Article IX — Miscellaneous Provisions

CH: 9.1. Construction.

The general grant of power to the City under Article II of this Charter shall be construed broadly in favor of the City. The specific provisions enumerated in this Charter are intended to be and shall be interpreted as limitations upon the general grant of power and shall be construed narrowly.

CH: 9.2. Violations.

The City Council may establish fines and penalties for violations of ordinances.

CH: 9.3. Definitions.

Unless the provision or the context otherwise requires, as used in this Charter:

• (a) "Shall" is mandatory, and "may" is permissive;

• (b) "City" is the City of Vernon;

• (c) "Council" or "City Council" is the City Council of Vernon;

• (d) "City Administrator" or "Administrator" is the City Administrator of Vernon;

• (e) "Majority" of the City Council means a majority of a quorum of the City Council.

• (f) "Majority of the members" of the Council means a majority of the entire membership of the City Council.

• (g) The masculine includes the feminine and the feminine includes the masculine.

• (h) The singular includes the plural and the plural includes the singular.

CH: 9.4. Official bonds.

The City Council shall, by ordinance, determine which officers or other persons in the service of the City, in addition to the City Treasurer, shall give bonds for the faithful performance of their duties. The Council shall fix by ordinance or resolution the amounts and terms of the official bonds of all officials or employees who are required to give such bonds. All bonds shall be executed by a responsible corporate surety, and shall be approved as to form by the City Attorney, and shall be filed with the City. Premiums on official bonds shall be paid by the City.

CH: 9.5. Residence.

The City Council may, to the maximum extent permitted by the Constitution of the State of California, provide by ordinance for protection against fraud in municipal elections in the City involving claims of residence in areas of the City in which personal residence is not permitted by law.

City of Vernon, CA CH: 9.6

CHARTER OF THE CITY OF VERNON

CH: 9.7

CH: 9.6. Severability.

If any provision of this Charter is held invalid, the other provisions of the Charter shall not be affected thereby. If the application of this Charter or any of its provisions to any person or circumstance is held invalid, the application of the Charter and its provisions to other persons or circumstances shall not be affected thereby.

CH: 9.7. Independent Reform Monitor.

For a period of four years from the adoption of this provision, there shall be a contract with an Independent Reform Monitor who shall review the City's policies and procedures and recommend City governance reform measures and initiatives in the best interest of the City. The Independent Reform Monitor shall execute these duties independently of the City Council and any City Officer.

The Independent Reform Monitor shall have the power to conduct audits of all city operations and budgets as well as review any proposed service contract that is substantial in nature. The Independent Reform Monitor shall report back annually to the state legislature on the progress of the City's reform efforts and shall make recommendations on any additional reforms that may be necessary.

(Adopted and ratified by voters at election of November 22, 2011)