FAQ

1. Who are the three appointed Charter Officers of the City of Lake Oswego?
   
2. Who is the chief administrative officer of the City?
   
3. What is the City Manager’s role relating to employees of the City?
   
4. Who prepares the City Budget and keeps Council apprised of the financial needs of the City?
   
5. What is the basis of the Council/Manager form of government under which Lake Oswego operates?
   
6. What is the chain of command if someone has a concern?
   
7. How is authority delegated in Lake Oswego?
   
8. What are the top priority projects that the City Manager’s staff is pursuing in 2009?
   

1.      The appointed City officers are the City Manager, City Attorney and Municipal Judge, each of whom serves at the pleasure of the Council and are appointed and removed by a majority of the entire Council.  Compensation for an appointed City officer shall be fixed as the Council may direct.  (Charter, Section 12).

2.      The City Manager, David Donaldson, is the full time chief administrative officer of the City and shall be responsible to the Council for the proper administration of those City affairs over which he or she is charged with responsibility pursuant to the Charter.  (Charter, Section 20, B.1)  The City Manager also serves as Executive Director of the Lake Oswego Redevelopment Agency (Agency), with the Mayor and City Councilors serving as the Chair and Members of the Agency.

3.      The City Manager shall appoint, remove, discipline and supervise all employees of the City in a manner consistent with the City personnel system.  (Charter, Section 20, B.2)  The City Manager may designate another person as the personnel officer and delegate to that person the responsibility of personnel administration.  (City Code 12.10.520)

4.      The City Manager prepares and submits the annual City Budget for the ensuing fiscal year, administers the adopted budget, and keeps the Council apprised of the financial condition and needs of the city. 

5.      The chief characteristic of this form of government is that the Council appoints a qualified person as City Manager or Administrator to take charge of the daily supervision of City affairs.  The Manager or Administrator serves at the pleasure of the Council: the Council sets policy and the Manager carries it out. 

6.         Normally, all questions and concerns should first be addressed at the staff level.  If not satisfied with the staff’s response, then they should go to that person’s supervisor, then to the department head.  If still unsatisfied, then concerns are directed to the City Manager. 

7.      The Lake Oswego City Code provides that the City Manager may delegate his/her authority to the various department heads and/or staff who shall act in accordance with the City Code and other laws. 

8.      The top priority projects that the City Manager’s office is pursuing during 2009, in accordance with City Council goals, are:  develop and utilize effective communicatins tools and programs to enhance public engagement; promote and incorporate sustainable principles and practices in all City programs, policies, and services; maintain and improve critical City infrastructure and preserve and secure resources for future generations; maintain and improve City facilities for the long term; invest in planning activities that improve the quality of life in Lake Oswego; promote prosperity and vibrancy in Lake Oswego's business community; and special efforts to maintain and improve the quality of life in Lake Oswego.  For a complete list of goals, go to http://www.ci.oswego.or.us/council/goals.htm.