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C H A P T E R 1 <br />Introduction & Overview <br />A San Leandro City Councilmember does more than establish important <br />and often critical policies for the community. Like a board member of a public <br />enterprise, Councilmembers share responsibility for the fiscal health of an <br />organization with an annual budget of $134 million. The scope of services and <br />issues addressed by the City organization go well beyond those frequently <br />reported in the newspaper or discussed at City Council meetings. <br />Purpose of City Councilmembers Handbook <br />This Handbook has been prepared to assist the City Council by <br />documenting adopted policies and accepted practices. It is intended as a resource <br />for information to aid the Council in its decision-making. <br />Overview of Basic City Documents <br />This manual provides a summary of important aspects of City Council <br />activities. However, it cannot incorporate all material and information necessary <br />for undertaking the business of a city council. Many other laws, plans and <br />documents exist which bind the City Council to certain practices and courses of <br />action. A summary of some of the most notable documents which establish City <br />Council direction is provided below. <br />City Charter: The Charter, the City's formal document of incorporation, <br />serves as the City's constitution and addresses the election and role of the City <br />Council, Mayor and Vice Mayor. It also describes the requirements for City <br />Council meetings as well as the appointment of certain city staff positions and <br />advisory commissions. <br />Municipal Code: The San Leandro Municipal Code contains local laws <br />and regulations adopted by ordinance including, but not limited to, community <br />standards, smoking restrictions, local tax standards, traffic regulations and historic <br />preservation. <br />Zoning Code: The San Leandro Zoning Code is comprised of regulations, <br />known as zoning regulations, establishing various classes of zoning districts <br />governing the use of land and the placement of buildings and improvements <br />within the City's zoning districts. <br />Administrative Code: The San Leandro Administrative Code contains <br />City policies, procedures and processes adopted by resolution that guide the <br />operations of the City Council, City departments and boards and commissions. <br />California Government Code: The Government Code contains many <br />requirements for the operation of city government and administration of meetings <br />The purpose of this <br />Handbook is to assist <br />the Council by <br />documenting <br />adopted policies and <br />accepted practices. <br /> <br />