Bell Municipal Code Ch. 2.08 Chief Administrative Officer

The office of chief administrative officer of the city is created and established. The holder of such office shall be appointed by the city council solely on the basis of his or her executive and administrative qualifications, ability and previous governmental experience.

(Prior code § 2250)

No member of the city council shall be eligible for an appointment as chief administrative officer during that member's term as such, nor within one year after he or she has ceased to be a member of the council.

(Prior code § 2251)

The chief administrative officer shall be the administrative head of the city government under the direction and control of the city council. The chief administrative officer shall be responsible for the efficient administration of all of the affairs of the city which are under his or her control. The chief administrative officer shall:

A. Be responsible for the preparation and submission to the city council of the annual city budget and its administration after its adoption; and

B. Prepare and submit to the city council at the end of each fiscal year a comprehensive report of the financial and administrative activities of the city for the preceding year; and

C. Advise the city council of the financial condition and future needs of the city; and

D. Prepare such administrative rules and regulations as he or she deems necessary or expedient for the general conduct of the administrative offices and all departments of the city; and

E. Be responsible for public relations and the dissemination of information to the citizens of the city; and

F. Attend all meetings of the city council and meetings of such other boards and commissions as may be designated by the city council; and

G. Be responsible to see that all franchises, permits and privileges granted by the city council are faithfully performed and all due conditions met and observed; and

H. Appoint competent, qualified officers and employees to the administrative service pursuant to the provisions of this title; to dismiss, suspend and discipline such officers and employees in accordance with the provisions of this title; to transfer employees from one department to another, consistent with the provisions of this title; to recommend to the city council such reorganization of departments or divisions as may be indicated in the interest of efficient, effective and economical conduct of the city's business, and to effect such reorganization when authorized by the city council; to employ such temporary or part-time employees as may from time to time be required, in his or her opinion; provided, however, that the appointment of any department head designated as such pursuant to this title shall be subject to the city council's approval; and

I. Control, order and give directions to all department heads, subordinate officers and employees of the city, excluding the city clerk and city treasurer in matters which state law has confided to their exclusive and uncontrolled jurisdiction; and

J. Devote his or her entire time to the duties of his or her office and to the interests of the city; and

K. Perform such other duties as may be required of him or her from time to time by the city council.

(Prior code § 2252)

Unless otherwise directed in this code, the duty of enforcing the provisions of this code shall be the responsibility of the chief administrative officer.

(Prior code § 1105)

A. The chief administrative officer shall serve at the pleasure of the city council, but he or she shall not be removed from office during or within a period of 90 days from the next succeeding municipal election at which a member of the city council is elected. At any other time the chief administrative officer may be removed only: (1) at the regular meeting of the city council; and (2) by a motion carried by not less than the affirmative votes of three members of the city council.

B. In removing the chief administrative officer, the city council shall use its uncontrolled discretion, and its action shall be final and conclusive.

(Prior code § 2253)

The city council shall, from time to time, establish the compensation to be paid to the chief administrative officer, including, but not limited to, appropriate fringe benefits.

(Prior code § 2254)

Notwithstanding the provisions of Sections 2.08.050 and 2.08.060 of this code, the city council is authorized to enter into a written employment agreement with a qualified person with respect to the position of chief administrative officer of the city. Such agreement, during its term or extended terms shall govern the terms and conditions of employment of the chief administrative officer, provided that the duties of such position shall be as set forth in Section 2.08.030 of this code. All other conditions of employment shall be as set forth in such written agreement.

(Prior code § 2255)