REPORT TO COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
Amend Council Policy 7.3.19 (Council Meetings)
Report
BACKGROUND
Council Policy 7.3.19, which outlines Council-established policies relative to Council meetings was initially adopted on November 20, 2004 and has been amended several times; the last time being in October 2012. The policy addresses: how items are placed on the agenda, public noticing regarding Council meeting agendas, distribution of Council meeting materials, start and ending times of Council meetings, and Council meeting protocol and minutes.
EXISTING POLICY
Council Policy 7.3.19 (Council Meetings)
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
The action being considered does not constitute a "project" with the meaning of the California Environmental Quality Act ("CEQA") pursuant to CEQA Guidelines section 15378 (b) (5) in that it is a governmental organizational or administrative activity that will not result in direct or indirect changes in the environment.
DISCUSSION
The final three items on the agenda are: Councilmembers Reports on Activities from Intergovernmental Committee Assignments, Non-Agenda Items and Comments and Information Only Reports/Items. Under the current Council Policy, a separate vote must be taken to hear these reports. If they are to be heard after 11:30 p.m., then a majority of the Council must vote to hear the item. If they are to be heard after 12:30 a.m., then a supermajority, as defined in the Council Policy, of the Council must vote to hear the item. For the Council to hear these items without a separate vote, it is necessary to amend the Policy. In order to remain consistent with the Council intent to encourage public participation and to expedite the process for the Council to hear these three items after 11:30 p.m. or 12:30 a.m., it is proposed to amend the Policy so that Council may agree to hear these items by a single motion. The requirements for passage will remain unchanged. The proposed amendment is shown below, with the added text underlined:
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