Carpinteria City Council
November 10, 2025

City of Carpinteria
City Council Regular Meeting Agenda
Monday, November 10, 2025
Council Chamber, 5775 Carpinteria Avenue, Carpinteria, CA 93013 5:30 p.m. Regular Meeting
In-Person and Virtual Participation Options
Attendance/Viewing Options:
• Attend the in-person meeting in City Council Chambers at City Hall (5775 Carpinteria Ave.).
• View the meeting live through the City’s website (https://carpinteriaca.gov/cityhall/agendas-meetings/). • View the meeting on Government Access Television Channel 21 (broadcast live and rebroadcast on the Wednesday and the Saturday following the meeting at 8:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m., respectively).
• Call 669-900-9128 (and enter Webinar ID 889 0390 2262) to listen to the meeting. • Join the City’s Zoom webinar by CLICKING HERE. Alternatively, you can join the Zoom webinar by logging on to www.zoom.us, downloading the application, selecting “Join Meeting”, and entering Webinar ID 889 0390 2262. • Spanish interpretation will be available at the in-person meeting and through the City’s Zoom webinar.

Public Comments
• Provide a live public comment in City Council Chambers at City Hall (5775 Carpinteria Ave.).
• Provide a live comment through the City’s Zoom webinar platform (through the link provided above). To make public comments through this platform please use the “raise your hand” feature to notify staff that you would like to make a public comment during designated public comment times. Once it is your turn to provide a public comment, staff will unmute your microphone and you will be given a designated amount of time to provide your comment. At the end of your comment, staff will once again mute your microphone.
• Submit a written comment (as either a general public comment or on a specific agenda item) to be distributed to Council Members by 12:00 P.M. on the day of the meeting by either submitting your comment via (1) email to [email protected], or (2) the eComment link on the City's agenda website available at https://carpinteriaca.gov/city-hall/agendas-meetings/.

Please reference the agenda item to which your comment pertains. Although City Council Regular Meeting Agenda
November 10, 2025

written comments become part of the record, they will not be read aloud at the meeting.

Please note that the City will make every effort to make the meeting accessible virtually; however, if one of the above virtual attendance/viewing or public comment options is unavailable due to technological issues, you are invited to take advantage of one of the other participation options outlined above (including attending and providing public comment in-person in the City Council Chambers). Additional options may be made available at the meeting.

Levine Act Warning
Applicants and their agents before the City Council are subject to the campaign disclosure provisions detailed in Government Code Section 84308. No City Council Member may accept, solicit, or direct a contribution of more than $500 from any party for 12 months following the date a final decision is rendered by the City. No City Council Member may accept, solicit, or direct any contribution from an agent of the party during the same time frame. This prohibition commences when an item involving the entitlement has been placed on the City Council’s agenda for a public meeting, when the City Council Members knows the action is within the City Council’s jurisdiction and it is reasonably foreseeable that it will come before the City Council as a decisionmaker, or when the proceeding is before the City Council for its decision. A party to a City proceeding —which includes both applicants and agents—shall disclose on the record of the proceeding any contribution of more than $500 made to any Council Member by the applicant, or any donations made by the agent, during the preceding 12 months. No party to a City proceeding, or agent, shall make a contribution to a Council Member during the proceeding and for 12 months following the date a final decision is rendered by the City. Prior to rendering a decision on a City proceeding, any Council Member who received contribution of more than $500 within the preceding 12 months from any party, or who received any donations from an agent, to a proceeding shall disclose that fact on the record of the proceeding, and shall be disqualified from participating in the proceeding. However, if any Council Member receives a contribution that otherwise would require disqualification, and returns the contribution within 30 days of knowing about the contribution and the relevant proceeding, the Council Member shall be permitted to participate in the proceeding. If you believe that these provisions apply to you or a Council Member, please inform the City Clerk at the earliest possible opportunity. Failure to do so may affect the City’s ability to process your application.

CALL TO ORDER

ROLL CALL

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
City Council Regular Meeting Agenda
November 10, 2025

COUNCILMEMBER(S) REQUEST FOR REMOTE PARTICIPATION UNDER AB 2449:

The City Council may consider Councilmember(s) request to participate in the meeting remotely under the regulations of AB 2449 by making the necessary findings and voting on whether the Councilmember(s) may participate remotely.

AGENDA MODIFICATIONS: The City Council may modify the regular agenda by tabling items, adding urgency items to the agenda, or changing the order in which items are considered. Changes to the Consent Calendar are considered at the time the Consent Calendar is considered.

INTRODUCTIONS, PROCLAMATIONS AND PRESENTATIONS:

1. Introduction of New Employees: Ruth Zamora, Administrative Office Professional II with the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Department.

2. Presentation in honor of members of the Boys & Girls Club who have achieved Gold Card status.

3. Presentation from Downtown “T” Business Advisory Board (DTBAB) Chair Andre Jackson and Vice Chair Kristina Calkins.

TEMPORARY ADJOURNMENT FOR THE PURPOSE OF HOLDING THE MONTHLY

MEETING OF THE CARPINTERIA LIBRARY BOARD OF TRUSTEES

RECONVENE THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL

PUBLIC INFORMATION REPORTS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
This may include updates on law enforcement activity within the City from a Sheriff’s Office representative or a report from a representative of the First District Supervisor’s Office.

CITY MANAGER’S REPORT
The City Manager will report to the City Council regarding various City and/or community events and/or matters of interest. There will be no City Council discussion except to ask questions or refer matters to staff; and no action will be taken unless listed on a subsequent agenda or as otherwise specified below.
a. City Employee Updates
b. Updates on Capital Improvement Projects
c. Updates on Development Applications
d. Other City/Community Updates

PLANNING COMMISSION ACTIONS
City Council Regular Meeting Agenda
November 10, 2025

The City Council may vote to appeal a decision of the Planning Commission to itself by majority vote (CMC 14.78.040(2)).

PUBLIC COMMENT ON MATTERS NOT ON THE AGENDA
This is a time for public comments on matters not otherwise on the agenda but within the subject matter jurisdiction of the City Council. The Mayor may establish reasonable regulations for public comment based on the time available and/or the number of persons waiting to speak. Typically, the Council’s practice has been to limit each speaker to three minutes. The audio-visual system in the Council Chamber is not available for speaker use during the general Public Comment period.

The City and the City Council are not responsible for the content of statements made during the public comment period, or the factual accuracy of any such statements.

CONSENT CALENDAR: Items on the consent calendar are considered to be routine and are normally enacted by one unanimous vote of the Council. If you wish to speak on a consent calendar item, please do so during the public comment period provided at the beginning of this item.

4. Approve the minutes of the regular meeting held October 27, 2025.

5. Receive and file the Expenditures for the period beginning October 20, 2025 and ending October 30, 2025.

ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS:

6. Consider cancelation of the regular City Council meeting for December 22, 2025.

Recommendation: Authorize the cancelation of the regular City Council meeting on December 22, 2025.

Staff Presenter: Brian C. Barrett, City Clerk
a. Staff Report
b. Public Comment
c. City Council Determination

7. City Council Advisory Group Handbook Update.

Recommendation: Approve the Updated City Council Advisory Group Handbook.

Staff Presenter: Brian C. Barrett, City Clerk
City Council Regular Meeting Agenda
November 10, 2025

a. Staff Report
b. Public Comment
c. City Council Determination
PUBLIC HEARING: NONE

CONSIDERATION OF ANY ITEMS REMOVED FROM CONSENT CALENDAR

AND/OR OTHER AGENDA ITEMS REQUESTED TO BE ADVANCED
MATTERS CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS MEETINGS: NONE
OTHER BUSINESS:

8. First Quarter Code Compliance Report for Fiscal Year 2025-26.

Recommendation: Receive and file the First Quarter Code Compliance Report for Fiscal Year 2025-26.

Staff Presenter: David Hernandez, Code Compliance Supervisor a. Staff Report
b. Public Comment
c. City Council Determination

9. Resolution establishing Citywide procedures for special benefit assessments under Proposition 218 and Government Code Section 53759.1 through 53759.2 (Assembly Bill 2257).

Recommendation: (1) Adopt Resolution No. 6421 establishing procedures for compliance with Proposition 218 and Assembly Bill 2257 (Government Code §§ 53759.1 – 53759.2) for all current and future special benefit assessment proceedings administered under the Landscaping and Lighting Act of 1972 (Streets and Highways Code §§ 22500 et seq.), the Benefit Assessment Act of 1982 (Government Code §§ 54703 et seq.), and any other applicable assessment authority within the City of Carpinteria and (2) Authorize City Staff to apply these procedures to all Citywide assessment proceedings and any future Proposition 218 assessments, modifications, or rate adjustments. (Requires a roll call vote.) Staff Presenter: Ryan Kintz, Assistant City Manager and Stephon Downes, Management Analyst II
a. Staff Report
b. Public Comment
City Council Regular Meeting Agenda
November 10, 2025

c. City Council Determination

10. Resolutions of Intention related to the formation of Carpinteria Landscape Maintenance District No. 2025-1 and the levy of assessments commencing Fiscal Year 2026/27.

Recommendation: (1) Approve Resolution No. 6422, initiating proceedings to form Carpinteria Landscape Maintenance District No. 2025-1 and directing the preparation and filing of the Engineer’s Report and (2) Approve Resolution No. 6423, declaring the City’s intention to form Carpinteria Landscape Maintenance District No. 2025-1; preliminarily approving the Engineer’s Report; ordering that a property-owner protest ballot proceeding be conducted pursuant to Proposition 218; and setting the date, time, and place for the public hearing. (Requires a roll call vote.)
Staff Presenter: Ryan Kintz, Assistant City Manager and Stephon Downes, Management Analyst II
a. Staff Report
b. Public Comment
c. City Council Determination

11. Resolution of Intention to Form the Coastal Berm Assessment District and to Levy Assessments Commencing Fiscal Year 2026/2027.

Recommendation: (1) Approve Resolution No. 6424, initiating proceedings to form the Carpinteria Coastal Berm Assessment District, directing the preparation and filing of the Engineer’s Report regarding the district formation and levy of assessments and (2) Approve Resolution No. 6425, declaring the City’s intention to form the Carpinteria Coastal Berm Assessment District, preliminarily approving the Engineer’s Report; ordering that a property-owner protest ballot proceeding be conducted pursuant to Proposition 218; and setting the date, time, and place for the public hearing. (Requires a roll call vote.)
Staff Presenter: Ryan Kintz, Assistant City Manager and Stephon Downes, Management Analyst II
a. Staff Report
b. Public Comment
c. City Council Determination
LEGISLATIVE UPDATE: The City Council will discuss local, state and/or federal legislation under consideration and decide whether to direct staff to place a matter(s) on a future City Council agenda for consideration.

City Council Regular Meeting Agenda
November 10, 2025

COMMITTEE REPORTS, INQUIRIES AND OTHER MATTERS PRESENTED BY

COUNCILMEMBERS
Informational reports from Councilmember representatives on the committees, commissions and organizations listed below. This is also an opportunity for Councilmembers to request information from staff or seek support from fellow Councilmembers for future agenda items.

1. Appointees to Other Government Agencies
a. Beach Erosion Authority for Clean Oceans and Nourishment (BEACON) (Mayer/Alt. Clark)
b. California Joint Powers Insurance Authority (CJPIA) (Solórzano/Alt. Clark) c. Santa Barbara County Association of Governments (SBCAG)(Clark/Alt.

Nomura)
d. Santa Barbara County Air Pollution Control District (APCD)(Clark/Alt.

Nomura)
e. Central Coast Community Energy (3CE) (Goleta/Alt. Nomura) f. Santa Barbara Mosquito and Vector Management District (Joe Franken) g. Santa Barbara Metropolitan Transit District (Solórzano)

2. Regional Committees
a. Channel Counties Division, League of California Cities (Nomura/Alt.

Solórzano)
b. Santa Barbara Joint Affordable Housing Task Group (Mayer/Alt. Alarcon) c. Santa Barbara County Elected Leaders Forum to Address Homelessness (Mayer/Alt. Alarcon)
d. South Coast Youth Safety Partnership (Solórzano/Alt. Mayer) e. Multijurisdictional Solid Waste Task Group (Mayer/Alt. Alarcon)

3. Joint and Standing Committees
a. City Council/Economic Vitality Committee (Alarcon & Mayer) b. City Council/Public Safety Committee (Clark & Nomura) c. City Council/School Board Committee (Mayer and Solórzano) d. City Council/Utilities Committee (Nomura & Clark)
e. City Council/First District Supervisor Committee (Alarcon & Mayer) f. City Council Finance/Budget Committee (Alarcon & Clark) g. Transportation Committee (Clark & Mayer)
h. Development Review Committee (Joint Committee membership from City Council, Planning Commission and Architectural Review Board) (CC: Clark & Nomura) (PC: To Be Selected by Planning Commission) (ARB: Stein & O’Connor)
City Council Regular Meeting Agenda
November 10, 2025

i. General Plan and Coastal Plan Update Committee (Joint Committee membership from City Council and Planning Commission) (Solórzano & Clark) (PC: Benefield and Van Antwerp)
j. Public Facility Site Acquisition/Development Committee (Clark & Nomura) k. Sustainability Committee (Nomura & Solórzano)
l. Public Engagement Committee (Solórzano & Nomura)

4. Ad Hoc Committees
a. E-Conveyance Committee (Mayer & Alarcon)
b. Immigration Response & Support Committee (Solórzano & Mayer)

5. Appointed Representatives to Area Boards & Committees a. Community Media Access Center (Gary Dobbins)
b. County Library Advisory Committee (Glynn Birdwell)

ATTENDANCE OF COUNCILMEMBERS FOR FUTURE MEETINGS

ADJOURNMENT
The next regular City Council meeting will be held on November 24, 2025 at 5:30 p.m.

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, if you need assistance to participate in this meeting, please contact the City Clerk's Office at (805) 755-4403 or the California Relay Service at (866) 735-2929. Notification two business days prior to the meeting will enable the City to make reasonable arrangements for accessibility to this meeting.

Materials related to an agenda item submitted to the City Council after distribution of the agenda packet are available for public review at the City Clerk's Office, located at 5775 Carpinteria Avenue, Carpinteria, CA 93013 or by going to the City’s website at https://carpinteriaca.gov/city-hall/agendas-meetings/.

This agenda was posted on Thursday, November 6, 2025, in the City Clerk's Office, on the City Hall Public Notices Board, and on the Internet.

City of Carpinteria

COUNCIL AGENDA STAFF REPORT

ITEM FOR COUNCIL CONSIDERATION
Presentation from
Jackson and Vice-Chair Kristina Calkins

STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Receive and file the DTBAB City Council Update Presentation.

Sample Motion: I move to receive and file the presentation.

DISCUSSION
The City Council will receive a presentation from the
Board Chair Andre Jackson and Vice Chair Kristina Calkins about DTBAB history, activities, projects, and future:

Parking Business Improvement Area (PBIA)
Downtown T Promotion
Community Projects
Questions

FINANCIAL CONSIDERATIONS
There are no financial considerations presented.

LEGAL AND RISK MANAGEMENT CONSIDERATIONS
There are no legal nor risk management considerations presented.

OPTIONS

1. Receive and file the presentation (staff recommendation).

2. Provide direction to staff.

Agenda Section: Presentations
Agenda Item No.: 3
Council Meeting Date: November 10, 2025
DTBAB City Council Update Presentation
November 10, 2025

PRINCIPAL PARTIES EXPECTED AT MEETING
Andre Jackson DTBAB Chair
Kristina Calkins DTBAB Vice Chair

ATTACHMENTS
A. DTBAB Presentation Slides
Staff contact: Stephon Downes, Management Analyst
(805) 755-4446; [email protected]
Signature
Reviewed by: Ryan Kintz, Assistant City Manager (805) 755-4400, [email protected] Signature

ATTACHMENT A
DTBAB Presentation Slides

CARPINTERIA LIBRARY BOARD OF TRUSTEES
5775 Carpinteria Avenue
Carpinteria, CA 93013

REGULAR MEETING AGENDA
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 2025
5:30 P.M.

1. Call to order and roll call.

2. Confirmation of legal noticing and procedural requirements of meeting.

3. Public Comment – This is the time for public comments on matters not otherwise on the agenda but within the subject matter of the Carpinteria Library Board of Trustees.

4. Approval of minutes of the regular meeting held October13, 2025.

5. Carpinteria Community Library Monthly Report – November 2025.

Recommendation: Receive and file the report.

6. New Business & Discussion.

7. Adjournment.

The Carpinteria Library Board of Trustees agenda and any associated staff reports will be available on Thursday, November 6, 2025 on the City’s Website: https://carpinteriaca.gov/city-hall/agendasmeetings/. The Carpinteria Library Board of Trustees agenda and staff reports are part of the City Council agenda for its regular meeting of November 10, 2025. Please see “TEMPORARY

ADJOURNMENT FOR THE PURPOSE OF HOLDING THE MONTHLY MEETING OF THE CARPINTERIA LIBRARY BOARD OF TRUSTEES.” Details and procedures on how to provide public comment and participate in the meeting through telephonic means are available on the posted City Council agenda at https://carpinteriaca.gov/city-hall/agendas-meetings/.

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, if you need assistance to participate in this meeting, please contact Brian Barrett, City Clerk at [email protected] or (805) 755-4403.

Notification two business days prior to the meeting will enable the City to make reasonable arrangements for accessibility to this meeting. This agenda was posted on Wednesday, November 5, 2025, in the City Clerk’s Office, on the City Hall Public Notices Board, and on the Internet.

CARPINTERIA LIBRARY BOARD OF TRUSTEES
5775 Carpinteria Avenue
Carpinteria, CA 93013

REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
MONDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2025

1. Call to order and roll call.

President Alarcon called the meeting to order at 6:07 pm.

Boardmembers present: Boardmember Al Clark
Boardmember Julia Mayer
Boardmember Wade T. Nomura
Vice President Mónica J. Solórzano
President Natalia Alarcon
Staff members present: Michael Ramirez, Chief Executive Officer Jena Shoaf Acos, Legal Counsel
Jeanette Gant, Parks, Recreation & Community Services
Director
Brian C. Barrett, Secretary

2. Confirmation of legal noticing and procedural requirements of meeting.

Secretary Barrett acknowledged that all legal noticing and procedural requirements have been met.

3. Public Comment
There was no public comment.

4. Approval of minutes of the regular meeting held September 8, 2025.

There was no public comment.

Motion by Vice President Solórzano, seconded by Boardmember Mayer, to approve the minutes of the regular meeting held September 8, 2025. Upon voice vote, the motion carried unanimously.

5. Carpinteria Community Library Monthly Report – October 2025.

Recommendation: Receive and file the report.

Parks, Recreation & Community Services Director Gant presented the staff report.

Library Board of Trustees Regular Meeting Minutes
October 13, 2025

There was no public comment.

Motion by Boardmember Mayer, seconded by Boardmember Nomura, to receive and file the report. Upon voice vote, the motion carried unanimously.

6. New Business & Discussion.

There was no new business nor discussion.

7. Adjournment.

President Alarcon adjourned the meeting at 6:11 pm.
________________________________
Brian C. Barrett, CMC, CPMC, Secretary
City of Carpinteria

LIBRARY BOARD OF TRUSTEES AGENDA STAFF REPORT
November 10, 2025

ITEM FOR LIBRARY BOARD OF TRUSTEES CONSIDERATION
Carpinteria Community Library Monthly Report – November 2025

STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Receive and file the report.

Sample Motion: I move to receive and file the Carpinteria Community Library report.

BACKGROUND
The Carpinteria Community Library was established by Ordinance No. 747 on June 14, 2021, and codified in Chapter 2.38 of the Carpinteria Municipal Code. The ordinance also created the Library Board of Trustees (Section 2.38.030), which meets at least once per month.

The purpose of this item is to provide the Library Board of Trustees with an update on the Library’s programs, outreach efforts, operations, and any staff changes.

DISCUSSION
Program and Collection Updates:

The following programs and collaborations were offered during October and November:
• October 15: Oaxacan Chocolate Workshop presented in collaboration with Artesanía Para la Familia, with participation from teachers and staff of the Carpinteria Children’s Project.
• October 24: Escape Room activity followed by Movie Night in celebration of Día de los Muertos and in anticipation of Halloween.

LBOT Staff Report
November 10, 2025

• October 24: Collaboration with the Mexican Consulate on an informational presentation at St. Joseph Church in Carpinteria. Approximately 300 members of the local Mexican community attended.
• October 26: Día de los Muertos arts, crafts, and community altar celebration, attended by approximately 150 participants.
• October 26 – November 3: Community Altar installation available for public viewing and ofrenda participation.
• October 30: Scary Stories Told in the Dark — a pre-Halloween storytelling program for teens and young adults.
• November 10: Official launch of the Carpinteria Online High School Program.

Carpinteria residents interested in applying for a scholarship to earn their high school diploma can visit the program’s official website for more information at carpinterialibrary.mycareerhs.com.
• November 10, 6:00 p.m.: Wild Things Nature Talks presentation on the landscapes of San Miguel Island, featuring a book signing with author Chuck Graham (Paddling into a Natural Balance). The program will take place in the Library’s Community Room.
• November 15, 3:00 p.m.: Santa Barbara Community Early Music Ensemble performance, Musical Fantasy Tour — a free, all-ages event to be held in the Library’s Community Room.

Staff Updates:

Library Technician: the vacant part-time Library Technician position has been posted on October 28 and the deadline to be considered for first review of applications is November

12. Library Outreach:

On November 6, the City Librarian delivered a presentation to the American Library Association’s National Association to Promote Library and Information Services to Latinos and the Spanish-Speaking (REFORMA) Central Coast Chapter, as well as to the Southern Central Coast Literacy Providers. The presentation focused on best practices and methodologies for effectively engaging, including, and retaining minority communities in library programs and services.

LBOT Staff Report
November 10, 2025

Library Operations:

The Library will be closed on Tuesday, November 11th in observance of Veterans Day, and November 27, 28 and 29 in observance of the Thanksgiving Holiday.

Partnerships:

On October 16, in coordination with the Santa Barbara County Office of the First District Supervisor, the City Librarian met with the Assistant Superintendent/Vice President of the School of Extended Learning at Santa Barbara City College and other SBCC representatives to explore the feasibility of offering English as a Second Language (ESL), basic computer literacy, and senior enrichment classes in Carpinteria beginning in the Spring 2026 semester through a partnership with the Library. Updates on the progress of this initiative will be provided as discussions continue.

POLICY CONSISTENCY
The Library programs and resources are consistent with the actions of the City Council concerning the establishment of a municipal library.

FINANCIAL CONSIDERATIONS
All resources and activities are budgeted in the FY2025-2026 Library budget.

LEGAL AND RISK MANAGEMENT CONSIDERATIONS
As determined necessary and appropriate, staff consults with the City Attorney’s Office and risk managers of its insurance entity, the California Joint Powers Insurance Authority, in order to ensure compliance with legal requirements and best practices.

OPTIONS

1. Receive and file.

2. Direct staff as appropriate.

PRINCIPAL PARTIES EXPECTED AT MEETING
None

ATTACHMENTS
No attachments
LBOT Staff Report
November 10, 2025

Staff contact:

Eric Castro, City Librarian
(805) 684-4314, [email protected]
Signature
Staff contact: Jeanette Gant,
Signature
Reviewed by: Ryan Kintz, Assistant City Manager
(805) 755-4400, [email protected]
Signature

SANTA BARBARA OFFICE

MEMORANDUM
October 2025 Monthly Page 1 of 5
Memorandum
Date: November 6, 2025
To: Michael Ramirez, City Manager
From: Chief Rich Brittingham
Subject: City of Carpinteria October 2025 Monthly Report cc: Ryan Kintz, Assistant to the City Manager
City of Carpinteria
5400 Blk Carpinteria Ave (Business Center) - Found Narcotics A small baggie of suspected methamphetamine was found by employees at the above location. The baggie was located on the floor in front of the register. Employees called LE to respond and it was retrieved and booked for destruction.
5500 Blk Carp Ave - Possession of Meth For sales
Two suspects were initially contacted to the rear of the Goodwill, Casitas Plaza, for suspicion of taking donated items. It was
learned the boyfriend was on active county probation with search terms. The subjects were transported back to Motel 6 where they were staying. Upon entering the room, personal use of meth and paraphernalia were observed on the table. During a search of a duffle bag, 9.5 ounces of meth were found. Both suspects were arrested and booked into SBCJ. 4500 Blk Carpinteria Av Found Narcotics
An employer called to report that one of his employees found a small baggie containing a white powdery substance, believed to be narcotics, on the street and next to the curb in the 4500 Blk of Carpinteria Ave. The baggie was inspected, retrieved and booked for destruction.

Agenda Section: Public Information
Agenda Item No.: N/A
Council Meeting Date: November 10, 2025

SANTA BARBARA OFFICE

MEMORANDUM
October 2025 Monthly Page 2 of 5
800 Blk Linden Ave (Carpinteria)- Shoplifting w/Priors
Deputies were dispatched to a shoplift that had just occurred at Smart & Final and the store manager was following the suspect. Deputies located and detained the suspect, and he was identified as the suspect and arrested for shoplifting. Criminal history revealed the suspect had numerous prior convictions for petty theft. The suspect was booked into jail for petty theft with prior convictions. 1000 Blk Casitas Pass (Shopping Center) Grand Theft
Deputies were dispatched to a business for a theft in progress. Per the call notes, two female suspects had stolen three full bags of merchandise and were picked up in a vehicle. The vehicle and ting the store supervisor, she said the
female suspects got away with close to $1,000 worth of store merchandise.

Community Outreach

SANTA BARBARA OFFICE

MEMORANDUM
October 2025 Monthly Page 3 of 5
Criminal Investigations Bureau
City of Carpinteria Investigations
Case Overview (October Stats are Unavailable**)
Number of new cases forwarded to investigations: XX
Number of cases suspended: XX
Number of cases assigned: XX
Number of cases closed by arrest: XX
Number of cases closed by other: XX
Number submitted for complaint: XX
Number of current active cases: XX
**There are no October stats available due to the change over from Tiburon to Enterprise which completely changes how and what is submitted to DOJ.**

SANTA BARBARA OFFICE

MEMORANDUM
October 2025 Monthly Page 4 of 5
C
Please remember to call 911 (non-emergency number if it is not critical) immediately for a law enforcement response when crimes are committed, especially when the suspect displays violent behavior.

Non-Emergency Dispatch Number: 805-683-2724
NarcoticsAs we have seen, there are still multiple narcotic related arrests each month. Also, there were a couple of incidents this past month where narcotics were found in public on the ground by a community member. If you do find any suspected narcotics in public, please do not touch them. Call the non-emergency dispatch number immediately to have a deputy respond.
-Accidental exposure(s) can be dangerous

SANTA BARBARA OFFICE

MEMORANDUM
October 2025 Monthly Page 5 of 5
TheftsTheft from personal and commercial property remains an issue. Remember that Petty Theft with a prior has been reinstated, so make sure to report any theft related incidents. - Stricter Penalties:
o Misdemeanor: Up to one year in county jail.
o Felony: Up to three years in a California state prison. - "Wobbler" Crime: This crime is considered a "wobbler," meaning a prosecutor can choose to charge it as either a misdemeanor or a felony.

Respectfully,
Chief Rich Brittingham
Rich Brittingham, Lieutenant
South County Operations Division-Coastal
City of Carpinteria-Chief of Police Services
805-568-3388 Office
805-566-2166 Fax
Coastal Patrol Bureau
Sunday Oct 5
0039 Traff Santa Monica/101NB (CARP) Goodwin
Deputy observed a vehicle enter Highway 101 from Santa Monica at a high rate of speed which caused the tires to screech. The vehicle then travelled at a high rate of speed and exited at Santa Clause Lane. The vehicle yielded in the 3400 Block of Via Real. It was found that the driver, had his was towed from the scene.
0152 DOG 6100 Blk Carpinteria Ave (CARP) Goodwin
Deputy contacted a resident of Carpinteria who reported that he was bitten by a dog at Viola Fields on owner refused to provide her information to the RP.
0136 Narc 1116 Casitas Pass (CARP) Schoenneman
A records check was conducted on a vehicle in the parking lot and it was discovered the registered owner, , had one felony and two misdemeanor warrants for his arrest. Once the subject was inside the vehicle, he was contacted and confirmed to be the subject with warrants. During a search of the vehicle, paraphernalia and narcotics were located. Suspect transported and booked into SBCJ.

Monday Oct 6
1531 015F 5436 Carpinteria Ave (Starbucks)(CARP) James
A small baggie of suspected methamphetamine was found by workers at Starbucks. The baggie was located on the floor in front of the register. They called LE to turn it in. 1558 503 PC 4700 Blk Fourth St (CARP) Skall
of having embezzled from the business. The victim will be supplying more information and documentation to support the allegation. 1624 012 SAR Franklin Trail (CARP) N/A Skall
Deputies responded to an injured hiker. Subject was able to activate an SOS alert while hiking the Franklin/1913 trail. Ultimately, she was located injured in the river bottom and was hoisted out by helo and transported to Viola Fields to meet with Carp Fire.
1821 019 South End of Bailard (CARP) Schoenneman Deputies were dispatched to report of suspicious circumstances. Per the RP, a transient adult male had pointed a rifle scope at him. Upon conducting an area check, the subject was unable to be located. The belongings were collected and booked at Carp station for safekeeping. 2357 Narc 5550 Carp Ave (CARP) Squad D
Deputies responded to the rear of the Goodwill, Casitas Plaza, for suspicion of taking donated items. During . Deputies learned the boyfriend was on
active county probation with search terms. The subjects were transported back to Motel 6 where they were staying. Upon entering the room, personal use of meth and paraphernalia were observed on the table.

October 5, 2025 October 11, 2025
During a search of a duffle bag, 9.5 ounces of meth were found. Both suspects were arrested and booked into SBCJ.

