City Council Raises Concerns Over DWP Rate Setting and Exempt Positions

The Special Charter Reform Meeting held by the Los Angeles City Council on February 11, 1999, addressed several critical issues regarding governance and operational changes within the city. The meeting began with discussions surrounding the implications of exempt positions within city departments, particularly the addition of 60 to 70 new exempt roles, including deputy chiefs and assistant general managers. Council members expressed concerns about the accuracy of the presented figures and the potential impact on city operations.

A significant point of contention arose regarding the Department of Water and Power (DWP) and its rate-setting authority. The council noted that the DWP's rate-setting would no longer be under the council's purview but would instead be managed by the Board of Water Commissioners. This shift raised concerns about public transparency and accountability, particularly regarding the sale of surplus water outside city limits.

The council also scrutinized the decision to grant the mayor a policy veto while removing the council's veto power over the removal of commissioners. This change sparked debate about the balance of power between the mayor's office and the council, with some members questioning the rationale behind such a shift.

Further discussions focused on contract provisions, specifically the exceptions to competitive bidding for professional services and the authority granted to city officers for public works projects. Council members sought clarification on the implications of these provisions, emphasizing the need for oversight and accountability in contracting processes.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to revisit several key issues, including the management of revenue collection, the implications of exempt positions, and the governance structure surrounding the DWP. Council members expressed a desire for further clarification and potential amendments to ensure that the charter reform aligns with the city's operational integrity and public interest. The next steps involve continued discussions and evaluations of the proposed changes to ensure a balanced and transparent governance framework for Los Angeles.