pages: CityCouncil/2007-12-04.pdf, 8
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CityCouncil | 2007-12-04 | 8 | the agenda. Mayor Johnson stated that she has no problem with Council communicating with staff that she was on the Council when Council voted to get rid of the Council-staff communication rules established by a prior City Manager the Council has to be careful with individual Councilmembers directing staff; that she does not see how a matter can be placed on the agenda without numerous staff hours being spent. The City Attorney stated Council cannot legally take a consensus action regarding items raised under Council Communications because there has not been a description on the agenda and the public does not know what may be brought up; the purpose of the formalized rule is to provide an opportunity to get the public involved in the discussion; if the matter is submitted ahead of time, it can be placed on the agenda under the new section with a sufficient description; there will not be a staff report yet so staff resources will not have been expended; however, the title can be a sufficient description so that the public understands what will be considered, Council can take an action that night, there could be no action taken, or Council could request a formal staff report and more information at a future meeting; the purpose is to permit a legal action to be taken and allow public participation. Councilmember Matarrese stated said explanation clarifies the matter and removes the chance of it becoming a gag rule; the matter can be discussed and a vote can be taken, which cannot occur under Council Communications the proposal enhances the ability to get something from a single Councilmember heard in a fashion noticed to the public without running into the legal problem of providing direction, even by consensus, on a matter that was not on the agenda. Councilmember deHaan stated what the Council is doing today is bringing the matter as an agenda item; questioned why a separate agenda section is needed to do it. The City Attorney stated the Council has never violated the Brown Act during Council Communications because a vote has never been called for; the City Manager has voluntarily placed a matter on the agenda or provided information upon seeing an interest from one or more Councilmembers; the process is being formalized to provide greater public participation; the matter is a follow up of the issue addressed at the workshop. Councilmember deHaan stated that he pulled the February 6, 2006 minutes regarding the war resolution and there was an official Regular Meeting 8 Alameda City Council December 4, 2007 | CityCouncil/2007-12-04.pdf |