Print
E-Mail
tool name
closePuyallup council granted more access to city hall
Interim manager Dannenberg introduces policy contrary to procedures during McLean’s tenure as the city manager
Neil Pierson/of The Herald
Puyallup City Council members unanimously supported a policy last week that gives them more leeway for how they deal with city staff.
The policy change, which was brought forward by Ralph Dannenberg during his first meeting as Puyallup’s interim city manager, lets the seven council members have open access to all parts of city hall. The policy is in sharp contrast to one put in place in July 2008 by then-Mayor Don Malloy while Gary McLean was the city manager.
During the majority of McLean’s tenure, which officially ended April 6, council members were given free access to the fifth floor at city hall, where they and the city manager maintain offices. But the policy limited council access to the building’s three other occupied floors, calling for them to make appointments through McLean before meeting with staff members.
“I think it’s important that the council is able to direct inquiries to staff as you are allowed by law,” he said. “In my opinion, you can call a staff member directly.”
The Revised Code of Washington (RCW) specifies that council members must deal with the city through the manager “except for the purpose of inquiry.” City councils aren’t allowed to hire, fire or give direction to staff members.
Deputy Mayor Tami Brouillet was the most vocal opponent of the policy change, though she eventually voted with the majority.
“I really thought that our policy has worked,” Brouillet said. “We should be invited or set up a meeting.
“We’re policy makers,” she added. “We should not have the reign of the whole city.”
Councilmember Rick Hansen disagreed, saying other cities around the region have “laughed at this policy” and believes the possibility of abusing the revised policy wouldn’t be an issue.
“The RCW says that we have the right to talk to anybody in the city regarding city business,” Hansen said.
In July 2008, Malloy announced the council’s access at city hall would be limited to the fifth floor unless a majority vote ruled otherwise. The policy was revisited twice later that year but remained unchanged.
Staff members use electronic cards to gain access at city hall, the police department and the 911 communications center, though access is limited based on an employee’s position. While the city manager has access to secure locations, Dannenberg said, the city has separate policies to keep council members out of those areas.
Prior to McLean’s departure, Councilmember John Knutsen said his ability to access most areas of city hall was severely limited. He said last week that the new policy had already proved beneficial.
“Before there was a discomfort on the faces of the employees for not being allowed to let us in,” he said. “Now we’re greeted with smiles and relief.
“People’s representatives should be allowed access to the people’s buildings,” he added.
Most of the council said they hoped officials would use common sense and not make unannounced visits with employees, especially those who might be too busy to talk.
“I think we as council members really need to be considerate of other people’s time,” Councilmember Kent Boyle said. “Although we don’t have to call the city manager to set an appointment, we should call the person we want to meet with prior to just showing up on somebody’s doorstep.”
Mayor Kathy Turner noted that she was hesitant to support the policy changes because there are people around town who believe the council runs the city. She reiterated the law — council members cannot direct city employees, only the city manager.
“It concerns me that council members think they can walk around the building and talk to staff members when they’re busy,” Turner said, “because staff members stop what they’re doing so they don’t offend a council member.”