City of Alexandria, Virginia
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MEMORANDUM
DATE: JUNE 4, 2024
TO: THE HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF CITY COUNCIL
THROUGH: JAMES F. PARAJON, CITY MANAGER
FROM: CHERAN C. IVERY, CITY ATTORNEY
DOCKET TITLE:
TITLE
Consideration of a Resolution Regarding the Delegation of City Council Authority to the City Manager or Designee. [ROLL-CALLVOTE]
BODY
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ISSUE: Consideration of a resolution to delegate authority from City Council to the City Manager to accept certain gifts on behalf of the City.
RECOMMENDATION: That City Council adopt the attached resolution (Attachment 1) delegating the delineated actions to the City Manager or designee.
DISCUSSION: The City of Alexandria regularly receives offers of donations, gifts, and bequests both for the general benefit of the city and to support specific city departments, boards, and commissions.
City Council is empowered by the City Charter and the Code of Virginia to accept gifts donations, bequests, and grants on behalf of the City. However, City Council may delegate this authority to the City Manager or other comparable officers provided there are reasonably precise standards to guide the office in the exercise of the power. Given the increasing volume and regularity of donations to the City as a whole, delegating a portion of City Council’s authority to accept gifts, donations, bequests, and grants under a certain dollar value to the City Manager or their designee would streamline the acceptance process and minimize the administrative burden of formally accepting smaller items. Such gifts, donations, bequests, and grants may take the form of cash, property, or in-kind service.
FISCAL IMPACT: By authorizing the City Manager or their designee to accept or refuse gifts, donations, bequests, or grants of certain items, the City may receive items valued up to and including $25,000.00.
ATTACHMENTS:
Proposed Resolution Delegating Authority to the City Manager or Designee.
STAFF:
David Lanier, Assistant City Attorney