To: MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
From: LUKE SMUDE, ASSISTANT TO THE CITY MANAGER
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DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION REGARDING ADOPTION OF THE REVISED CITY COUNCIL RULES OF CONDUCT AND DECORUM ALONG WITH ADDITIONAL UPDATES TO COUNCIL PROCEDURES AND DOCUMENTATION, INCLUDING STARTING CLOSED SESSION DELIBERATIONS AT 4:00 P.M. RATHER THAN 4:30 P.M., UPDATING THE CITY COUNCIL AGENDA TEMPLATE, AND ESTABLISHING A SCRIPT TO BE UTILIZED WHEN DISRUPTIONS TO CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS OCCUR
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
As part of an ongoing effort to improve the efficacy of the City's public meetings, staff is presenting the Revised City Council Rules of Conduct and Decorum for City Council review, discussion, and possible direction/action. The proposed Rules establish a consolidated, updated, and comprehensive framework governing City Council meetings, Commission meetings, public participation, quasi-judicial procedures, motions, decorum, and remote participation.
The proposed Rules incorporate detailed procedures on meeting conduct, public comment, enforcement provisions, commissioner roles, as well as standards of conduct and also include updated provisions aligned with recent changes in the Brown Act, including requirements stemming from the adoption of Senate Bill (SB) 707 regarding disruptions to telephonic or internet service. Council is also being asked to consider an updated Council Agenda template, along with a script that would be utilized if disruptions to City Council meetings occur.
BACKGROUND
The City Council is authorized under the City Charter to establish rules for the conduct of City proceedings and to create boards and commissions as required to promote the interests of the City. The Rules of Conduct currently in place were last updated in April 2022. Subsequently, through strategic planning discussions in 2023 and 2024, the City Council expressed the need for more structured meeting procedures, clearer commission roles, and stronger tools to add...
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