Santa Ana Municipal Code Art. V City Manager

The City Council shall appoint a City Manager who by virtue of their position as City Manager shall be an officer of the City and who shall have the powers and shall perform the duties in this charter provided. No member of the City Council shall receive such appointment during the term for which they shall have been elected, nor within one (1) year after the expiration of their term.

The City Council shall appoint the City Manager for an indefinite term and may remove them by motion adopted by the affirmative votes of at least two-thirds (⅔) of the members of the council. At least thirty (30) days before such removal shall become effective, the City Council shall by resolution adopted by the affirmative votes of at least two-thirds (⅔) of the members of the council state the reasons for the removal of the City Manager. The City Manager may reply in writing and any member of the City Council may request a public hearing, which, if requested, shall be held not earlier than twenty (20) days nor later than thirty (30) days after the filing of such request. After such public hearing, if one be requested, and after full consideration, the City Council may remove the City Manager by motion adopted by the affirmative votes of at least two-thirds (⅔) of the members of the council. The resolution stating the reasons for the removal of the City Manager may provide for the suspension of the City Manager from duty, but shall in any case cause to be paid them forthwith any unpaid balance of their salary and their salary for the next calendar month following the date of adoption of the resolution.

The City Manager shall be chosen on the basis of their executive and administrative qualifications. They shall be paid a salary commensurate with their responsibilities as chief administrative officer of the City.

(Prop. of 2-4-63, approved on 4-2-63; Res. No. 63-027; Res. No. 2022-044, 8-2-22, approved at the election 11-8-22)

The City Manager shall be the chief administrative officer and the head of the administrative branch of the City government. They shall be responsible to and under the direction of the City Council for the proper administration of all affairs of the City. Without limiting the foregoing general grant of powers, responsibilities, and duties, the City Manager shall have power and be required to:

(a) Subject to the civil service provisions of this charter, and with the approval of the City Council, appoint all department heads and officers of the City except those officers the power of appointment of whom is vested in the City Council and as otherwise provided in this charter;

(b) Subject to the civil service provisions of this charter and ordinances adopted pursuant thereto, pass upon and approve all proposed appointments and removals of subordinate employees, by all officers and heads of offices, agencies and departments;

(c) Prepare the budget annually and submit it to the City Council and be responsible for its administration after adoption;

(d) Prepare and submit to the City Council as of the end of the fiscal year a complete report on the finances and administrative activities of the City for the preceding year;

(e) Keep the City Council advised of the financial condition and future needs of the City and make such recommendations as to these matters as may seem to them desirable;

(f) Keep themselves informed of the activities of the several agencies, offices, and departments of the City and see to the proper administration of their affairs and the efficient conduct of their business;

(g) Be vigilant and active in causing all provisions of the law to be executed and enforced;

(h) Perform all such duties as may be prescribed by this charter or required of them by the City Council, not inconsistent with this charter;

(i) Submit a monthly report to the City Council covering significant activities of the City agencies, offices, and departments under their supervision and any significant changes in administrative rules and procedures promulgated by them;

(j) Submit special reports in writing to the City Council in answer to any requests for information filed with them by a member of the City Council.

(Ord. No. NS-2074, § 5, 8-6-90, approved at election 11-6-90; Res. No. 2022-044, 8-2-22, approved at the election 11-8-22)

The City Manager shall be accorded a seat at the City Council table and shall be entitled to participate in the deliberations of the City Council, but shall not have a vote. They shall attend all regular and special meetings of the City Council unless physically unable to do so or unless their absence has received prior approval by a majority of the council.

(Res. No. 2022-044, 8-2-22, approved at the election 11-8-22)

To perform their duties during their temporary absence or disability, the City Manager may designate by letter filed with the City Clerk one of the other officers or department heads of the City to serve as acting City Manager during such temporary absence or disability. Such designation shall be subject to change thereof by the City Council. In the event of failure of the City Manager to make such designation, the City Council may by resolution appoint an officer or department head of the City to perform the duties of the City Manager until they shall be prepared to resume the duties of office.

(Res. No. 2022-044, 8-2-22, approved at the election 11-8-22)