Joint Special Council/BFPD
07/1/25 06:00 PM
City Clerk / Records
Maribel Hernandez
Resolution
Doc ID: 6038
AGENDA ITEM
AGENDA MATTER:
ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. XX-2025, AMENDING THE PREVIOUSLY ESTABLISHED ORDER OF BUSINESS FOR CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS. THIS AMENDMENT SEEKS TO MOVE PUBLIC
HEARINGS EARLIER ON THE AGENDA TO BETTER ACCOMMODATE PUBLIC PARTICIPATION AND ENGAGEMENT.
UNDER THE CURRENT MEETING STRUCTURE, PUBLIC HEARINGS ARE OFTEN PLACED AFTER MULTIPLE BUSINESS AND ACTION ITEMS. THIS PRACTICE HAS LED TO
DELAYS IN OPENING PUBLIC HEARINGS, WITH SOME NOT BEGINNING UNTIL LATE IN THE EVENING. THESE DELAYS CAN CREATE DIFFICULTIES FOR MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WHO WISH TO PROVIDE INPUT BUT MAY BE UNABLE TO STAY FOR EXTENDED PERIODS. THE
PROPOSED RESOLUTION ADJUSTS THE ORDER OF BUSINESS TO SCHEDULE PUBLIC
HEARINGS EARLIER IN THE MEETING, THEREBY ENCOURAGING GREATER COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION AND IMPROVING THE OVERALL EFFICIENCY OF THE COUNCIL’S PROCEEDINGS.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
At the request of the Mayor, staff was directed to review and revise the current order of business for City Council meetings. Under the current structure, Public Hearings are often scheduled after several business and action items, which can lead to lengthy delays before these items are heard-sometimes not beginning until late in the evening. This delay can create challenges for community members who wish to participate in the Public Hearing process, particularly those with time constraints.
DISCUSSION:
The proposed resolution modifies the City Council’s order of business to prioritize Public Hearings earlier in the meeting. By moving Public Hearings ahead of business and action items, the City aims to promote greater transparency, accessibility, and public engagement.
This adjustment aligns with best practices that encourage public participation and ensures that individuals attending specifically for Public Hearing items are not required to wait extended periods. The change would apply to all future City Council meetings unless otherwise modified by subsequent Council action. Attachment 1- Redline Copy of proposed Resolution
Attachment 2 - Clean Copy of proposed Resolution
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no fiscal impact associated with this action
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Adopt resolution XX-20252 amending the City Council’s order of business to place Public Hearings earlier in the meeting agenda.