pages: OpenGovernmentCommission/2013-10-07.pdf, 3
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OpenGovernmentCommission | 2013-10-07 | 3 | The Assistant City Clerk clarified titles are typically submitted in regular and understandable language; stated the issue being addressed is lengthy legislation language. The Assistant City Attorney stated the requirement is that titles be consistent with federal securities disclosure laws. Chair Cambra inquired if the new procedure would comport with State and federal laws, to which the Assistant City Clerk responded in the affirmative. Chair Cambra requested a recap of the Council's decision regarding agenda titles. The Assistant City Clerk stated the Council decided to implement a new practice that if a title is lengthy or contains a lot of legal terms, staff will include a summary sentence above the title to describe the action in plain English. Stated that she doos not agree with using lawyer catch-phrases that she felt the lawyer catch phrases, such as relating thereto and with respect thereto, are not needed; they should not be used; and she supports making all agenda titles clear: Jane Sullwold, Alameda. Chair Cambra inquired if Council is limiting the summary sentences to legislative items only. The Assistant City Clerk responded the matter was discussed at the last Council meeting, but there was no official vote or action taken. Chair Cambra inquired how the Commission could make a recommendation to the Council to expand the practice to all titles. The Assistant City Clerk responded the Commission could submit a referral to have the item placed on the City Council agenda. Commissioner Spanier stated she supports the practice of writing titles less onerous for the public. The Assistant City Attorney stated staff will continue to strive to make the agenda titles more transparent. Chair Cambra inquired if it makes sense to apply the practice of summary sentences to all titles, not just legislation. Commissioner Aguilar pointed out that non-legislative agenda items are already required to be short and clear, having a caption on non-legislative items would be redundant; it is the legislative titles that have less flexibility. Meeting of the Open Government Commission February 4, 2013 3 | OpenGovernmentCommission/2013-10-07.pdf |