meeting. No other elements to be considered in the
skeleton.
12/8 Review compensation and Preliminary Recommendations:
employment status for Mayor • Mayor shall serve essentially full time
and Council members . Compensation for Mayor and Common Council will be
set periodically by the Mayor and Common Council
following a public hearing,and based on the
recommendations of an advisory Compensation
Commission charged with the periodic review of
elected official compensation.
• Mayor shall be compensated higher than Council
members.
Compare and consider general Preliminary Recommendations:
law vs. charter options for San • The Committee will propose a new charter(i.e., not
Bernardino recommend the City become general law)
• Follow general law with regards to prevailing wages
(i.e., no charter exemption)
Begin discussing specific charter Directed consultant to work with City Attorney in
language preparing a draft document for the Committee to review.
12/22 No meeting Meeting rescheduled to December 29, 2015
12/29 Consider election skeleton Preliminary Recommendation:Consolidate municipal
provisions elections with the cycle for state and federal elections(i.e.,
Charter Committee Final Report, May 16,2016 Page 30
November of even-numbered years)
Discuss specific charter Discussed Preamble only
language
Discuss potential public forum School District has requested 4 weeks' notice
dates
1/12 Continue work on specific Discussed Articles I, II, and portions of Article III.
language
Discuss progress report to Progress report scheduled for Feb 1. Staff report due to
Mayor and Council and City Clerk on 1/26/16.
upcoming public forums
1/26 Continue work on specific Discussed
language
2/1 Present progress report at Continued to 2/29/16 special meeting
Mayor/Common Council
meeting
2/10 Public Forum, 6:30 p.m. Middle College High School Multi-use Room (Ward 3)–
Rescheduled due to low attendance at request of
Councilmember Valdivia
2/16 Present progress report at Continued to February 29 special meeting
Mayor/Common Council
meeting
2/22 Public Forum, 6:30 p.m. Chavez Middle School Multi-use Room(Ward 5)–Held
2/23 Continue working on specific Meeting not held due to lack of quorum
language
2/24 Public Forum, 6:30 p.m. San Bernardino High School, Choir Room (Ward 2)–Held
2/25 Public Forum, 6.30 p.m. San Gorgonio High School Multi-use Room (Ward 7)—Held
2/29 Present progress report at Presented
Mayor/Common Council
meeting
3/3 Public Forum, 6:30 p.m. Urbita Elementary School (rescheduled for Ward 3 )--Held
3/8 Continue working on specific Discussed
language
Discuss future advocacy and Discussed
education role and
responsibilities of the Charter
Committee once report has
been presented
Review public forum results Discussed
Discuss Mayor and Common Discussed
Council input from Progress
Report
3/8 Continue working on specific Discussed
language
Discuss future advocacy and Discussed
education role and
responsibilities of the Charter
Charter Committee Final Report, May 16,2016 Page 31
Committee once report has
been presented
Review public forum results Discussed
Discuss Mayor and Common Discussed
Council input from Progress
Report
3/22 Continue working on specific Discussed. Completed first draft of preliminary charter
language
Discuss workshop with Mayor Discussed
and Common Council
Discuss Committee's final Not discussed
report and presentation to
Mayor and Common Council
4/19 Review revised organizational Discussed
structure under draft proposed
new charter
Discuss workshop with Mayor Discussed
and Common Council
Discuss Committee's Final Discussed
Report and Presentation to
Mayor and Common Council
Discuss Draft Proposed Charter Discussed
4/25 Workshop with Mayor and 5:30 p.m., EDA Board Room
Common Council to discuss Workshop held
preliminary Charter
recommendations
4/26 Discuss revisions to the
preliminary charter based on
workshop with Mayor and
Council
Review draft Committee final
report to Mayor and Common
Council
Review and discuss
presentation of Committee
report
5/10 Finalize presentation of report
to Mayor and Common Council
5/16 Present Charter Committee Note: Committee's report due to City Clerk by 4/29 to
Report to Mayor and Common meet deadline for May 16 MCC meeting;
Council
5/24 Possible Committee meeting (if
necessary)
6/6 Alternative date to present Note: Committee's report due to City Clerk by May 20 to
Charter Committee Report to meet deadline for June 6 MCC meeting
Mayor and Common Council
Charter Committee Final Report,May 16,2016 Page 32
Discuss Committee's final Not discussed.
report and presentation to
Mayor and Common Council