This measure would remove from the City Charter two provisions that establish rules for appointing candidates and promoting employees to open positions within the City's classified service.
Article XI of the City Charter contains personnel rules. Charter Section 1107, titled "Performance Evaluations,"currently requires, in the last paragraph, that promotions be made on the basis of ascertained merit, credit and seniority in service, and examination, and that vacancies be filled by promotion upon competitive examinations unless the appointing authority in particular instances believes it impractical or not in the best interest of the public service, and the reasons therefor are submitted to and approved by the Personnel Board. Charter Section 1108, titled "Appointments," currently implements the "Rule of Three," which requires that when there is an open position, the Personnel Director provides the appointing authority the names of the three highest candidates on the promotional eligible list or the names of the candidates in the top three bands on an open (non-promotional) eligible list for the position. Section 1108 also provides that, when no eligible lists are available, the Personnel Board may authorize the appointing authority to make temporary appointments for up to 180 days, to prevent the stoppage of public business and meet extraordinary conditions.
This measure would amend Section 1107 by eliminating the last paragraph, and repeal Section 1108.
The Santa Monica Municipal Code currently contains provisions that implement the above rules -- Municipal Code Section 2.04.240 requires that promotional lists based on examination be used as required by Charter Section 1107; Municipal Code Section 2.04.140 implements the Rule of Three set forth in Charter Section 1108; and Municipal Code Section 2.04.180 permits temporary appointments as set forth in Charter Section 1108. These Municipal Code provisions, however, may be amended or repealed by action of the City Council, unlike the existing Charter provisions, which may be amended or repealed only by submission of a measure for approval by the voters.
The Santa Monica City Council placed this measure on the ballot. A "yes" vote supports the passage of the amendment to the Santa Monica City Charter; a "no" vote opposes passage of the amendment. A majority vote (i.e., more than 50% of the votes cast) is required to pass the measure.
