My 11.19.24 Meeting Summary

On Tuesday night the Council met to discuss a few significant items:

- We approved the installation of a plaque in memory of Bob Hoyer in the Grove Park.  As our first Mayor, Bob Hoyer was instrumental in the City's incorporation.  Even after leaving city government after four terms, Mr. Hoyer continued to work towards establishing a downtown park and what is now the Grove.  It is only fitting that a tribute to Mr. Hoyer be placed in the Grove for all to appreciate.

- We authorized painting and flooring work in City Hall.  The work will take place starting the week of December 16 and City Hall will be closed to the public during that time and through the holidays.  This is a regular maintenance item that hasn't been done in many many years.

- We had a lengthy discussion about the organizational structure of City staff, the potential of adding new positions, and eliminating certain positions that were no longer needed.  On balance, the proposal advanced by staff called for an addition of two FTEs.  This proposal would be largely flat from a financial perspective in FY25, and increase the FY26 spend by approximately $130K.

I appreciated and supported the new org structure.  It reduced the instances of a management position having only one person reporting to them.  A siloed vertical structure that we currently have can be inefficient.  

When the Council approved changes to the org structure earlier in the year, we did so with the intent of reducing the number of high level management positions, and increasing the number of staff level positions.  In a small city like Clayton, we often need more people to be hands on doing work, rather than more administration managing.  The newly proposed org structure reflects this.

And while I support the new org structure overall, there were a few items included where the work assessing the demand and level of those positions was still in flight.  Ultimately the Council took no action but instead gave feedback to staff on what level of analysis we would like to see regarding job duties and level for example, as well as some modifications that were identified.

We asked staff to come back with updated recommendations.

Upcoming Meeting 11.19.24

At our next Council meeting, we will be discussing several significant items:

- We will discuss the installation of a Bronze Plaque in memory of Bob Hoyer at the Grove Park.

- We will discuss flooring and painting maintenance items at City Hall.

- We will discuss the overall organizational structure of City staff, with a proposal for a reorganization including some new positions and removing some existing positions.

The current org chart is here:

The proposed org chart is here:

If you have any thoughts or questions on the above, please let me know.

My 10.15.24 Meeting Summary

Last night the Council met to discuss a few significant items:

- We appointed Amit Prayag as Clayton's representative to the Contra Costa Library Commission.  Mr. Prayag is well qualified and has volunteered to serve in this capacity to complete the remaining 3 year term.  The City thanks Jackie Ferree for her service and for continuing on beyond her term while the City found a replacement.

- We designated Councilmember Tillman to represent Clayton at the annual League of California Cities annual conference.  Councilmember Tillman will vote on the one resolution before the League which encourages the Governor and state Legislature to adopt rules that do not exempt themselves from open meeting laws that apply to County and local governments.  The City took a position in favor of the League resolution.

- We ratified the engagement letter of the City's new financial auditors, Chavan and Associates.

This was the last Council meeting prior to the November 5 election.  For County information on voter registration, see here:  https://www.contracostavote.gov/elections/voter-registration/register-to-vote/

Upcoming Meeting 10.15.24

At our next meeting we will be discussing a few significant items:

- The appointment of Amit Prayag to the Contra Costa Library Commission for the remainder of the current three year term (two years remaining).  The current appointee, Jackie Ferree, has served two full terms and has continued to serve in the absence of a new appointee.  Thank you, Ms. Ferree for your service.

- A designation of a voting delegate and alternate to the League of California Cities Annual Conference. We will also provide guidance to that representative on how the City would prefer to vote. There is only one resolution that will be voted on and that is whether the League should call upon the Governor and the Legislature to adopt a policy to not enact or approve of any law that applies solely to elected officials of California cities and Counties unless that law also applies equally to members of the state legislature.

Recently certain state Senate and Assembly bills have been passed regarding CEQA and campaign contributions that applied only to City and County officials and exempted state officials.

- We will discuss appointing new auditors for the City.

If you have any thoughts or questions on the above, please let me know.

My 10.1.24 Meeting Summary

On Tuesday the Council met and discussed one significant item:

- We discussed the process for adopting a City flag.  Most cities in Contra Costa County have their own flag.  We had received a presentation from an officer of the North American Vexillological Association (an organization of flag enthusiasts and scholars) which described the process and purpose of adopting a City flag, as well as some considerations regarding certain aspects of flag design.

The Council generally felt that adopting a City flag could be an exercise that brings community together and we will consider taking up the item at a future time.

- There were also two items from the consent calendar that we pulled for further discussion.  A contracting extension for some staff augmentation, as well as an agreement with our current investment broker to update our relationship to a managed service.  The Council requested more information and a presentation brought back so the full Council and community could understand this proposed change.

Upcoming Meeting 10.1.24

At our next meeting we will be discussing one significant item:

- A discussion on whether to create a City Flag.

If you have thoughts or questions on the above, please let me know.

My 9.17.24 Meeting Summary

On Tuesday, the Council met in regular session.  Though there were no public hearings or action items, we did discuss a few items:

The City presented a check to the Mt. Diablo Elementary PFC in the amount of $6,258.38.  

This year, the City Sponsored Special Events Committee consisting of myself and Vice Mayor Trupiano, had the idea of partnering with the PFC to collect donations at our annual Concerts in the Grove series.  Each year the City sponsors concerts and during those concerts the City has traditionally asked for donations in order to support the cost of the events.  Rather than have City staff and Councilmembers collect these funds, we asked if the PFC would like to help out, and in exchange we would share any of the monies donated.

It was a great success and I look forward to continued opportunities to partner with our local schools.

This was also the first meeting that our new City Manager, Kris Lofthus was present.  He started the day before, and I am excited to work with him as the City continues to move forward.