HomeMy WebLinkAboutO-2000-2434
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ORDINANCE NO. 2000- 3-1I 3f
AN ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING GUIDELINES FOR TRAVEL BY CITY COUNCIL
MEMBERS TO EDUCATIONAL MEETINGS OUTSIDE RARRIS AND GALVESTON
COUNTIES; 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 a
The City Council establishes the following
guidelines, which shall apply to attendance by members of City
Council at educational meetings for elected off icials, outside
Harris and Galveston Counties:
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 when 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 notif ication 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. No travel or other arrangements will be made for children or
grandchildren unless that cost has been prepaid.
4. Prior to departure each councilperson will be given a stipend
of $75.00 per day, or more, if authorized by city council, to
cover meals and incidental expenses. Depending on travel
arrangements the per diem will be prorated to match the
departure and return dates. Airport parking is not considered
an incidental expense, and must be accounted for with a
receipt on the request for reimbursement.
5. Hotel stay and airport parking will be reimbursed only for the
interval from the first night before the opening general
session to the day following the closing meeting. Additional
time will be approved for attendance at meetings where the
councilperson serves on a committee or is on the program.
6. Taxis may be used between the hotel and the airport if no
hotel transportation is available. Mass transit should be
used for intracity travel when available unless there are time
constraints. Car rental is the responsibility of the
councilperson and will not be reimbursed unless pre-approved
by the city council.
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7. Expense accounts must be submitted within ten (10) days after
returning from a meeting. If the expense report is not
received by the City within ten (10) days after completing
travel, the City Manager shall refer the matter to the City
Council for handling. Receipts are mandatory for
reimbursement except when otherwise exempted by this policy.
Subsequent trips will not be allowed until a request for
reimbursement has been submitted for all previous trips.
8. Any exceptions to this policy shall be approved by ci ty
Council at a regular meeting.
Section 2.
The City Council officially finds, determines,
recites, and declares that a sufficient written notice of the date,
hour, place and subject of this meeting of the City Council was
posted at a place convenient to the public at the City Hall of the
ci ty for the time required by law preceding this meeting, as
required by the Open Meetings Law, Chapter 551, Texas Government
Code; and that this meeting has been open to the public as required
by law at all times during which this ordinance and the subject
matter thereof has been discussed, considered and formally acted
upon.
The City Council further ratifies, approves and confirms
such written notice and the contents and posting thereof.
section 3. This Ordinance shall be effective from and after
its passage and approval, and it is so ordered.
PASSED AND APPROVED, this ~ day of 5.efied1P.L1l , 2000.
CITY OF LA PORTE
BY:~~ ~
orman L. Malone
Mayor
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