§ 2-4.401. Recitals.

(a)

Assembly Bill 1234 imposes new restrictions on compensation and the reimbursement of expenses for members of local legislative bodies.

(b)

Government Code Section 54950 et seq., also known as the Ralph M. Brown Act, defines "members of a legislative body" to include the City Council and members of any Commissions or advisory bodies created by the Council.

(c)

The City has twenty (20) standing Boards, Commissions, and advisory bodies including the City Council, Airport Advisory Committee, Board of Building Appeals, Board of Zoning Adjustment, Charter Review Committee, Citizens Advisory Committee on Recycling, Citizens Housing and Community Development Committee, Citizens Redevelopment Advisory Committee, Community Qualities Forum, Culture Commission, Disabled Access Appeals Board, Downtown Improvement District Advisory Board, Equal Opportunity/Disability Committee, Golf Courses Advisory Committee, Housing Rehabilitation Loan Committee, Human Relations Commission, Landmark Preservation Commission, Local Cable Programming Committee, Planning Commission, and Tuolumne River Regional Park Citizens Advisory Committee.

(d)

Assembly Bill 1234 requires cities, towns, and other public agencies to adopt a written policy, in a public meeting, that lists the types of occurrences that qualify a member of a legislative body to receive reimbursements for expenses relating to travel, meals, lodging, and other expenses.

(e)

Members of the City's legislative bodies are currently reimbursed according to the City's expense policy for members of the City Council as adopted from time to time by resolution.

(f)

Assembly Bill 1234 requires the adoption of a more restrictive reimbursement policy with respect to members of the City's legislative bodies.

(g)

Assembly Bill 1234 takes effect on January 1, 2006.

All officers and employees of the City shall be entitled to reimbursement for expenses incurred for transportation, meals, lodging and incidentals necessarily incurred in the performance of their official duties in addition to such compensation as is otherwise provided. In case of any doubt as to the necessity for the incurring of any expense, the City Manager shall determine whether such necessity existed and may allow, reject or modify any claim or item or items thereof.

(Ord. 3406-C.S., effective 5-4-06)