For City Council Meeting January 14, 2025
TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council
FROM: G. Michael Milhiser, Interim City Manager
AUTHOR: Tanya Williams, Assistant City Manager
Title
Request City Council to Consider a New Rotational Process for the Selection of Mayor Pro-Tem Based on Seniority.
(ACTION)
Body
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the City Council Consider a New Rotational Process for the Selection of Mayor Pro-Tem Based on Seniority.
BACKGROUND
California Government Code Section 36801 provides that, "after each election, the city council shall meet..and choose one of its number as Mayor, and one of its number as mayor pro tempore." The City of Rialto has an elective mayoral position. Therefore, section 36801 does not apply as to the appointment of a mayor. However, the State general laws governing cities with elective mayor positions are set forth in Government Code sections 34900, et. seq. Section 34905 requires that "a mayor pro tempore shall be chosen in the manner provided by section 36801."
If the mayor is absent or unable to act, the Mayor Pro Tem "shall serve until the mayor returns or is able to act." (Gov. Code ?36802.) In such capacity, the Mayor Pro Tem has all of the powers and duties of the mayor. (Id.)
Historically, the Mayor has appointed the position of Mayor Pro Tem following the election of new Council members. However, there are other options that the City Council can consider for the selection and consideration of this position.
Mayor Baca requested the new rotational item be placed on the agenda.
ANALYSIS/DISCUSSION
As stated previously, the position of Mayor Pro Tem plays a critical function for the City Council to serve in the capacity of Mayor in the Mayor's absence.
Historically, this position has been appointed by the Mayor. However, the City Council could consider and recommend a rotational process based on seniority. This would require that the City Council adopt a resolution to govern this process going f...
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