There are three charter officers who answer directly to Venice City Council. They are, from left, City Manager Martin Black, City Clerk Lori Stelzer and City Attorney Bob Anderson.

City Manager Martin Black

City Manager Martin Black is a full-time executive with experience and training in administering local government staffs, projects and programs on behalf of the council. The city manager is ultimately responsible for the daily operations of most departments in the city. As the chief executive officer, he provides support for the mayor and council. It is the city manager's responsibility to recruit and hire the city's staff members and oversee their functions. The city manager also prepares a recommended annual budget which council may approve, disapprove or modify. Other administrative chores handled by the city manager's office include collecting occupational license fees and granting special event and right-of-way use permits.

City Attorney Robert Anderson

City Attorney Robert Anderson, of the firm Hall and Anderson, is hired by the city to represent it in legal disputes and advise staff members and City Council concerning legal issues. Associates Anderson and Wayne Hall sit as advisors on many city boards. In addition, the city attorney prepares and reviews ordinances and resolutions and helps negotiate contracts, including those for employee bargaining units.

City Clerk Lori Stelzer

City Clerk Lori Stelzer is charged with keeping the city's records, orchestrating city elections, writing documents, ordinances, resolutions and proclamations, assisting with annexations and administering oaths. The city clerk also prepares the city council meeting agenda and takes the minutes of all city board and committee meetings.