Tuesday Oct 7
1509 VAI Carp Ave/Elm Ave (CARP) Skall
Collision at the intersection. One driver was transported by AMR and vehicle was left legally parked at scene.

Second driver was not transported, and vehicle was towed from scene.

Wednesday Oct 8
0704 602/019 6100 Blk Carpinteria Ave(CARP) Oliver
Deputies responded to an ongoing trespassing issue.

Thursday Oct 9
1538 VAI Carpinteria Ave/Cactus Ln Oliver
A juvenile was riding an e-bike in the right-most section of the road, eastbound on Carpinteria Ave, when the vehicle just ahead of him, also traveling eastbound on Carpinteria Avenue, turned southbound on Cactus Lane. The driver of the vehicle did not see the bicyclist and the bicyclist could not stop in time, ultimately resulting in a collision. The bicyclist had minor injuries and was taken to the hospital via his mother.

Friday Oct 10
0158 23152(a/b) S/B-101/Bailard Rivera/Brady
Deputies spotted a suspected DUI driver driving Southbound Highway 101 just before Bailard exit. The driver was exhibiting signs of alcohol intoxication. After FST's, the driver was arrested for DUI and submitted to a blood test.
0524 647(f) PC Holly Ave.(CARP) Brady/Corbett/Martinez
Deputies received a call regarding a 415 subject at a residence. Deputies located the subject near the old Rite Aid on Linden. was arrested for 647(F) PC.

Saturday Oct 11
2010 DUI Elm Ave (CARP) Cole
Rp called to report a suspicious driver. Deputies contacted the vehicle described near Sandyland and Elm Avenue. The driver, , was under the influence of alcohol while driving. submitted two chemical breath tests, both of which were 0.14%. was arrested and transported to SBJ.

Coastal Patrol Bureau
October 12, 2025 October 18, 2025
Sunday Oct 12
1130 found property 4500 Blk Carpinteria Av (CARP) Villegas called to report one of his employees found a small baggie containing a white powdery substance on the street and next to the curb in front of the 4500 Blk on Carpinteria Ave. The baggie was inspected and booked for destruction by deputies.

Monday Oct 13
2014 4462.5 VC 5550 Carp Ave (CARP) Hernandez
Deputies issued a suspect a citation when a records check was conducted on a vehicle backing into a parking stall. It was discovered to have been expired since September 2020, but was displaying a 2025 registration tab.
0244 Warr 1048 Casitas Pass (CARP) Hernandez
Deputies observed a known subject sitting at a table in front of Little Ceasars. A records check revealed she had an outstanding warrant for her arrest. This warrant was confirmed, and she was transported to SBJ.

Tuesday Oct 14
0955 019 5700 Blk Via Real Villegas
Deputies responded to a suspicious letter left on the door of the property manager. The letter was specifically written for the property manager. It did not show obvious threats towards the R/P but it was a very odd letter with very random comments. A subject has been identified, and follow-up investigations are being conducted. 2150 646.9/417(a)(1) 4800 Blk Eighth St (CARP) Schoenneman Deputies responded to the above-mentioned blk for a reported 415 subject with a hammer. Upon arrival, deputies contacted the subject, , where he was found standing in front of the residence with a hammer hanging from his jeans. was detained in handcuffs and upon further investigation it was determined he was in violation of 417(a)(1) PC and 646.9 PC. was arrested and the RP/Victim was granted an EPO. was transported and booked into SBJ without issue. 0429 065/HS 11364/11377 1116 Casitas Pass RD (CARP) Goodwin Deputy saw a 019-vehicle parked at AMPM and conducted a records check of the vehicle and owner. Deputy learned that the possible driver/owner of the vehicle had an active Warrant. Deputy contacted the driver and
positively identified him as . was arrested for the
warrant which consisted of HS11364/11377 and PC 853.8. While was in the process of being booked into SBJ, it was found that he had drug paraphernalia in his vehicle.

Thursday Oct 16
2122 23152(a/b/e)VC Carpinteria Ave/Cramer Rd (CARP) Rivera/Sanabria Deputies contacted after deputies observed sitting
in the vehicle parked on W. Carpinteria Ave. He stated he was driving his vehicle from Concha Loma to the above listed location. exhibited signs of alcohol intoxication upon contact. After FST's, was arrested for DUI (PAS:

0.092% BAC). was booked for violation of sections 23152(a/b/e) VC.

Friday Oct 17
1330 459.5/666 PC 850 Linden Avenue (CARP) Van Duzer
Deputies responded to the Smart and Final business for a theft in progress. As deputies were enroute, the reporting party (manager of the business) advised she was following the suspect on foot from the business. The suspect ( ) was contacted around Elm Avenue and Sixth Street. The suspect had had numerous stolen items from the Smart and Final in his possession and was arrested for 666 PC- due to previous theft related convictions. The stolen property was returned to the business.

Coastal Patrol Bureau
October 19, 2025 October 25, 2025
Tuesday Oct 21
1000 Missing Adult 4900 Blk Nipomo Dr. Carpinteria Villegas On 10-21-25, at approximately 1000 hours, the reporting party called to report his uncle, was missing. last saw
Sunday night 10-19-25 at approximately 2300 hours at their residence at 4900 Blk Nipomo Dr. Carpinteria, CA 93013. The following day, on 10-20-25, was not home and remained missing. attempted to call
phone, but it is currently disconnected. According to , is not known for going missing and not staying in touch with family. According to , does not suffer from mental disorders and is not a suicide risk. Wednesday Oct 22 1045 242PC 5100 Blk Carpinteria Avenue (CARP) Van Duzer Deputies responded to the Carpinteria library for a fight in progress. Deputies met with the victim who advised the suspect, , had assaulted her. stated she elbowed the victim in order to create distance from her as the victim was following her around the library verbally harassing her while filming the interaction. Multiple individuals at the farmers market advised the victim was harassing them. No witnesses or video surveillance at scene which captured the assault. The case was forwarded to 1407 488PC 1300 Blk Vallecito Road (CARP) Van Duzer
The victim, who is a landscaper at the location, left a leaf blower unattended for approximately 15 minutes on the driveway. An unknown suspect riding a grey bike approached the location and stole the leaf blower. Canvassed area for suspect and met with negative results.
1437 015F Carpinteria Creek (CARP) Van Duzer
During an area check of the location, a toy firearm which could be easily mistaken for a real firearm was located in the dirt. The toy firearm was recovered and booked for destruction.
2350 488PC/22810PC/182PC 1400 Blk Limu Dr (Carp) Coert/Brady Deputies responded to the area for reports of theft of a vehicle cover at a residence.

The subjects, and , were in the area and found with
the vehicle cover. Both subjects were arrested for violation of 488 PC. Additionally, , whose car they were all in, was arrested for violation of 647(f) PC and 22810 PC (Felon in possession of pepper spray).
2215 422PC,245(A)(1)PC,242PC Carp Ave/Casitas Pass Rivera/Sanabria Deputies responded to two subjects involved in an altercation at 5400 Blk Carpinteria Avenue, Carpinteria. One of the parties involved
reference to the incident and then left the scene. A short time later that subject returned to the location carrying a metal weight curl bar. He stated that he came back to take care of the other subject because, according That subject was arrested for being in violation of PC 422 and PC 245(a)(1). Report forwarded to the district attorney for review of a charge of PC 242 against the second subject.

Saturday Oct 25
2019 487PC 4200 Blk Carp Ave (CARP) Goodwin On 10/21 the Juvenile left their Rad E-Bike unsecured in front of their garage at 4200 Blk Carpinteria Ave. On 10/25 the E-Bike was shown at 4900 Blk Dorrance Way, but it was later discovered that it was last pinged on 10/21. Deputies checked the area for the E-Bike but were UTL.
2238 368(b)(1)/242 PC 1300 Blk June Ave (CARP) Cole During my investigation, it was discovered that the suspect, , pushed his elderly father onto the bed, causing him to have chest pains and partially faint. The altercation stemmed from wanting to take his parents car keys and his father attempting to stop him due to being intoxicated.

Coastal Patrol Bureau
October 26, 2025 November 1, 2025
Sunday Oct 26
1256 012 6100 Blk Via Real (Carp) Skall Deputies responded to a RP calling to report his mother was found down and unresponsive at her residence after not hearing from her for about 3 days. Upon arrival, the victim was located on the floor of her bedroom, and appeared to have suffered a stroke, and had been down for an extended period of time. Fire/medics responded, and the victim was transported to the hospital.
1421 Bike theft/recovery CVS (Carp) Villegas Deputies responded to a RP reporting that their bike had been stolen from CVS, and it the creek searching for the bike and the suspect. RP would not give deputies clear information, and when deputies went to locate husband in the tree line, he had already hopped over to the Motel 6 parking lot and gotten the bike back, then rode it home. 2001 487 PC CVS (CARP) Schoenneman Deputies were dispatched to CVS in Carpinteria for a theft in progress. Per the call notes, two adult female suspects had stolen three full bags of merchandise and were picked up by a vehicle.

Upon contacting the store supervisor said the female suspects got away with close to $1,000 worth of store merchandise but she could not specify what exactly was taken.

Monday Oct 27
1213 065 / TC 900 Blk Concha Loma Dr (CARP) Skall, James crashed his RV into a parked vehicle. The owner of the parked vehicle witnessed the TC and called law enforcement. was found to have a warrant for his arrest. He was arrested and booked into jail.

Tuesday Oct 28
1946 459.5 PC American Supreme Gas (CARP) Villegas Deputies responded to a suspect, , having entered the Gas station store and stole cigarettes from behind the cash register counter. fled the scene and was later located on Linden and 8th street. The store manager was not willing to sign a . returned the cigarettes. was transported to the hospital via AMR after stating he was not feeling good and was withdrawing from Fentanyl which he used the other day.

Wednesday Oct 29
1131 451PC 1115 Casitas Pass Rd (CARP) Pereyra did not appear to be suspicious however after review of the cameras an adult, male subject was seen setting the fire before ridding off on his bicycle. The male remains unknown, and the case is under investigation.
2105 NARC El Carro LN/Jay St (CARP) Oliver Deputy conducted consensual contact with a driver, , who was sitting in his car. Deputies noticed 2 open containers of Modelo beer in the vehicle. consented to a search of his person and his vehicle. Suspected methamphetamine was found in a folded one-dollar bill in his wallet. signed his citation and departed without further incident.

Thursday Oct 30
1411 242 PC 1400 Blk Sterling Ave (CARP) Goodwin Deputies responded to 1400 Blk Sterling Ave for report of a physical family dispute.

Medical was provided and it was found that the following occurred. Subject #1 took his he got home, he got
into a physical altercation with his brother. Their younger brother then got involved to protect Subject #1
that one of the brothers was the primary aggressor. No video cameras or other evidence was available at the scene.
2020 NARC Carp Creek Bike Path (CARP) Oliver Deputies detained after observing him ride his bike on the path at night. consented to a search of his person and his belongings. Suspected methamphetamine was found in his shorts pocket. signed his citation and departed without further incident.

Friday Oct 31
0732 TRAFF Carp Ave/Santa Ynez (CARP) Goodwin Deputy saw the suspect vehicle travel eastbound on Carpinteria Ave toward Santa Ynez Ave. On the Northside of Carp Ave, a yellow school bus was stopped and had flashing red lights and a red stop sign deployed. The suspect vehicle continued passed the stop sign, in violation of 22454(a). It was found the driver, , was license status had been suspended
for 2-prior DUI related offenses. was cited for violations of 14601.2(a) and 22454, the vehicle was towed from the scene.
1146 065 1000 Blk Casitas Pass RD (CARP) Schoenneman Deputies were walking the area of the 1000 Blk Casitas Pass RD, Deputy Schoenneman located as a known 065, . She was contacted at her residence and arrested.
2138 602/148PC 5100 Blk Foothill Road (CARP) Van Duzer Deputies responded to location for a report of a trespass suspect there now. RP was a retired SBPD officer who had his firearm drawn out at the suspect. Deputies arrived on scene and took suspect who physically resisted into custody. Suspect arrested for 148 PC and 602 PC.

Saturday Nov 1
1127 594(b)(1) PC 4600 Blk Carp Ave (CARP) Goodwin Deputy responded to 4600 Blk Carpinteria Avenue for reported vandalism. Deputy contacted the RP and located the damaged property which was two fence posts. The top of the fence posts was cut off and had clamps put on. The RP estimated the damage at approximately $1,000 to replace the two damaged fence posts. 1838 NARC Casitas Pass/Foothill (CARP) Oliver Deputies conducted a traffic enforcement stop for excessive speed and tinted front windows. The driver, , was contacted and consented to a search of himself and the vehicle. A search of the vehicle revealed three used methamphetamine pipes with a usable quantity of methamphetamine inside. was issued a citation for the above-mentioned drug related offenses and released on scene.

MEMORANDUM
Council Meeting Date: November 10, 2025
To: Honorable Mayor and City Council
From: Michael Ramirez, City Manager
Subject: City Manager’s Report

CITY EMPLOYEE UPDATES
Recruitments
Below is a partial list of open recruitments and their current status. Additional information on City job openings is available online at https://carpinteriaca.gov/city-hall/humanresources/. • Library Technician I/II/III – Part-Time
o Apply Immediately – First Review of Applications: November 12, 2025 • Recreation Leader I/II/III – Part-Time
o Pending Interviews
Staff Training/Development
On November 5, 2025, some of the City’s supervisory and management staff participated in a webinar, Difficult Conversations, presented by Liebert, Cassidy & Whitmore (LCW), the City’s human resources legal advisors. The workshop focused on strategies for effectively addressing challenging workplace conversations, including performance issues and team conflicts. Participants learned step-by-step approaches to identify, prepare for, and conduct these types of difficult conversations with confidence and professionalism.

California Association of Code Enforcement Officers (CACEO) Annual Conference Code Compliance Supervisor David Hernandez attended the annual CACEO conference held October 28 to 30, 2025. The conference provided an opportunity for code enforcement professionals to stay informed about evolving trends in the field, network with other agencies, vendors, and professional groups, and earn Continuing Education Units (CEUs) required to maintain professional certifications. Some of the sessions David attended included leadership lessons, legal updates, sidewalk vending enforcement, and homeless encampment enforcement.

Agenda Section: City Manager’s Report
Agenda Item No.: N/A
Council Meeting Date: November 10, 2025

UPDATES ON DEVELOPMENT APPLICATIONS
County Housing Element Rezones Reviewed by CA Coastal Commission On November 6th, the California Coastal Commission (CCC) considered the rezoning of three properties located in unincorporated County of Santa Barbara along the City’s immediate border (Bailard, Van Wingerden 1, and Van Wingerden 2). Despite extensive testimony from City representatives and a number of Carpinteria residents concerning the challenges with the contemplated sites and the dangerous precedent the rezones would set for the protection of other farmland in the Valley, the Commission voted to accept the staff recommendation to rezone all three sites to multifamily residential, with the included modification to require a 12% moderate-income affordability obligation in addition to the already included 20% low-income affordability requirement. In explaining their decision, the Commission pointed to the local and statewide housing crisis, the increased affordability requirement placed on the sites which are intended to prioritize local workforce housing, and the belief that the County had exhausted all other options in studying possible rezone sites in the Carpinteria Valley. With Coastal Commission approval, the rezones must return to the County Board of Supervisors for acceptance prior to becoming final.

While staff is disappointed with the outcome, representatives from the County and the property owners of the rezone sites expressed a willingness to continue dialogues with the City in an effort to address City concerns and to develop projects that would be beneficial to the community. City staff will continue to remain engaged with the rezone efforts and take direction from the City Council on any discussions with County or property owner representatives. Details about the proposed rezones, along with the CCC staff report and public comment letters (including the City’s submitted letter), are available on the CCC website at: https://coastal.ca.gov/meetings/agenda/#/2025/11 (see item 11a on Thursday, November 6th tab).

OTHER CITY/COMMUNITY UPDATES
City Branding Guide Update
The City recently presented a new Branding Guide to the Public Engagement Committee for awareness. The guide provides direction for staff on the City’s color palette, typography, logo usage, and other design standards. While the Branding Guide is primarily an operational document intended for internal use, it was shared with the Committee in recognition of prior community and Committee interest in the appropriate use of the City Seal versus the City Logo.

Developed in 1965, the City Seal has served as Carpinteria’s primary identifying mark for nearly 60 years and continues to play an important ceremonial and legal role. In general, the Seal should be reserved for official, legal, or formal uses, while the City Logo is intended for public-facing and promotional materials.

City logo:
• Social media
• Website
• Printed or digital engagement materials
• Community events and outreach
• Staff uniforms (embroidery, screen printing, etc.)
• Informational and interpretive signage
• Employee identification (nametags, email signatures, business cards, badges, etc.)
City seal:
• Legal or regulatory documents (ordinances, contracts, grants, etc.) • Proclamations
• Formal letterhead
• Staff reports
• Meeting minutes
• Agendas for Council, Boards, and Commissions
• Legal signage (code compliance)
City Staff Attend Reimagining Government Land Summit
Mayor Alarcon and Community Development Director Nick Bobroff attended the Reimagining Government Land Summit held on October 30th, and hosted by 2nd District Supervisor Laura Capps’ office. The summit featured representatives from local jurisdictions and school districts throughout Santa Barbara County sharing their experiences and lessons learned with efforts to transform surplus or underutilized agency-owned properties into new housing opportunities, with a particular focus on the provision of affordable housing. Participants shared examples of how they identified and evaluated sites for consideration, consulted with design professionals to determine development potential, and worked with public and private partners to finance and deliver such projects. The summit was structured to allow conversation and questions amongst participants, with an emphasis on sharing of information and resources to support other jurisdictions in pursuing similar strategies.

City Staff Present at Abuela Event
AgeWell Program Coordinator Jena Jenkins organizes monthly Abuela AgeWell events to engage with Carpinteria’s Spanish-speaking community. This month’s session featured guest speaker Juliza Briones, Program Manager, who presented in Spanish on how to access various City services and provided an overview of the City’s current finances, as highlighted in the recent State of the City address.

Topics discussed included how to participate in public meetings in Spanish, submit maintenance requests, and reserve park and barbecue areas, and many more. The group was also provided information about the City’s Spanish-language call line to further improve access and communication for Spanish-speaking residents.

City Supports Downtown T Business Advisory Board’s Trick or Treat Event On October 31, from 3:30–5:00 p.m., City staff supported the Downtown T Business Advisory Board’s annual Halloween event, which encourages community members to trick-or-treat at businesses along the Downtown T corridor. City staff assisted with flyer and advertisement development and conducted outreach, alongside DTBAB members, to downtown businesses, encouraging them to participate and offer incentives, such as coupons, to encourage visitors to return to their establishments. Staff also handed out candy at the City Visitors Kiosk and captured photos for marketing and outreach purposes. This year’s event welcomed hundreds of children and their families. The City looks forward to building on this success and continuing to enhance the event for the community in the years ahead.

Tomol Interpretive Play Area Updates
In 2009, the City of Carpinteria was awarded a $300,000 Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) grant to help fund the construction of the Tomol Interpretive Play Area. The LWCF program required a minimum one-to-one match of the funds. At the time, the City of Carpinteria, the Carpinteria Morning Rotary Club, and the California Department of Parks and Recreation partnered to design and construct a trail and interpretive play area at the site. The project was funded through the LWCF grant ($300,000), contributions from the Carpinteria Morning Rotary Club ($200,000), and approximately $170,000 from the City.

The Tomol Interpretive Play Area opened in 2011 and has since been enjoyed by countless residents and visitors. Over the years, due to heavy use and natural wear and tear, the rubberized play surface has deteriorated, the slide has been damaged beyond repair, and several concrete features have developed cracks or other minor damage.

Public Works staff have made ongoing patch repairs where possible; however, the condition of the play area now requires a full resurfacing, replacement of the damaged slide, and potential repair or replacement of certain concrete structures.

Public Works has solicited bids for the necessary repairs. The City received one bid for the slide replacement at just under $9,000 and has moved forward with ordering the new slide, which will be installed once it arrives. Staff are continuing to solicit bids for the resurfacing portion of the project, including outreach to the original contractor who constructed the play area.

This project was not previously budgeted, and only minimal funds are currently available to cover the renovation costs. Once multiple bids have been received, staff will explore potential grant and alternative funding opportunities to support the project. Additionally, community partners such as the Carpinteria Morning Rotary Club have expressed interest in contributing to the restoration effort.

If sufficient funding is secured, staff will return to Council with a proposed contract and implementation schedule for the renovation work.

AgeWell Updates
Lecture Series: Santa Barbara Museum of Art
The November AgeWell Lecture Series, presented in partnership with the Santa Barbara Museum of Art, will feature “Paris in Ruins: War, Culture, and the Birth of Impressionism” on Thursday, November 13, at 1:00 p.m. in the Veterans Hall Meeting Room. Speaker Lori Mohr will explore how the Franco-Prussian War influenced the rise of Impressionism.

Friendsgiving Lunch
The AgeWell Friendsgiving Lunch will take place on Thursday, November 20, at 1:00 p.m. in the Veterans Hall Meeting Room. This hosted meal offers an opportunity to share good food and connect with fellow community members in a celebration of gratitude and friendship.

Community Garden
The Community Garden hosted a Volunteer Day on Sunday, October 26, from 10:00 to 11:30 a.m. Approximately 15 garden members participated in weeding and re-mulching the pathways and front area. The event provided an opportunity for members to connect with one another while contributing to the ongoing care and improvement of the Garden.

Throughout the month of October, the Community Garden’s composting systems diverted 180.5 pounds of food and garden scraps from the landfill. The vermicomposting system produced 5.5 pounds of nutrient-rich worm castings, which were made available for garden members to use in their plots.

On Saturday, November 1, the Community Garden hosted the 3rd Annual Pumpkin Smash, in partnership with the City’s Sustainability Department. This community event promoted the repurposing of used pumpkins to be composted and donated to local farms for animal feed, rather than being sent to the landfill. The event featured different games and activities, and community members were invited to take home pumpkin seeds and free compost.

MEMORANDUM
Date: November 4, 2025
To: City Council
From: Nick Bobroff, Community Development Director
Subject: November 3, 2025 Planning Commission Action
On Monday, November 3rd, the Planning Commission considered the following hearing request with all five Commissioners in attendance:
1) Burgess-Birk Residence Remodel & Addition
Planner: Syndi Souter
Project: 25-2328-CUP/CDP/ARB
Address: 748 Maple Avenue
Hearing the request of Dylan Chappell, architect, for Gordon Burgess and Selena Burgess-Birk, to consider Project 25-2328-CUP/CDP/ARB (application filed January 28, 2025) for approval of a Conditional Use Permit and a Coastal Development Permit to remodel and construct a total of 1,836 square-feet of additions to an existing legal-nonconforming 997 square-foot single-family residence under the provisions of Carpinteria Municipal Code (CMC) §14.14 Planned Residential Development District and §14.62 Conditional Use Permit; and to approve an Exemption pursuant to §15301, §15302, and §15332 of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines. The application involves APN 003-321-011, addressed as 748 Maple Avenue.

The Planning Commission voted 5-0 to adopt Resolution PC-25-010, thereby approving the requested Conditional Use Permit and Coastal Development Permit, and accepting the CEQA exemption.

Agenda Section: Planning Commission Actions
Agenda Item No.: N/A
Council Meeting Date: November 10, 2025
2 Condition of Approval, now Condition No. 2, as shown below:
2) The driveway access to the site from Maple Avenue shall remain in the existing location with minimal expansion to avoid damage to the 20-inch diameter Jacaranda mimosifolia (Jacaranda) street tree that is located immediately adjacent to the driveway. Plan Requirements: Staff shall review final plans for compliance with this condition. Timing and Monitoring: Staff shall review the driveway plans prior to final ARB review and prior to issuance of any construction permits, and staff shall monitor in-field during construction and verify compliance prior to final inspection.

City of Carpinteria
City Council Minutes
Regular Meeting
Monday, October 27, 2025
Council Chamber, 5775 Carpinteria Avenue, Carpinteria, CA 93013 In-Person and Virtual

CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Alarcon called the meeting to order at 4:35 pm.

ROLL CALL
Councilmembers present: Councilmember Al Clark (District No. 5) Councilmember Julia Mayer (District No. 3)
Councilmember Wade T. Nomura(District No. 4)
Vice Mayor Mónica J. Solórzano (District No. 1)
Mayor Natalia Alarcon (District No. 2)
Staff members present: Michael Ramirez, City Manager
Jena Shoaf Acos, on behalf of Brownstein Hyatt Farber
Schreck, LLP acting as City Attorney of the City
of Carpinteria
Ryan Kintz, Assistant City Manager
Brian C. Barrett, City Clerk

PUBLIC COMMENT ON CLOSED SESSION MATTER
There was no public comment.

CLOSED SESSION

1. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL – EXISTING LITIGATION
(Paragraph (1) of subdivision (d) of Section 54956.9)
Name of Case: Stephen Marcussen and Mary Eileen Marcussen v. City of Carpinteria and Alewright LLC (Case No. 25CV05670)
Legal Counsel Acos read aloud the Closed Session item title.

TEMPORARY ADJOURNMENT TO CLOSED SESSION
Mayor Alarcon temporarily adjourned the meeting to Closed Session at 4:36 pm.

Agenda Section: Consent Calendar
Agenda Item No.: 4
Council Meeting Date: November 10, 2025
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
October 27, 2025

CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Alarcon called the meeting to order at 5:31 pm.

ROLL CALL
Councilmembers present: Councilmember Al Clark (District No. 5) Councilmember Julia Mayer (District No. 3)
Councilmember Wade T. Nomura(District No. 4)
Vice Mayor Mónica J. Solórzano (District No. 1)
Mayor Natalia Alarcon (District No. 2)
Staff members present: Michael Ramirez, City Manager
Jena Shoaf Acos, on behalf of Brownstein Hyatt Farber
Schreck, LLP acting as City Attorney of the City
of Carpinteria
Ryan Kintz, Assistant City Manager
Brian C. Barrett, City Clerk
DeLayni Millar, Environmental Program Manager
Tatianna Suriel, Environmental Program Specialist
Nick Bobroff, Community Development Director
Jeanette Gant, Parks, Recreation & Community
Services Director
Juliza Briones, Program Manager
Mindy Fogg, Principal Planner

CLOSED SESSION REPORT
Legal Counsel Acos announced that there was no reportable action from the Closed Session item.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mayor Alarcon led those present in the salute to the flag.

COUNCILMEMBER(S) REQUEST FOR REMOTE PARTICIPATION UNDER AB 2449 There were no Councilmember requests for remote participation under AB 2449.

AGENDA MODIFICATIONS: NONE
INTRODUCTIONS, PROCLAMATIONS AND PRESENTATIONS:

City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
October 27, 2025

2. Introduction of New Employees: Tatiana Suriel, Environmental Program Specialist and Ruth Zamora, Administrative Office Professional II with the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Department.

Environmental Program Manager Millar introduced Tatianna Suriel, Environmental Program Specialist, who provided remarks.

There was no public comment.

3. A Proclamation Recognizing October as “Promotoras Month” in the City of Carpinteria. (Requires taking public comment and approval prior to the City Council reading and presenting the proclamation).

There was no public comment.

Motion by Vice Mayor Solórzano, seconded by Councilmember Nomura, to approve the Proclamation Recognizing October as “Promotoras Month” in the City of Carpinteria.

Upon voice vote, the motion carried unanimously.

Mayor Alarcon and the Council presented the proclamation to Teresa Alvarez, Executive Director of Carpinteria Children’s Project who provided remarks.

4. A Proclamation Recognizing and Celebrating the 39th Anniversary of the California Avocado Festival. (Requires taking public comment and approval prior to the City Council reading and presenting the proclamation).

There was no public comment.

Motion by Councilmember Mayer, seconded by Councilmember Clark, to approve the Proclamation Recognizing and Celebrating the 39th Anniversary of the California Avocado Festival. Upon voice vote, the motion carried unanimously.

Mayor Alarcon and the Council presented the proclamation to Mike Lazaro, Festival Producer and Olivia Sorgman, Festival Director. Ms. Sorgman provided remarks.

5. Presentation by a representative(s) of Chevron U.S.A., Inc., about the Carpinteria Oil and Gas Facility Decommissioning.

Mark Korte-Nahabedian, Corporate Affairs with Chevron USA provided the PowerPoint presentation.

Speakers in-person: Susan Allen
Speakers via Zoom: Alexandra Van Antwerp
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
October 27, 2025

Emails distributed: Noah Boland
Motion by Vice Mayor Solórzano, seconded by Councilmember Nomura, to receive and file the presentation. Upon voice vote, the motion carried unanimously.

PUBLIC INFORMATION REPORTS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
Daisy Weber, District Director, on behalf of First District Supervisor Roy Lee, provided updates on the following:
• Update on housing in unincorporated Carpinteria
o Coastal Commission Meeting on November 6th – LCP Rezone Hearing o Bailard Project proposed units and parking (estimated 182 total units and 297 parking units)
• Cannabis Updates
o Adoption of Coastal Commission at October 21st Board of Supervisors Meeting (All carbon filtration systems (scrubbers) must be installed by March 18, 2026)
o District Attorney enforcement
• Phasing out onshore oil and gas
o Board of Supervisors decided 3-2 to start the process to transition away from fossil fuels; directed staff to return with findings for Phase 1 and II ▪ Phase I – no new oil wells
▪ Phase II – a multi-year plan to transition away from fossil fuels and toward clean energy with the goal of retaining/expanding good jobs Speakers in-person: Rogelio Delgado
Speakers via Zoom: Betty Jeppesen and Tristine Rainer
The Council was interested in receiving a presentation by the Housing Authority of the County of Santa Barbara.

