pages: CityCouncil/2021-02-16.pdf, 13
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CityCouncil | 2021-02-16 | 13 | Commission; stated it is important for the public to have maximum participation and transparency in government: Carmen Reid, Alameda. Stated the Brown Act does not submit a minimum time; expressed concern about lowering speaking time to one minute; expressed support for following Oakland's lead setting a minimum of two minutes speaking time; discussed cases regarding time limits: Zac Bowling, Alameda. Stated one minute seems too short; suggested allowing ceding of time with a maximum amount of time to be ceded: Josh Hawn, Alameda. Stated the one minute time limit is too harsh; expressed support for a one minute thirty second time limit: Jenice Anderson, Alameda. Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft stated there is a balance to be achieved; discussed Council meetings Consent Calendar discussions extending to 9:00 p.m.; stated Council Referrals have not yet been reached this year due to not extending a meeting past midnight; late meetings do not serve the public and are hard on Councilmembers and staff; noted there are many ways to communicate with Councilmembers; Council can be reached by e-mail, phone call, or via a meeting request; speaking at a public meeting is not the only opportunity; discussed previous public comments for large groups; stated ceding time is not before Council; that she is balancing time to hear presentations, public comment and allow Council deliberation. Vice Mayor Vella stated there are a number of ways to register a public comment; the City Clerk is able to place correspondence on record and distribute to all Councilmembers; Council does read e-mails; however, it is difficult to respond to all; a balance is to be struck in covering many heavy topics and generally running the City; expressed concern about getting in the way of ensuring the basic needs and regular functions of the City are met; stated that she does not want to create a system where Council is unable to cover everyday matters; one minute is a tight period of time; expressed support for 90 seconds to two minutes; stated that she would like to have a call for speakers to get a true sense of who is speaking; Council needs time to deliberate; however, not all matters may require nine minutes of speaking time; expressed support for combining speaking time on the Consent Calendar; stated the matter is Council rules and having Council decide is appropriate; changes can be made; the guidelines being adopted do not mean votes to extend speaking time cannot happen; expressed support for limiting presentation times; noted requirements for meeting start times; stated the matter is related to making meetings as accessible as possible. Councilmember Herrera Spencer expressed concern about treating Consent Calendar matters differently than other matters; stated spending extended time on the Consent Calendar means matters should not have been placed on Consent; Consent Calendar matters are to be routine; expressed support for not limiting speaker time for everyone once there are seven speakers; stated the minimum speaking time should be at three Regular Meeting Alameda City Council 11 February 16, 2021 | CityCouncil/2021-02-16.pdf |