pages: CityCouncil/2021-05-04.pdf, 18
This data as json
body | date | page | text | path |
---|---|---|---|---|
CityCouncil | 2021-05-04 | 18 | Councilmember Knox White seconded the motion. Under discussion, Councilmember Knox White stated the matter returns Council to the 2007 rules; the Referral process has gone through ever-changing edits; initially, Council was not able to bring matters forward to be voted on and changes were made to bring Referrals forward in order to adopt policy at the time; Referrals were always about managing resources and giving Councilmembers the opportunity to bring matters forward for discussion and decide whether or not the matter should be put on the Regular Agenda for a full Council discussion. Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft emphasized that Council is not getting rid of the Referral process; stated Council should meet the needs of constituents; Council is being given other options to do so, which may provide answers faster than waiting to address the item at a meeting. Councilmember Daysog questioned why significant staff time would be used on a Council Referral; stated that he does not remember when staff has spent significant time on Referrals. The City Manager stated reports have been forwarded to Councilmembers at times to provide background. Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft noted the Information Technology and Planning, Building and Transportation Directors were present for prior Council Referrals. Councilmember Knox White stated an example is the first Council Referral of the year included an intense amount of staff time in preparation of background and memos for the shopping center Referral; numerous City Attorney and Planning, Building and Transportation Department memos and emails were put together in order to address specific issues; noted the Planning, Building and Transportation Director had been present at each meeting the matter had been agendized; prior to putting resources into work, Councilmembers can make a case for constituents in five minutes if a Referral topic is worthy to members of the community and Council. Councilmember Daysog stated that he did not ask staff to perform any work or be present for the previous Referral; noted that he had put together a presentation for the matter and expected not to have staff involved; Councilmembers can make the case to other Councilmembers; then, staff time is put towards the matter when it returns for consideration. Councilmember Knox White stated the previous Referral did have direction to staff to work on something with the Planning Board as if the matter had Council support; staff had to get involved due to there not being a point where Council was able to decide on whether to work on the matter or not; staff needed to perform work in order to decide whether or not to pursue the matter; many times staff has to provide work due to the Council Referral being an action item as opposed to deciding on whether or not to allow staff time. Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft questioned whether Councilmember Daysog agrees not to allow staff time on a matter. Regular Meeting Alameda City Council 16 May 4, 2021 | CityCouncil/2021-05-04.pdf |