CITY MANAGER’S REPORT
City Manager Ramirez reported on his attendance at a Morning Rotary Club meeting where he spoke about the City finances and that the State of the City Address was now available for viewing online in English and Spanish.
a. City Employee Updates
Assistant City Manager Kintz reported on City recruitments. b. Updates on Capital Improvement Projects
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
October 27, 2025

None.
c. Updates on Development Applications
Community Development Director Bobroff reported on the following:
• Maintenance work related to the eventual decommissioning of the Pitas Point natural gas facility (not in City Manager Report) • City staff continues to update the City’s Proposed Housing Projects webpage
• Noted items on the upcoming November 3rd Planning Commission meeting • Possible formation of an affordable housing committee The Council briefly discussed when to create the Affordable Housing Committee - soon or adding it to the strategic plan discussion in January.

Motion by Councilmember Clark, seconded by Councilmember Mayer, to agendize the creation of an Affordable Housing Committee at an upcoming Council meeting.

Upon voice vote, the motion carried with Councilmember Nomura opposed.

City Manager Ramirez said staff will bring back the creation of the Affordable Housing Committee to the November 24, 2025 Council meeting.

d. Other City/Community Updates
Parks, Recreation & Community Services Director Gant reported on AgeWell and Community Garden events and provided a brief update on the Tomol Interpretive Play Area.

Program Manager Briones provided updates on emergency management and volunteer services.

There was no public comment.

PUBLIC COMMENT ON MATTERS NOT ON THE AGENDA
Speakers in-person: Rogelio Delgado
Emails distributed: Scott Decker and Anonymous
CONSENT CALENDAR:

There was no public comment.

City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
October 27, 2025

Motion by Councilmember Mayer, seconded by Councilmember Clark, to approve the Consent Calendar Item Nos. 6 through 11. Upon voice vote, the motion carried unanimously.

6. Approve the minutes of the regular meeting held October 13, 2025.

7. Receive and file the Expenditures for the period beginning October 6, 2025 and ending October 17, 2025.

8. Receive and file the Report of Contracts Executed by the City Manager for the Period of September 2, 2025 through October 6, 2025.

9. Receive and file the Monthly City Treasurer’s Report on Compliance with Statement of Safekeeping and Investment of Public Funds for September 2025.

10. Receive and file the Quarterly Review of the Pension Stabilization Trust.

11. Adopt Resolution No. 6420, receiving and filing the City’s Investment Policy as part of the annual review required by state law.

Mayor Alarcon recessed to a break at 7:12 pm and reconvened the meeting at 7:25 pm.

ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS:

12. Authorize the purchase of 35 standardized trash receptacles from Forms+Surfaces in an amount not-to-exceed $84,865.24.

Recommendation: Authorize the purchase of 35 trash receptacles in an amount not-to-exceed $84,865.24. (Requires a roll call vote.)
Environmental Program Manager Millar presented the staff report and PowerPoint presentation.

There was no public comment.

Motion by Vice Mayor Solórzano, seconded by Councilmember Nomura, to authorize the purchase of 35 trash receptacles in an amount not-to-exceed $84,865.24. The roll call vote on the motion was as follows:

AYES: Councilmember Clark, Councilmember Mayer, Councilmember Nomura, Vice Mayor Solórzano, and Mayor Alarcon
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
October 27, 2025

The motion carried unanimously.

13. Appointments to the Central Coast Community Energy’s Policy Board and Operations Board.

Recommendation: Appoint one City Councilmember to serve as the primary representative on the Central Coast Community Energy’s Policy Board and appoint City Manager Michael Ramirez to serve as the alternate representative on the Central Coast Community Energy’s Operations Board, both for the two-year term, December 1, 2025 through November 30, 2027.

City Clerk Barrett provided the staff report and PowerPoint presentation.

There was no public comment.

Motion by Councilmember Clark, seconded by Vice Mayor Solórzano, to appoint Councilmember Nomura to serve as the primary representative on the Central Coast Community Energy’s Policy Board and appoint City Manager Michael Ramirez to serve as the alternate representative on the Central Coast Community Energy’s Operations Board, both for the two-year term, December 1, 2025 through November 30, 2027. Upon voice vote, the motion carried unanimously.

PUBLIC HEARING: NONE

CONSIDERATION OF ANY ITEMS REMOVED FROM CONSENT CALENDAR AND/OR OTHER AGENDA ITEMS REQUESTED TO BE ADVANCED: NONE MATTERS CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS MEETINGS: NONE
OTHER BUSINESS:

14. Consider approval of the First Amendment to the City Manager Employment Agreement and authorization of a One-Time Bonus.

Recommendation: Authorize for the Mayor’s signature on the First Amendment to the City Manager Employment Agreement Between the City of Carpinteria and Michael Ramirez and approve payment of a one-time performance bonus in the amount of $5,000.00. (Requires a roll call vote.)
Legal Counsel Acos presented the staff report.

There was no public comment.

Motion by Councilmember Clark, seconded by Vice Mayor Solórzano, to authorize the Mayor to execute the First Amendment to the City Manager Employment Agreement City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
October 27, 2025

Between the City of Carpinteria and Michael Ramirez and to approve a one-time performance bonus for the City Manager in the amount of $5,000.00. The roll call vote on the motion was as follows:

AYES: Councilmember Clark, Councilmember Mayer, Councilmember Nomura, Vice Mayor Solórzano, and Mayor Alarcon
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
The motion carried unanimously.

15. Authorize a member of the City Council and the City Manager to present in-person public comment on behalf of the Council at the November 6, 2025 meeting of the California Coastal Commission (CCC), regarding the rezoning of three sites in the unincorporated Carpinteria Valley to multifamily residential use; approve a budget appropriation for the travel expenses of two (2) City representatives to attend the CCC meeting in-person; and provide direction to City staff on a proposed comment letter to the CCC regarding the County rezone sites.

Recommendation: (1) Authorize a member of the City Council and the City Manager to present public comment on behalf of the Council at the November 6, 2025 meeting of the California Coastal Commission (CCC) in Sacramento, CA, regarding the proposed rezoning of three sites in the County to multifamily residential use and (2) Provide direction to City staff on a proposed comment letter to the CCC, regarding the proposed rezoning of three parcels in the County to multifamily residential use.

Principal Planner Fogg presented the staff report and PowerPoint presentation.

Speakers in-person: Christie Boyd
Speakers via Zoom: Mike Wondolowski, Gary Campopiano, Tristine Rainer, Karl Sonkin, and Lorraine McIntire
Emails distributed: Susie Anderson
There was Council consensus to allow staff to prepare the proposed comment letter to the CCC, regarding the proposed rezoning of three parcels in the County to multifamily residential use and take the stance of protecting the urban-rural boundary and make arguments in alignment with the CA Costal Act.

Motion by Councilmember Nomura, seconded by Councilmember Clark, to authorize Councilmember Mayer and the City Manager to represent the City Council at the November 6, 2025 California Coastal Commission meeting to deliver remarks regarding City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
October 27, 2025

the County of Santa Barbara’s proposed rezoning of parcels in the Carpinteria Valley.

The roll call vote on the motion was as follows:

AYES: Councilmember Clark, Councilmember Mayer, Councilmember Nomura, Vice Mayor Solórzano, and Mayor Alarcon
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
The motion carried unanimously.

LEGISLATIVE UPDATE: NONE

COMMITTEE REPORTS, INQUIRIES AND OTHER MATTERS PRESENTED BY

COUNCILMEMBERS
Vice Mayor Solórzano reported on the following:
• Santa Barbara Metropolitan Transit District Board met last week and received financial update on FY 2024/25 and discussed updates to non-represented employee health benefits.
• Public Engagement Committee met last week and discussed the new City logo and branding guide.
• General Plan Update Committee met last week and discussed the Coastal Commission’s recommended edits to the draft General Plan Update.

ATTENDANCE OF COUNCILMEMBERS FOR FUTURE MEETINGS
All Councilmembers are expected to be in attendance at the November 10, 2025 Council meeting.

ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Alarcon adjourned the meeting at 8:32 pm.
__________________________
Natalia Alarcon, Mayor
ATTEST:
____________________________
Brian C. Barrett, CMC, CPMC
City Clerk
City of Carpinteria

COUNCIL AGENDA STAFF REPORT

ITEM FOR COUNCIL CONSIDERATION
Expenditures for the period beginning October 20, 2025, and ending October 30, 2025.

STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Receive and file the Warrant Register for the period of October 20, 2025, through October 30, 2025, pursuant to Carpinteria Municipal Code 2.08.150(F).

DISCUSSION
As part of each regular City Council agenda, a list of all checks (Attachment A) disbursed since the last reporting period is presented to the City Council pursuant to C.M.C.

2.08.150(F). The report is provided for the City Council and public information and serves as the verification that the expenditures have been reviewed and are within budgeted appropriations.

FINANCIAL CONSIDERATIONS
The warrant register is designed to communicate fiscal activity since the prior reporting period and ensure expenditures are within the approved budget.

ATTACHMENTS
Attachment A: Warrant Register for the period beginning October 20, 2025, and ending October 30, 2025.

Agenda Section: Consent Calendar
Agenda Item No.: 5
Council Meeting Date: November 10, 2025
Warrant Register
November 10, 2025
Page #2
Staff contact: Brenda Robinson, Accounting Specialist
(805) 755-4442, [email protected]
Signature
Staff contact: Licette Maldonado, Admin Services Dir.
(805) 755-4448, [email protected]
Signature
Reviewed by: Ryan Kintz, Assistant City Manager
(805) 755-4400, [email protected] Signature
Reviewed by: Michael Ramirez, City Manager
(805) 755-4450, [email protected] Signature

ATTACHMENT A
Warrant Register for the period beginning
October 20, 2025, and ending October 30, 2025.

Vendor Number Vendor Name Payment Date Payment Amount Number Payable # Payable Type Payable Description
Bank Code: AP Bank-AP Bank
Payment Type: Regular
OLIVIA ANDRADE 10/30/2025 (100.00) 106322
AFLAC 10/23/2025 150.25 106757
645884 Invoice OCT25 EMPLOYEE PREMIUMS
ALEXANDRA VANANTWERP 10/23/2025 180.00 106758
Q3 JUL-SEP 2025 Invoice PLANNING COMMISSION MEETINGS JUL-SEP 2025 ALEXIS PERSOON 10/23/2025 196.00 106759
INV0008217 Invoice REIMBURSE OCT25 CSLSA BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING ALICE WISSING 10/23/2025 360.00 106760
10/07/25 Invoice MINUTES FOR PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING 8/4/25 AMAZON CAPITAL SERVICES INC 10/23/2025 1,030.49 106761
1114-R44T-HJK1 Invoice BOOKS FOR LIBRARY
11JF-KVF4-R9WM Invoice ZIP BOOKS-J. SMART
11M3-PC31-GFY1 Invoice BOOKS FOR LIBRARY
11PQ-HKVN-7DNF Invoice HDMI CABLES FOR IT SERVICES
13G7-WFK1-636F Invoice ZIP BOOKS-D. CRAWLEY
14FC-JW7P-9J1F Invoice HP TONER CARTRIDGES, COLORED PAPER 14X9-C4WK-CXYM Invoice BOOKS FOR LIBRARY
16KR-PQLJ-6JQC Invoice COPY PAPER FOR COMMUNITY LIBRARY 17DV-3FTY-GPW9 Invoice BOOKS FOR LIBRARY
193X-PXLK-7VQC Invoice COLORED COPY PAPER FOR CITY HALL 19QP-136L-7HHC Invoice HEADPHONES FOR CITY STAFF
1CK9-XYDK-3DNX Invoice SUPPLIES FOR VOLUNTEER APPRECIATION 1F99-P3W4-46N7 Invoice ZIP BOOKS-T. ALEXANDER
1FN4-MJPL-444D Invoice SEWING KITS FOR AGE WELL WORKSHOP 1HL3-N447-GKLF Invoice ZIP BOOKS-T. BRYAN
1HTG-QPVM-FRR9 Invoice MONTESSORI PUZZLE FOR COMMUNITY LIBRARY 1JQR-JVK1-GJ71 Invoice BOOKS FOR LIBRARY
1JY3-WY7Q-DGPH Credit Memo BOOKS FOR LIBRARY
1KKV-PVMD-9Q7J Invoice ZIP BOOKS-K. BARRAZA
1NV4-9HGP-96CD Invoice ZIP BOOKS-L. FRIEDMAN
1PCT-LJ7T-HJX7 Invoice BOOKS FOR LIBRARY
1PKQ-CL3J-C4P3 Invoice ZIP BOOKS-J. FOSTER
1Q1W-QLXX-9KNH Invoice POCKET FOLDERS, SHEET PROTECTORS FOR CERT 1WGY-FFDG-64XC Invoice ZIP BOOKS-T. ALVAREZ
1XVL-3GN9-76TT Invoice ZIP BOOKS-G. ANDERSSON
1Y7J-49P3-G4FY Invoice INDEX CARDS FOR COMMUNITY LIBRARY **Void** 10/23/2025 106762 - AMY BLAKEMORE 10/23/2025 106763 50.00 Q3 JUL-SEP 2025 Invoice ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW BOARD MEETINGS JUL-SEP 2025 BLACK GOLD COOPERATIVE LIBRARY SYSTEM 10/23/2025 106764 22,711.29 26-550 Invoice FY25/26 Q2 BLACK GOLD LIBRARY SERVICES
26-553 Invoice FY25/26 Q1 REIMBURSEMENT BILLING
CAPITAL INDUSTRIAL MEDICAL SUPPLY CO 10/23/2025 106765 4,658.83 167731 Invoice FIRST AID CABINETS, KITS FOR COMMUNITY POOL CARPINTERIA CHILDREN'S PROJECT 10/23/2025 106766 25,000.00 INV0008206 Invoice FY25/26 COMMUNITY SERVICE SUPPORT GRANT DAVID ALLEN 10/23/2025 106767 120.00
Q3 JUL-SEP 2025 Invoice PLANNING COMMISSION MEETINGS JUL-SEP 2025 DOCUPRODUCTS 10/23/2025 106768 216.15
Warrant Register
Carpinteria, CA
Date Range: 10/20/2025 - 10/30/2025

317058 Invoice CANON DX4751/C5760I COPIER METER 7/13/25-10/12/25 ESAU'S CAFE 10/23/2025 850.00 106769
INV0008207 Invoice QUARTERLY ALL STAFF MEETING 10/23/2025 EV CONNECT INC. 10/23/2025 302.00 106770
9/30/25 PRO FORMA Invoice EV STATION LOCK REPLACEMENT - CACTUS LANE GIRLS INC 10/23/2025 25,000.00 106771
INV0008208 Invoice FY25/26 COMMUNITY SERVICE GRANT
GLENN D LA FEVERS 10/23/2025 106772 180.00
Q3 JUL-SEP 2025 Invoice PLANNING COMMISSION MEETINGS JUL-SEP 2025 GUARDIAN 10/23/2025 8,611.70 106773
OCT25 PREMIUMS Invoice OCT25 PREMIUMS
HELP OF CARPINTERIA 10/23/2025 15,000.00 106774
INV0008209 Invoice FY25/26 COMMUNITY SERVICE GRANT
JANE L BENEFIELD 10/23/2025 120.00 106775
Q3 JUL-SEP 2025 Invoice PLANNING COMMISSION MEETINGS JUL-SEP 2025 JAYNE DIAZ 10/23/2025 790.53 106776
INV0008210 Invoice NOV25 MEDICAL REIMBURSEMENT
JOHN MOYER 10/23/2025 180.00 106777
Q3 JUL-SEP 2025 Invoice PLANNING COMMISSION MEETINGS JUL-SEP 2025 LARRY DRIGGERS 10/23/2025 790.53 106778
INV0008211 Invoice NOV25 MEDICAL REIMBURSEMENT
LISA COULTER WOOLF 10/23/2025 50.00 106779
Q3 JUL-SEP 2025 Invoice ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW BOARD MEETINGS JUL-SEP 2025 MARY ANN COLSON 10/23/2025 790.53 106780
INV0008212 Invoice NOV25 MEDICAL REIMBURSEMENT
MICHAEL RAMIREZ 10/23/2025 321.60 106781
INV0008213 Invoice REIMBURSE 2025 LEAGUE CONFERENCE LONG BEACH MRS ENVIRONMENTAL INC 10/23/2025 106782 23,490.06
600-2025-09 Invoice SEP25 OIL & GAS ON CALL ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES OVERDRIVE INC. 10/23/2025 106783 308.24
01352DA25306028 Invoice SEP25 EBOOKS/AUDIOBOOKS FOR LIBRARY 01352DA25313689 Invoice OCT25 EBOOKS/AUDIOBOOKS FOR LIBRARY 01352DA25313690 Invoice OCT25 EBOOKS/AUDIOBOOKS FOR LIBRARY PATRICK O'CONNOR 10/23/2025 106784 50.00
Q3 JUL-SEP 2025 Invoice ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW BOARD MEETINGS JUL-SEP 2025 RICHARD A LITTLE 10/23/2025 106785 50.00
Q3 JUL-SEP 2025 Invoice ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW BOARD MEETINGS JUL-SEP 2025 RICHARD E JOHNSON 10/23/2025 106786 50.00
Q3 JUL-SEP 2025 Invoice ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW BOARD MEETINGS JUL-SEP 2025 ROCKWELL PRINTING 10/23/2025 106787 783.65
47879 Invoice PRINTED MATERIAL FOR EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS ROTARY CLUB OF CARPINTERIA 10/23/2025 106788 79.00
2025106-9 Invoice OCTOBER-DECEMBER 2025 MEMBERSHIP
SO CA EDISON 10/23/2025 106789 19.19
SEP25 700474689651 Invoice SEP25 ELECTRICITY-4683 9TH ST THE CENTRE FOR ORGANIZATION EFFECTIVENESS 10/23/2025 106790 5,098.00 TCFOE5290 Invoice 2025 MGMNT ACADEMY J. BRIONES, S. DOWNES TKM ENGINEERING 10/23/2025 106791 102.50
1420 Invoice SEP25 ENGINEERING SERVICES 6380 VIA REAL
UNIQUE MANAGEMENT SERVICES INC 10/23/2025 106792 65.00
6144717 Invoice SEP25 LOST LIBRARY BOOKS

ALCAZAR THEATRE 10/30/2025 1,000.00 106793
INV0008247 Invoice AGE WELL EVENT FACILITY RENTAL
ALICE WISSING 10/30/2025 380.00 106794
10/21/25 Invoice MINUTES FOR PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING 9/2/25 AMAZON CAPITAL SERVICES INC 10/30/2025 1,389.45 106795
11PQ-HKVN-Y77T Invoice ZIP BOOKS-S. LOYAL
11YG-MQLX-YN7T Invoice ELECTRICAL TRANSFORMERS FOR SEAL FOUNTAIN 131L-MRGD-GMRL Credit Memo COLORED COPY PAPER FOR CITY HALL 146P-GC69-7PJN Invoice GIFT TAGS FOR VOLUNTEER APPRECIATION 14CG-FWMK-9CVH Invoice BULK CANDY FOR 2025 DOWNTOWN T HALLOWEEN 14CQ-4WGR-M7RC Invoice PADLOCKS FOR SENIOR SERVICES PROGRAM 14R6-RKFN-Y67K Credit Memo ZIP BOOKS-L. GEMBERLING
17HG-3DDF-CXW6 Invoice BOOKS FOR LIBRARY
1C7Y-JL36-GLYL Invoice ZIP BOOKS-M. SINCLAIR
1CGK-3F9K-KQN6 Invoice BOOKS FOR LIBRARY
1FY1-3KJ4-DHJ9 Invoice ZIP BOOKS-L. FRIEDMAN
1HNN-HP1R-MGV6 Invoice ZIP BOOKS-T. ALVAREZ
1MML-WLP4-DGCH Invoice BOOKS FOR LIBRARY
1QVJ-7944-DJHJ Invoice ZIP BOOKS-K. TAPIA
1RRW-VDXV-7FXM Invoice STEP STOOL, SANDPAPER, NAME TAGS FOR GARDEN 1RVF-DMLH-6VTT Invoice ZIP BOOKS-E. AKENS
1THP-6X7V-9XVF Invoice HALLOWEEN SUPPLIES FOR LIBRARY
1WP1-G6TL-7Y91 Invoice ZIP BOOKS-J. SMART
1X3N-DTDY-7MFW Invoice OFFICE CALENDAR, TWO POCKET FOLDERS 1YGJ-NFXF-7Q6Q Invoice ZIP BOOKS-R. HERMAN
**Void** 10/30/2025 - 106796
ASBURY ENVIRONMENTAL SVCS 10/30/2025 153.00 106797
I500-01281797 Invoice DISPOSAL OF USED/MIXED OILS 10/3/25 AUTOZONE STORES LLC 10/30/2025 483.74 106798
05719610989 Invoice OIL & FILTERS FOR FLEET OIL CHANGE 10/8/25 BAKER & TAYLOR LLC 10/30/2025 162.06 106799
SEP25 L4672004 Invoice BOOKS FOR LIBRARY
BASIC 10/30/2025 106800 172.72
IN3570443 Invoice OCT25 MONTHLY FSA ADMIN FEE
BROWNSTEIN HYATT FARBER SCHRECK 10/30/2025 106801 102,762.72 1054861 Invoice PROFESSIONAL LEGAL SERVICES THROUGH 8/31/25 1054862 Invoice PROFESSIONAL LEGAL SERVICES THROUGH 8/31/25 1054863 Invoice PROFESSIONAL LEGAL SERVICES THROUGH 8/31/25 1054864 Invoice PROFESSIONAL LEGAL SERVICES THROUGH 8/31/25 1054865 Invoice PROFESSIONAL LEGAL SERVICES THROUGH 8/31/25 1054866 Invoice PROFESSIONAL LEGAL SERVICES THROUGH 8/31/25 1054867 Invoice PROFESSIONAL LEGAL SERVICES THROUGH 8/31/25 1054868 Invoice PROFESSIONAL LEGAL SERVICES THROUGH 8/31/25 1054869 Invoice PROFESSIONAL LEGAL SERVICES THROUGH 8/31/25 BUENA VENTURA SWIM CLUB 10/30/2025 106802 340.00
INV0008248 Invoice 55TH ANNUAL DAVID GRAHAM MEMORIAL MEET 11/1/25 BUREAU VERITAS NORTH AMERICA INC 10/30/2025 106803 5,810.31 RI 25045115 Invoice SEP25 PLAN CHECK SERVICES
RI 25045116 Invoice SEP25 MONTHLY PERMIT TECH SERVICES
RI 25045117 Invoice SEP25 ON-SITE INSPECTIONS
CA DEPT OF JUSTICE 10/30/2025 106804 32.00
850368 Invoice SEP25 FINGERPRINT APPLICATIONS
CALTRANS 10/30/2025 106805 1,617.63
INV0008251 Invoice PROJECT CLOSE OUT PL-09-1500
CANON FINANCIAL SERVICES INC 10/30/2025 106806 1,249.52 41952050 Invoice OCT25 MAINT & SERVICE CANON PRINTERS
CAROLYN M FRIEDMAN 10/30/2025 106807 605.11
INV0008250 Invoice PROJECT CLOSE OUT PL-24-2284

CARPINTERIA SKATE FOUNDATION 10/30/2025 2,500.00 106808 INV0008226 Invoice FY25/26 COMMUNITY SERVICE GRANT
CARPINTERIA VALLEY LUMBER CO 10/30/2025 375.83 106809
574910 Invoice HEAVY DUTY TAPE FOR STOP SIGN AT LINDEN & 192 575060 Invoice ADAPTER FOR HOSE REPAIR PUBLIC WORKS
575249 Invoice PADLOCK FOR AGE WELL KITCHEN CABINET
575444 Invoice WIRE MESH FOR PUBLIC WORKS DIRT PARKING LOT 575684 Invoice BATTERIES FOR PUBLIC RESTROOMS & TRAIN PLATFORM LI COAST AUTO PARTS INC 10/30/2025 108.10 106810
796454 Invoice AIR FILTER, WINDOW WASH UNIT 331 10/20/25 796465 Invoice AIR FILTER UNIT 331 10/20/25
COASTAL OCCUPATIONAL MEDICAL GROUP 10/30/2025 190.00 106811 5027387 Invoice SEP25 PRE-HEALTH SCREENING L. ANDERSON
COASTAL VIEW NEWS 10/30/2025 290.00 106812
62857 Invoice ABOP AD 10/9/25
CYNTHIA SOUTER 10/30/2025 177.00 106813
INV0008249 Invoice REIMBURSE 2025 APA CONFERENCE
DAVIN NYSTROM 10/30/2025 121.10 106814
INV0008252 Invoice REIMBURSE EAGLE SCOUT-TOMOL TRAIL PROJECT DUANA DICKMAN 10/30/2025 227.20 106815
INV0008253 Invoice PROJECT CLOSE OUT PL-23-2249
ENCOMPASS CONSULTANT GROUP INC 10/30/2025 13,250.00 106816 06869 Invoice SEP25 PAVEMENT MAINTENANCE
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE ASSOCIATES 10/30/2025 10,368.98 106817 212762 Invoice SEP25 PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
FRIENDS OF CARPINTERIA LIBRARY 10/30/2025 195.00 106818 INV0008254 Invoice ARTESANIA REFUND-EVENT CANCELLED
FRIENDS OF CARPINTERIA LIBRARY 10/30/2025 106819 6,700.00 INV0008234 Invoice FY25/26 COMMUNITY SERVICE GRANT ARTESANIA PARA LA GRAINGER 10/30/2025 106820 186.03
9668847768 Invoice BATTERY ADAPTER, TUBE BENDER, PLIERS ID WORKS LLC 10/30/2025 106821 92.04
E41732 Invoice CITY LOGO EMBROIDERED JACKET FOR NEW EMPLOYEE INFOARMOR INC 10/30/2025 106822 27.90
6456Oct25 Invoice OCT25 IDENTITY THEFT EMPLOYEE PREMIUMS ISABEL ROSALES 10/30/2025 106823 100.00
INV0008255 Invoice PARK DEPOSIT REFUND
JIMENA VELAZQUEZ 10/30/2025 106824 300.00
INV0008256 Invoice VETS HALL DEPOSIT REFUND
LESLIE'S POOL SUPPLIES INC 10/30/2025 106825 1,261.79
00308-01-071522 Invoice CHLOR BRITE CHEMICALS FOR COMMUNITY POOL 10/15/25 LIEBERT CASSIDY WHITMORE 10/30/2025 106826 7,136.00
307528 Invoice PROFESSIONAL LEGAL SERVICES THROUGH 9/30/25 MARYSOL SMITH 10/30/2025 106827 177.00
INV0008258 Invoice REIMBURSE 2025 APA CONFERENCE
MCCORMIX CORP 10/30/2025 106828 224.39
33795 Invoice FUEL FOR CITY VEHICLES
MEGAN MUSOLF 10/30/2025 106829 177.00
INV0008257 Invoice REIMBURSE 2025 APA CONFERENCE
MENTAL WELLNESS CENTER 10/30/2025 106830 2,300.00
INV0008237 Invoice FY25/26 COMMUNITY SERVICE GRANT

MINER'S ACE HARDWARE INC 10/30/2025 21.84 106831
43338 Invoice SECURITY BIT FOR SLIDE REPLACEMENT AT MEMORIAL PAR MISSION UNIFORM SERVICE 10/30/2025 211.99 106832
524764502 Invoice MAT REPLACEMENT, UNIFORM CLEANING 10/13/25 524764503 Invoice TOWEL & MAT REPLACEMENT CITY HALL 10/13/25 OLIVIA ANDRADE 10/30/2025 100.00 106833
INV0007879 Invoice PARK DEPOSIT REFUND
POLICORE INC. 10/30/2025 5,433.75 106834
403653 Invoice IT SERVICES-CITY HALL-SEP25
403654 Invoice IT SERVICES-LIBRARY-SEP25
403655 Invoice IT SERVICES-POOL-SEP25
RANDY PURA & ALY MORITA 10/30/2025 1,213.92 106835
INV0008259 Invoice PROJECT CLOSE OUT PL-23-2230
ROCKWELL PRINTING 10/30/2025 1,562.16 106836
47906 Invoice NAMEPLATES D. MILLAR, R. AYERLE
47927 Invoice CERT PROGRAM FLYERS AND POSTERS
47933 Invoice DISTRICT MAPS, SIGN DISPLAYS FOR CITY EVENTS 47954 Invoice BUSINESS CARDS R. AYERLE
47955 Invoice DTBAB HALLOWEEN PRINTING & ADVERTISING
RRM DESIGN GROUP 10/30/2025 9,274.46 106837
2911-01-RC22-6 Invoice SEP25 FRANKLIN CREEK TRAIL IMPROVEMENT SANTA BARBARA COUNTY APCD 10/30/2025 620.00 106838
NOV 14062 Invoice NOTICE OF VIOLATION 14062 SETTLEMENT OFFER SANTA BARBARA COUNTY TREAS/TAX COLLECTOR 10/30/2025 28,898.40 106839 2025-20251000173-1 Invoice 001-080-038 MONTE VISTA
2025-20251000405-1 Invoice 001-170-018 CITY HALL
2025-20251000435-1 Invoice 001-180-072 VIOLA FIELDS
2025-20251001565-1 Invoice 004-105-011 LINDEN PARKING LOT 2025-20251001660-1 Invoice 004-005-005 EL CARRO
2025-20251002318-1 Invoice 003-261-008 CARP AVE PARKING LOT 2025-20251002351-1 Invoice 004-047-001 SEASIDE
2025-20251002352-1&2 Invoice 004-047-017 941 WALNUT AVE (VETS HALL) 2025-20251002387-1 Invoice 004-047-040 COMMUNITY POOL
2025-20251002981-1 Invoice 003-470-013 ASH AVE
2025-20251004648-1 Invoice 004-105-016 COMMUNITY GARDEN SANTA BARBARA LOCKSMITH 10/30/2025 106840 78.88
150227 Invoice COM LOCKS FOR POOL, KEYS FOR CITY HALL
SANTA BARBARA PEST CONTROL 10/30/2025 106841 95.00
56261 Invoice OCT25 PEST CONTROL AT COMMUNITY POOL
SO CA EDISON 10/30/2025 106842 497.10
OCT25 700163777874 Invoice OCT25 ELECTRICITY-6145 CARPINTERIA AVE OCT25 700827247063 Invoice OCT25 ELECTRICITY-5781 CARPINTERIA AVE PED PED SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA MULCH INC 10/30/2025 106843 9,885.00 36529 Invoice PROVIDE & INSTALL MULCHING FOR CITY PARKS SUN COAST RENTALS 10/30/2025 106844 2,314.00
250919-00003648-001 Invoice FORKLIFT RENTAL FOR AVOCADO FESTIVAL TIM FINNIGAN 10/30/2025 106845 1,145.60
INV0008260 Invoice PROJECT CLOSE OUT PL-24-2278
TRANSAMERICA EMPLOYEE BENEFITS 10/30/2025 106846 667.97 2505854941 Invoice OCT25 EMPLOYEE PREMIUMS
UNION PACIFIC RAILROAD COMPANY 10/30/2025 106847 357.50 90149737 Invoice PLAN REVIEW RINCON TRAIL PROJECT
UNITED BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS 10/30/2025 106848 25,000.00
INV0008243 Invoice FY25/26 COMMUNITY SERVICE GRANT
VILLAGE POOL SUPPLY 10/30/2025 106849 642.12

51911 Invoice CHLORINE, ACID, REAGENTS FOR POOL 10/16/25 WALKER CONSULTANTS 10/30/2025 7,447.50 106850
370095090009 Invoice SEP25 PROFESSIONAL SERVICES - DOWNTOWN STUDY WEST COAST ARBORISTS INC 10/30/2025 11,092.00 106851
234991 Invoice TREE MAINTENANCE 9/16/25-9/30/25
WEX BANK (CHEVRON) 10/30/2025 1,663.75 106852
108077040 Invoice OCT25 FUEL FOR CITY VEHICLES
WILLIAM C. STATLER 10/30/2025 106853 1,750.00
INV0008261 Invoice TWO YEAR BUDGET POLICIES
X-TECH SYSTEMS 10/30/2025 448.03 106854
477964 Invoice COPY MACHINE CHARGES 12/21/24-3/20/25 LIBRARY 484362 Invoice COPY MACHINE CHARGES 6/21/25-9/20/25 LIBRARY MISSIONSQUARE 10/30/2025 8,467.32 106855
INV0008262 Invoice MISSIONSQUARE Employee Contributions INV0008263 Invoice Deferred Compensation Contribution-Part Time Emp INV0008264 Invoice MissionSquareEmployee Contributions
INV0008265 Invoice MISSIONSQUARE Employee Contributions SEIU LOCAL 620 10/30/2025 235.32 106856
INV0008266 Invoice Employee Union Dues Contribution
CalPERS 10/30/2025 13,162.33 DFT0003554
10/11/25-10/24/25 CLASSIC Invoice CALPERS CLASSIC CONTRIBUTIONS 10/11/25-10/24/25 CalPERS 10/30/2025 16,941.72 DFT0003555
10/11/25-10/24/25 PEPRA Invoice CALPERS PEPRA CONTRIBUTIONS 10/11/25-10/24/25 EDD-SDI 10/30/2025 2,373.90 DFT0003556
PR22 10/30/25 Invoice PR22 10/30/25 EDD SDI TAX DEPOSIT EDD-SIT 10/30/2025 7,864.34 DFT0003557
PR22 10/30/25 Invoice PR22 10/30/25 EDD PIT TAX DEPOSIT INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE 10/30/2025 DFT0003558 24,272.53 PR22 10/30/25 Invoice PR22 10/30/25 FEDERAL TAX DEPOSIT

City of Carpinteria

COUNCIL AGENDA STAFF REPORT

ITEM FOR COUNCIL CONSIDERATION
Consider cancelation of the the regular City Council meeting for December 22, 2025.

STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Authorize the cancelation of the regular City Council meeting on December 22, 2025.

Sample Motion: I move to authorize the cancelation of the regular City Council meeting on December 22, 2025.

BACKGROUND/DISCUSSION
The City Council holds its regular meetings on the second and fourth Mondays of each month, except when a meeting date falls on a City-observed holiday. In such cases, the meeting is held at the same hour and place on the next succeeding day that is not a holiday. The City Council has authority under Carpinteria Municipal Code § 2.04.010 and Government Code § 54954 to establish, reschedule, or cancel regular meetings with proper public notice.

Traditionally, the City Council has canceled the second regular meeting in December due to light agendas and vacation schedules associated with the holiday season.

At its meeting of January 13, 2025, the City Council approved the following December holiday schedule as part of the adopted 2025 Holiday Schedule.

Agenda Section: Administrative Matters
Agenda Item No.: 6
Council Meeting Date: November 10, 2025
City Council Meeting Cancelation
November 10, 2025

December 2025 Holiday Schedule
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 12/14/2025 12/15/2025 12/16/2025 12/17/2025 12/18/2025 12/19/2025 12/20/2025 City Hall open as usual
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 12/21/2025 12/22/2025 12/23/2025 12/24/2025 12/25/2025 12/26/2025 12/27/2025 City Hall
Open As
Usual
City Hall
Open As
Usual
Christmas
Eve Holiday
Christmas
Holiday
City Hall
Closed to
Public
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 12/28/2025 12/29/2025 12/30/2025 12/31/2025 1/1/2026 1/2/2026 1/3/2026 City Hall
Closed to
Public
City Hall
Closed to
Public
New Year's
Eve Holiday
New Year's
Day
Holiday
City Hall
Closed to
Public
The purpose of this agenda item is for the Council to consider canceling the second City Council meeting on December 22, 2025.

LEGAL
Should the City Council cancel the scheduled meeting, staff will ensure that all required posting and public noticing requirements are met in accordance with State law.

OPTIONS

1. Approve the cancelation of the December 22, 2025 City Council meeting. (Staff recommendation)

2. The City Council could choose not to cancel the meeting and hold it on December 22, 2025.

Staff contact:

Brian C. Barrett, City Clerk
(805) 755-4403; [email protected]
Signature
Reviewed by: Ryan Kintz, Assistant City Manager
City Council Meeting Cancelation
November 10, 2025

(805) 755-4400; [email protected]
Signature
Reviewed by: Michael Ramirez, City Manager
(805) 755-4450; [email protected]
Signature
City of Carpinteria

COUNCIL AGENDA STAFF REPORT

ITEM FOR COUNCIL CONSIDERATION
City Council Advisory Group Handbook Update.

STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Approve the Updated City Council Advisory Group Handbook.

Sample Motion: I move to approve the Updated City Council Advisory Group Handbook.

BACKGROUND
On November 12, 2024, the City Council adopted Resolution No. 6346, establishing the process for the following:

At the same meeting, the City Council also approved the City Council Advisory Group Handbook.

The Council Advisory Group Handbook is designed to be a reference guide for public member appointments to City Council sub-Committees and public member appointees to other government agencies such as the Santa Barbara Mosquito and Vector Management District. The Handbook is intended to:

Agenda Section: Administrative Matters
Agenda Item No.: 7
Council Meeting Date: November 10, 2025
City Council Advisory Group Handbook Update
November 10, 2025

Since the initial approval of the City Council Advisory Group Handbook, there have been additional updates which need to be incorporated into the Handbook.

The purpose of this agenda item is for the Council to consider approving an Updated City Council Advisory Group Handbook.

DISCUSSION
Proposed additions to the City Council Advisory Group Handbook include the following:

Section Title Description of Changes Page #
City Organizational Chart Chart amended to have Legal Services and Advisory Boards & Commissions branch out from City Council 8
Appointment of Employee's Relative Addition of parent or step parent to definition of a "relative" 16 Individuals appointed to Council Advisory Groups must be qualified electors (a U.S. citizen, 18 years of age or older, who reside within the city limits of the City of Carpinteria).

Former City Councilmembers must wait one year after
expiration of their term of office before they may be
appointed to serve on a Council Advisory Group.

Council Advisory Group Appointees may not hold any fulltime paid office or employment in City government.

Attendance (renamed to Attendance Expectations)
If a member must step down from an item due to a conflict of interest, they must notify their staff liaison as far in advance as possible. The purpose for early staff
notification is to ensure the minimum quorum is maintained for review of all items. Members should stay for the
duration of meetings, in fairness to all applicants scheduled for that meeting.
17-18
Extended Absences (New Section)
Added how to request a leave of absence from a Council
Advisory Group which is subject to approval from the City Council including removal in cases where the absence will negatively impact quorum.
18 Unexcused Absences (New Section)
If a Council Advisory Group member fails for any reason to attend two consecutive regular meeings, their position shall be deemed vacant and their term terminated. The staff
liaison shall monitor attendance and notify the City Clerk when a member is approaching and exceeds these limits.

A vacated position will be filled by the Appointment
Process ("Unscheduled Vacancy") described herein.
18 Resignation (New Section)
Members who are unable to continue their service due to health, business, personal obligations, or extended travel should submit a written letter of resignation to the staff liaison and the City Clerk's Office. The letter should be directed to the City Council and state the effective date of the resignation. A member who relocates their residence outside the City shall immediately notify the City Clerk's Office and resign from the board, commission, or
committee.
18 Qualifications 17
City Council Advisory Group Handbook Update
November 10, 2025

POLICY CONSISTENCY
This agenda item is consistent with the City Council Primary Goal #1 Enhance Public Outreach, Education, and Transparency in that it establishes a clear and formalized process for appointing members to City Advisory Groups.

FINANCIAL CONSIDERATIONS
No Additional Funding Requested. Minimal staff time to prepare the report is included in the Adopted FY 2025-26 General Fund Budget.

LEGAL AND RISK MANAGEMENT CONSIDERATIONS
There are no legal nor risk management considerations presented with this report.

OPTIONS

PRINCIPAL PARTIES EXPECTED AT MEETING
No principal parties are expected at the meeting.

ATTACHMENTS
Attachment A: Updated City Council Advisory Group Handbook (November 2025) Section Title Description of Changes Page #
Be Careful to Represent the Council Advisory Group
Individual Council Advisory Group Members must not use
their personal social media accounts to conduct or
represent City business. Discussion on topics within the Advisory Group's purview may result in a conflict that
requires recusal.
22-23
Chair Responsibilities Added Chair may maintain order (per Senate Bill 707) 34-35 Public Participation
Members should clarify differences and make certain that clear communication is made during the meeting. The
public meeting should not be used as a forum to express anger or disagreement.
35-36
Outstanding Financial Obligations
All Council Advisory Group Members have to be in good
standing with the City (e.g., payment of fines, taxes, have no open administrative citations, etc.).
45 City Council Advisory Group Handbook Update
November 10, 2025

Staff contact:

Brian C. Barrett, City Clerk
(805) 755-4403; [email protected]
Signature
Reviewed by: Ryan Kintz, Assistant City Manager
(805) 755-4400; [email protected]
Signature
Reviewed by: Michael Ramirez, City Manager (805) 755-4450, [email protected] Signature

ATTACHMENT A
Updated City Council Advisory Group Handbook (November 2025)

CITY OF CARPINTERIA

CITY COUNCIL

ADVISORY GROUP

HANDBOOK
UPDATED NOVEMBER 2025
Prepared By:

City of Carpinteria
City Clerk’s Office
[email protected]
(805) 755-4403
Approved by the City Council on November 10, 2025
2 Carpinteria Council Advisory Group Handbook
Updated November 2025
Table of Contents
City Council...............................................................................................................................................6 Mayor........................................................................................................................................................6 City Manager ............................................................................................................................................7 City Clerk...................................................................................................................................................7 City Attorney ............................................................................................................................................8 City Organizational Chart.........................................................................................................................8 COUNCIL ADVISORY GROUPS .................................................................................... 9

1. Planning Commission...................................................................................................................9

2. Architectural Review Board (ARB)...............................................................................................9

3. Mobile Home Park Rent Stabilization Board (MHPRSB)...........................................................10

4. Carpinteria Open Space Management Advisory Board (COSMAB)..........................................10

5. Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Committee.......................................................................11

6. Tree Advisory Board (TAB).........................................................................................................11

7. Downtown “T” Business Advisory Board (DTBAB)....................................................................12

8. Environmental Review Committee (ERC)..................................................................................12

9. Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Committee......................................................13

10. Library Advisory Commission (LAC).......................................................................................13 APPOINTMENT PROCESS & CONDITIONS............................................................... 15 Term of Office.........................................................................................................................................15 Appointment Process.............................................................................................................................15 Appointment of Employee’s Relative....................................................................................................16 Appointment of Relatives of City Council or City Manager..................................................................16 Individual Serving on Multiple Council Advisory Groups .....................................................................17 Removal from Office ..............................................................................................................................17 Leaving Office .........................................................................................................................................17 Qualifications..........................................................................................................................................17 Attendance Expectations.................................................................................................................17 Extended Absences...........................................................................................................................18 Unexcused Absences .......................................................................................................................18 Resignation..........................................................................................................................................18 Independent Governmental Agency Appointments.............................................................................19 3 Carpinteria Council Advisory Group Handbook
Updated November 2025
ORGANIZATIONAL REQUIREMENTS AND DUTIES.................................................. 20 Election of Chair and Vice Chair.............................................................................................................20 Roles and Responsibilities......................................................................................................................20 New Member Orientation......................................................................................................................20 Staff Liaison’s Role .................................................................................................................................21 Member’s Role .......................................................................................................................................22 Do Your Homework................................................................................................................................22 Be Representative of the Whole City ....................................................................................................22 Be Careful to Represent the Council Advisory Group ...........................................................................22 Be Conscious of the City Council Expectations......................................................................................23 Become the “Eyes and Ears” of the City Council...................................................................................23 Be Conscious of the Relationship with the City Council and City Staff ................................................23 Disagreements........................................................................................................................................24 Establish a Good Working Relationship with Other Council Advisory Group Members.....................24 Understand the Role and Scope of Responsibility of the Council Advisory Group..............................25 Working with the Media ........................................................................................................................26 Participation in Political Activities.........................................................................................................26 CONFLICTS OF INTEREST ......................................................................................... 27 Assuming Office Statement ...................................................................................................................28 Annual Statements.................................................................................................................................29 Leaving Office Statements.....................................................................................................................29 Ethics Laws..............................................................................................................................................29 MEETING GUIDELINES............................................................................................... 30 Meeting Types........................................................................................................................................30 Quorum...................................................................................................................................................30 Ralph M. Brown Act (California State Law)...........................................................................................31 Virtual/Teleconference Meetings..........................................................................................................32 Meeting Agenda .....................................................................................................................................32 Order of Business...................................................................................................................................32 Placing an Item on the Agenda ..............................................................................................................33 Consideration and Action on an Agenda Item ......................................................................................33 Staff Reports / Staff Memos..................................................................................................................34 4 Carpinteria Council Advisory Group Handbook
Updated November 2025
Chair Responsibilities.............................................................................................................................34 Absence of Chairperson .........................................................................................................................35 Member Meeting Responsibilities.........................................................................................................35 Public Participation ................................................................................................................................35 Public Hearings.......................................................................................................................................36 Ex Parte Communications......................................................................................................................37 Public Discussion at Hearings.................................................................................................................37 Continuance of Hearings........................................................................................................................38 Listening Skills ........................................................................................................................................38 The Art of Asking Questions ..................................................................................................................39 Courtesy and Decorum...........................................................................................................................39 Managing Difficult Meetings..................................................................................................................40 Parliamentary Procedure.......................................................................................................................40 General Notes About Main Motions .....................................................................................................41 Tie Votes.................................................................................................................................................41 Comments for the Record......................................................................................................................42 Adjournment ..........................................................................................................................................42 Recordings of Meetings..........................................................................................................................42 Action Minutes.......................................................................................................................................42 Public Records........................................................................................................................................42 RULES OF CONDUCT AND DECORUM ..................................................................... 43 Member Misconduct..............................................................................................................................44 Discipline of Council Advisory Group Members by the City Council ....................................................45 Outstanding Financial Obligations.........................................................................................................45 All Council Advisory Group Members have to be in good standing with the City (e.g., payment of fines, taxes, have no open administrative citations, etc.)............................ 45 APPENDIX.................................................................................................................... 46 Open & Public VI – A Guide to the Ralph M. Brown Act – Revised January 2024 by the League of California Cities.......................................................................................................................................46 Rosenberg’s Rules of Order – Revised 2011 – Simple Rules of Parliamentary Procedure for the 21st Century by Judge Dave Rosenberg ........................................................................................................46 Acknowledgment of Receipt and Statement of Commitment .............................................................46 5 Carpinteria Council Advisory Group Handbook
Updated November 2025

INTRODUCTION
On behalf of the City of Carpinteria, I would like to welcome you as a new member of a City of Carpinteria Board, Commission or Committee (Council Advisory Group). As a member, you are now considered a public official serving in an advisory capacity to the City Council performing a valuable service by addressing community issues and needs.

The City Council looks forward to your contribution as we work together to provide efficient municipal services that are responsive to local needs and expectations.

Community participation and input is highly valued by the Carpinteria City Council.

Elected officials and City staff cannot by themselves provide the time, energy, knowledge, and talent needed to keep Carpinteria the exceptional community that it is. To meet the needs for advice, skills, and public service, Carpinteria looks for participation from its diverse and experienced residents. It offers a means of participating in community affairs, of helping to shape policy decisions, and of working with interested people.

This handbook is a reference guide for those residents who volunteer to serve on the Council Advisory Groups, including both standing and ad hoc groups. These advisory groups are established by the City Council so they can examine a variety of City Council directed subjects in detail and make recommendations to the City Council based upon their study and public deliberation. This handbook is intended to help Council Advisory Group members better understand their roles and responsibilities, governing regulations, and meeting protocol for effective decision-making. It has been prepared to:
a. Give an overview of the City government structure.
b. Describe the membership requirements, organizational requirements, and member roles and responsibilities of the Council Advisory Groups. c. Provide meeting guidelines for the operation of the Council Advisory Groups. d. Rules of Conduct and Decorum for all Council Advisory Groups.

Should you have any questions regarding the information in this book, reach out to the staff liaison of your Council Advisory Group or the City Clerk.

Please fill out and sign your receipt of this handbook found in the Appendix at the end of this Handbook and submit it to the City Clerk.

I appreciate your commitment and willingness to serve our community and hope you will find it to be an interesting and rewarding experience.

Sincerely,
Brian C. Barrett, CMC, CPMC
City Clerk
6 Carpinteria Council Advisory Group Handbook
Updated November 2025

CITY GOVERNMENT STRUCTURE
The City of Carpinteria incorporated as a general law city on September 28, 1965 in the State of California. Carpinteria has a Council-Manager form of government which is popular because it successfully brings together the combination of full-time professional staff in City administration with the finest talents the community has to offer in its locally elected and appointed officials. This form of government can be described as a partnership between elected officials, appointed staff, and community volunteers with each group having their own distinct roles and responsibilities.

City Council
The City Council is the governing body for the City. The City Council sets overall policy for the community and hires a City Manager to carry out the policy.

Major City Council functions include:
a. Representing the City and all its residents
b. Appointing the City Manager and City Attorney
c. Adopting and amending City laws
d. Approving the annual budget
e. Approving City contracts and agreements
f. Establishing City policies and standards
Councilmembers are not full-time City officials and do not manage the day-to-day activities of the City organization. This is done by the City Manager under the direction of the City Council. Members of the City Council are elected by District on a non-partisan ballot. The five Councilmembers serve overlapping four-year terms. As the governing body of the community, the City Council carries out its policy making at meetings held in the City Hall Council Chambers at 5775 Carpinteria Avenue, Carpinteria, CA 93013, on the second and fourth Monday of every month, commencing at 5:30 pm with special meetings and/or closed sessions as needed.

Mayor
Upon the re-organization of the Council in December of even years (after the general municipal election), the City Council selects one of its members to serve as Mayor and another to serve as Vice Mayor. The Mayor acts as the presiding officer over City Council meetings, observing order and decorum, stating questions posed before the Council, announcing the Council’s decision on all subjects, and deciding all questions of order.

The Mayor has a vote just like other members and does not have the power of veto over actions of the City Council. The Mayor also acts as the official head of the City on public and ceremonial occasions and signs all ordinances, resolutions, and agreements approved by the Council. In the absence of the Mayor, the Vice Mayor shall act as the presiding officer at the Council meeting and act as the ceremonial head of the City and sign official City documents.
7 Carpinteria Council Advisory Group Handbook
Updated November 2025
City Manager
The Carpinteria Municipal Code establishes the office of City Manager. The City Manager is appointed by the City Council on the basis of their administrative and executive ability and qualifications and holds office at the pleasure of the City Council. The City Manager is the administrative head of the government of the City under the direction and control of the City Council and is responsible for the efficient administration of all the affairs of the City which are under their control.

The City Manager’s duties include:
a. Enforcing City laws
b. Managing the City departments, programs, and activities c. Recommending policy and regulations to the City Council d. Keeping the City Council at all times fully advised of the financial condition of the City
e. Preparing and submitting a proposed annual budget and salary plan for the City Council to approve
The City Manager is responsible for hiring, promoting, disciplining, and removing all City staff (except for City Attorney). The City Council shall deal with the administrative services of the City only through the City Manager and the City Council shall not give orders to any subordinates of the City Manager. The City Manager shall take orders and instructions from the collective City Council only when sitting in a Council meeting and no individual Councilmember shall give orders or instructions to the City Manager. The City Manager takes policy direction from the City Council and is responsible for implementing that policy.

City Clerk
The City Clerk is responsible for maintaining the legislative record of the City Council and prepares City Council agendas, minutes, legal publications, processes resolutions and ordinances, and manages the recruitment of City Council Advisory Groups. As the Elections Official, the City Clerk administers municipal elections in conjunction with the County of Santa Barbara. The City Clerk acts as the compliance officer for federal, state, and local statutes including the Political Reform Act, the Brown Act, and the Public Records Act. The City Clerk provides easy access to information and serves as a guide to open participation in the decision and policy making process. 8 Carpinteria Council Advisory Group Handbook
Updated November 2025
City Attorney
The City contracts with the law firm Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck, LLP (BHFS) for its legal services. BHFS is the legal advisor of the City Council and all other City officials, departments, and Council Advisory Groups. In carrying out their responsibilities, the City Attorney:
a. Provides legal opinions to the City Council, City Manager, and other City officials b. Drafts or approves as to form all the City’s ordinances, resolutions, and contracts c. Is responsible for representing the City in all litigation to which the City is a party d. Approves as to form all bonds given to or for the benefit of the City e. Prosecutes violations of the Municipal Code
City Organizational Chart
9 Carpinteria Council Advisory Group Handbook
Updated November 2025

COUNCIL ADVISORY GROUPS
Council Advisory Groups are created by the City Council to obtain increased public input and community participation in the determination of policies and programs. Council Advisory Groups make recommendations to the City Council on matters within the group’s scope of responsibility. Each group’s duties are established by law and/or Council action and are summarized below.

While all Council Advisory Groups serve as advisors to the City Council, some have decision-making authority over specified matters, such as the Planning Commission. City Council Advisory Groups are the community’s volunteer branch of the City government.

The City Council has established 10 Council Advisory Groups, as outlined below with formation documents, duties/responsibilities, membership, meeting schedule, and assigned department:

1. Planning Commission
Formed: by Carpinteria Municipal Code Chapter 2.32.

Duties: Reviews and recommends changes to the General Plan and Zoning Regulations, conducts hearings and decides on applications for development, pursuant to State law and Chapter 2.32 of the Carpinteria Municipal Code.

Membership: The Planning Commission consists of five members with the qualifications for membership being residency within the city at the time of their appointment and during their tenure in office.

Meeting Schedule: Meets the first Monday of every month at the City Council Chambers at 5:30 pm.

Assigned Department: Community Development
Compensation: $60 per meeting attended

2. Architectural Review Board (ARB)
Formed: by Carpinteria Municipal Code Chapter 2.36.

Duties: Evaluates the architectural merit of commercial, residential, and public building projects as established through Chapter 2.36 of the Carpinteria Municipal Code. The Board also advises City staff and the Planning Commission on design standards, architectural and landscape design, and site planning. Board goals are 10 Carpinteria Council Advisory Group Handbook
Updated November 2025
1) harmonious, aesthetic development within the City and 2) preservation of the City's natural beauty and visual resources.

Membership: The ARB consists of five members with the qualifications for membership being residency within the City at the time of appointment and during tenure in office and that membership consist of a mix of lay and professional citizens skilled in the interpretation of architectural and landscape drawings and ability to evaluate the effects of proposed development upon surrounding areas.

Meeting Schedule: Set to meet twice a month on Thursdays at the City Council Chambers at 5:30 pm. Oftentimes, one of the two monthly meetings is cancelled due to lack of agenda matters being ready for ARB consideration.

Assigned Department: Community Development
Compensation: $25 per meeting attended

3. Mobile Home Park Rent Stabilization Board (MHPRSB)
Formed: by Carpinteria Municipal Code Section 5.69.030
Duties: The MHPRSB administers the City's rent stabilization ordinance (Carpinteria Municipal Code Chapter 5.69) for the City's mobile home parks. The Boards is empowered to approve, set and adjust the rent schedule and maximum rents for the mobile home tenancies within the City.

Membership: The MHPRSB consists of five members, all of which shall be appointed on an at-large basis.

Meeting Schedule: Meets as needed at City Council Chambers.

Assigned Department: General Government / Community Development Compensation: N/A

4. Carpinteria Open Space Management Advisory Board (COSMAB) Formed: Originally formed as Bluffs Management Advisory Board via Resolution No. 4694 reformed as Carpinteria Open Space Management Board via Resolution No. 6002. Also formed per Deed of Conservation Easement Carpinteria Bluffs Open Space Preserve, recorded October 16, 2000.

Duties: The Board will assist the City in its compliance with the applicable terms of relevant Conservation and Trail Easements. The Board will provide input to the City for the acquisition, creation, development, operation and maintenance of the Coastal open space and City owned or managed trail system. 11 Carpinteria Council Advisory Group Handbook
Updated November 2025
Membership: The COSMAB is comprised of seven members appointed on an atlarge basis.

Meeting Schedule: Meets at 3:00 pm on the third Thursday of every month in the City Council Chambers.

Assigned Department: Parks, Recreation and Community Services Compensation: N/A

5. Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Committee
Formed: by Resolution No. 5355
Duties: The committee focuses on methods to reduce the use of pesticides while considering maintenance standards for City parks, open spaces, roadways, and buildings. Conducts public outreach and information programs to help guide private citizens on best management practices to reduce the use of pesticides in public spaces and prepares an annual report to disclose pest issues encountered and tactics used and/or pesticides used to combat the issues.

Membership: The IPM Committee is comprised of no fewer than five and no more than nine members that include representation from the Parks and Recreation Department, the Public Works Department, the Carpinteria Open Space Management Advisory Board, and at least two at-large community members.

Meeting Schedule: Meets as needed.

Assigned Department: Public Works
Compensation: N/A

6. Tree Advisory Board (TAB)
Formed: by Carpinteria Municipal Code Section 12.28.080 Duties: The TAB assists City Staff in implementation of the City's Street Tree Management Plan, and local regulations established for the maintenance of street trees.

Membership: The TAB consists of five members with the qualifications for membership being residency within the Carpinteria Valley and a composition of a mix of lay citizens and professionals from a pertinent discipline. Carpinteria Municipal Code Section 12.28.080A provides examples of some of the 12 Carpinteria Council Advisory Group Handbook
Updated November 2025
characteristics or attributes to be used in creating a composition of board members.

Meeting Schedule: Meets quarterly in the City Hall Council Chambers at 5:30 pm.

Assigned Department: Public Works
Compensation: N/A

7. Downtown “T” Business Advisory Board (DTBAB)
Formed: by Resolution No. 1882 and amended via Resolution No. 5902 Duties: The DTBAB advises the City Council on parking and business improvement matters within the Downtown retail business area of the City. The Board has a duty to file an annual report with the City Council making recommendations on the expenditure of revenues derived from the levy of assessments, an estimate of the costs of providing the improvements and activities, the method used of levying the assessment, the amount of any surpluses carried over from the previous year, and any contributions made from other sources.

Membership: The DTBAB is comprised of seven members with four of those members paying assessments within Parking and Business Improvement District No. 4, and three at-large members from the general public. There are also three alternate assessment paying members in addition to the seven members that may fill-in for any absent assessment-paying member. The position of Chair and Vice Chair are drawn from assessment-paying members only.

Meeting Schedule: Meets the first Thursday of every month at 8:30 am in the City Council Chambers.

Assigned Department: Public Works
Compensation: N/A

8. Environmental Review Committee (ERC)
Formed: by Resolution No. 4082 and amended via Resolution No. 4418 Duties: Its function is to serve the public interest by providing direct input on the City's environmental review process. The Committee is chaired by the Community Development Office who also acts as the Secretary.

Membership: The ERC is a five-member committee made up of the City Manager or his designee, the City Engineer, the Community Development Director or his 13 Carpinteria Council Advisory Group Handbook
Updated November 2025
designee, the City Biological Resource Specialist, and a member of the general public.

Meeting Schedule: Meets as needed.

Assigned Department: Community Development
Compensation: N/A

9. Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Committee
Formed: by Council minute order on December 11, 2006
Duties: The committee’s basic duty is to review grant applications for CDBG funds and to make recommendations to the City Council on which applications to fund and support the community’s interests and help address identified needs. The CDBG Committee shall perform the following functions: (1) establish procedures in conjunction with the Santa Barbara County Housing and Community Development Department for applying for funds, setting criteria for allocations, and making funding recommendations to the City Council; (2) Coordinate CDBG funding so that basic human service needs are met; and (3) Provide recommendations to the City Council concerning matters relating to the CDBG Program. The Committee may adopt such rules and regulations as it may deem necessary to carry out its functions.

Membership: The CDBG Committee is comprised of one member of the Planning Commission, two at-large community members, and one alternate at-large member.

