Westminster City Council
SUBJECT
Title
Approval of Out-of-State Travel for Remaining Council Members to Attend the Innovating Commerce Serving Communities (ICSC) 2024 Conference at the Las Vegas Convention Center from May 19 through May 21, 2024.
End
From: Christine Cordon, City Manager
Requested by: Administration
Prepared by: Christine Cordon, City Manager
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RECOMMENDED ACTION
Recommendation
Consider the approval of remaining Council Members to travel to Las Vegas, Nevada, for the 2024 ICSC Las Vegas Conference from May 19-21, 2024.
BACKGROUND
At the February 14, 2024 meeting, the City Council authorized Vice Mayor Kimberly Ho and Council Member Carlos Manzo to attend the ICSC Conference in Las Vegas in May to support the City’s efforts to attract, seek, and bolster economic development opportunities. Per Resolution No. 4005, which established the travel policy for elected and appointed officials, expenditures related to out-of-state travel requires formal approval by the City Council.
During the meeting, Mayor Chi Charlie Nguyen expressed interest in attending, but in being mindful of the budgetary constraints, he stated he would pay out of his own pocket to attend the conference. Councilwoman Amy Phan West has since expressed interest in attending and paying on her own.
In processing the concept of council members paying out of pocket for expenses related to attendance and participation, there were concerns expressed regarding liability and whether the council members who paid on their own would be covered for any issues should they arise. Technically, council members who pay on their own were not authorized for any use of public expenditures, and if something were to happen such as a trip and fall or worse, they could not be covered by any liability process in place with the city. While council members are free to pay on their own to attend any event at any time as an attendee, this complication is further exacerbated because the council members’ role at ICSC also includes physically working at the City’s booth, which increases liability to the City.
At this time, this item is being brought back to provide the City Council the opportunity to consider participation for any of the remaining council members. If the City Council chooses not to approve funding for any additional members, staff is requesting direction on whether council members wishing to attend on their own time and funds should be able to participate at the booth and what parameters should be in place.
About ICSC
Founded in 1957, ICSC is the global convention for the shopping center industry and provides networking, deal-making, and educational opportunities for retail and real estate professionals from around the world. Its more than 70,000 members in over 100 countries include shopping center owners, developers, managers, investors, retailers, brokers, academics, and public officials. Previously known as the “International Council of Shopping Centers,” ICSC was rebranded in 2021 to “Innovating Commerce Serving Communities” in hopes of expanding its membership and reach to not only the real property industry, but also emerging technology companies and other providers of services that complement those in the industry.
The ICSC annual conference in Las Vegas boasts over 1,000 exhibiting companies and is an opportunity for attendees to engage in deal making, networking, and educational sessions.
FISCAL IMPACT
Cost is approximately $3,000 for registration, airfare, hotel lodging, and per diem ($50/day) expenses for each council member; and will be expended from the Economic Development Fund Account No 11501-44030 - Training and Meeting.
LEGAL REVIEW
The City Attorney’s Office has reviewed as to form.
CONCLUSION
Two council members are already approved to participate and are funded by city funds. City Council may, however, opt to approve additional participants at their discretion.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Resolution No. 4005
REVIEWED BY
Erin Backs, Finance Director
Christian Bettenhausen, City Attorney
Christine Cordon, City Manager