City of Alexandria, Virginia
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MEMORANDUM
DATE: JUNE 21, 2022
TO: THE HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF CITY COUNCIL
THROUGH: JAMES F. PARAJON, CITY MANAGER /s/
FROM: GRETCHEN BULOVA, DIRECTOR, OFFICE OF HISTORIC ALEXANDRIA
DOCKET TITLE:
TITLE
Consideration of a Resolution Regarding the Delegation of City Council Authority to the City Manager or Designee. [ROLL-CALL VOTE]
BODY
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ISSUE: Consideration of a resolution to delegate authority from City Council to the City Manager or designee to accept certain gifts to the Office of Historic Alexandria.
RECOMMENDATION: That City Council adopt the attached resolution (Attachment 1) delegating the delineated actions to the City Manager or designee.
DISCUSSION: The Office Historic Alexandria (OHA) is charged with the conservation, interpretation, and promotion of the City's historic sites and exhibits. OHA regularly receives offers of donations, gifts, and bequests for display in one of many museums or displays operated by the department.
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, 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 OHA specifically, 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 designee would streamline the acceptance process and minimize the administrative burden of working with multiple departments to accept smaller items.
FISCAL IMPACT: By authorizing the City Manager or designee to execute accept or refuse gifts, donations, bequests, or grants of certain items, the City may receive items valued up to and including $25,000.00.
ATTACHMENT: Proposed Resolution Delegating Authority to the City Manager or Designee.
STAFF:
Emily A. Baker, Deputy City Manager
Joanna C. Anderson, Deputy City Attorney
Gretchen Bulova, Director, Office of Historic Alexandria
David Lanier, Assistant City Attorney