Meeting Schedule: Typically meets in January/February of each year.

Assigned Department: Community Development
Compensation: N/A

10. Library Advisory Commission (LAC)
Formed: by Resolution No. 6074
Duties: Act in an advisory capacity to the Library Board of Trustees and City Librarian in matters pertaining to the management, administration, operation, development, improvement and maintenance of the library.

Membership: The LAC shall be composed of five members representative of the Library service area with an option to expand as needed. The Commission shall be representative of the Library service area population demographic; library user 14 Carpinteria Council Advisory Group Handbook
Updated November 2025
groups, including underrepresented user groups; and person(s) knowledgeable in library management and operations.

Meeting Schedule: Meets on the first Monday of each month at 3:30 pm at the Carpinteria Community Library Community Meeting Room.

Assigned Department: Parks, Recreation and Community Services Compensation: $30 per meeting attended
15 Carpinteria Council Advisory Group Handbook
Updated November 2025

APPOINTMENT PROCESS & CONDITIONS
Term of Office
Per Carpinteria Municipal Code Section 2.24.010, the term of office for all Council Advisory Groups is set for a period of two years expiring on January 31st of every oddnumbered year; however, terms shall be automatically extended until a successor has been appointed.

Appointment Process
During the biennial (every two years) appointment process all Council Advisory Group member positions shall be open for appointment, regardless if there is currently a sitting member. In November/December of every even year, the City Clerk notifies existing Council Advisory Group members that their terms will be coming to an end and asks if they would like to be re-appointed to their Council Advisory Group. Those members wishing to continue must complete and submit an application to the City Clerk and will be moved forward for Council consideration along with any new applications for appointment at a City Council meeting in January of every odd year. If an existing member wishes to retire/resign, their position will become vacant upon the effective date of resignation/retirement.

On occasion there will be an “Unscheduled Vacancy.” An Unscheduled Vacancy occurs when an individual resigns from a position before their term ends or otherwise leaves office. This also results in a Vacancy Notice being posted. If a vacancy occurs after less than six months of a term, the selection process will begin from applications on file from the prior biennial appointment process. If there are no applications on file from the prior biennial appointment process, the selection process will follow that for a vacancy occurring after more than six months. If a vacancy occurs after more than six months of a term, the vacancy will be posted and the application and nomination/selection process will begin.

For those interested in serving on a Council Advisory Group, an application and supplemental questionnaire (both available on the City’s website) pertaining to the Council Advisory Group to which they wish to be appointed must be filled out and turned in to the City Clerk. The City Clerk will notify the individual when the City Council will make appointments to the Council Advisory Group and encourages the individual to attend the Council meeting to make a brief statement about their qualifications for the Council Advisory Group and/or respond to any questions from the Council. The City Council has the sole discretion in making appointments to Council Advisory Groups and as such there is no guarantee the City Council will make an appointment even if there is an open Council Advisory Group position and an interested individual(s).

The City Clerk’s Office prepares a “Local Appointments List” which reflects the Council Advisory Group members names, when their terms expire and how many terms they have 16 Carpinteria Council Advisory Group Handbook
Updated November 2025
been appointed. This list is updated annually in December as required by the Maddy Act (California State Law). Posting this list on the website and at City Hall and the Community Library allows residents to see when vacancies will occur.

Appointment of Employee’s Relative
It shall be the applicant’s responsibility to disclose any relation to a current City employee, particularly in the City department the Council Advisory Group serves. Employed Relative is defined as an employee with a familial relationship to either the Council Advisory Group member or the member’s spouse as follows:

Relative of Member Relative of Member’s Spouse
Spouse Brother
Brother Sister
Sister Parent or Step Parent
Brother’s Spouse Grandparent
Sister’s Spouse Child or Step Child
Parent or Step Parent
Grandparent
Child or Step Child
Child’s Spouse
Furthermore, the member shall agree to abstain from any discussion or recommendation on matters that may directly or indirectly benefit, influence, or affect their Employed Relative. A member shall not become involved in any way to seek influence on behalf of the Employed Relative or become involved in any way with the supervision of work performance of the Employed Relative. Failure to follow these requirements and guidelines may lead to a member being removed from their appointment by the Council.

Appointment of Relatives of City Council or City Manager No relative of a member of the City Council or of the City Manager shall be appointed to or serve on any Council Advisory Group. If any such relationship arises, the relative’s seat is immediately vacated. “Relative” shall be defined as a City Councilmember’s or City Manager’s:
• Spouse
• Sibling
• Child or Step Child
• Child’s Spouse
• Brother’s Spouse / Sister’s Spouse
• Parent / Parent-in-law
• Grandparent / Souse’s grandparent
• Grandchild
• Cousin
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• Uncle or Aunt
• Nephew or Niece
Individual Serving on Multiple Council Advisory Groups
The City Council discourages individuals from serving on multiple Council Advisory Groups in order to allow all interested individuals to have a chance to serve.

Removal from Office
All Council Advisory Group members serve at the pleasure of the City Council.

Carpinteria Municipal Code Section 2.24.010 states that the City Council may declare the seat of any Council Advisory Group member vacant by a majority vote of the Council and such vacant seat may be filled for the unexpired term.

Leaving Office
Council Advisory Group members may resign at any time. Sixty (60) days’ notice is suggested to enable a replacement to be identified and appointed without causing a gap in a Council Advisory Group membership. Each Council Advisory Group member must file a Fair Political Practices (FPPC) Form 700 Leaving Office Statement within 30 days of leaving office – See Conflict of Interest section later in this Handbook.

Qualifications
Generally, individuals appointed to Council Advisory Groups must be residents and qualified electors (a U.S. citizen, 18 years of age or older, who resides within the city limits of the City of Carpinteria) when appointed and remain a resident through the entire time during their appointment. Some Council Advisory Groups have special or additional membership requirements for particular backgrounds/expertise and do not require residency, but do require owning, operating, or managing a business enterprise within the City. Former members of the City Council may not be appointed to serve on an advisory committee until one year after expiration of their term of office. Council Advisory Group Appointees may not hold full-time paid office or employment in City government.

Specific qualifications for each Board, Commission or Committee are listed above under Council Advisory Groups section.

Attendance Expectations
In order to conduct efficient meetings, best serve the public’s interest, and to avoid the loss of a quorum, members are expected to attend all scheduled meetings and should make every effort to do so. The City Council values the collective benefit of each member’s participation and judgment on every issue. If a member cannot attend a meeting or must step down from an item due to conflict of interest, they must notify their 18 Carpinteria Council Advisory Group Handbook
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staff liaison as far in advance as possible. The purpose for early staff notification is to ensure the minimum quorum is maintained for review of all items. Members should stay for the duration of meetings, in fairness to all applicants scheduled for that meeting.

Extended Absences
There shall be no “excused” absences. Because of quorum requirements, when an absence is anticipated, the individual Council Advisory Group member is responsible for notifying the staff liaison and the City Clerk’s office in advance of the absence and the absence shall be counted in that member’s attendance record. Leaves of absences are not granted to Council Advisory Group members except under unusual circumstances and when authorized in advance by the Council. To request a leave of absence, the member shall submit a written letter directed to the City Council through the City Clerk stating the reason for the request and the date range for the absence, with a copy forwarded to the staff liaison. The City Clerk will agendize the request for Council action at the soonest possible City Council meeting and the staff liaison may make an appropriate recommendation on the action, including removal in cases where the absence will negatively impact quorum.

Unexcused Absences
When a member fails for any reason to attend two consecutive regular meetings without advance notice to the staff liaison, their position shall be deemed vacant and their term terminated. The staff liaison shall monitor attendance and notify the City Clerk when a member is approaching and exceeds these limits. A vacated position will be filled by the Appointment Process (“Unscheduled Vacancy”) described herein.

Resignation
Members who are unable to continue their service due to health, business, personal obligations, or extended travel should submit a written letter of resignation to the staff liaison and the City Clerk’s Office. The letter should be directed to the City Council and state the effective date of the resignation. A member who relocates their residence outside the City shall immediately notify the City Clerk’s Office and resign from the board, commission or committee.
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Independent Governmental Agency Appointments
The City Council also makes citizen appointments to the following independent governmental agencies. Since these are independent governmental agencies, they are not bound by the City of Carpinteria CAG Handbook. Each of these governmental agencies/bodies develops their own regulations.

Independent Governmental Agency Appointments
Name Website
Santa Barbara Mosquito and Vector
Management District
https://www.mvmdistrict.org/
Community Media Access Center Board
of Directors
https://tvsantabarbara.org/
County Library Advisory Committee https://www.countyofsb.org/1348/CountyLibrary-Advisory-Committee 20 Carpinteria Council Advisory Group Handbook
Updated November 2025

ORGANIZATIONAL REQUIREMENTS AND DUTIES
Election of Chair and Vice Chair
In February of each year, all Council Advisory Groups elect a Chair and Vice Chair from its membership for a one-year term. For the Downtown “T” Business Advisory Board, the Chair and Vice Chair will be limited to assessment-paying members only.

Roles and Responsibilities
Although the specific duties of each of the City’s Council Advisory Groups vary widely with the purpose for which they are formed, there are certain roles and responsibilities that are common to all Council Advisory Group members.

The following is a summary of the important roles and responsibilities of Council Advisory Group members to assist members to maximize their contributions to the City.

New Member Orientation
Whenever a new member joins a Council Advisory Group, a new team must be developed. An effective orientation program begins immediately following appointment and continues until the member comes up to speed. Early orientation of new members helps the Council Advisory Group keep up its momentum instead of making time while the new member struggles to figure everything out alone. It also helps prevent misunderstandings, which may have long-lasting effects, and that all decisions are based on full-member knowledge.

If the new member is to be able to participate quickly and knowledgeably in decisionmaking, they need to know such things as the following before attending the first meeting:
a. How the group operates.
b. What the group’s responsibilities are.
c. What the annual work plan is.
d. What decisions the group faces immediately.
e. What and why plans and actions have been formulated. f. Laws affecting the Council Advisory Group.
g. Resources available.

An effective orientation program begins with the Council Advisory Group staff liaison, and will include the Chair, and Council Advisory Group members starting at their first meeting.

New members will be given this Handbook and must fill out the attached Acknowledgment of Receipt and Statement of Commitment (found in the Appendix to this Handbook) and return it to the City Clerk’s Office. Failure to do so may result in the member being removed from the Council Advisory Group by the City Council. 21 Carpinteria Council Advisory Group Handbook
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City Clerk’s Staff Role
a. Advise applicants of the date of the City Council meeting for appointments and encourage they attend the Council meeting to make a statement and/or respond to questions from the Council.
b. Advise of Form 700 filing obligation (if applicable) and Ethics Training requirement. c. Prepare Certificates of Appointment.
d. Give “Oath of Office” to new appointee.
e. Upon approval, email PDF copy of Handbook.

Staff Liaison’s Role
a. Make contact as soon as possible and welcome members after City Council approval of the appointment.
b. Ensure member received a copy of this Handbook to review. c. Schedule a time to review the contents of the Handbook and go over the duties and responsibilities pertaining to the particular Council Advisory Group. d. Arrange a tour of the department and City facilities and introduce City staff members.
e. Discuss the Council Advisory Group’s projects and goals, and pertinent departmental goals and objectives.
f. Indicate date, time, and place of next meeting.
g. Brief the new member of pending issues to come before the group at its next meeting to give the new member maximum time for needed background study. h. Provide minutes of recent meetings.
i. Ensure that an “Oath of Office” is conducted by the City Clerk’s Office before attending their first meeting.
j. Monitor the attendance of members and notify the City Manager of any members who have missed more than two consecutive Council Advisory Group meetings without the member being excused for their absence.

City staff provide professional support for several of the Council Advisory Groups.

Effective Council Advisory Groups develop a partnership with the City staff based upon mutual understanding and acceptance of roles and responsibilities. Key staff liaison responsibilities include:
a. Making sure agendas and reports are readily available for the public. b. Making sure the adequate room and equipment are available for the meeting. c. Being informed about the latest developments in their field such as changes in State law.
d. Actively participating in meetings by providing background and expressing views to the Council Advisory Group on agenda items.
e. Making a professional recommendation on every issue presented on the agenda. f. Alerting Council Advisory Group members of possible detrimental impacts from proposed actions.
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g. Interpreting City Council and administrative policies for the Council Advisory Group.
h. Record the meeting (audio, video, or both) and prepare action minutes of the proceedings.

Member’s Role
a. Chair and all members need to make the new member feel welcomed and a respected participant.
b. Encourage the new member’s questions and participation with a willingness to take additional time to provide background on issues and actions, which started before their term began.
c. Avoid projecting an impression of “clubbiness” among existing members. d. Be willing to hear and consider new or alternate approaches to problems and proposed actions. Infusion of new thinking should be viewed as a valued new resource and not an opportunity for a senior board member to put down.

Do Your Homework
It is extremely important that Council Advisory Group members do their homework before each meeting. This involves thoroughly reviewing the agenda and staff reports. It also may mean making on-site visits if the agenda issue involves a site or facility.

Members should also endeavor to maintain an objective attitude in their fact finding.

Remember that there are always at least two sides to every issue. Some members do not do their homework and try to “wing” it or catch-up at the meeting. This ploy is obvious to colleagues and is considered bad manners.

Be Representative of the Whole City
One of the difficult on-going dilemmas for a Council Advisory Group member is balanced representation. Should the member represent a specific group, District or the entire community? While the City Council may have appointed a member because that person represents a specific interest group, the City Council expects appointees to broaden their viewpoint. The question “What is best for the entire community?” should take precedence over “What is best for a special interest group?”
Be Careful to Represent the Council Advisory Group
Individual Council Advisory Group members should not represent their personal views or recommendations as those of the Council Advisory Group. Members making recommendations or expressing views not approved by a majority of the Council Advisory Group should indicate that they are representing themselves as individuals and not the Council Advisory Group.
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Public statements should contain no promises to the public that purport to be binding on the Council Advisory Group, City staff, or City Council. Council Advisory Group members should not respond to press inquiries and instead direct them to the City’s Public Information Officer.

Individual Council Advisory Group members are not prohibited from using social media platforms to express their opinions and views. However, they may not use their personal social media accounts to conduct or represent City business. This includes posting, captioning, or responding to public comments. If discussing City matters on personal accounts, individuals must clearly state that views expressed are personal and do not represent the City. Discussion on topics within the Advisory Group’s purview may result in a conflict that requires recusal.

Be Conscious of the City Council Expectations
The City Council relies upon thorough, unbiased recommendations from its Council Advisory Groups. Do not embarrass the City Council with “politically popular but impractical” recommendations.

Do not get upset or offended if your group’s recommendation is not adopted by the City Council. Your recommendation is one of several factors the City Council takes into consideration when making a decision. Remember they are directly accountable to the public.

Become the “Eyes and Ears” of the City Council
As an influential member of the community, the Council Advisory Group member is in a unique position of serving as a liaison between the City and its citizens in helping to reconcile contradictory viewpoints and to build a consensus around common goals and objectives. The Council Advisory Group member serves as a communication link to the community, presenting City programs and recommendations, and also providing a channel for citizen expression. Council Advisory Group members should explain and promote policies established by the City Council.

If a member is not careful, this communication channel may break down such as when Council Advisory Group members substitute their own opinions for those of the general public. This is seldom malicious or even intentional, but results in ineffective representation.

Be Conscious of the Relationship with the City Council and City Staff Supportive relationships with the City Councill and City staff are basic for successful operation of any Council Advisory Group.

In contacting City staff on Council Advisory Group business, the proper channel is through the Chair to the staff liaison.
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City staff is required by the City Council to make individual recommendations, which may or may not agree with those of the Council Advisory Group. City staff is required to fairly present and explain the staff recommendation and the Council Advisory Group’s recommendations, but will not defend them if in disagreement.

When appropriate, the Chair or delegated representative should communicate in writing or be present at the City Council meeting to report on the Council Advisory Group recommendations. This is particularly true when the City staff recommendation is not in accord with the approved position of the Council Advisory Group on a given issue. What the City Council seeks is full and complete information including a range of options on a given issue.

Disagreements
A Council Advisory Group or individual member may disagree with the City Council on any matter, but once the City Council has established its position on a matter, the Council Advisory Group should not do anything contrary to the established policies and programs adopted by the City Council. If personal ethical problems arise, the resignation from the Council Advisory Group is the appropriate response.

Establish a Good Working Relationship with Other Council Advisory Group Members
On many occasions, the success or failure of the efforts of Council Advisory Groups is largely dependent on the degree of cooperation among the individual members of the group. To help build a consensus around common goals and objectives, members will often have to first reconcile contradictory viewpoints and show a willingness to objectively consider the real issues.

Another way of developing this cooperation is for each member to ensure that meetings proceed in an orderly and constructive manner. The Chair is primarily responsible for seeing that consideration of agenda items moves along without delay, but with reasonable time allocated to each item. Each member can assist the Chair by becoming familiar with the basic rules of parliamentary procedure and by adequate preparation of any presentations made to the group.

Other important points that each member should consider in working with other members are:

1. Respect colleagues’ viewpoints even though they may be opposite of yours.

2. Practice civility when discussing contentious matters.

3. Allow other members adequate time to present their views fully before making comments on their views.

4. Be open and honest at all times.

5. Recognize new Council Advisory Group members and see that they are made welcome.
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Understand the Role and Scope of Responsibility of the Council Advisory Group One of the first responsibilities of a Council Advisory Group member is to be informed of the group’s role and scope of responsibility. The role of the Council Advisory Group includes advising the City Council on specific City program areas and related policies. In addition, some Council Advisory Groups have some decision-making responsibilities, such as the Planning Commission. An overview of the general roles is discussed below:

Roles include:

1. Expressing views on programs and policies within the Council Advisory Group’s authorized area of responsibility.

2. Focusing issues for the City Council by identifying pros, cons, alternatives, and possible actions.

3. Holding forums for members of the public to express their views on community issues within the Council Advisory Group’s area of responsibility.

4. Serving the general interest of the City rather than specific interest groups or special program areas.

5. Putting self in the role of the City’s general interest; balancing competing priorities and demand for resources.

6. Assuring consideration of community values and goals in the Council Advisory Group’s scope of interest.

7. Completing the Council Advisory Group annual work plans.

8. Educating the public on the democratic process and subject matters within the Council Advisory Group’s area of responsibility.

The education role is especially important and should not be discounted. For many residents, a Council Advisory Group meeting may be their first and only contact with City Hall. The Council Advisory Group’s job is to not only deal with the issue, but also represent the City and demonstrate how the democratic process works.

Roles do not include:

1. Becoming involved in the administrative matters of the City departments. The Carpinteria Municipal Code specifies that the City Manager is responsible for the oversight of administration and operations.

2. Directing City staff to initiate programs or conduct studies.

3. Establishing departmental work programs (as opposed to Council Advisory Group) and determining departmental priorities. Work programs and priorities are established through the Annual Work Plan process and are managed by the City Manager.

4. Taking unilateral action as a City representative such as attempting to resolve a complaint. Resident complaints about City services or programs should be referred to City staff for assistance.

5. Serving as advocates for departmental budgets, programs, or policies. 26 Carpinteria Council Advisory Group Handbook
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6. Discussing or considering personnel matters dealing with hiring, transfers, terminations, or discipline of City employees.

7. Serving the specific interests of special groups at the expense of the overall interests of the City.

The City Council may remove a Council Advisory Group member from their seat if they do not follow the role and scope of responsibility of their particular Council Advisory Group.

Working with the Media
Members should be aware that any statements or opinions made to representatives of the media could be considered “on the record” by reporters. Such statements should always be made in consideration of the likelihood that they will be printed or broadcasted.

You may not make a statement representing your Advisory Group, unless the Group at a meeting made a motion that you can represent them on this matter with the media. When giving any statements, ensure without this authority that you state the comments/opinions are from you, as a resident, not as a representative of the Advisory Group.

Participation in Political Activities
Local government elections in California are nonpartisan. City Council appointments to Council Advisory Groups are made without regard to political party affiliation. Acceptance of an appointment to a Council Advisory Group does not in any manner restrict citizen participation in political activities of an individual’s choosing at any level of government be it local, state, or federal. However, members should not use their appointed role or title in the conduct of political activity.
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CONFLICTS OF INTEREST
The Political Reform Act of 1974 (Government Code Sections 81000, et seq.), which was approved by the voters of the State of California, is intended to prevent conflicts of interest by requiring public officials to disclose certain personal financial interests, which could foreseeably cause conflicts. In addition, a public official may be required to disqualify themselves from making, participating in, or attempting to influence any government decisions which will affect any of their financial interests, not just those that are required to be disclosed. Most Council Advisory Group appointees (see table below) will be required to complete/file a Fair Political Practices Commission Form 700.

Council Advisory Group Form 700 Required? Ethics Training Required?
Planning Commission Yes Yes
Architectural Review Board Yes Yes
Mobile Home Park Rent
Stabilization Board
Yes Yes
Carpinteria Open Space
Management Advisory
Board
No Yes
Integrated Pest
Management Committee
No Yes
Tree Advisory Board No Yes
Downtown “T” Business
Advisory Board
Yes Yes
Environmental Review
Committee
No Yes
Community Development
Block Grant Committee
No Yes
Library Advisory
Commission
Yes Yes
The City of Carpinteria has adopted a local conflict of interest code as required by the Political Reform Act. This Act requires the financial disclosure of interests by certain individuals who are in decision-making positions within state and local government.

Prior to a meeting, you should review the agenda to evaluate potential financial conflicts of interest on actions to be taken. If you have a conflict of interest, or think you may have a conflict of interest, alert the staff liaison, Chair, or the City Clerk immediately, and you should not directly or indirectly influence City staff, Council Advisory Group members, the proceedings, or the vote. At the subject meeting, you may be required to state the basis for your conflict of interest immediately after the Chair announces the time for consideration. For example, “Madame Chair, I have a conflict of interest on this item because (state reason)…, and I will not be participating in the deliberations.” The minutes 28 Carpinteria Council Advisory Group Handbook
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will reflect that you stated the conflict and did not participate in any way in the proceedings or the vote.

The penalties for violating the conflict-of-interest laws are serious and may include fines and criminal prosecution.

When a conflict of interest is declared on an item, you must leave the meeting and not participate in the decision-making process for that item.

A Council Advisory Group member will not be allowed to participate in meetings if their Form 700 statements are not completed and filed with the City Clerk’s Office, and failure to do so in a timely manner may be cause for termination of the position.

Assuming Office Statement
As an appointed Council Advisory Group member, you are required to complete and file the appropriate conflict of interest forms (Form 700) within thirty (30) days after the date you assumed office (date the City Council appointed you). Forms and assistance will be provided by the City Clerk’s Office. Financial disclosure forms are filed with the City Clerk, as a matter of public record.

All economic disclosure documents are filed online via the eDisclosure system. The City Clerk’s Office will send a notification to your email address with links and instructions for filing online. The email will come from [email protected], so please be sure to monitor your email regularly for this notification. You will receive a welcome email and a separate email with your login ID (your provided email address) and your temporary password.

The notification will include information on how to e-file your Assuming Office Statement:

1. Log in to the system at https://CarpinteriaCity.southtechhosting.com/eDisclosure/.

2. Use the email address you provided as your Login ID.

3. Setup your permanent password.

4. Login to begin the Form 700 filing process.

When you are satisfied with the document, please e-file your document. You do NOT have to print, sign, and submit a paper copy of your e-filed statement.

If you have any questions about a possible conflict of interest, the City Attorney’s Office is available to assist you. The Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC) Office is also available at their toll-free telephone number 866-ASK-FPPC (866-275-3772), via email at [email protected], or at www.fppc.ca.gov, to answer questions regarding a conflict of interest, disclosure of certain personal financial interests, or when the law requires disqualification.
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Annual Statements
Members are required to file annual conflict of interest forms during their term (due each year in April). The City Clerk will annually notify all members of their requirement to file Form 700 in advance of the due date.

Notifications regarding the filing deadline are sent to the email address you provided. As stated previously, the email will come from
[email protected], so please be sure to monitor your email regularly for this notification.

Leaving Office Statements
You are required to complete and file the appropriate conflict of interest forms within thirty (30) days after the date you leave office.

Once the City Clerk is notified of your leaving office, the City Clerk’s Office (via [email protected] email address) sends you notification to e-file your leaving office statement.

Ethics Laws
Council Advisory Group members commit to spending significant amounts of time in service to the City; and they also assume a responsibility to work for the betterment of the City. Ethics laws impose rules on the manner in which public officials conduct themselves.

The goal of ethics laws is to maximize the likelihood that the decisions of a public agency are made solely with the public’s interests in mind. The laws frequently strive to avoid even the appearance of impropriety as well as actual improprieties. Ethics laws represent the minimum standards for the conduct of public officials.

State law requires local agency officials to attend ethics training. The basic requirement is two hours no later than one year from the date appointed and thereafter two hours at least once every two years. An online training program is available that will allow you to satisfy the requirements of Assembly Bill 1234 on a cost-free basis. Upon appointment, the City Clerk’s Office will send you a link to complete your online ethics training through the Fair Political Practices Commission. Print the completion certificate (make sure your certificate shows at least 2 hours of training), sign, and submit electronically or by paper to the City Clerk’s Office.

A Council Advisory Group member will not be allowed to participate in meetings if their ethics completion certificate has not been timely completed and filed with the City Clerk’s Office, and failure to do so may be cause for termination of the position. 30 Carpinteria Council Advisory Group Handbook
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MEETING GUIDELINES
Meeting Types
All Council Advisory Group meetings are governed by the Ralph M. Brown Act (Brown Act), California Government Code Section 54950 et seq.
• Regular Meetings
Regular meetings shall be held at a regular date, time and place, which the Council Advisory Group has approved. Regular meetings may be rescheduled with the posting of a Notice of Rescheduled Meeting. Meetings may be cancelled due to a lack of business or if a quorum cannot be obtained. Regular meetings require a 72-hour noticing of the agenda. Agenda materials shall be available to the public in attendance at meetings.
• Special Meetings
Special meetings are those meetings held outside the regular meeting date and time. Special meetings may be held at any time upon the call of the Chair or a majority of Council Advisory Group members. The agenda for such meetings is required to be posted 24-hours before the meeting.
• Joint Meetings
From time to time, it may be necessary for a joint meeting to be held between the City Council and Architectural Review Board and/or Planning Commission. The purpose of such joint meeting could be for a conceptual review of a development project, receiving updates on new housing laws, etc.

Quorum
A Council Advisory Group can only transact business when a quorum is present at the meeting. A majority of the members of the Council Advisory Group constitutes a quorum.

For a group size of five members, a quorum is three members while for a seven-member group, the quorum is four. For those Council Advisory Groups that have alternate members (such as the Downtown “T” Business Advisory Board), when an assessmentpaying member is absent, an alternate assessment-paying member may fill-in and act as a voting member on the Board. If all regular members are present in addition to any alternate members, the alternate members present would be non-voting members.

If a quorum is not present, the meeting cannot be convened. If during the meeting a quorum is no longer present, the members present must adjourn the meeting. If no members are present, the staff liaison may adjourn the meeting. 31 Carpinteria Council Advisory Group Handbook
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Ralph M. Brown Act (California State Law)
Also see Open & Public VI – A Guide to the Ralph M. Brown Act included in the Appendix to this Handbook.

The Brown Act, described as one of the strongest open meeting laws in the United States, is designed to ensure that public meetings are conducted openly without restrictions on the right of the public to attend or to make comments. The salient purpose of the Brown Act is to protect the public’s right to be informed. Provisions of the Brown Act open meeting law include:
a. The Brown Act applies to all City Council Advisory Groups. b. In general, a meeting is a quorum (majority of members) of the Council Advisory Group, no matter how informal, or where business is discussed or transacted. c. Generally, the Brown Act does not apply to ad hoc subcommittees of the Council Advisory Group composed solely of its members, which are less than a quorum.

However, standing committees that have been formally established by the City Council and which have either a continuing subject matter jurisdiction or a set meeting schedule are subject to the Brown Act.
d. In general, a meeting between a subcommittee of a Council Advisory Group and a subcommittee of the City Council may constitute a public meeting subject to the Brown Act.
e. It was once thought that in order for a “meeting” to occur that was subject to the Brown Act, “action” had to be taken at that meeting. A meeting under the Brown Act includes not only action, but also deliberation conducted by the Council Advisory Group.
f. Serial meetings occur when a majority of the members privately confer with each other in tandem on City business. Serial meeting may be a chain, in which Member A contacts Member B, B then contacts C, C contacts D, and so on, until a quorum is involved. Serial meetings also occur when a majority of the Council Advisory Group members confer with each other through an intermediary, by e-mail, text, or phone (e.g. when City staff sends out an agenda to all members and a member replies all, that may be considered a serial meeting). A Council Advisory Group member has the right to confer with a colleague about public business; but if and when a “collective concurrence as to action to be taken” is reached by a quorum of members, the Brown Act is violated. Serial meetings yield a process that deprives the public the opportunity for a meaningful contribution to the decisionmaking process. Council Advisory Group members should be alert to the possibility of serial meetings when engaging in discussion with their colleagues on a matter within the subject jurisdiction of the Council Advisory Group. g. In most cases, the law requires that the agenda for all meetings be in writing and posted 72 hours before the scheduled time of the meeting. No action can be taken on any matter that has not been listed on the agenda.
h. The agenda must allow for the public to speak on issues within the jurisdiction of the Council Advisory Group.
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i. Members of the public cannot be required to give their names, or otherwise identify themselves, as a condition of attendance at Council Advisory Group meetings. j. Members of the public have the right to record the meeting proceedings in the absence of a reasonable finding of the Council Advisory Group that such recording constitutes a disruption of the proceedings.
k. Secret ballots even when conducted in public are prohibited by the Brown Act. l. Attendance of members of the Council Advisory Group at a purely social or ceremonial occasion is permitted, provided the members do not discuss official business among themselves.

