1997 AGN APR 15 I20 - Laserfiche WebLink

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AGENDA REPORT CITY OF COLTON For City Council Meeting of April 15, 7997 Apri19, 7997 TO: MAYOR GAYTAN, CITY COUNCIL AND CITY MANAGER FROM: David Sandoval, Councilmember District 6 SUBJECT: Travel Policy for Economic Development Trips The proposed trip by the Mayor and others to New York and Washington to promote development of the Agua Mansa Corridor and to address issues related to the Delhi Sands Flower Loving Fly has raised several concerns in my mind. As I understand it, five people, including the Mayor and Councimember Sanders, the City Manager, the Community Development Director and the Utilities Director are scheduled to participate in the two-day trip to New York. In addition, a publicist who charges $100- per hour is also scheduled to attend, all at City Expense. Subsequent to the New York meetings, the Mayor and the City Manager are scheduled to travel to Washington to meet with various elected officials including Barbara Boxer and Diane Feinstein. While in Washington, the Mayor and City Manager will be joined by our special legal counsel, Paul Selzer who charges $250 per hour. Obviously, the expense of this trip will be very significant. While such a trip may be very worthwhile and productive, I am concerned that the City Council has not been fully 'informed as to its goats, objectives and purposes or as to the participants and the cost that will be involved. In order to assure that this and other economic development trips in fact serve the interests of the community, it would seem appropriate that the City have a policy regarding how and when such trips are scheduled and funded. I would suggest that a policy be implemented immediately that includes the following: 1. A requirement that the City Council approve any economic development trip carrying a cost of more than $2,500 in advance. 2. A requirement that the purpose of the trip be clearly explained to the City Council and that a well thought out and professionally prepared= action plan stating the specific goals and objectives to of the trip be reviewed and approved by the City Council so that those participating in the trip ,can speak strongly for the City as whole and so that their presentation will reflect the consensus of the entire City Council. 3. A requirement that the attendance of non -City personnel (lawyers, public relations experts, 'lobbyists or other political leaders) be included in any proposed economic development trip proposal at the time it is submitted for approval by the City Council. 4. A requirement that specific travel arrangements and costs be itemized in any proposal for an economic development trip so that the Council can properly evaluate the value of the proposed trip to the City. If these matters can be addressed to the satisfaction of the City Council at the April 15, 1997 meeting, there should be no problem in authorizing the proposed trip to go forward. I believe it is essential, however, that the Council consider and authorize the proposed trip prior to the City incurring what will undoubtedly be a significant cost in time and money. Item No. 20