REPORT TO COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
Consider and Approve Changes to the Council Policy Manual: (1) Amend Council Policies 1.1.10 Use of the Public Sidewalk on the 100 Block of South Murphy Avenue, 4.0 Long-Term Advocacy Positions – Public Safety, and 7.3.19 Council Meetings; (2) Rescind Council Policies 4.1.1, 4.1.2, 4.2.1, 4.3.1, 4.4.1, and 7.3.15; and (3) Adopt a Resolution Changing the Regular Council Meeting Time to 6 p.m.
Report
BACKGROUND
Staff periodically reviews Council Policies to ensure the Council Policy Manual remains current, clear, and aligned with applicable law and Council direction. When proposed edits are limited to minor clarifications that do not alter the policy's original intent, such as clarifying Council’s intent or memorializing existing practice, the City Manager typically approves those changes, shares them with Council, and processes them without formal Council action. When proposed changes represent a substantive change in Council’s original intent or introduce new policy direction, the revisions are brought forward for formal Council consideration.
In late 2025, staff began a focused effort on updating many outdated Council Policies. The current Council Policy review effort has been incorporated into the Strategic Framework Workplan under the Responsive Government Goal as an operational project suggested by staff (Workplan Item GO-37, Update Council Policies). This policy review aims to ensure all Council policies are updated, relevant, and necessary, eliminating duplication with federal or state law, the City Charter or Municipal Code, or other superseding requirements.
On February 3, 2026, the Mayor announced the formation of an Ad Hoc Advisory Committee on Council Policy Review and Updates, consisting of Mayor Larry Klein, Vice Mayor Richard Mehlinger, and Councilmember Charlsie Chang (RTC 26-0263). The Committee is working with staff to review the Council Policy Manual and recommend updates for consideration by the full Coun...
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