Virtual/Teleconference Meetings
The Brown Act does allow for members to participate remotely with some additional rules.

1. The address of where the member will be participating must be on the agenda and the location must be open to the public.

2. The agenda must be posted at the offsite location and follow the 72-hour noticing requirement.

3. The teleconference location must be accessible to the public, including permitting the public to participate in public comment from that location.

4. A quorum of the Council Advisory Group must participate in the meeting from locations within the City’s jurisdiction.

5. All votes take during a teleconference meeting must be by roll call.

Those Council Advisory Group members who wish to participate in a meeting remotely, need to let the staff liaison know in advance to ensure the above rules are followed.

Meeting Agenda
The agenda focuses on the discussion at the meeting by specifying topics and the order in which they will be taken up. In accordance with the Brown Act, the Council Advisory Group may not take action on any item that did not appear on the posted agenda prior to the meeting unless an exception is permitted under Government Code Section 54954.2.

The agenda must be posted on the City’s website and posted on the Public Notices Board at City Hall and/or the Community Library (e.g. for the Library Advisory Commission).

Order of Business
The agenda is prepared by City staff and is made available to Council Advisory Group members prior to the meeting so that members can review it before the meeting is held.

The agenda is generally laid out in accordance with the following order of business unless otherwise specified:
• Call to Order
• Roll Call
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• Public Comment on Items Not on the Agenda
• Consent Calendar
• Approval of Minutes
• Regular Business Items
• Council Advisory Group Communications
• Staff Communications
• Adjournment
Placing an Item on the Agenda
Either the Chair or at least two Council Advisory Group members can request an item be placed on a future agenda by bringing it up at a regular meeting under Council Advisory Group Communications. The Council Advisory Group will make a determination (i.e. majority of the Council Advisory Group) if the item should be agendized and at what meeting.

Consideration and Action on an Agenda Item
The agenda constitutes the Council Advisory Group’s road map for the meeting. Most agenda items can be handled with the following 4-step process:

1. Presenting Item
a. Opening Item – The Chair should announce the agenda item number and subject. The Chair should then announce any special procedures to be followed (e.g., if the item is a quasi-public hearing). This is also when the members would announce their conflict of interest, if any exists, recuse themselves, and leave the room.
b. Hearing the Report – The Chair should invite the appropriate people (typically the staff liaison) to report on the item. Verbal presentations should be short, so as not to repeat basic information included in the agenda packet. The Chair may provide an opportunity for members to ask any clarifying questions of the person providing the report. This not preferred as questioning tends to segue into position statements before public input is taken, which is inconsistent with open meeting principles.

2. Asking for Public Input – The Chair opens the meeting to public input. The Chair may limit speakers’ time. The standard time is three minutes per speaker per item.

3. Considering the Item – The Chair requests the Council Advisory Group deliberate.

Member deliberation would include: questions of the person(s) making the report or others with relevant knowledge, alternatives to the recommendation, additional considerations not previously stated, additional relevant facts and opinions. Time committed to deliberation should be adequate to allow the sense of the Council Advisory Group to emerge.
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4. Council Advisory Group Decision – The Council Advisory Group acts by a motion and voting. For all action items, the Chair should invite a motion from the members. Once a motion is made, the Chair should ask for a second. Once a motion and second are made, the Chair should allow any additional desired discussion. Questions for clarification of the motion should be heard at this time.

The Chair shall ask for the vote and publicly report any action taken and the vote on that action, e.g. the motion passes 3-2, with Council Advisory Group members A and B opposed.

Staff Reports / Staff Memos
Well written staff reports / staff memos are an indispensable part of the Council Advisory Group process. They are used to provide background information and frame the issue for the Council Advisory Group. Staff reports/memos should anticipate the important questions regarding the issue. In addition, staff reports should include a chronology of events or actions, an analysis of the issues, and alternative approaches. Every staff report/memo should also include a staff recommendation presenting the staff’s best professional judgment. Council Advisory Group members are not compelled to follow the staff recommendation if they do not agree.

Chair Responsibilities
The Chair is the key to the effectiveness of this group process and can be likened to the team captain. The Chair provides group direction and sets the tone for meetings. The Chair presides over all Council Advisory Group meetings and has the authority to preserve order at the meetings. This includes removing any person from a meeting for disorderly conduct, enforcing the rules of the Council Advisory Group, and determining the order of business under the rules of the Council Advisory Group.

The Chair must balance being strong enough to move the meeting along and democratic enough to involve all members in the meeting. To be effective the Chair needs the support of the members. Trust is built by even-handedness and fairness to all the participants. It also means that a Chair does not use the powers of the Chair unfairly to win a point or argument.

An effective Chair:
a. Prevents dominant Council Advisory Group members from having a disproportionate influence.
b. Defends all members from public and colleague abuse. c. Solicits opinions, feelings, and positions from reticent members. d. Keeps new thoughts from being rejected prior to fair evaluation. e. Discourages blame-oriented statements.
f. Keeps the discussion focused on the problem.
g. Encourages the generation of alternative solutions.
h. Delays evaluation and analysis of alternatives until all are on the table. 35 Carpinteria Council Advisory Group Handbook
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i. Guides the process of screening alternatives and selecting the solution. j. Attempts to obtain consensus.
k. Moves the meeting along and does not let the group drift off the subject at hand. l. Maintains order and may limit or remove disruptive individuals, whether participating in person or online.

Absence of Chairperson
The Vice Chair acts in the absence or disability of the Chair. When the Chair and Vice Chair are absent from any meeting of the Council Advisory Group, the members present may choose another member to act as Chair Pro Tempore, and that person has the powers of the Chair for that meeting.

Member Meeting Responsibilities
Members of Council Advisory Groups also have a responsibility for making sure the meeting runs smoothly. Member responsibilities include:
a. Helping the Chair move the meeting along.
b. Obtaining recognition from the Chair before speaking. c. Limiting remarks to the issue being considered.
d. Asking clarifying questions if something is not understood. e. Respecting colleagues’ rights.
f. Explaining the reasoning behind significant decisions. g. Raising concerns and objections at the meeting rather than after the meeting. h. Always behaving and representing the City in a professional manner. This applies to the demeanor and behavior during a meeting. When attending a virtual meeting, follow the same rules and regulations that would apply to attending a meeting inperson in a City facility. This includes no smoking, no vaping, no consumption of alcohol and no profanity during any public meetings. (Also when attending virtually, keep mic off unless speaking).

Public Participation
One of the most important functions of a Council Advisory Group is to obtain increased public input and participation. The skillful Council Advisory Group is able to obtain public input by practicing positive encouragement measures.

Here are some steps that will increase the public’s willingness to participate:
a. Recognize that some people are fearful or anxious at a meeting. It may be the first time a person has addressed a public group. The Chair may try to calm and assure the individual.
b. Show patience – imagine yourself addressing the Council Advisory Group. c. The Chair should keep the audience informed of the process and procedures that are being followed.
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d. Before each item is considered, the Chair should describe the item and the possible actions identified.
e. Members should project a feeling of fairness, understanding, and graciousness as circumstances permit. Members should be considerate of all interests, attitudes, and differences of opinion.
f. Members should take care to observe the appearance as well as the principle of impartiality.
g. Members should go through the Chair and try to avoid speaker-to-audience conversation. The purpose of hearing the public is usually to help the Council Advisory Group to act, not to encourage debate or argument with the public. h. Do not spend too much time on routine items such as correcting the minutes. This is especially important when an audience is presented.
i. Relations with the City Council, staff, and fellow members of your Advisory Group should also be kept in mind in communicating with the public or the media. Council Advisory Group members are considered by the public to be representatives of the official City family. Council Advisory Group members are reminded that they provide recommendations to the City Council, which acts as the decisionmaker for City policies and rules. If friction develops, members should attempt to clarify differences and make certain that clear communication is made. The public meeting should not be used as a forum to express anger or disagreement. This does not in any way preclude a member’s responsibility to advocate their position on a policy matter prior to the decision on an official policy.

Public Hearings
Note: The only Council Advisory Group to hold public hearings is the Planning Commission.

The Council Advisory Group procedure for the conduct of public hearings is generally as follows:
a. The public hearing must have been noticed.
b. Council Advisory Group members disclose any ex parte communications (see next section).
c. The Chair opens the public hearing.
d. City staff presents its report.
e. Council Advisory Group members may ask questions of City staff if they so desire. f. The applicant or appellant then has the opportunity to present comments, testimony, or arguments. In the case of an appeal when the appellant is different from the applicant, the appellant should be called up first to provide comments or testimony.
g. Members of the public are provided with the opportunity to present their comments, testimony, or arguments (time limit of 3 minutes per person per item). h. The applicant or appellant is given an opportunity for rebuttal or closing comments.

In the case of an appeal when the appellant is different from the applicant, the appellant is given the opportunity for closing comments. 37 Carpinteria Council Advisory Group Handbook
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i. The public hearing is closed.
j. The Council Advisory Group deliberates on the issue. k. If the Council Advisory Group raises new issues through deliberation and seeks to take additional public testimony (questions of the applicant, or the public), the public hearing must be reopened. At the conclusion of the public testimony, the public hearing is again closed.
l. The Council Advisory Group deliberates and takes action.

Ex Parte Communications
The Council Advisory Group (e.g. Planning Commission) sometimes acts in a quasijudicial capacity (or “like a judge”) when it applies existing laws to specific facts at a public hearing concerning one person or a small number of people rather than the entire City.

The most common quasi-judicial matters that come before the Planning Commission relate to ruling on whether to grant land use entitlements, such as permits, licenses, or land use entitlements.

Ex parte communications are substantive oral or individual written communications or sensory observations concerning quasi-judicial matters that occur outside of noticed public hearings. Communications include conversations, meetings, site visits, mailings, or presentations during which substantial factual information about the item is gathered by or submitted to the Council Advisory Group member. Casual or non-substantive communications do not violate the due process rights of non-present parties. This rule prohibiting ex parte communications in quasi-judicial proceedings is designed to ensure fairness and procedural due process for all parties.

Public Discussion at Hearings
When a matter for public hearing comes before the Council Advisory Group, the Chair will open the public hearing. Upon opening the public hearing and before any motion is adopted related to the merits of the issue to be heard, the Chair will inquire if there are any persons present who desire to speak on the matter which is to be heard or to present evidence respecting the matter.

There is a standard 3-minute time limit for each speaker per agenda item. a. Public Member Request to Speak – Any person desiring to speak or present evidence shall make their presence known to the Chair and upon being recognized by the Chair, the person may speak or present evidence relevant to the matter being heard. No person may speak without first being recognized by the Chair. b. Council Advisory Group Questions of Speakers – Members of the Council Advisory Group who wish to ask questions of the speakers or each other during the public hearing portion may do so, but only after first being recognized by the Chair.

Interaction with the speaker shall be limited to a question or questions, rather than an ongoing dialogue. Members should avoid raising questions as a method to extend the allocated time for a speaker.
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c. Due Process – The Chair shall conduct the meeting in such a manner as to afford due process.
d. Public Oral Presentations – All Council Advisory Group rules pertaining to oral presentation by members of the public apply during public hearings. e. Materials for Public Record – All persons interested in the matter being heard by the Council Advisory Group shall be entitled to submit written evidence or remarks, as well as other graphic evidence. Written communications and petitions concerning the subject matter of the hearing will be noted, read aloud, or summarized by the Chair. A reading in full shall take place if requested by the City as part of the record.
f. Germain Comments – No person will be permitted during the hearing to speak about matters or present evidence that is not germane to the matter being considered. A determination of relevance shall be made by the Chair, but may be appealed to the full Council Advisory Group.

Continuance of Hearings
At any time it appears to the Chair or the majority of the Council Advisory Group, through the Chair, that inadequate evidence has been presented to afford judicious consideration of any matter before the Council Advisory Group at any time of a public hearing, continuation of such hearing may be ordered to afford the applicant, their opponents or City staff adequate time to assemble additional evidence for the Council Advisory Group’s consideration. Any continuation ordered by the Council Advisory Group through the Chair shall be to a date certain, which date shall be publicly announced and shall constitute notice to the applicant and his opponents at the time and place that such further evidence shall be taken. Public announcements provided for in this chapter, shall constitute notice to the applicant and their opponents as to the time and place for further evidence to be taken by the Council Advisory Group.

Listening Skills
Effective meetings require members who have developed their listening skills. Although listening often is considered a passive condition, it is exactly the opposite. Listening is hard work and requires definite commitment and personal discipline. The listener must deliberately prepare to listen and the quality of that listening deteriorates as they may be carried away with the events of the moment.

Perhaps the chief requirement for effective listening is to “have room” to tend to others.

If you are preoccupied with your own thoughts and feelings, you will not be available to actively listen. People who give relaxed, open attention to others are rated as effective listeners and better recall what has been said. Active listeners signal their attention and availability both verbally (“I would like to listen to you now”) and non-verbally (by not fidgeting, looking bored, staring at your phone, etc.).

When listening, it is helpful to try to understand the other person’s view without superimposing your own views or judgments prematurely. One sure way to prevent 39 Carpinteria Council Advisory Group Handbook
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communications is to jump in with your own viewpoint before the other person has been able to fully express their point. Such discussions frequently deteriorate into wrangles.

Active listening shows others that you respect and value their contribution. It may be difficult to accept the idea that the differences between people offer a resource for progress; but if you can manage to bridge differences, there is much value to be gained.

A Council Advisory Group that sets a high standard of listening usually is enjoyed by its members. The group is generally effective and individuals feel a high commitment to the other members.

The Art of Asking Questions
Questions are one of the most important tools members can use to focus the group and to facilitate decision-making. The art of asking questions is a skill that must be developed.

It was James Thurber who once said, “It is better to know the right questions rather than the answers.” Thurber’s insight that responses are subject to change, but the ability to ask probing questions does not, underlines the important of developing and refining the questioning skill.

There are two basic types of questions: closed and open.

Closed questions can be answered with a yes or no, or with a simple statement of fact.

They are good for getting information in a hurry. They also help keep the Council Advisory Group on track.

Open questions are used to get results and build consensus. They allow the other person(s) to get involved. They also require a more in-depth response than yes or no.

Open questions are the preferred types of questions to use in a Council Advisory Group setting.

Courtesy and Decorum
Speakers should first be recognized by the Chair. This ensures that only one person speaks at a time.

Meetings should take place in an environment where members and the public can freely express their views. The Chair should ensure that discussion focuses on the item in question, not on personalities or members or the public. The Chair must protect the record, protect privacy rights for all participants, and is responsible for maintaining a harassment-free environment.

The Chair has the right to cut off discussion that is personal or too emotional. The Chair may request a break in such instances.

Refer to the Rules of Conduct and Decorum included in the Appendix of this Handbook. 40 Carpinteria Council Advisory Group Handbook
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Managing Difficult Meetings
From time to time, Council Advisory Groups may be faced with conducting highly charged controversial meetings. These meetings may involve one unified group or two or more conflicting groups. The group demeanor may also be characterized by aggressiveness and hostility. Such meetings really test the mettle of the Council Advisory Group and City staff. In addition to the points raise in the “Working with the Public” section, the following should be considered:

Before the meeting, the Chair will:
a. Try to get the group or groups to designate one or more spokespersons. This will help reduce redundancy and make sure that all sides of the issue will be heard. b. Establish ground rules before the meeting. Determine which procedures will be followed.

During the meeting, the Chair will:
a. Explain the issues, the possible actions, and the procedures that will be followed at the meeting.
b. Have speakers address the members and not the audience. Some speakers are very adept at inciting audiences, especially if they are permitted to address the audience.
c. Stop clapping and shouting early. Explain the reasons why such actions are disruptive and counterproductive.
d. Not hesitate to use recesses to help diffuse hostility or aggressiveness. e. Limiting speakers to their three minutes limit and apply it fairly and consistently. If a virtual meeting, ensure the meeting host mutes at the three minutes. f. Use speaker cards. These can help identify how many people wish to speak and also whether they support or contest an issue. They also are helpful in preparing the minutes by accurately recording the names of people who speak. Recognize, however, that if a person does not wish to complete a card, they still have the legal right to speak.

Parliamentary Procedure
Parliamentary Procedure is a set of rules for conducting meetings. It allows all participants to be heard and to make orderly decisions. Flexibility should be used in applying these rules in order to enhance rather than frustrate the democratic process.

The City Council has adopted the Rosenberg’s Rules of Order: Simple Rules of Parliamentary Procedure for the 21st Century. These are included in the Appendix to this Handbook.
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Council Advisory Group meetings are usually conducted according to parliamentary procedure. The Chair directs the meeting, and the Chair’s rulings must be followed, unless they are overruled by the Council Advisory Group.

Preparing a Motion
When a member wishes to propose an idea for the Council Advisory Group to consider, the members makes a motion. If the idea is spelled out in written form, a motion is still needed to adopt the statement. A motion goes through the following steps:
a. The member asks to be recognized by the Chair.
b. After being recognized, the member makes the motion (e.g., “I move to …”). c. Motions should be clearly and concisely stated.
d. Another member seconds the motion.
e. The Chair states the motion and asks for discussion. f. When the Chair feels that there has been enough discussion, the debate is closed (e.g., “Are you ready for the question?” – “Is there any further discussion?”). Any member of the Council Advisory Group may move to close debate by stating, “I move that debate on this motion be closed,” or “I move the previous question.” This motion must be seconded. A motion to close debate cannot be amended or debated. The Chair immediately requests a roll call vote. g. If no one asks for permission to speak, the Chair then puts the question to a vote.

The Chair may ask, “All in favor say AYE, those opposed NO, “or a roll call vote may be taken.
h. After the vote, the Chair announces the decision (“The motion is carried” – “The motion failed” as the case may be).

General Notes About Main Motions
a. Only one motion may be considered at a time.
b. The maker of the motion is entitled to speak first.
c. The maker of the motion may withdraw their motion before the motion is seconded or if seconded, if there is no objection from the maker of the second. d. The motion of record is as stated by the Chair unless clarified or amended by the members.

City staff can also help in the phrasing and writing of difficult motions.

Tie Votes
A tie vote means the motion fails. For a five-member group, if one member is absent and the vote is 2 ayes, and 2 noes, or 2-2-1, the motion fails. Tie votes may be reconsidered on motion by any member of the Council Advisory Group voting aye or no during the original vote. Before a motion is made on the next item on the agenda, any member of the Committee may make a motion to continue the matter to another date. 42 Carpinteria Council Advisory Group Handbook
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Any continuance for this purpose suspends the running of any time in which action of the Committee is required by law.

Comments for the Record
If a Council Advisory Group member desires that a comment be included in the minutes, it is their responsibility to indicate that the statement is “for the record” before making the comments.

Adjournment
When the Council Advisory Group has finished its business, the Chair adjourns the meeting.

Recordings of Meetings
Recordings are maintained in accordance with the City’s adopted records retention schedule. Only City Council, Planning Commission, and Architectural Review Board meetings are videorecorded. All other Council Advisory Groups meetings may be audio recorded to assist in minute preparation.

Action Minutes
Minutes of Council Advisory Group meetings will be action minutes. Action minutes include final motions with votes. The minutes will also reflect the names of public speakers. Council Advisory Group and City staff discussion and comments will not be included in the minutes. Minutes of all meetings will be prepared by the staff liaison and are required to be kept by the department.

Generally, minutes are submitted to the Council Advisory Group at the next regular meeting for approval and once approved they become the permanent record of the Council Advisory Group. Minutes are made available to the public.

Public Records
Materials provided to Council Advisory Group members at a public meeting must be made available for inspection and copying by the public.

Members should avoid the use of electronic devices during meetings such as communications, social media posts, emails and text messages may be subject to the City’s Records Retention Schedule and disclosable under the Public Records Act. 43 Carpinteria Council Advisory Group Handbook
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RULES OF CONDUCT AND DECORUM
The City of Carpinteria prides itself on conducting its business in a professional. respectful, and courteous manner. As Council Advisory Groups are comprised of citizens of Carpinteria, serving in an advisory role to the City Council, it is understood that citizens participating in Council Advisory Group meetings and other forums are to conduct themselves in the same manner. Common courtesy and respect for fellow Council Advisory Group members, City staff, City Councilmembers, and the general public is expected. Council Advisory Group members should refrain at all times from rude and derogatory remarks, reflections as to integrity, abusive comments, and statements as to motives and personalities.

Council Advisory Group members shall observe the following Rules of Conduct and Decorum:

1. A member of a Council Advisory Group shall neither, by conversation or otherwise, delay or interrupt the proceedings of the Council Advisory Group, interrupt any fellow member while speaking, or disobey the orders of the Chair.

2. Council Advisory Group members should provide the utmost courtesy to each other, to City staff, and to the public appearing before the Council Advisory Group.

Members should refrain from:
a. Rude and derogatory remarks.
b. Questioning the integrity of their fellow members and/or public speakers. c. Abusive comments.
d. Directing City staff, other than within the context of the Council Advisory Group meeting, subject to the consensus of the members and subject to review and approval of the Department Head and City Manager, and consistent with the Municipal Code and any related state law.
e. Making comments on behalf of other individuals that may be considered hearsay.
f. Statements about the member’s personal feelings about the speaker’s motives. g. Personal attacks.

3. At all times members shall conduct themselves so as to ensure that their image and appearance befit the occasion and reflect their position within the community.

4. At no time shall members engage in conduct that substantially and unreasonably interferes with the ability of any other member or City employee to perform their official duties, violates any City policies, or that creates an intimidating or hostile work environment.
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5. Members are to refrain from conduct that is abusive of a member’s public office or utilizes the Council Advisory Group in an inappropriate manner to further one’s own political gains.

6. Members shall not use their title or status as a City official for personal purposes, or other unsanctioned activity not related to official Council Advisory Group behavior, other than permitted by law.

7. Members shall not engage in conduct that is in violation of any civil or criminal law.

8. Any person(s) making personal, defamatory or profane remarks or who willfully utters loud, threatening or abusive language or engages in any disorderly conduct, which disturbs or disrupts the orderly conduct of any meeting shall be called to order by the Chair. If such conduct continues, the Chair, at their discretion, may order such person removed from that meeting. If the Chair is in violation of any of the above rules of decorum, a majority vote of the Group may order the removal of the Chair from the meeting and the Vice Chair to take over. If the Vice Chair is absent, the remaining members shall select a Chair Pro Tempore.

9. Members shall follow the role and scope of responsibility of their particular Council Advisory Group.

10.Members shall work in accordance with the Brown Act.

Member Misconduct
All Council Advisory Group members serve at the pleasure of the City Council. Violations of the Rules of Conduct and Decorum shall be handled in the following manner:

1. Minor Misconduct: Issues will be reported to the Department Head of the department that provides staff support to the Group. The Department Head shall then attempt to resolve the issue with the City Manager and member.

2. Major Misconduct: Issues of this level will involve the City Manager and possibly the City Attorney and may lead to a recommendation to the City Council to remove the member from their seat.

The City Manager shall report a member’s misconduct to the City Council. The following are examples of misconduct which may subject members to disciplinary action(s):

1. Minor Misconduct: Lack of preparation for a meeting; late arrival at meetings; failure to complete mandatory training; discourteous behavior in relations with fellow members, staff, and/or members of the public.

2. Major Misconduct: Repeated instances of minor misconduct; violation of City Council policies (including, but not limited to, City Council policies addressing 45 Carpinteria Council Advisory Group Handbook
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violence in the workplace and/or violations of the Brown Act; acceptance of gifts or gratuities; drug free workplace; drugs and alcohol in the workplace; and other policies as may be adopted by the City Council from time to time).

While the above items are presented as examples, the determination of what (if any) discipline to impose, up to and including removal from the Council Advisory Group, shall be at the sole discretion of the City Council.

Discipline of Council Advisory Group Members by the City Council Should the City Council determine, in its sole discretion, that a Council Advisory Group member may have allegedly acted in a manner inconsistent with law or a City Council policy, the City Council may determine to impose any or all of the following:

1. Provide direction to the City Manager to meet with the member to informally investigate alleged misconduct and provide counseling to the member to indicate behavior consistent with law and City Council policy.

2. Provide direction to the City Manager to investigate member alleged misconduct and report findings to the City Council.

3. Determine, in the City Council’s sole discretion and with our without cause, to remove a member from their seat. Such removal shall only be effective upon a majority vote of the City Council.

Outstanding Financial Obligations
All Council Advisory Group Members have to be in good standing with the City (e.g., payment of fines, taxes, have no open administrative citations, etc.). 46 Carpinteria Council Advisory Group Handbook
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APPENDIX
Open & Public VI – A Guide to the Ralph M. Brown Act – Revised January 2024 by the League of California Cities
Rosenberg’s Rules of Order – Revised 2011 – Simple Rules of Parliamentary Procedure for the 21st Century by Judge Dave Rosenberg
Acknowledgment of Receipt and Statement of Commitment
Open & Public VI
A GUIDE TO THE RALPH M. BROWN ACT
REVISED JANUARY 2024
Photo credit: Courtesy of the City of West
Hollywood. Photo by Jon Viscott.
ii OPEN & PUBLIC VI: A GUIDE TO THE RALPH M. BROWN ACT

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
Cal Cities thanks the following individuals for their work on this publication:

Brown Act Committee
Tracy M. Noonan, Committee Chair
City Attorney, Thousand Oaks
Amy Ackerman
Town Attorney, Corte Madera; Renne Public Law Group
Sheri Damon
City Attorney, Seaside
Christopher Diaz
City Attorney, Colma and Hillsborough
Best Best & Krieger LLP
Megan J. Marevich
Assistant City Attorney, Mountain View
Javan N. Rad
Chief Assistant City Attorney, Pasadena
Prasanna W. Rasiah
City Attorney, San Mateo
Sujata Reuter
Chief Assistant City Attorney, Santa Clara
Robert Schultz
Attorney
Frank A. Splendorio
City Attorney, Atwater and Plymouth
Best Best & Krieger LLP
Osa Wolff
City Attorney, Orinda
Shute, Mihaly & Weinberger LLP
Cal Cities Staff
Sheri Chapman, General Counsel
Alison Leary, Senior Deputy General Counsel
Janet Leonard, Executive Assistant, Legal Services
OPEN & PUBLIC VI: A GUIDE TO THE RALPH M. BROWN ACT 1
REVISED JANUARY 2024
Open & Public VI
A GUIDE TO THE RALPH M. BROWN ACT
CHAPTER 1: IT IS THE PEOPLE’S BUSINESS.................................................5 CHAPTER 2: LEGISLATIVE BODIES............................................................11 CHAPTER 3: MEETINGS............................................................................17 CHAPTER 4: AGENDAS, NOTICES, AND PUBLIC PARTICIPATION ..............29 CHAPTER 5: CLOSED SESSIONS ...............................................................41 CHAPTER 6: REMEDIES ............................................................................55 2 OPEN & PUBLIC VI: A GUIDE TO THE RALPH M. BROWN ACT

TABLE OF CONTENTS

TABLE OF CONTENTS
CHAPTER 1: IT IS THE PEOPLE’S BUSINESS............................................... 5 The right of access ...................................................................................................................6 Broad coverage ........................................................................................................................6 Narrow exemptions .................................................................................................................7 Public participation in meetings ..............................................................................................7 Controversy..............................................................................................................................8 Beyond the law — good business practices............................................................................8 Achieving balance ....................................................................................................................9 Historical note ..........................................................................................................................9 CHAPTER 2: LEGISLATIVE BODIES ........................................................... 11 What is a “legislative body” of a local agency? .....................................................................12 What is not a “legislative body” for purposes of the Brown Act? .........................................14 CHAPTER 3: MEETINGS ...........................................................................17 Brown Act meetings...............................................................................................................18 Six exceptions to the meeting definition...............................................................................18 Collective briefings.................................................................................................................21 Retreats, trainings, and workshops of legislative bodies.......................................................21 Serial meetings.......................................................................................................................22 Informal gatherings ................................................................................................................24 Technological conferencing ...................................................................................................25 Location of meetings..............................................................................................................26 CHAPTER 4: AGENDAS, NOTICES, AND PUBLIC PARTICIPATION.............. 29 Agendas for regular meetings................................................................................................30 Mailed agenda upon written request.....................................................................................31 Notice requirements for special meetings ............................................................................32 Notices and agendas for adjourned and continued meetings and hearings ........................32 Notice requirements for emergency meetings .....................................................................33 Notice of compensation for simultaneous or serial meetings ..............................................33 Educational agency meetings ................................................................................................33 Notice requirements for tax or assessment meetings and hearings....................................33 OPEN & PUBLIC VI: A GUIDE TO THE RALPH M. BROWN ACT 3
Non-agenda items..................................................................................................................34 Responding to the public .......................................................................................................35 The right to attend and observe meetings ............................................................................36 Records and recordings .........................................................................................................37 The public’s right to speak during a meeting ........................................................................38 CHAPTER 5: CLOSED SESSIONS ..............................................................41 Agendas and reports..............................................................................................................42 Litigation.................................................................................................................................43 Real estate negotiations ........................................................................................................45 Public employment ................................................................................................................46 Labor negotiations .................................................................................................................47 Labor negotiations — school and community college districts ............................................48 Other Education Code exceptions .........................................................................................48 Joint powers authorities.........................................................................................................48 License applicants with criminal records ..............................................................................49 Public security........................................................................................................................49 Multijurisdictional law enforcement agency .........................................................................49 Hospital peer review and trade secrets.................................................................................49 Other legislative bases for closed session.............................................................................50 Who may attend closed sessions ..........................................................................................50 The confidentiality of closed session discussions .................................................................51 CHAPTER 6: REMEDIES .......................................................................... 55 Invalidation of action taken....................................................................................................56 Declaratory relief to determine whether past action violated the act..................................57 Civil action to prevent future violations.................................................................................57 Costs and attorney’s fees ......................................................................................................58 Misdemeanor penalties..........................................................................................................58 Voluntary resolution...............................................................................................................59 4 OPEN & PUBLIC VI: A GUIDE TO THE RALPH M. BROWN ACT
OPEN & PUBLIC VI: A GUIDE TO THE RALPH M. BROWN ACT 5 5 Chapter 1
IT IS THE PEOPLE’S BUSINESS
The right of access.............................................................................................................. 6 Broad coverage ................................................................................................................... 6 Narrow exemptions ............................................................................................................ 7 Public participation in meetings ......................................................................................... 7 Controversy......................................................................................................................... 8 Beyond the law — good business practices ...................................................................... 8 Achieving balance............................................................................................................... 9 Historical note..................................................................................................................... 9 OPEN & PUBLIC VI: A GUIDE TO THE RALPH M. BROWN ACT
6 OPEN & PUBLIC VI: A GUIDE TO THE RALPH M. BROWN ACT
CHAPTER 1: IT IS THE PEOPLE’S BUSINESS
The right of access
Two key parts of the Brown Act have not changed since its adoption in 1953. One is the act’s initial section, declaring the Legislature’s intent:
“In enacting this chapter, the Legislature finds and declares that the public commissions, boards and councils and the other public agencies in this State exist to aid in the conduct of the people’s business. It is the intent of the law that their actions be taken openly and that their deliberations be conducted openly.
“The people of this State do not yield their sovereignty to the agencies which serve them. The people, in delegating authority, do not give their public servants the right to decide what is good for the people to know and what is not good for them to know. The people insist on remaining informed so that they may retain control over the instruments they have created.”1
The people reconfirmed that intent 50 years later in the November 2004 election by adopting Proposition 59, amending the California Constitution to include a public right of access to government information:
“The people have the right of access to information concerning the conduct of the people’s business, and, therefore, the meetings of public bodies and the writings of public officials and agencies shall be open to public scrutiny.”2 The Brown Act’s other unchanged provision is a single sentence:
“All meetings of the legislative body of a local agency shall be open and public, and all persons shall be permitted to attend any meeting of the legislative body of a local agency, except as otherwise provided in this chapter.”3 That one sentence is by far the most important of the entire Brown Act. If the opening is the soul, that sentence is the heart of the Brown Act.

