pages: CityCouncil/2007-12-04.pdf, 5
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CityCouncil | 2007-12-04 | 5 | going to the City Manager and requesting that matters be placed on the agenda the workshop when the matter was discussed did not have public input; when she was the City's representative to League of California Cities (LCC) Councilmembers from the few cities with said provision indicated it worked out to be a gag order; if the majority of Council prevents a Councilmember from putting something on the agenda, it would disenfranchise the people who elected that person; furthermore, people interested in the issue would have to come to two Council meetings one to discuss placing the matter on the agenda and one to address the matter on the agenda. Vice Mayor Tam stated as the LCC representative, she learned from other cities, such as Palo Alto and Fremont, that the process helped increase public awareness and transparency about why certain things get on the agenda and others do not; having the formalized process helps provide fuller Council discussion of issue and helps guide and direct priorities. Councilmember Gilmore inquired whether Councilmembers would have to complete a referral form if interested in a topic raised by a member of the public at a Council meeting; questioned what the proposal does to the Council's on the fly consensual process. The City Manager responded the process allows staff to provide cost information and whether the item would change priorities or work plans. Councilmember Matarrese stated the process does not have anything to do with cost and addresses whether or not a matter would be placed on an agenda; Councilmember Gilmore's point was if a speaker raises an issue and there is Council consensus, the matter would be placed on an agenda at a future time; it [the proposal] puts in writing what is now handled under Council Communications the Council makes the formalized vote on placing the matter on the agenda. Councilmember Gilmore stated that she sees two distinct processes the [referral form would be used if a Councilmember has an idea to be researched; however, asking a member of the public to go through the same hoops that Councilmembers go through is not fair; former Councilmember Kerr's point is well taken; it takes a lot to get people to come to City Hall or call, whereas, Councilmembers are here and have contact with staff. Mayor Johnson stated Council can make it clear that Council is intending to do so; if a speaker conveys a great idea and the majority of Council requests follow up, the matter could be brought back. Regular Meeting 5 Alameda City Council December 4, 2007 | CityCouncil/2007-12-04.pdf |