What are the ethical problems of City Council?

Called councilmanic interference, such behavior creates several ethical problems. First, the council develops a set of priority projects and budgets for them. Going outside of these priorities to write a proposal commits the city to an action that council has not agreed to.

Is it illegal to go directly to a city staff member?

Discussion: For a councilmember to go directly to a member of the city staff is actually illegal in many jurisdictions. Called councilmanic interference, such behavior creates several ethical problems. First, the council develops a set of priority projects and budgets for them.

Can a city councilmember bypass the professional staff?

Usually, the professional staff negotiate entitlements and benefits with direction from the council. Staff have the expertise and training in planning, zoning, and municipal law, while councilmembers’ expertise is in the political and policy arenas. Bypassing this process undercuts the relationship between council and staff, and hurts morale.

Can a city councilmember put an issue on the agenda?

The city manager should explain that any two councilmembers can put an issue on the council agenda, which would be the proper way to initiate this new project. Second, councilmanic interference places the staff person in a difficult position.

How does a city council member act as an individual?

If a council member must become involved in decisions with respect to an individual employee, the member should not act unilaterally but should instead act as part of the council. The member should also act pursuant to the requisite formalities that will ensure legislative immunity applies.

Can a city council member be subject to censure?

In one case, Braun v. City of Taft , a city council member was subject to censure by the council for removing documents from a city employee’s personnel file and revealing them to the press.

Can a city council member be liable for invasion of privacy?

Under California law, city council members can be liable for invasion of privacy, among other things. Third, the threat of liability presents another factor that limits council member roles toward individual employees. One potential type of liability is for invasion of privacy. In one case, Braun v.

Can a city council member have legislative immunity?

Legislative immunity is limited. Second, city council members may well not have legislative immunity with regard to actions toward individual employees. This is particularly true if the council member acts unilaterally. Typically, when a city council member acts as a legislator, he or she has absolute immunity.