Broad coverage
The Brown Act covers members of virtually every type of local government body, elected or appointed, decision-making or advisory. Some types of private organizations are covered, as are newly elected members of a legislative body, even before they take office.

Similarly, meetings subject to the Brown Act are not limited to face-to-face gatherings. They also include any communication medium or device through which a majority of a legislative body discusses, deliberates, or takes action on an item of business outside of a noticed meeting. They include meetings held from remote locations by teleconference or videoconference.

Chapter 1
IT IS THE PEOPLE’S BUSINESS
PRACTICE TIP: The key to the
Brown Act is a single sentence.

In summary, all meetings shall
be open and public except
when the Brown Act authorizes
otherwise.

OPEN & PUBLIC VI: A GUIDE TO THE RALPH M. BROWN ACT 7
New communication technologies present new Brown Act challenges. For example, common email practices of forwarding or replying to messages can easily lead to a serial meeting prohibited by the Brown Act, as can participation by members of a legislative body in an internet chatroom or blog dialogue. Social Media posts, comments, and “likes” can result in a Brown Act violation.

Communicating during meetings using electronic technology (such as laptop computers, tablets, or smart phones) may create the perception that private communications are influencing the outcome of decisions, and some state legislatures have banned the practice. On the other hand, widespread video streaming and videoconferencing of meetings has greatly expanded public access to the decision-making process.

Narrow exemptions
The express purpose of the Brown Act is to ensure that local government agencies conduct the public’s business openly and publicly. Courts and the California Attorney General usually broadly construe the Brown Act in favor of greater public access and narrowly construe exemptions to its general rules.4
Generally, public officials should think of themselves as living in glass houses, and that they may only draw the curtains when it is in the public interest to preserve confidentiality. Closed sessions may be held only as specifically authorized by the provisions of the Brown Act itself.

The Brown Act, however, is limited to meetings among a majority of the members of multimember government bodies when the subject relates to local agency business. It does not apply to independent conduct of individual decision-makers. It does not apply to social, ceremonial, educational, and other gatherings as long as a majority of the members of a body do not discuss issues related to their local agency’s business. Meetings of temporary advisory committees — as distinguished from standing committees — made up solely of less than a quorum of a legislative body are not subject to the Brown Act.

The law does not apply to local agency staff or employees, but they may facilitate a violation by acting as a conduit for discussion, deliberation, or action by the legislative body. 5 The law, on the one hand, recognizes the need of individual local officials to meet and discuss matters with their constituents and staff. On the other hand, it requires — with certain specific exceptions to protect the community and preserve individual rights — that the decision-making process be public. Sometimes the boundary between the two is not easy to draw.

Public participation in meetings
In addition to requiring the public’s business to be conducted in open, noticed meetings, the Brown Act also extends to the public the right to participate in meetings. Individuals, lobbyists, and members of the news media possess the right to attend, record, broadcast, and participate in public meetings. The public’s participation is further enhanced by the Brown Act’s requirement that a meaningful agenda be posted in advance of meetings, by limiting discussion and action to matters listed on the agenda, and by requiring that meeting materials be made available.

Legislative bodies may, however, adopt reasonable regulations on public testimony and the conduct of public meetings, including measures to address disruptive conduct and limits on the time allotted to each speaker. For more information, see chapter 4.

PRACTICE TIP: Think of the
government’s house as being
made of glass. The curtains may
be drawn only to further the
public’s interest. A local policy
on the use of laptop computers,
tablets, and smart phones during
Brown Act meetings may help
avoid problems.
8 OPEN & PUBLIC VI: A GUIDE TO THE RALPH M. BROWN ACT
CHAPTER 1: IT IS THE PEOPLE’S BUSINESS
Controversy
Not surprisingly, the Brown Act has been a source of confusion and controversy since its inception.

News media and government watchdogs often argue the law is toothless, pointing out that there has never been a single criminal conviction for a violation. They often suspect that closed sessions are being misused.

Some public officials complain that the Brown Act makes it difficult to respond to constituents and requires public discussions of items better discussed privately, such as why a particular person should not be appointed to a board or commission. Many elected officials find the Brown Act inconsistent with their private business experiences. Closed meetings can be more efficient; they eliminate grandstanding and promote candor. The techniques that serve well in business — the working lunch, the sharing of information through a series of phone calls or emails, the backroom conversations and compromises — are often not possible under the Brown Act.

As a matter of public policy, California (along with many other states) has concluded that there is more to be gained than lost by conducting public business in the open. Government behind closed doors may well be efficient and businesslike, but it may be perceived as unresponsive and untrustworthy.

Beyond the law — good business practices
Violations of the Brown Act can lead to invalidation of an agency’s action, payment of a challenger’s attorney fees, public embarrassment, even criminal prosecution. But the Brown Act is a floor, not a ceiling, for conduct of public officials. This guide is focused not only on the Brown Act as a minimum standard, but also on meeting practices or activities that, legal or not, are likely to create controversy. Problems may crop up, for example, when agenda descriptions are too brief or vague, when an informal gettogether takes on the appearance of a meeting, when an agency conducts too much of its business in closed session or discusses matters in closed session that are beyond the authorized scope, or when controversial issues arise that are not on the agenda.

The Brown Act allows a legislative body to adopt practices and requirements for greater access to meetings for itself and its subordinate committees and bodies that are more stringent than the law itself requires.6 Rather than simply restate the basic requirements of the Brown Act, local open meeting policies should strive to anticipate and prevent problems in areas where the Brown Act does not provide full guidance. As with the adoption of any other significant policy, public comment should be solicited.

A local policy could build on these basic Brown Act goals:
ƒ A legislative body’s need to get its business done smoothly. ƒ The public’s right to participate meaningfully in meetings, and to review documents used in decision-making at a relevant point in time.

PRACTICE TIP: Transparency
is a foundational value for
ethical government practices.

The Brown Act is a floor, not a
ceiling, for conduct.

OPEN & PUBLIC VI: A GUIDE TO THE RALPH M. BROWN ACT 9
ƒ A local agency’s right to confidentially address certain negotiations, personnel matters, claims, and litigation.
ƒ The right of the press to fully understand and communicate public agency decision-making.

A detailed and comprehensive public meeting and information policy, especially if reviewed periodically, can be an important element in maintaining or improving public relations. Such a policy exceeds the absolute requirements of the law — but if the law were enough, this guide would be unnecessary. A narrow legalistic approach will not avoid or resolve potential controversies. An agency should consider going beyond the law and look at its unique circumstances to determine if there is a better way to prevent potential problems and promote public trust. At the very least, local agencies need to think about how their agendas are structured in order to make Brown Act compliance easier. They need to plan carefully to make sure public participation fits smoothly into the process.

Achieving balance
The Brown Act should be neither an excuse for hiding the ball nor a mechanism for hindering efficient and orderly meetings. The Brown Act represents a balance among the interests of constituencies whose interests do not always coincide. It calls for openness in local government, yet should allow government to function responsively and productively.

There must be both adequate notice of what discussion and action are to occur during a meeting as well as a normal degree of spontaneity in the dialogue between elected officials and their constituents.

The ability of an elected official to confer with constituents or colleagues must be balanced against the important public policy prohibiting decision-making outside of public meetings.

In the end, implementation of the Brown Act must ensure full participation of the public and preserve the integrity of the decision-making process, yet not stifle government officials and impede the effective and natural operation of government.

Historical note
In late 1951, San Francisco Chronicle reporter Mike Harris spent six weeks looking into the way local agencies conducted meetings. State law had long required that business be done in public, but Harris discovered secret meetings or caucuses were common. He wrote a 10-part series titled “Your Secret Government” that ran in May and June 1952.

Out of the series came a decision to push for a new state open-meeting law. Harris and Richard (Bud) Carpenter, legal counsel for the League of California Cities, drafted such a bill and Assembly Member Ralph M. Brown agreed to carry it. The Legislature passed the bill, and Governor Earl Warren signed it into law in 1953.

The Ralph M. Brown Act, known as the Brown Act, has evolved under a series of amendments and court decisions, and has been the model for other open-meeting laws, such as the Bagley-Keene Act, enacted in 1967 to cover state agencies.

Assembly Member Brown is best known for the open-meeting law that carries his name. He was elected to the Assembly in 1942 and served 19 years, including the last three years as Speaker. He then became an appellate court justice.

PRACTICE TIP: The Brown Act
should be viewed as a tool
to facilitate the business of
local government agencies.

Local policies that go beyond
the minimum requirements
of law may help instill public
confidence and avoid problems.
10 OPEN & PUBLIC VI: A GUIDE TO THE RALPH M. BROWN ACT
CHAPTER 1: IT IS THE PEOPLE’S BUSINESS
Updates to this publication responding to changes in the Brown Act or new court interpretations are available at https://www.calcities.org/home/resources/open-government2. A current version of the Brown Act may be found at https://leginfor.legislature.ca.gov.

ENDNOTES
1 Cal. Gov. Code, § 54950.
2 Cal. Const., Art. 1, § 3, subd. (b)(1).
3 Cal. Gov. Code, § 54953, subd. (a).
4 This principle of broad construction when it furthers public access and narrow construction if a provision limits public access is also stated in the amendment to the State’s Constitution adopted by Proposition 59 in 2004. California Const., Art. 1, § 3, subd. (b)(2). 5 Cal. Gov. Code, § 54952.2, subds. (b)(2) and (c)(1); Wolfe v. City of Fremont (2006) 144 Cal.App.4th 533.
6 Cal. Gov. Code, § 54953.7.

OPEN & PUBLIC VI: A GUIDE TO THE RALPH M. BROWN ACT OPEN & PUBLIC VI: A GUIDE TO THE RALPH M. BROWN ACT11 11 Chapter 2

LEGISLATIVE BODIES
What is a “legislative body” of a local agency? ................................................................ 12 What is not a “legislative body” for purposes of the Brown Act? .................................... 14 12 OPEN & PUBLIC VI: A GUIDE TO THE RALPH M. BROWN ACT
CHAPTER 2: LEGISLATIVE BODIES
The Brown Act applies to the legislative bodies of local agencies. It defines “legislative body” broadly to include just about every type of decision-making body of a local agency.1 What is a “legislative body” of a local agency?
A “legislative body” includes the following:
ƒ The “governing body of a local agency” and certain of its subsidiary bodies; “or any other local body created by state or federal statute.”2 This includes city councils, boards of supervisors, school boards, and boards of trustees of special districts. A “local agency” is any city, county, city and county, school district, municipal corporation, successor agency to a redevelopment agency, district, political subdivision, or other local public agency.3 A housing authority is a local agency under the Brown Act even though it is created by and is an agent of the state.4 The California Attorney General has opined that air pollution control districts and regional open space districts are also covered.5 Entities created pursuant to joint powers agreements are also local agencies within the meaning of the Brown Act.6
ƒ Newly elected members of a legislative body who have not yet assumed office must conform to the requirements of the Brown Act as if already in office.7 Thus, meetings between incumbents and newly elected members of a legislative body, such as a meeting between two outgoing members and a member-elect of a five-member body, could violate the Brown Act.

Q. On the morning following the election to a five-member legislative body of a local agency, two successful candidates, neither an incumbent, meet with an incumbent member of the legislative body for a celebratory breakfast. Does this violate the Brown Act?
A. It might, and absolutely would if the conversation turns to agency business. Even though the candidates-elect have not officially been sworn in, the Brown Act applies.

If purely a social event, there is no violation, but it would be preferable if others were invited to attend to avoid the appearance of impropriety.

Chapter 2

LEGISLATIVE BODIES
PRACTICE TIP: The prudent
presumption is that an advisory
committee or task force is
subject to the Brown Act. Even
if one clearly is not, it may want
to comply with the Brown Act.

Public meetings may reduce the
possibility of misunderstandings
and controversy.

OPEN & PUBLIC VI: A GUIDE TO THE RALPH M. BROWN ACT 13
ƒ Appointed bodies — whether permanent or temporary, decision-making or advisory — including planning commissions, civil service commissions, and other subsidiary committees, boards, and bodies. Volunteer groups, executive search committees, task forces, and blue ribbon committees created by formal action of the governing body are legislative bodies. When the members of two or more legislative bodies are appointed to serve on an entirely separate advisory group, the resulting body may be subject to the Brown Act. In one reported case, a city council created a committee of two members of the city council and two members of the city planning commission to review qualifications of prospective planning commissioners and make recommendations to the council. The court held that their joint mission made them a legislative body subject to the Brown Act.

Had the two committees remained separate and met only to exchange information and report back to their respective boards, they would have been exempt from the Brown Act.8 ƒ Standing committees of a legislative body, irrespective of their composition, which have either (1) a continuing subject matter jurisdiction or (2) a meeting schedule fixed by charter, ordinance, resolution, or formal action of a legislative body.9 Even if it comprises less than a quorum of the governing body, a standing committee is subject to the Brown Act.

For example, if a governing body creates committees on budget and finance or on public safety that are not limited in duration or scope, those are standing committees subject to the Brown Act. Further, according to the California Attorney General, function over form controls. For example, a statement by the legislative body that the advisory committee “shall not exercise continuing subject matter jurisdiction” or the fact that the committee does not have a fixed meeting schedule is not determinative.10 “Formal action” by a legislative body includes authorization given to the agency’s executive officer to appoint an advisory committee pursuant to agency-adopted policy.11 A majority of the members of a legislative body may attend an open and public meeting of a standing committee of that body, provided the members who are not part of the standing committee only observe.12 For more information, see chapter 3.
ƒ The governing body of any private organization either (1) created by the legislative body in order to exercise authority that may lawfully be delegated by such body to a private corporation, limited liability company, or other entity or (2) that receives agency funding and whose governing board includes a member of the legislative body of the local agency appointed by the legislative body as a full voting member of the private entity’s governing board.13 These include some nonprofit corporations created by local agencies.14 If a local agency contracts with a private firm for a service (for example, payroll, janitorial, or food services), the private firm is not covered by the Brown Act.15 When a member of a legislative body sits on a board of a private organization as a private person and is not appointed by the legislative body, the board will not be subject to the Brown Act. Similarly, when the legislative body appoints someone other than one of its own members to such boards, the Brown Act does not apply. Nor does it apply when a private organization merely receives agency funding.16
PRACTICE TIP: It can be difficult
to determine whether a
subcommittee of a body falls
into the category of a standing
committee or an exempt
temporary committee. Suppose a
committee is created to explore
the renewal of a franchise or a
topic of similarly limited scope
and duration. Is it an exempt
temporary committee or a
nonexempt standing committee?
The answer may depend on
factors such as how meeting
schedules are determined, the
scope of the committee’s charge,
or whether the committee exists
long enough to have “continuing
jurisdiction.”
14 OPEN & PUBLIC VI: A GUIDE TO THE RALPH M. BROWN ACT
CHAPTER 2: LEGISLATIVE BODIES
Q. The local chamber of commerce is funded in part by the city. The mayor sits on the chamber’s board of directors. Is the chamber board a legislative body subject to the Brown Act?
A. Maybe. If the chamber’s governing documents require the mayor to be on the board and the city council appoints the mayor to that position, the board is a legislative body. If, however, the chamber board independently appoints the mayor to its board, or the mayor attends chamber board meetings in a purely advisory capacity, it is not.

Q. If a community college district board creates an auxiliary organization to operate a campus bookstore or cafeteria, is the board of the organization a legislative body? A. Yes. But if the district instead contracts with a private firm to operate the bookstore or cafeteria, the Brown Act would not apply to the private firm. ƒ Certain types of hospital operators. A lessee of a hospital (or portion of a hospital) first leased under Health and Safety Code subsection 32121(p) after Jan. 1, 1994, which exercises “material authority” delegated to it by a local agency, whether or not such lessee is organized and operated by the agency or by a delegated authority.17 What is not a “legislative body” for purposes of the Brown Act? ƒ A temporary advisory committee composed solely of less than a quorum of the legislative body that serves a limited or single purpose, that is not perpetual, and that will be dissolved once its specific task is completed is not subject to the Brown Act.18 Temporary committees are sometimes called ad hoc committees, a term not used in the Brown Act. Examples include an advisory committee composed of less than a quorum created to interview candidates for a vacant position or to meet with representatives of other entities to exchange information on a matter of concern to the agency, such as traffic congestion.19
ƒ Groups advisory to a single decision-maker or appointed by staff are not covered. The Brown Act applies only to committees created by formal action of the legislative body and not to committees created by others. A committee advising a superintendent of schools would not be covered by the Brown Act. However, the same committee, if created by formal action of the school board, would be covered.20
Q. A member of the legislative body of a local agency informally establishes an advisory committee of five residents to advise her on issues as they arise. Does the Brown Act apply to this committee?
A. No, because the committee has not been established by formal action of the legislative body.

Q. During a meeting of the city council, the council directs the city manager to form an advisory committee of residents to develop recommendations for a new ordinance. The city manager forms the committee and appoints its members; the committee is instructed to direct its recommendations to the city manager. Does the Brown Act apply to this committee?
A. Possibly, because the direction from the city council might be regarded as a formal action of the body, notwithstanding that the city manager controls the committee.

OPEN & PUBLIC VI: A GUIDE TO THE RALPH M. BROWN ACT 15
ƒ Individual decision-makers who are not elected or appointed members of a legislative body are not covered by the Brown Act. For example, a disciplinary hearing presided over by a department head or a meeting of agency department heads is not subject to the Brown Act since such assemblies are not those of a legislative body.21 ƒ Public employees, each acting individually and not engaging in collective deliberation on a specific issue, such as the drafting and review of an agreement, do not constitute a legislative body under the Brown Act, even if the drafting and review process was established by a legislative body.22
ƒ County central committees of political parties are also not Brown Act bodies.23 Legal counsel for a governing body is not a member of the governing body, therefore, the Brown Act does not apply to them. But counsel should take care not to facilitate Brown Act violations by members of the governing body.24

ENDNOTES
1 Taxpayers for Livable Communities v. City of Malibu (2005) 126 Cal.App.4th 1123, 1127. 2 Cal. Gov. Code, § 54952, subds. (a) and (b).
3 Cal. Gov. Code, § 54951; Cal. Health & Saf. Code, § 34173, subd. (g) (successor agencies to former redevelopment agencies subject to the Brown Act). But see Cal. Ed. Code § 35147, which exempts certain school councils and school site advisory committees from the Brown Act and imposes upon them a separate set of rules.
4 Torres v. Board of Commissioners of Housing Authority of Tulare County (1979) 89 Cal.App.3d 545, 549- 550.
5 71 Ops.Cal.Atty.Gen. 96 (1988); 73 Ops.Cal.Atty.Gen. 1 (1990). 6 McKee v. Los Angeles Interagency Metropolitan Police Apprehension Crime Task Force (2005) 134 Cal.

App.4th 354, 362.
7 Cal. Gov. Code, § 54952.1.
8 Joiner v. City of Sebastopol (1981) 125 Cal.App.3d 799, 804-805. 9 Cal. Gov. Code, § 54952, subd. (b)
10 79 Ops.Cal.Atty.Gen. 69 (1996).
11 Frazer v. Dixon Unified School District (1993) 18 Cal.App.4th 781, 793. 12 Cal. Gov. Code § 54952, subd. (c)(6).
13 Cal. Gov. Code, § 54952, subd. (c)(1). Regarding private organizations that receive local agency funding, the same rule applies to a full voting member appointed prior to February 9, 1996, who, after that date, is made a nonvoting board member by the legislative body. Cal. Gov. Code § 54952, subd. (c)(2).
14 Cal. Gov. Code, § 54952(c)(1)(A); International Longshoremen’s and Warehousemen’s Union v. Los Angeles Export Terminal, Inc. (1999) 69 Cal.App.4th 287, 300; Epstein v. Hollywood Entertainment Dist. II Business Improvement District (2001) 87 Cal.App.4th 862, 876; see also 85 Ops.Cal.Atty.Gen. 55 (2002).
15 International Longshoremen’s and Warehousemen’s Union v. Los Angeles Export Terminal, Inc. (1999) 69 Cal.App.4th 287, 300 fn. 5.
16 “The Brown Act, Open Meetings for Local Legislative Bodies,” California Attorney General’s Office (2003), p. 7.
16 OPEN & PUBLIC VI: A GUIDE TO THE RALPH M. BROWN ACT
CHAPTER 2: LEGISLATIVE BODIES
17 Cal. Gov. Code, § 54952, subd. (d).
18 Cal. Gov. Code, § 54952, subd. (b); see also Freedom Newspapers, Inc. v. Orange County Employees Retirement System Board of Directors (1993) 6 Cal.4th 821, 832. 19 Taxpayers for Livable Communities v. City of Malibu (2005) 126 Cal.App.4th 1123, 1129. 20 56 Ops.Cal.Atty.Gen. 14, 16-17 (1973).
21 Wilson v. San Francisco Municipal Railway (1973) 29 Cal.App.3d 870, 878-879. 22 Golightly v. Molina (2014) 229 Cal.App.4th 1501, 1513. 23 59 Ops.Cal.Atty.Gen. 162, 164 (1976).
24 GFRCO, Inc. v. Superior Court of Riverside County (2023) 89 Cal.App.5th 1295, 1323; Stockton Newspapers, Inc. v. Redevelopment Agency of the City of Stockton (1985) 171 Cal.App.3d 95, 105 (a series of individual telephone calls between the agency attorney and the members of the body constituted a meeting).

OPEN & PUBLIC VI: A GUIDE TO THE RALPH M. BROWN ACT OPEN & PUBLIC VI: A GUIDE TO THE RALPH M. BROWN ACT17 17 Chapter 3

MEETINGS
Brown Act meetings ......................................................................................................... 18 Six exceptions to the meeting definition.......................................................................... 18 Collective briefings............................................................................................................ 21 Retreats, trainings, and workshops of legislative bodies ................................................. 21 Serial meetings ................................................................................................................. 22 Informal gatherings........................................................................................................... 24 Technological conferencing .............................................................................................. 25 Location of meetings ........................................................................................................ 26 18 OPEN & PUBLIC VI: A GUIDE TO THE RALPH M. BROWN ACT
CHAPTER 3: MEETINGS
The Brown Act only applies to meetings of local legislative bodies. It defines a meeting as “any congregation of a majority of the members of a legislative body at the same time and location, including teleconference location as permitted by Section 54953, to hear, discuss, deliberate, or take any action on any item that is within the subject matter jurisdiction of the legislative body.”1 The term meeting is not limited to gatherings at which action is taken but includes deliberative gatherings as well. A hearing before an individual hearing officer is not a meeting under the Brown Act because it is not a hearing before a legislative body.2
Brown Act meetings
Brown Act meetings include a legislative body’s regular meetings, special meetings, emergency meetings, and adjourned meetings.
ƒ “Regular meetings” are meetings occurring at the dates, times, and location set by resolution, ordinance, or other formal action by the legislative body and are subject to 72- hour posting requirements.3
ƒ “Special meetings” are meetings called by the presiding officer or majority of the legislative body to discuss only discrete items on the agenda under the Brown Act’s notice requirements for special meetings and are subject to 24-hour posting requirements.4 ƒ “Emergency meetings” are a limited class of meetings held when prompt action is needed due to actual or threatened disruption of public facilities and are held on little notice.5 ƒ “Adjourned meetings” are regular or special meetings that have been adjourned or re-adjourned to a time and place specified in the order of adjournment, with no agenda required for regular meetings adjourned for less than five calendar days as long as no additional business is transacted.6
Six exceptions to the meeting definition
The Brown Act creates six exceptions to the meeting definition:7 Individual contacts
The first exception involves individual contacts between a member of the legislative body and any other person. The Brown Act does not limit a legislative body member acting on their own. This exception recognizes the right to confer with constituents, advocates, consultants, news reporters, local agency staff, or a colleague.

Individual contacts, however, cannot be used to do in stages what would be prohibited in one step. For example, a series of individual contacts that leads to discussion, deliberation, or action among a majority of the members of a legislative body is prohibited. Such serial meetings are discussed below.

Chapter 3

MEETINGS
OPEN & PUBLIC VI: A GUIDE TO THE RALPH M. BROWN ACT 19
Conferences
The second exception allows a legislative body majority to attend a conference or similar gathering open to the public that addresses issues of general interest to the public or to public agencies of the type represented by the legislative body.

Among other things, this exception permits legislative body members to attend annual association conferences of city, county, school, community college, and other local agency officials, as long as those meetings are open to the public. However, a majority of members cannot discuss among themselves, other than as part of the scheduled program, business of a specific nature that is within their local agency’s subject matter jurisdiction.

Community meetings
The third exception allows a legislative body majority to attend an open and publicized meeting held by another organization to address a topic of local community concern. A majority cannot discuss among themselves, other than as part of the scheduled program, business of a specific nature that is within the legislative body’s subject matter jurisdiction. Under this exception, a legislative body majority may attend a local service club meeting or a local candidates’ night if the meetings are open to the public.
“I see we have four distinguished members of the city council at our meeting tonight,” said the chair of the Environmental Action Coalition. “I wonder if they have anything to say about the controversy over enacting a slow growth ordinance?”
The Brown Act permits a majority of a legislative body to attend and speak at an open and publicized meeting conducted by another organization. The Brown Act may nevertheless be violated if a majority discusses, deliberates, or takes action on an item during the meeting of the other organization. There is a fine line between what is permitted and what is not; hence, members should exercise caution when participating in these types of events.

Q. The local chamber of commerce sponsors an open and public candidate debate during an election campaign. Three of the five agency members are up for reelection and all three participate. All of the candidates are asked their views on a controversial project scheduled for a meeting to occur just after the election. May the three incumbents answer the question?
A. Yes, because the chamber of commerce, not the city, is organizing the debate. The city should not sponsor the event or assign city staff to help organize or run the event. Also, the Brown Act does not constrain the incumbents from expressing their views regarding important matters facing the local agency as part of the political process the same as any other candidates. Finally, incumbents participating in the event should take care to limit their remarks to the program set by the chamber and safeguard due process by indicating they will keep an open mind regarding specific applications that might come before the council.

Q. May the three incumbents accept an invitation from the editorial board of a local paper to all candidates to meet as a group and answer questions about and/or debate city issues?
A. No, unlike the chamber of commerce event, this would not be allowed under the Brown Act because it is not an open and publicized meeting. 20 OPEN & PUBLIC VI: A GUIDE TO THE RALPH M. BROWN ACT
CHAPTER 3: MEETINGS
Other legislative bodies
The fourth exception allows a majority of a legislative body to attend an open and publicized meeting of (1) another body of the local agency and (2) a legislative body of another local agency.8 Again, the majority cannot discuss among themselves, other than as part of the scheduled meeting, business of a specific nature that is within their subject matter jurisdiction. This exception allows, for example, a city council or a majority of a board of supervisors to attend a controversial meeting of the planning commission.

Nothing in the Brown Act prevents the majority of a legislative body from sitting together at such a meeting. They may choose not to, however, to preclude any possibility of improperly discussing local agency business and to avoid the appearance of a Brown Act violation. Further, aside from the Brown Act, there may be other reasons, such as due process considerations, why the members should avoid giving public testimony, trying to influence the outcome of proceedings before a subordinate body, or discussing the merits with interested parties.

Q. The entire legislative body intends to testify against a bill before the Senate Local Government Committee in Sacramento. Must this activity be noticed as a meeting of the body?
A. No, because the members are attending and participating in an open meeting of another governmental body that the public may attend.

Q. The members then proceed upstairs to the office of their local assembly member to discuss issues of local interest. Must this session be noticed as a meeting and be open to the public?
A. Yes, because the entire body may not meet behind closed doors except for proper closed sessions. The same answer applies to a private lunch or dinner with the assembly member.

Standing committees
The fifth exception authorizes the attendance of a majority at an open and noticed meeting of a standing committee of the legislative body, provided that the legislative body members who are not members of the standing committee attend only as observers (meaning that they cannot speak or otherwise participate in the meeting, and they must sit where members of the public sit).9 Q. The legislative body establishes a standing committee of two of its five members that meets monthly. A third member of the legislative body wants to attend these meetings and participate. May she?
A. She may attend, but only as an observer; she may not participate.

