TITLE
Recommendation to request that City Council communicate its expectations as a basis for confirmation of the next Assistant City Manager; that City Manager give City Council ample time to review candidates being considered prior to the confirmation vote; and City Manager share top candidates in order of preference with City Council in Closed Session.
DISCUSSION
With the Assistant City Manager position recently opening, now is the opportune time to refresh our memories as to the appointment and confirmation process for this very important position in the City of Long Beach.
According to the City Charter (Section 300 & 301), the Mayor and City Council have authority over two very important positions - City Manager and Assistant City Manager. The Charter states that the City Council shall appoint the City Manager and shall confirm the City Manager's appointment of an Assistant City Manager, "who shall be empowered to perform all duties of the City Manager in the event of the absence or disability of the City Manager and such other duties as the City Manager shall direct. The Assistant City Manager shall serve at the pleasure of the City Manager."
As such, it is important that City Council work closely with the City Manager in the selection of an Assistant City Manager and communicate its expectations for the type of leader we hope to confirm for hire. We believe Long Beach stakeholders deserve a dynamic, professional, ethical and approachable Assistant City Manager, capable of helping our City Manager, City staff, Mayor and City Council guide the City to its fullest potential.
Council members are very familiar with city operations affecting residents and businesses. We drive on city streets, walk on city sidewalks, take our families to city parks, and our constituents share with us their concerns about public safety, infrastructure, park programs, libraries and other city services they encounter during daily activities. We are accessible, and have firsthand knowledge of many issues.
While one can love Long Beach without being a resident, if you don't live in Long Beach, you simply don't have access to this important information. As a result, in the past there were times when City management personnel have been very professional in the administration of their departments but do not understand or relate to the vision of the City Council or the residents we serve.
While it is no longer legal to require an individual to live in the City of Long Beach in order to obtain or continue employment with the City, it is legal to ask an applicant if they "intend" to be a resident of Long Beach during their employment, or would consider relocating to Long Beach if they don't already live here.
The confirmation of the Assistant City Manager will be one of the most pivotal decisions, we as a Council, will decide in our tenure together as seated today. Our staff and constituents deserve a thoughtful, deliberative process.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
[Timing Considerations]
FISCAL IMPACT
None.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
Respectfully Submitted,
LENA GONZALEZ
COUNCILWOMAN, FIRST DISTRICT
SUJA LOWENTHAL
COUNCILMEMBER, SECOND DISTRICT
SUZIE PRICE
COUNCILWOMAN, THIRD DISTRICT
STACY MUNGO
COUNCILWOMAN, FIFTH DISTRICT