WRITTEN PUBLIC
COMMENTS RECEIVED
From: Lee Pasternak
To: City Clerk
Subject: Agenda Item SS A-2
Date: Tuesday, February 6, 2024 1:58:07 PM
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Please read this at today’s study session meeting after the comments of Darian Bojeaux have been read.
It is indeed unfortunate that the proposed changes to our procedures manual attempt to limit the public’s participation by proposing vast changes without adequate input from residents.
We have been given but a few days notice to review numerous significant changes and the overhaul of our entire manual when this huge endeavor should have been the subject of extensive notice and public outreach.
What is of particular concern is the attempt to authorize the council to enact resolutions and ordinances at study sessions. This will result in many fewer residents being aware of the actions of the council and being able to participate. Further, a study session should be just what its name purports—a session were things are studied—not where actions are taken.
There are other changes also being proposed to limit public participation which the public has not been given an opportunity to consider, such as changing the rules concerning the presentation of projects to remove residents’ opportunities to weigh in.
This agenda report should have been made available to residents at least a month or two in advance if the council was interested in what their constituents may want.
Please do not remove our existing safeguards which allow for the public to participate in and be made aware of the workings of the council and keep our present rules in tact which require legislation and the adoption of ordinances and resolutions to occur at formal evening meetings when many more residents are likely to tune in.
Thank you.
Lee Pasternak
Beverly Hills resident