pages: CityCouncil/2010-09-21.pdf, 15
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CityCouncil | 2010-09-21 | 15 | (10-455) Direct Staff to Hold a Workshop on the Brown Act; Request that the City Auditor Perform an Audit of the Books and Records, Including, But Not Limited to, Legal Bills, Costs, Technology (Hardware and Software) and Employee Time Expended in the Investigation of Councilmember Tam; and Terminate the Legal Contract for the Matter. Councilmember Gilmore gave a brief presentation. Vice Mayor deHaan stated most Councilmembers understand the Brown Act extremely well; that he is confident in his understanding the Brown Act; State mandates require Council and Boards and Commissions to take a refresher course every two years; that he does not feel the need for additional training unless interpretation problems exist. The City Attorney stated the City Attorney's office offers Brown Act training to all Boards and Commissions; concurred with Councilmember Gilmore regarding the League of California Cities' ability to provide a low-cost presentation; however, a presentation by the City Attorney's office would be at no cost. Mayor Johnson inquired whether Boards and Commissions take refresher courses every two years, to which the City Attorney responded in the affirmative. Vice Mayor deHaan stated the Brown Act safeguards the public; that he takes exception if someone thinks that he does not understand the Brown Act. Councilmember Gilmore stated she is not bringing the matter to Council as a personal attack on what Council knows or does not know; lately, the Brown Act has been the subject of much discussion; the workshop would not only be useful to Council, Boards and Commissions, and staff, but the public also; training provided by the City Attorney's office is not available to the public; the workshop could take care of the entire population. Mayor Johnson suggested that the City Attorney come back to Council with an idea; stated the public may be curious; inquired whether Councilmember Gilmore is requesting a workshop for City officials and the public. Councilmember Gilmore responded that she is requesting a public session; members of the public would prefer not to have the City Attorney's office perform the training, which is why she is requesting that Terry Francke or the League of California Cities provide a workshop. Vice Mayor deHaan concurred with Councilmember Gilmore regarding the public's concern with the Brown Act; stated a public briefing would be worthwhile in order to understand constraints; perhaps a half hour presentation at a Council meeting would be good. Councilmember Matarrese stated that he does not have any problem with a workshop, Regular Meeting Alameda City Council 15 September 21, 2010 | CityCouncil/2010-09-21.pdf |