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ORDINANCE NO. <br />AN ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING GUIDELINES FOR TRAVEL AND BUSINESS <br />EXPENSES BY CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS TO MEETINGS; PROVIDING <br />AUTOMOBILE EXPENSE ALLOWANCES; CONTAINING A REPEALING CLAUSE; <br />FINDING COMPLIANCE WITH THE OPEN MEETINGS LAW; AND PROVIDING AN <br />EFFECTIVE DATE HEREOF. <br />BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA PORTE: <br />Section 1. The City Council establishes the following guidelines, which shall apply <br />to attendance by members of City Council at educational meetings for elected officials, <br />and for automobile expense allowances. <br />A commitment for attendance should be given to the City Secretary at the earliest <br />possible date so that the lowest possible air fare and other discounts can be <br />obtained. This will normally be thirty (30) days prior to the event when air travel is <br />involved. The City Secretary shall aggressively solicit attendance information if <br />deadlines are approaching and a timely decision is needed. <br />2. If arrangements are made later, the difference in cost will be the responsibility of <br />the Councilperson. When notification is given and attendance does not occur, the <br />expenses already paid will be reimbursed to the City by adjusting the monthly <br />check. If there is a good reason for the lack of travel coordination, the City Council <br />may waive the penalty. <br />3. The City of La Porte will not pay or reimburse expenses for City Council member's <br />s o6"a". <br />embers. <br />No travel or other arrangements will be made for <br />spouses or other family members unless that cost has been prepaid. A <br />Councilperson shall reimburse to the City, any charges made by the hotel, for <br />additional room guests. <br />4. Prior to departure each Councilperson will be given a stipend based on their <br />selection as outlined below per day, or more, if authorized by City Council, to cover <br />meals and incidental expenses. Parking is not considered an incidental expense, <br />and must be accounted for with a receipt on the request for reimbursement. City <br />Council members must elect one of the following methods for travel: <br />a. IRS per diem; <br />C. Actual receipts; or <br />d. None <br />