HomeMy WebLinkAboutA030 - Amendment to Section 2.45 of the Municipal Code, Duties and Powers of the City Manager, to authorize delegation of duties and powersITEM #:33
DATE:02-25-25
DEPT:ADMIN
SUBJECT:AMENDMENT TO SECTION 2.45, DUTIES AND POWERS OF THE CITY
MANAGER, TO AUTHORIZE DELEGATION OF POWERS
COUNCIL ACTION FORM
BACKGROUND:
Municipal Code, in Section 2.45, prescribes a set of duties and powers that may be exercised by the City
Manager. Historically, the City Manager has delegated certain responsibilities to the Assistant City
Managers. These delegated responsibilities have included the authority to approve contracts and change
orders, and the ability to approve certain employment actions.
During a recent personnel matter, a challenge was raised regarding the validity of the Assistant City
Manager to consent to a disciplinary action rather than the City Manager directly. The matter was
resolved, but in staff's opinion, it seems appropriate in Municipal Code to clarify that the City Manager
may delegate certain responsibilities to other staff members.
Staff has prepared a draft ordinance adding the ability to delegate the City Manager's powers to the list
of powers and duties of the City Manager. If approved, the City Manager would be able to designate
in writing which staff members have been delegated which powers.
ALTERNATIVES:
1. Approve first reading of an ordinance to amend Chapter 2.45, Duties and Powers of the City
Manager, to authorize delegation of duties and powers.
2. Do not approve the ordinance.
CITY MANAGER'S RECOMMENDED ACTION:
In order to ensure timely decisions and an efficient and effective administration of the City, it is
necessary for the City Manager to rely on assistants to handle day-to-day activities. These often
involve matters such as contracts and personnel issues. If approved, the ordinance would allow
some powers of the City Manager to be delegated. The City Manager would need to determine
which powers to delegate, and to whom, in order to formally delegate the authority. Therefore, it is
the recommendation of the City Manager that the City Council adopt Alternative No. 1, as described
above.
ATTACHMENT(S):
Ordinance City Manager Duties-Powers.PDF
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ORDINANCE NO. ______
AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND THE MUNICIPAL CODE OF
THE CITY OF AMES, IOWA, BY ENACTING A NEW
SECTION 2.45(20) THEREOF, FOR THE PURPOSE OF
CLAIRIFYING CITY MANAGER’S DELEGATION OF
DUTIES AND POWERS REPEALING ANY AND ALL
ORDINANCES OR PARTS OF ORDINANCES IN CONFLICT
TO THE EXTENT OF SUCH CONFLICT; AND
ESTABLISHING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
BE IT ENACTED, by the City Council for the City of Ames, Iowa, that:
Section One. The Municipal Code of the City of Ames, Iowa shall be and the same is hereby
amended by enacting a new Section 2.45(20) as follows:
DIVISION III
CITY MANAGER
***
Sec. 2.45. DUTIES AND POWERS OF THE CITY MANAGER.
The city manager shall be the chief administrative officer of the city and head of the administrative
service. The city manager shall:
***(20) Have the power to delegate any powers or authority to subordinate officers and department
heads to such extent that the city manager deems appropriate.
Section Two. All ordinances, or parts of ordinances, in conflict herewith are hereby repealed to
the extent of such conflict, if any.
Section Three. This ordinance shall be in full force and effect from and after its passage and
publication as required by law.
Passed this day of , 2025.
_____________________________________________________________________________
Renee Hall, City Clerk John A. Haila, Mayor
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