As used herein, the term “department director” means the official of any department of the city whose title is “director,” “chief” or “manager” thereof or any other official who is the head of any administrative department or office of the city.
The following procedures shall be used to fill vacancies as they may occur with respect to the director of any city department, and the successor in office shall be responsible for the duties as ascribed thereto:
(a) Designation and duties of temporary acting department director. Every department director shall, by written memorandum filed with the city manager in the case of those appointed by him and with the city secretary, city auditor and the city attorney, designate one of his assistants to be temporary acting department director who shall have and exercise the powers of the department director during his absence from the city for any reason. The authority and responsibility of the department director shall continue to exist concurrently with the temporary acting department director, and he shall resume his duties upon his return.
(b) Appointment and duties of acting department director.
(1) In the event a department director is absent from the city for an extended period of time, or is deemed by the city council, city manager, board or commission that has the appointing authority with respect to the department director, to be unable to perform his duties by reason of any illness or disability, the appointing authority may appoint a temporary successor, with the title of acting department director, to perform the duties of the department director until his return to the city, or his recovery from such illness or disability.
(2) In the event a department director’s position is vacated by reason of termination or dismissal, or if a new department is established, the appointing authority may appoint an acting department director to exercise the duties of the position pending the selection and appointment of the department director on a permanent basis.
(3) Appointments to positions of acting department director made by the appointing authority shall be by memorandum and a copy of such memorandum shall promptly be furnished the city manager, in cases of action by the council, a commission or board, the city secretary, the city auditor and the city attorney. The city secretary shall retain in an official file a signed copy of every such memorandum for a period of five years from the date thereof.
(4) During the term of such appointment, the acting department director shall have the same powers and duties of the department director, as set forth in the charter, ordinances and resolutions. During such term of appointment, the department director shall be relieved of his authority and responsibilities. (Ord. 13015)