pages: CityCouncil/2021-06-01.pdf, 13
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CityCouncil | 2021-06-01 | 13 | to serve the public and create avenues of transparency, so that complaints are fairly evaluated and heard in a timely manner; she disagrees with the City Attorney's Office that three complaints this year indicates an unreasonable uptick; the current status of the Commission falls short of reaching reasonable goals; outlined her proposal for lessening the proposed five year complaint restriction; stated citizens voices should not be silenced; expressed concern about political undertones; urged a focus on the goal of serving Alamedans; outlined the City Attorney's role for the OGC; expressed support for a goal setting strategy: Carmen Reid, OGC. Stated that he strongly opposes the changes proposed; there have been demonstrations for the need of a strong OGC and Public Records Act (PRA) enforcement mechanism; urged Council to gain a sense of the issues the OGC faces; stated the City's loss at a recent hearing appears to be behind the proposed changes; the City wins most cases heard by the OGC; the City should not get to change the rules due to a loss; expressed support for the independent and citizen-led nature of the OGC; stated a Hearing Officer model will gut the PRA process; the City has languished at PRA's; a strong enforcement mechanism is needed; the fines under the Sunshine Ordinance are minimal; eliminating fines is strategic in order to reduce or eliminate possible remedies to OGC complaints in court; urged Council to reject the staff recommendation: Erin Fraser, Alameda. Stated recent trends are disturbing; City staff has aggressively been promoting its agenda to Board and Commission members; expressed support for staff pursuing a more agreeable and collaborative relationship with Boards and Commissions; stated there have been recent steps taken to gut the OGC; expressed concern about ad hoc committees being exempt from Brown Act requirements; urged Council help remedy the situation: Matt Reid, Alameda. Stated that he opposes the proposed changes; those who have taken the time to submit correspondence and speak publically oppose the changes; he is familiar with the RRAC operations; the argument that potential violations of the Sunshine Ordinance should be brought before the rent control Hearing Officers is not correct; issues and violations of the Sunshine Ordinance affect all Alamedans; outlined policies set and enforced by Planning Boards; discussed appeals: William Smith, Alameda. Urged Council to consider other options and effects on trust in government; stated that she has experience as a resident looking to participate in local government; now, more than ever, it is important to have accessibility in order to address issues; it is clear that the proposed matter is restricting accountability and ability to be involved in local government: Ashley Lorden, Alameda. Stated that he is surprised by some of the proposal; the staff report mischaracterizes some of the recent OGC discussions; the Sunshine Ordinance and OGC are in the 10 th year of existence; it is a good time to evaluate the last 10 years; expressed support for a process for access, and Council giving direction to the OGC and staff regarding the purpose of the OGC; stated an understanding of the role and any expansion or focus Regular Meeting Alameda City Council 12 June 1, 2021 | CityCouncil/2021-06-01.pdf |