MOTION OF THE COUNCIL OF ALLEGHENY COUNTY
Amending Article I Section E (1) (i) of the Rules of Council for Allegheny County Council, to establish the Executive Committee as a committee of the whole to ensure all members equal participation in the establishment of procedural rules and decisions regarding personnel.
Whereas, the Rules of Allegheny County Council give the President of Council the discretion of creating certain committees at the beginning of each term to consider, investigate, or take action in regard to matters or subjects brought before Council except for two committees which shall always be established as standing committees, the Executive Committee and the Budget and Finance Committee; and
Whereas, the Rules of Council provide that the Executive Committee shall make recommendations designed to improve and expedite the business and procedures of Council and its committees and to propose any amendments to the Rules deemed necessary and also be charged with making recommendations and approving actions regarding personnel matters; and
Whereas, the Administrative Code section 305.02. (A)
requires County Council staff to perform such duties as assigned by the President of Council and the Council members which necessarily implies that each Council member carries the right to have access to staff and input as to the decisions regarding staff; and
Whereas, absent an individual right to participate in personnel decisions and the authorization of resources, Council’s staff could be hired and administered completely at the pleasure of the appointed Executive Committee Members and would frustrate the intent and purpose behind the Charter and Code which both guarantee Council members the support of a staff; and
Whereas, the Executive Committee is designated as a Standing Committee per the Rules of Council and Robert’s Rules of Order, which is established as authority for parliamentary proce...
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