pages: CityCouncil/2019-12-17.pdf, 13
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CityCouncil | 2019-12-17 | 13 | The City Manager and City Attorney gave a Power Point presentation. Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft expressed support for the use of the City of Sunnyvale's handbook style; stated some of the proposed language is antiquated and could be updated; the City of Sunnyvale's language is well thought out; the item Council adopts should be simple and straight-forward; the policy brought forth by staff is well referenced. Councilmember Oddie discussed an article related to Code of Conduct; stated the City of Sunnyvale handbook is comprehensive; the item is an opportunity to show residents Council's ethics and values; all elected officials should be covered by the policy; officials could sign the proposed handbook to acknowledge their promise of service; that he would like input from Council before discussing social media and the Brown Act; questioned procedures for social media interactions. Councilmember Vella expressed support for the City of Sunnyvale's Code of Conduct, for including all elected officials, for including language reflecting elected and appointed officials interactions with staff, and for providing a safe space for dialogue and open conversation with respect; stated open dialogue can sometimes be lost in the heat of advocacy; a fraternization policy is lacking; expressed support for including a fraternization policy; noted the City of Sunnyvale adopts its Code of Conduct on the Consent Calendar annually and updates the contents regularly. Vice Mayor Knox White stated the City of Sunnyvale Code of Conduct handbook answers many questions; the Sunnyvale handbook is about ethics and behavior; there are long-standing issues and questions that repeatedly arise related to agenda setting in the Alameda version; expressed support for adopting a version of the Sunnyvale handbook, with the expansion to all elected officials that are able to be covered, and referencing the Brown Act; discussed social media in relation to the Brown Act. Councilmember Oddie stated that he read an article noting a violation in which three or more Councilmembers press "like" [on a social media post] being an expression of support. Vice Mayor Knox White stated Councilmembers should trust that other members will look through social media content prior to joining; outlined an instance where he did not comment on social media content since two other Councilmembers already posted; stated a lack of social media presence is not the answer; expressed concern over banning social media commenting; stated if a problem occurs, time can be set aside at the following workshop to discuss. Councilmember Vella stated Councilmembers click "like" to acknowledge the original poster as heard; Councilmembers want to be responsive, but it can be difficult on social media; expressed concern for excessive censorship, unresponsiveness, or engaging in an item that is not up for Council discussion. Regular Meeting Alameda City Council 11 December 17, 2019 | CityCouncil/2019-12-17.pdf |