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<br /> 5. Honor institutional commitments, revisiting these decisions only if substantive changes <br /> in law, finances or environment require. <br /> PART 3. FORM OF GOVERNMENT <br /> A. Introduction. <br /> 1. Of the 290 home rule cities in the state, nearly 87 percent operate under the council- <br /> manager form of government. The basic structure of the council-manager form of government is <br /> similar to that of a private corporation where the stockholders elect a board of directors which then <br /> hires a president to run the company. Under the council-manager plan, the voters elect a city council, <br /> which in turn hires a city manager to administer the city's day-to-day affairs. <br /> 2. In a council-manager city, as in any other, the city council serves as the legislative body. <br /> Under the council-manager plan, the mayor and council members have no administrative duties, <br /> These are vested in the city manager, who is responsible for directing the workforce and programs <br /> of the city in accordance with ordinances, rules and regulations adopted by the city council. <br /> B. Roles and Responsibilities <br /> 1. Mayoral Responsibilities. The mayor, or in his/her absence, the mayor pro-tem or deputy <br /> mayor pro-tem, serves to coordinate and connect all parts of the system of city government to <br /> improve interactions and insure clear communication between the city council, city manager, the <br /> staff and the public, The mayor is also the community spokesperson in regional, state or national <br /> matters, The mayor/mayor pro-tem: <br /> a. Presides as chairperson for city council meetings; <br /> b. Establishes and enforces appropriate time limits; <br /> c. Insures that the council acts according to its own policies and procedures; <br /> d. Acts as the council's primary spokesperson on decisions made by the council; <br /> e, Preserves meeting decorum and order; <br /> f, Encourages dialogue on strategic matters by all council members; <br /> g, Mediates conflicts that arise or designates a mediator as needed; <br /> h. Helps orient new council members and encourages ongoing education of existing council <br /> members; <br /> i. Has a vote on agenda items and has a voice in matters requiring council action; and <br /> k. Works to ensure positive relationships and an effective governing body, <br /> 2. Council Responsibilities. The city council members act as community trustees and ensure <br /> that the long term interests of the San Marcos community are addressed. The council functions as <br /> a single voice, and provides a link between city government and the citizens. Council members: <br /> a. Initiate and review policies based on their shared values-- These policies will reflect the <br /> needs of the city of San Marcos; <br /> b, Establish short and long-term goals; <br /> 3 <br />