‘Just the Facts’ About Coe and Kapancias

By: Libi Uremovic | Original Article at Patch.com

The City has added two more statements on their ‘Just the Facts’ web page.

JUST THE FACTS: The position of Police Chief is appointed by the City Manager.

WHY: State law and the City’s most recent Ordinance say so!

PROOF: Gov. Code, Section 34856 (attached) provides that the City Manager appoints and dismisses the Police Chief. Beaumont Municipal Code (BMC), Section 2.12.060.C (adopted in 1965) also supports Section 34856. Both Sections repeal and supersede Section 2.08.020 (adopted in 1913) of the BMC.

JUST THE FACTS: The City Manager is paid a salary set by an employment agreement. Any changes or bonuses must be approved by the City Council in a Regular Council Meeting.

WHY: A city manager’s employment contracts with the City and any amendment thereto are made by City Council in the open and are public records.

PROOF: Per Gov. Code 54957(b)(4) all compensation decisions by Council are to be made in open session. Per Gov. Code 54956(b) such decisions can only be made at regular Council meetings not special Council meetings. And any written employment contract is a public record per Gov. Code 6254.8.