The Annapolis mayor could be stripped of managerial power if the city council approves legislation being introduced at tonight?s meeting.
Alderman Richard Israel, D-Ward 1, plans to introduce a bill that would give the city administrator authority to hire and fire department heads, as well as set salaries and hand out raises. Currently, the mayor performs those duties. The bill specifically calls for “enhancing the supervisory powers of the city administrator with respect to departmental directors,” and “barring the mayor and alderman from directing the work of departmental directors.”
Israel?s bill would amend the city charter to give the city administrator a greater role in running the city, while reducing the mayor?s daily duties to policymaking.
According to the city charter, the city administrator directs the operation of citygovernment, oversees the office of the mayor and assists the mayor in day-to-day supervision of government and municipal services.
The city administrator is supposed to be in charge of all administration and department heads, but Israel says the administrator doesn?t have the managerial power to do so.
He aims to have department heads directed by the city administrator, Bob Agee.
Anyone who violates the terms would be “guilty of misconduct in office and is subject to removal from office,” according to the bill.
The bill would not take effect until December 2009, after Mayor Ellen Moyer has finished her four-year term, but she has openly opposed the bill, saying it would weaken the power of future mayors. Moyer could not be reached for comment.
If you go
» What: Annapolis City Council Meeting
» When: 7:30 p.m.
» Where: City Hall, 160 Duke of Gloucester St., Annapolis
