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Last year, during the 2010 election, I received only one question about campaigning and <br />endorsements. The question came from a representative of an employee association that <br />wanted to endorse a candidate for sheriff. Consistent with our policy, the representative was <br />told that the association could endorse a candidate as long as it did not in any way indicate <br />that the City was endorsing the candidate. All employees have the same right as any citizen <br />does to endorse or campaign for political candidates. However, they may not campaign or <br />endorse using the City's name, or infer due to their position or title, that they represent the <br />City's position in the election. <br />The second issue of discussion requested is council/staff relations. The Personnel Policy <br />Manual is mute on the subject thereby allowing council and staff relations as deemed <br />appropriate by the Council. In 2004 there was also discussion about this issue. A copy of <br />those minutes is attached for your review. At that time the Council supported open <br />discussion between Council and staff, and that philosophy has continued. In some cases, <br />however, such as reporting harassment and other personnel matters, it is critical that the <br />proper chain of command be followed so timely and accurate reporting is made to the <br />correct staff. If that does not occur, the city risks potential liability exposure. The Personnel <br />Policy Manual addresses those specific situations. <br />Finally, as you may recall, the entire Personnel Policy Manual is scheduled to be reviewed <br />and updated this year. That process will require thorough review by our attorney to ensure <br />that all of the policies comply with all applicable state and federal laws as they currently exist. <br />There have been law changes made since the policy was last updated, and although the law <br />changes have been followed in practice they have not yet been included in the policy manual. <br />Any changes to the two items addressed in this memo would be included in the updated <br />Personnel Policy Manual. <br />