pages: CityCouncil/2020-06-02.pdf, 25
This data as json
body | date | page | text | path |
---|---|---|---|---|
CityCouncil | 2020-06-02 | 25 | Councilmember Oddie moved approval of directing staff to bring back ballot language for the City Prosecutor and to add language related to the discretion of the City Prosecutor. The City Attorney stated the correspondence indicates the current language requires the City Attorney to prosecute all local law violations; noted proposed language would add State Law violations; stated the correspondence suggests adding the phrase: "exercise the prosecutorial discretion" due to the requirement of federal and State constitutional law. Vice Mayor Knox White seconded the motion. Under discussion, Councilmember Vella stated it would be helpful for the public to have clarity related to the change; she would like clarification whether additional funding for the position will be needed; she has received questions asking why the City would prosecute versus the District Attorney. The City Attorney stated the existing City Charter can be read as authorizing or requiring the City Attorney to prosecute all local law violations; the proposed language would authorize the City Attorney to prosecute State law violations; earlier last year, Council authorized the City Attorney's Office to engage in the activity with the consent of the District Attorney; the intent of the ballot language is to memorialize the authorization to the extent the consent of the District Attorney is withdrawn; staff does not anticipate a need for additional staffing to do work which is already being undertaken. Councilmember Vella stated the item will need a robust communication plan with the community; many people do not understand the matter; engaging and informing the community will be difficult. Councilmember Oddie inquired whether the Council should also decide which items will be put together. The City Clerk responded in the affirmative; provided an example of combining the cleanup language, with Council pay or City Prosecutor. On the call for the question, the motion carried by the following roll call vote: Councilmembers Daysog: Aye; Knox White: Aye; Oddie: Aye; Vella: Aye; and Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft: Aye. Ayes: 5. Regarding Council pay, Councilmember Daysog stated the Subcommittee recommended staff return to Council with a discreet number; there have been concerns from residents; that he would not benefit from this matter and would only accept the current rate of pay; Council pay is earned based on the amount of work; expressed concern about the November 2020 ballot being loaded. Regular Meeting Alameda City Council 12 June 2, 2020 | CityCouncil/2020-06-02.pdf |