8 15-1282 Subject: Designating The City Clerk To Keep Minutes In Closed Session
From: Council President Lynette Gibson McElhaney
Recommendation: Adopt A Resolution Pursuant To Government Code Section 54957.2. (A) Designating The City Clerk To Attend City Council Closed Sessions To Keep And Enter In A Confidential Minute Book A Record Of Topics Discussed And Decisions Made At The Meeting
Since the City Clerk is empowered by the City Council, as a logical matter, it makes sense that the only person or body that can alter the responsibilities or duties of the City Clerk would be the City Council. Even if the City Council were dealing with an individual who has not been a model of professionalism and excellence for the entirety of her tenure as City Clerk, the City Administrator is not vested with the power to make this move. There are many others who will offer conjecture as to why the City Administrator is engaging in what some could view as defamatory power grab. I will not. Instead, I will remind the Council that Ms. Simmons is well-regarded locally, state-wide and nationally for her innovation, best-practices and professionalism. She is someone to include in any meeting, not exclude. Her reputation for integrity, character and ethics serve the City of Oakland as efficiently as her professional skills.
Latonda Simmons' is one of the best things about the City of Oakland. She is committed, loyal, consistent, and extremely knowledgeable about her work. Removing her from closed sessions and her ability to do her job was a big mistake, and I proudly support rectifying it and making her placement at closed sessions permanent. Tonya D. Love - District 2.
Since the City Clerk is empowered by the City Council, as a logical matter, it makes sense that the only person or body that can alter the responsibilities or duties of the City Clerk would be the City Council. Even if the City Council were dealing with an individual who has not been a model of professionalism and excellence for the entirety of her tenure as City Clerk, the City Administrator is not vested with the power to make this move. There are many others who will offer conjecture as to why the City Administrator is engaging in what some could view as defamatory power grab. I will not. Instead, I will remind the Council that Ms. Simmons is well-regarded locally, state-wide and nationally for her innovation, best-practices and professionalism. She is someone to include in any meeting, not exclude. Her reputation for integrity, character and ethics serve the City of Oakland as efficiently as her professional skills.
Latonda Simmons' is one of the best things about the City of Oakland. She is committed, loyal, consistent, and extremely knowledgeable about her work. Removing her from closed sessions and her ability to do her job was a big mistake, and I proudly support rectifying it and making her placement at closed sessions permanent. Tonya D. Love - District 2.