Glendale committee recommends package of charter language changes on hiring, oversight and council conduct
Loading...
Summary
The Charter Review Committee voted Feb. 5 to recommend several charter language changes to City Council, including a non‑interference clause for council members and personnel‑selection adjustments (a 'three whole scores' selection rule, probationary-period authority and rules for promotional reallocations).
The Glendale Charter Review Committee on Feb. 5 voted to recommend a set of charter-language changes to the City Council covering council conduct and civil‑service hiring procedures.
Staff told the committee the package combines a non‑interference provision for council members with changes in Article 24 that would let appointing authorities select from candidates within the three highest whole scores, authorize civil service to set probationary periods up to 18 months (with 12 months remaining the maximum for sworn personnel) and permit promotional reallocations when no vacancy exists provided strict criteria are met. As Mr. Garcia explained, staff expects civil service rules to refine implementation details after the charter language is adopted.
Public speakers urged stronger oversight and auditing mechanisms during the public comment period. Chris Pratt told the committee he supported “concrete charter reforms focused on independence, accountability, and public trust,” urging automatic audits when projects exceed scope or cost by 20 percent and public reporting for settlements over $50,000. Herbert Milano asked the committee to agendize creating an audit commission, citing perceived gaps in contract audits.
Committee members asked technical questions: one member sought clarification that whole scores drop decimals rather than round, and staff confirmed that “if there’s any sort of fraction, it rounds to the whole number” by dropping the decimal places. Legal and staff counsel told members the non‑interference clause would provide an additional guardrail and that enforcement could include reminders from the city manager, municipal‑code remedies and council action such as censure.
A motion to bundle the proposed text in Article 9 (non‑interference) and Article 24 (three whole scores, probationary authority, promotional reallocations) was moved and seconded; the committee took a roll call and the motion carried. Committee members directed staff to return with final language and next steps for referral to the City Council.
The committee’s recommendation is advisory — the Charter Review Committee does not itself change the charter — and any amendment would still be subject to council and, when applicable, voter approval.
