03-22-04 Regular Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

Browse Search

;.. t e . ORDINANCE NO. 20QU- AN ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING GUIDELINES FOR TRAVEL BY CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS TO EDUCATIONAL MEETINGS; OUTSIDC IIARRIS AND GAL-/CSTON COUNTICS, PROVIDING AUTOMOBILE EXPENSE ALLOWANCES: FINDING COMPLIANCE WITH THE OPEN MEETINGS LAW; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE HEREOF. BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA PORTE: Section 1. The City Council establishes the following guidelines, which shall apply to attendance by members of City Council at educational meetings for elected officials; outside Ilarris and Galveston Counties: and for automobile expense allowances 1. A commitment for attendance should be given to the City Secretary at the earliest possible date so that the lowest possible air fare and other discounts can be obtained. This will normally be thirty (30) days prior to the event wh.en air travel is involved. The City Secretary shall aggressively solicit attendance information if deadlines are approaching and a timely decision is needed. 2. If arrangements are made later, the difference in cost will be the responsibility of the Councilperson. When notification is given and attendance does not occur, the expenses already paid will be reimbursed to the City by adjusting the monthly check. If there is a good reason for the lack of travel coordination, the City Council may waive the penalty. 3. The City of La Porte will not payor reimburse expenses for City Council member's spouses or other family members. Any exception to this policy shall require prior approval by City Council. No travel or other arrangements will be made for spouses or other family members unless that cost has been prepaid. A Councilperson shall reimburse to the City, any charges made by the hotel, for additional room guests. 4. Prior to departure each Councilperson will be given a stipend of $75.00 based on their selection as outlined below per day, or more, if authorized by City Council, to cover meals and incidental expenses. Depending on tra'y'el arrangements the p,er diem __',i11 be prorated to mateh the departure and retum dates. Airport Parking is not considered an incidental expense, and must be accounted for with a receipt on the request for reimbursement. City Council members must elect one. of the following methods for travel a. IRS per diem b. 9;75 00 daily stipend c. Actual receipts This election will be signed by each council member annually Once the election is made it is not revocable for the entire year The year begins JanuaJY 1 of each year and ends on December 31