The City Council retains sole power of being the policy making and legislative body for the City. However, both the City Council and the City Manager have responsibilities for initiating consideration of new policies. The City Manager routinely prepares policy alternatives and recommendations for consideration by the City Council. The City Council may adopt, reject, or modify the recommendations. The City Manager is bound by whatever action the City Council takes and is responsible for implementation of the City Council-approved policy.
FAQs
The City of Livingston is offering FAQ section in attempt to answer frequently and asked questions and anticipate the needs of it's residents. In order to assist you find answers quickly, we have them down by Department. If you have additional questions not answered here, you can contact us via email or you can call City Hall (209)394-8041, and we will have someone get back to you.
City Council
How is City policy formulated and established under the Council/Manager form of government?
How many members are on the City Council?
The City Council consists of a Mayor, who is elected separately for a two-year term, and four City Council members, elected for a four-year term.
How many members of the City Council must be present in order to conduct business?
Three (3) members of the City Council constitute a quorum and are needed to conduct City business.
What are the duties, responsibilities and powers of the Mayor and the Mayor Pro Tempore?
The Mayor has the same duties, responsibilities and powers of the other members of the City Council. In addition, the Mayor presides over the sessions of the City Council, signs official documents when the signature is required by law, and acts as the official head of the City on public and ceremonial occasions.
The City Council elects from its members, a Mayor Pro Tempore. The Mayor Pro Tempore may be removed by the City Council at any time with or without cause upon an affirmative two-thirds vote. The Mayor Pro Tempore acts as Mayor in the absence or disability of the Mayor.
What are the qualifications to be a member of the City Council?
A member of the City Council must be at least 18 years old, a citizen of the United States and a resident of the City of Livingston.
What is the compensation of the City Council?
Members of the City Council are paid $300 per month. They receive no City benefits.
What is the difference between the City Council and the City Manager?
The City Council is the community’s legislative body and is similar to the Board of Directors of a private or public corporation. It provides direction on business matters, sets policy, and adopts the annual budget. It hires the City Manager and supervises his or her performance. The City Manager serves as the City Council’s chief advisor, prepares the budget, oversees the staff, and acts to carry out the City Council’s goals and programs.
Click here for more information regarding the duties of the City Council.
What is the purpose of the Council/Manager form of City government?
The Council/Manager form of City government is intended to provide the City Council with the power to govern a community and set policy. The City Manager has the authority to carry out the City Council’s goals and programs and manage the day-to-day operations of the City.
When and where are City Council meetings held?
Regular meetings of the City Council are held on the first and third Tuesday of the month at 7:00 p.m. Special meetings and emergency meetings may also be called by the City Council. City Council meetings are held in the City Council Chambers at 1416 “C” Street, Livingston, California. The City Council may hold a closed session in accordance with state law to consider matters permitted by statute.
When do new members of the City Council take office?
7:00 p.m. of the first day of the first regular meeting following the canvass of the election. This is usually the second meeting in November or the first meeting in December.
Where can I get an agenda of the City Council meeting?
The agendas of regular City Council meetings are posted at least 72 hours in advance of the meeting. They are posted on the bulletin board outside City Hall, and on the City’s web site at www.livingstoncity.com.
Who is currently on the City Council?
The following individuals currently sit on the City Council:
Gurpal Samra - Mayor
Raul Garcia - Mayor Pro Tem
Juan Aguilar Jr.- Council Member
Gagandeep Kang. - Council Member
Maria Baptista-Soto - Council Member
Click here for more information about members of the City Council.