Q. Can the legislative body establish multiple standing committees with partially overlapping jurisdiction?
A. Yes. One result of this overlap in jurisdiction may be that three or more of the members of the legislative body ultimately end up discussing an issue as part of a standing committee meeting. This is allowed under the Brown Act provided each standing committee meeting is publicly noticed and no more than two of the five members discuss the issue at any given standing committee meeting.

OPEN & PUBLIC VI: A GUIDE TO THE RALPH M. BROWN ACT 21
Social or ceremonial events
The final exception permits a majority of a legislative body to attend a purely social or ceremonial occasion. Once again, a majority cannot discuss business among themselves of a specific nature that is within the subject matter jurisdiction of the legislative body.

Nothing in the Brown Act prevents a majority of members from attending the same football game, party, wedding, funeral, reception, or farewell. The test is not whether a majority of a legislative body attend the function, but whether business of a specific nature within the subject matter jurisdiction of the body is discussed. As long as no such business is discussed, there is no violation of the Brown Act.

Grand Jury Testimony
In addition, members of a legislative body, either individually or collectively, may give testimony in private before a grand jury.10 This is the equivalent of a seventh exception to the Brown Act’s definition of a “meeting.”
Collective briefings
None of these exceptions permits a majority of a legislative body to meet together with staff in advance of a meeting for a collective briefing. Any such briefings that involve a majority of the body in the same place and time must be open to the public and satisfy Brown Act meeting notice and agenda requirements. Staff may provide written briefings (e.g., staff updates, emails from the city manager, confidential memos from the city attorney) to the full legislative body, but apart from privileged memos, the written materials may be subject to disclosure as public records as discussed in chapter 4.

Retreats, trainings, and workshops of legislative bodies Gatherings by a majority of legislative body members at the legislative body’s retreats, study sessions, trainings, or workshops are subject to the requirements of the Brown Act. This is the case whether the gathering focuses on long-range agency planning, discussion of critical local issues, satisfying state-mandated ethics training requirements, or team building and group dynamics.11
22 OPEN & PUBLIC VI: A GUIDE TO THE RALPH M. BROWN ACT
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Q. The legislative body wants to hold a team-building session to improve relations among its members. May such a session be conducted behind closed doors? A. No, this is not a proper subject for a closed session, and there is no other basis to exclude the public. Council relations are a matter of public business.

Serial meetings
One of the most frequently asked questions about the Brown Act involves serial meetings. At any one time, such meetings include only a portion of a legislative body, but eventually they comprise a majority. The Brown Act provides that “[a] majority of the members of a legislative body shall not, outside a meeting … use a series of communications of any kind, directly or through intermediaries, to discuss, deliberate, or take action on any item of business that is within the subject matter jurisdiction of the legislative body.”12 The problem with serial meetings is the process, which deprives the public of an opportunity for meaningful observation of and participation in legislative body decision-making.

The serial meeting may occur by either a “daisy chain” or a “hub and spoke” sequence. In the daisy chain scenario, Member A contacts Member B, Member B contacts Member
C, Member C contacts Member D, and so on until a quorum has discussed, deliberated, or taken action on an item within the legislative body’s subject matter jurisdiction. The hub and spoke process involves at least two scenarios. In the first scenario, Member A (the hub) sequentially contacts Members B, C, D, and so on (the spokes) until a quorum has been contacted. In the second scenario, a staff member (the hub), functioning as an intermediary for the legislative body or one of its members, communicates with a majority of members (the spokes) one by one for discussion, deliberation, or a decision on a proposed action.13 Another example of a serial meeting is when a chief executive officer (the hub) briefs a majority of members (the spokes) prior to a formal meeting and, in the process, information about the members’ respective views is revealed.

Each of these scenarios violates the Brown Act.

A legislative body member has the right, if not the duty, to meet with constituents to address their concerns. That member also has the right to confer with a colleague (but not with a majority of the body, counting the member) or appropriate staff about local agency business. An employee or official of a local agency may engage in separate conversations or communications outside of an open and noticed meeting “with members of a legislative body in order to answer questions or provide information regarding a matter that is within the subject matter jurisdiction of the local agency if that person does not communicate to members of the legislative body the comments or position of any other member or members of the legislative body.”14 The Brown Act is violated, however, if several one-on-one meetings or conferences lead to a discussion, deliberation, or action by a majority. In one case, a violation occurred when a quorum Photo credit: Courtesy of the City of West
Hollywood. Photo by Jon Viscott.

OPEN & PUBLIC VI: A GUIDE TO THE RALPH M. BROWN ACT 23
of a city council, by a letter that had been circulated among members outside of a formal meeting, directed staff to take action in an eminent domain proceeding.15 A unilateral written communication to the legislative body, such as an informational or advisory memorandum, does not violate the Brown Act.16 Such a memo, however, may be a public record.17 The phone call was from a lobbyist. “Say, I need your vote for that project in the south area. How about it?”
“Well, I don’t know,” replied Board Member Aletto. “That’s kind of a sticky proposition. You sure you need my vote?”
“Well, I’ve got Bradley and Cohen lined up and another vote leaning. With you, I’d be over the top.”
Moments later, the phone rings again. “Hey, I’ve been hearing some rumbles on that south area project,” said the newspaper reporter. “I’m counting noses.

How are you voting on it?”
The lobbyist and the reporter are facilitating a violation of the Brown Act. The board member may have violated the Brown Act by hearing about the positions of other board members and indeed coaxing the lobbyist to reveal the other board members’ positions by asking, “You sure you need my vote?” The prudent course is to avoid such leading conversations and to caution lobbyists, staff, and news media against revealing such positions of others.

The mayor sat down across from the city manager. “From now on,” he declared, “I want you to provide individual briefings on upcoming agenda items. Some of this material is very technical, and the council members don’t want to sound like idiots asking about it in public. Besides that, briefings will speed up the meeting.”
Agency employees or officials may have separate conversations or communications outside of an open and noticed meeting “with members of a legislative body in order to answer questions or provide information regarding a matter that is within the subject matter jurisdiction of the local agency if that person does not communicate to members of the legislative body the comments or position of any other member or members of the legislative body.”18 Members should always be vigilant when discussing local agency business with anyone to avoid conversations that could lead to a discussion, deliberation, or action taken among the majority of the legislative body. “Thanks for the information,” said Council Member Kim. “These zoning changes can be tricky, and now I think I’m better equipped to make the right decision.” “Glad to be of assistance,” replied the planning director. “I’m sure Council Member Jones is OK with these changes. How are you leaning?” “Well,” said Council Member Kim, “I’m leaning toward approval. I know that two of my colleagues definitely favor approval.”
PRACTICE TIP: When briefing
legislative body members,
staff must exercise care not to
disclose other members’ views
and positions.
24 OPEN & PUBLIC VI: A GUIDE TO THE RALPH M. BROWN ACT
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The planning director should not disclose Jones’ prospective vote, and Kim should not disclose the prospective votes of two colleagues. Under these facts, there likely has been a serial meeting in violation of the Brown Act.

Q. Various social media platforms and websites include forums where agency employees and officials can discuss issues of local agency business. Members of the legislative body participate regularly. Does this scenario present a potential for violation of the Brown Act?
A. Yes, because it is a technological device that may serve to allow for a majority of members to discuss, deliberate, or take action on matters of agency business.

Q. A member of a legislative body contacts two other members on a five-member body relative to scheduling a special meeting. Is this an illegal serial meeting? A. No, the Brown Act expressly allows a majority of a body to call a special meeting, though the members should avoid discussing the merits of what is to be taken up at the meeting.

Particular care should be exercised when staff briefings of legislative body members occur by email because of the ease of using the “reply all” option that may inadvertently result in a Brown Act violation. Staff should consider using the “bcc” (blind carbon copy) option when addressing an email to multiple members of the legislative body and remind recipients not to “reply all.” Social media should also be used with care. A member of the legislative body cannot respond directly to any communication on an internet-based social media platform that is made, posted, or shared by any other member of the legislative body. This applies to matters within the subject matter jurisdiction of the legislative body. For example, if one member of a legislative body “likes” a social media post of one other member of the same body, that could violate the Brown Act, depending on the nature of the post.19
Finally, electronic communications (such as text messaging) among members of a legislative body during a public meeting should be discouraged. If such communications are sent to a majority of members of the body, either directly or through an intermediary, on a matter on the meeting agenda, that could violate the Brown Act. Electronic communications sent to less than a majority of members of the body during a quasi-judicial proceeding could potentially raise due process concerns, even if not per se prohibited by the Brown Act. Additionally, some legislative bodies have rules governing electronic communications during meetings of the legislative body and how their members should proceed if they receive a communication on an agenda item that is not part of the record or not part of an agenda packet.

Informal gatherings
Members of legislative bodies are often tempted to mix business with pleasure — for example, by holding a post-meeting gathering. Informal gatherings at which local agency business is discussed or transacted violate the law if they are not conducted in conformance with the Brown Act.20 A gathering at which a quorum of the legislative body discusses matters within their jurisdiction violates the Brown Act even if that gathering occurs in a public place. The Brown Act is not satisfied by public visibility alone. It also requires public notice and an opportunity to attend, hear, and participate.

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Thursday at 11:30 a.m., as they did every week, the board of directors of the Dry Gulch Irrigation District trooped into Pop’s Donut Shoppe for an hour of talk and fellowship. They sat at the corner window, fronting on Main and Broadway, to show they had nothing to hide. Whenever he could, the managing editor of the weekly newspaper down the street hurried over to join the board.

A gathering like this would not violate the Brown Act if board members scrupulously avoided talking about irrigation district issues — which might be difficult. This kind of situation should be avoided. The public is unlikely to believe the board members could meet regularly without discussing public business. A newspaper executive’s presence does not lessen the potential for a violation of the Brown Act.

Technological conferencing
Except for certain non-substantive purposes, such as scheduling a special meeting, a conference call including a majority of the members of a legislative body is an unlawful meeting. But in an effort to keep up with modern technologies, the Brown Act specifically allows a legislative body to use any type of teleconferencing to meet, receive public comment and testimony, deliberate, or conduct a closed session.21 While the Brown Act contains specific requirements for conducting a teleconference, the decision to use teleconferencing is entirely discretionary with the body. No person has a right under the Brown Act to have a meeting by teleconference.

Teleconference is defined as “a meeting of a legislative body, the members of which are in different locations, connected by electronic means, through either audio or video, or both.”22 In addition to the specific requirements relating to teleconferencing, the meeting must comply with all provisions of the Brown Act otherwise applicable.

The Brown Act contains the following teleconferencing requirements:23 ƒ Teleconferencing may be used for all purposes during any meeting. ƒ At least a quorum of the legislative body must participate from locations within the local agency’s jurisdiction.
ƒ Additional teleconference locations may be made available for the public. ƒ Each teleconference location must be specifically identified in the notice and agenda of the meeting, including a full address and room number, as may be applicable. ƒ Agendas must be posted at each teleconference location, even if a hotel room or a residence. ƒ Each teleconference location, including a hotel room or residence, must be accessible to the public and have technology, such as a speakerphone, to enable the public to participate ƒ The agenda must provide the opportunity for the public to address the legislative body directly at each teleconference location.
ƒ All votes must be by roll call.

Photo credit: Courtesy of the City of West
Hollywood. Photo by Jon Viscott.
26 OPEN & PUBLIC VI: A GUIDE TO THE RALPH M. BROWN ACT
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Q. A member on vacation wants to participate in a meeting of the legislative body and vote by cellular phone from her car while driving from Washington, D.C., to New York. May she? A. She may not participate or vote because she is not in an open, noticed, and posted teleconference location.

Until Jan. 1, 2026, teleconferencing may also be used on a limited basis where a member indicates their need to participate remotely for “just cause” (e.g., childcare or a contagious illness) or due to “emergency circumstances” (e.g., a physical or family medical emergency).

This teleconferencing option has extremely detailed requirements, and careful review is needed. If the City experiences a technical issue that prevents members of the public from viewing the meeting and/or offering comments virtually, then no further action can be taken until the technical issue is resolved.24
The use of teleconferencing to conduct a legislative body meeting presents a variety of issues beyond the scope of this guide to discuss in detail.

Therefore, before teleconferencing a meeting, legal counsel for the local agency should be consulted.

Location of meetings
The Brown Act generally requires all regular and special meetings of a legislative body, including retreats and workshops, to be held within the boundaries of the territory over which the local agency exercises jurisdiction.25
An open and publicized meeting of a legislative body may be held outside of agency boundaries if the purpose of the meeting is one of the following:26
ƒ Comply with state or federal law or a court order, or attend a judicial conference or administrative proceeding in which the local agency is a party. ƒ Inspect real or personal property that cannot be conveniently brought into the local agency’s territory, provided the meeting is limited to items relating to that real or personal property.

Q. The agency is considering approving a major retail mall. The developer has built other similar malls and invites the entire legislative body to visit a mall outside the jurisdiction. May the entire body go?
A. Yes, the Brown Act permits meetings outside the boundaries of the agency for specified reasons and inspection of property is one such reason. The field trip must be treated as a meeting and the public must be allowed to attend. ƒ Participate in multiagency meetings or discussions; however, such meetings must be held within the boundaries of one of the participating agencies, and all of those agencies must give proper notice.
ƒ Meet in the closest meeting facility if the local agency has no meeting facility within its boundaries, or meet at its principal office if that office is located outside the territory over which the agency has jurisdiction.

OPEN & PUBLIC VI: A GUIDE TO THE RALPH M. BROWN ACT 27
ƒ Meet with elected or appointed federal or California officials when a local meeting would be impractical, solely to discuss a legislative or regulatory issue affecting the local agency and over which the federal or state officials have jurisdiction. ƒ Meet in or nearby a facility owned by the agency, provided that the topic of the meeting is limited to items directly related to the facility.
ƒ Visit the office of its legal counsel for a closed session on pending litigation when to do so would reduce legal fees or costs.27
In addition, the governing board of a school or community college district may hold meetings outside of its boundaries to attend a conference on nonadversarial collective bargaining techniques, interview candidates for school district superintendent, or interview a potential employee from another district.28 A school board may also interview members of the public residing in another district if the board is considering employing that district’s superintendent.

Similarly, meetings of a joint powers authority can occur within the territory of at least one of its member agencies, and a joint powers authority with members throughout the state may meet anywhere in the state.29
Finally, if a fire, flood, earthquake, or other emergency makes the usual meeting place unsafe, the presiding officer can designate another meeting place for the duration of the emergency. News media that have requested notice of meetings must be notified of the designation by the most rapid means of communication available.30 State law has also allowed for virtual meetings under certain emergency situations.31

ENDNOTES
1 Cal. Gov. Code, § 54952.2, subd. (a).
2 Wilson v. San Francisco Municipal Railway (1973) 29 Cal.App.3d 870. 3 Cal. Gov. Code, § 54954, subd. (a).
4 Cal. Gov. Code, § 54956.
5 Cal. Gov. Code, § 54956.5.
6 Cal. Gov. Code, § 54955.
7 Cal. Gov. Code, § 54952.2, subd. (c).
8 Cal. Gov. Code, § 54952.2, subd. (c)(4).
9 Cal. Gov. Code, § 54952.2, subd. (c)(6). See 81 Ops.Cal.Atty.Gen. 156 (1998). 10 Cal. Gov. Code, § 54953.1.
11 “The Brown Act,” California Attorney General (2003), p. 10. 12 Cal. Gov. Code, § 54952.2, subd. (b)(1).
13 Stockton Newspapers, Inc. v. Redevelopment Agency of the City of Stockton (1985) 171 Cal.App.3d 95. 14 Cal. Gov. Code, § 54952.2, subd. (b)(2).
15 Common Cause v. Stirling (1983) 147 Cal.App.3d 518.
16 Roberts v. City of Palmdale (1993) 5 Cal.4th 363.
17 Cal. Gov. Code, § 54957.5, subd. (a).
18 Cal. Gov. Code, § 54952.2, subd. (b)(2).
19 Cal. Gov. Code, § 54952.2, subd. (b)(3).
28 OPEN & PUBLIC VI: A GUIDE TO THE RALPH M. BROWN ACT
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20 Cal. Gov. Code, § 54952.2; 43 Ops.Cal.Atty.Gen. 36 (1964). 21 Cal. Gov. Code, § 54953, subd. (b)(1).
22 Cal. Gov. Code, § 54953, subd. (b)(4).
23 Cal. Gov. Code, § 54953. Until Jan. 1, 2024, the legislative body could use teleconferencing “during a proclaimed state of emergency” by the Governor in specified circumstances, and teleconference locations were exempt from certain requirements, such as identification in and posting of the agenda. 24 Cal Gov. Code, § 54953, subd. (f) (which will become Govt. §54953(e) as of Jan. 1, 2024). 25 Cal. Gov. Code, § 54954, subd. (b).
26 Cal. Gov. Code, § 54954, subd. (b)(1)-(7).
27 94 Ops.Cal.Atty.Gen. 15 (2011).
28 Cal. Gov. Code, § 54954, subd. (c).
29 Cal. Gov. Code, § 54954, subd. (d).
30 Cal. Gov. Code, § 54954, subd. (e).
31 Cal. Gov. Code, § 54953, subd. (e) (exp. January 1, 2026).

OPEN & PUBLIC VI: A GUIDE TO THE RALPH M. BROWN ACT OPEN & PUBLIC VI: A GUIDE TO THE RALPH M. BROWN ACT29 29 Chapter 4

AGENDAS, NOTICES, AND PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
Agendas for regular meetings .......................................................................................... 30 Mailed agenda upon written request ............................................................................... 31 Notice requirements for special meetings ....................................................................... 32 Notices and agendas for adjourned and continued meetings and hearings ................... 32 Notice requirements for emergency meetings ................................................................ 33 Notice of compensation for simultaneous or serial meetings ......................................... 33 Educational agency meetings........................................................................................... 33 Notice requirements for tax or assessment meetings and hearings............................... 33 Non-agenda items............................................................................................................. 34 Responding to the public .................................................................................................. 35 The right to attend and observe meetings ....................................................................... 36 Records and recordings .................................................................................................... 37 The public’s right to speak during a meeting ................................................................... 38 30 OPEN & PUBLIC VI: A GUIDE TO THE RALPH M. BROWN ACT
CHAPTER 4: AGENDAS, NOTICES, AND PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
Chapter 4

AGENDAS, NOTICES, AND PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
Effective notice is essential for an open and public meeting.

Whether a meeting is open or how the public may participate in that meeting is academic if nobody knows about the meeting.

Agendas for regular meetings
Every regular meeting of a legislative body of a local agency — including advisory committees, commissions, or boards, as well as standing committees of legislative bodies — must be preceded by a posted agenda that advises the public of the meeting and the matters to be transacted or discussed.

The agenda must be posted at least 72 hours before the regular meeting in a location “freely accessible to members of the public.”1 The courts have not definitively interpreted the “freely accessible” requirement. The California Attorney General has interpreted this provision to require posting in a location open and accessible to the public 24 hours a day during the 72-hour period, but any of the 72 hours may fall on a weekend.2 This provision may be satisfied by posting on a touch screen electronic kiosk accessible without charge to the public 24 hours a day during the 72-hour period.3 While posting an agenda on an agency’s internet website will not, by itself, satisfy the “freely accessible” requirement since there is no universal access to the internet, an agency has a supplemental obligation to post the agenda on its website if (1) the local agency has a website and (2) the legislative body whose meeting is the subject of the agenda is either (a) a governing body or (b) has members that are compensated, with one or more members that are also members of a governing body.4
Q. May the meeting of a governing body go forward if its agenda was either inadvertently not posted on the city’s website or if the website was not operational during part or all of the 72-hour period preceding the meeting?
A. At a minimum, the Brown Act calls for “substantial compliance” with all agenda posting requirements, including posting to the agency website.5 Should website technical difficulties arise, seek a legal opinion from your agency attorney. The California Attorney General has opined that technical difficulties that cause the website agenda to become inaccessible for a portion of the 72 hours preceding a meeting do not automatically or inevitably lead to a Brown Act violation, provided the agency can demonstrate substantial compliance.6 This inquiry requires a fact-specific examination of whether the agency or its legislative body made “reasonably effective efforts to notify interested persons of a public meeting” through online posting and other available means.7 The Attorney General’s opinion suggests that this examination would include an evaluation of how long a technical problem persisted, the efforts made to correct the problem or otherwise ensure that the public was informed, and the actual effect the problem had on public OPEN & PUBLIC VI: A GUIDE TO THE RALPH M. BROWN ACT 31
awareness, among other factors.8 For these reasons, obvious website technical difficulties might not require cancellation of a meeting, provided that the agency meets all other Brown Act posting requirements and the agenda is available on the website once the technical difficulties are resolved.

The agenda must state the meeting time and place and must contain “a brief general description of each item of business to be transacted or discussed at the meeting, including items to be discussed in closed session.”9 For a discussion of descriptions for open and closed-session agenda items, see chapter 5. Special care should be made to describe on the agenda each distinct action to be taken by the legislative body, while an overbroad description of a “project” must be avoided if the “project” is actually a set of distinct actions, in which case each action must be listed separately on the agenda.10 For example, the listing of an "initiative measure” alone on an agenda was found insufficient where the agency was also deciding whether to accept a gift from the measure proponent to pay for the election.11 Q. The agenda for a regular meeting contains the following items of business:
• Consideration of a report regarding traffic on Eighth Street. • Consideration of a contract with ABC Consulting.

Are these descriptions adequate?
A. If the first is, it is barely adequate. A better description would provide the reader with some idea of what the report is about and what is being recommended. The second is not adequate. A better description might read, “Consideration of a contract with ABC Consulting in the amount of $50,000 for traffic engineering services regarding traffic on Eighth Street.”
Q. The agenda includes an item entitled City Manager’s Report, during which time the city manager provides a brief report on notable topics of interest, none of which is listed on the agenda.

Is this permissible?
A. Yes, as long as it does not result in extended discussion or action by the body.

A brief general description may not be sufficient for closed-session agenda items. The Brown Act provides safe harbor language for the various types of permissible closed sessions.12 Substantial compliance with the safe harbor language is recommended to protect legislative bodies and elected officials from legal challenges.

Mailed agenda upon written request
The legislative body, or its designee, must mail a copy of the agenda or, if requested, the entire agenda packet, to any person who has filed a written request for such materials. These copies shall be mailed at the time the agenda is posted or upon distribution to all, or a majority of all, of the members of the legislative body, whichever occurs first. If the local agency has an internet website, this requirement can be satisfied by emailing a copy of, or website link to, the agenda or agenda packet if the person making the request asks for it to be emailed. Further, if requested, these materials must be made available in appropriate alternative formats to persons with disabilities.

PRACTICE TIP: Putting together a
meeting agenda requires careful
thought.
32 OPEN & PUBLIC VI: A GUIDE TO THE RALPH M. BROWN ACT
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A request for notice is valid for one calendar year and renewal requests must be filed following January 1 of each year. The legislative body may establish a fee to recover the cost of providing the service. Failure of the requesting person to receive the agenda does not constitute grounds for invalidation of actions taken at the meeting.13
Notice requirements for special meetings
There is no express agenda requirement for special meetings, but the notice of the special meeting effectively serves as the agenda and limits the business that may be transacted or discussed. Written notice must be sent to each member of the legislative body (unless waived in writing by that member) and to each local newspaper of general circulation and each radio and television station that has requested such notice in writing. This notice must be delivered at least 24 hours before the time of the meeting by personal delivery or any other means that ensures receipt.

The notice must state the time and place of the meeting as well as all business to be transacted or discussed. It is recommended that the business to be transacted or discussed be described in the same manner that an item for a regular meeting would be described on the agenda, that is, with a brief general description. Some items must appear on a regular, not special, meeting agenda (e.g., general law city adoption of an ordinance or consideration of local agency executive compensation).14 As noted above, closed session items should be described in accordance with the Brown Act’s safe harbor provisions to protect legislative bodies and elected officials from challenges of noncompliance with notice requirements.

The special meeting notice must also be posted at least 24 hours prior to the special meeting using the same methods as posting an agenda for a regular meeting: at a site that is freely accessible to the public, and on the agency’s website if (1) the local agency has a website and (2) the legislative body whose meeting is the subject of the agenda is either (a) a governing body or (b) has members that are compensated, with one or more members that are also members of a governing body.15
Notices and agendas for adjourned and continued meetings and hearings A regular or special meeting can be adjourned and re-adjourned to a time and place specified in the order of adjournment.16 If no time is stated, the meeting is continued to the hour for regular meetings. Whoever is present (even if they are less than a quorum) may so adjourn a meeting; if no member of the legislative body is present, the clerk or secretary may adjourn the meeting.

If a meeting is adjourned for less than five calendar days, no new agenda need be posted so long as a new item of business is not introduced.17 A copy of the order of adjournment must be posted within 24 hours after the adjournment, at or near the door of the place where the meeting was held.

A hearing can be continued to a subsequent meeting. The process is the same as for continuing adjourned meetings, except that if the hearing is continued to a time less than 24 hours away, a copy of the order or notice of continuance must be posted immediately following the meeting.18 OPEN & PUBLIC VI: A GUIDE TO THE RALPH M. BROWN ACT 33
Notice requirements for emergency meetings
The special meeting notice provisions apply to emergency meetings, except for the 24-hour notice.19 News media that have requested written notice of special meetings must be notified by telephone at least one hour in advance of an emergency meeting, and all telephone numbers provided in that written request must be tried. If telephones are not working, the notice requirements are deemed waived. However, the news media must be notified as soon as possible of the meeting and any action taken.

News media may make a practice of having written requests on file for notification of special or emergency meetings. Absent such a request, a local agency has no legal obligation to notify news media of special or emergency meetings — although notification may be advisable in any event to avoid controversy.

Notice of compensation for simultaneous or serial meetings A legislative body that has convened a meeting and whose membership constitutes a quorum of another legislative body, may convene a simultaneous or serial meeting of the other legislative body only after a clerk or member of the convened legislative body orally announces (1) the amount of compensation or stipend, if any, that each member will be entitled to receive as a result of convening the meeting of the other legislative body; and (2) that the compensation or stipend is provided as a result of convening the meeting of that body.20 No oral disclosure of the amount of the compensation is required if the entire amount of such compensation is prescribed by statute and no additional compensation has been authorized by the local agency. Further, no disclosure is required with respect to reimbursements for actual and necessary expenses incurred in the performance of the member’s official duties, such as for travel, meals, and lodging.

Educational agency meetings
The Education Code contains some special agenda and special meeting provisions.21 However, they are generally consistent with the Brown Act. An item is probably void if not posted.22 A school district board must also adopt regulations to make sure the public can place matters affecting the district’s business on meeting agendas and can address the board on those items.23
Notice requirements for tax or assessment meetings and hearings The Brown Act prescribes specific procedures for adoption by a city, county, special district, or joint powers authority of any new or increased tax or assessment imposed on businesses.24 Although written broadly, these Brown Act provisions do not apply to new or increased real property taxes or assessments, as those are governed by the California Constitution, Article XIIIC or XIIID, enacted by Proposition 218. At least one public meeting must be held to allow public testimony on the tax or assessment. In addition, there must also be at least 45 days notice of a public hearing at which the legislative body proposes to enact or increase the tax or assessment. Notice of the public meeting and public hearing must be provided at the same time and in the same document. The public notice relating to general taxes must be provided by newspaper publication.

The public notice relating to new or increased business assessments must be provided through a 34 OPEN & PUBLIC VI: A GUIDE TO THE RALPH M. BROWN ACT
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mailing to all business owners proposed to be subject to the new or increased assessment. The agency may recover the reasonable costs of the public meetings, hearings, and notice.

The Brown Act exempts certain fees, standby or availability charges, recurring assessments, and new or increased assessments that are subject to the notice and hearing requirements of the Constitution.25 As a practical matter, the Constitution’s notice requirements have preempted this section of the Brown Act.

Non-agenda items
The Brown Act generally prohibits any action or discussion of items not on the posted agenda.

However, there are three specific situations in which a legislative body can act on an item not on the agenda:26
ƒ When a majority decides there is an “emergency situation” (as defined for emergency meetings).
ƒ When two-thirds of the members present (or all members if less than two-thirds are present) determine there is a need for immediate action, and the need to take action “came to the attention of the local agency subsequent to the agenda being posted.” This exception requires a degree of urgency. Further, an item cannot be considered under this provision if the legislative body or the staff knew about the need to take immediate action before the agenda was posted. A new need does not arise because staff forgot to put an item on the agenda or because an applicant missed a deadline. ƒ When an item appeared on the agenda of, and was continued from, a meeting held not more than five days earlier.

The exceptions are narrow, as indicated by this list. The first two require a specific determination by the legislative body. That determination can be challenged in court and, if unsubstantiated, can lead to invalidation of an action.
“I’d like a two-thirds vote of the board so we can go ahead and authorize commencement of phase two of the East Area Project,” said Chair Lopez. “It’s not on the agenda. But we learned two days ago that we finished phase one ahead of schedule — believe it or not — and I’d like to keep it that way. Do I hear a motion?”
The desire to stay ahead of schedule generally would not satisfy “a need for immediate action.” Too casual an action could invite a court challenge by a disgruntled resident.

The prudent course is to place an item on the agenda for the next meeting and not risk invalidation.
“We learned this morning of an opportunity for a state grant,” said the chief engineer at the regular board meeting, “but our application has to be submitted in two days. We’d like the board to give us the go-ahead tonight, even though it’s not on the agenda.”
A legitimate immediate need can be acted upon even though not on the posted agenda by following a two-step process:

PRACTICE TIP: Subject to very
limited exceptions, the Brown
Act prohibits any action or
discussion of an item not on the
posted agenda.

OPEN & PUBLIC VI: A GUIDE TO THE RALPH M. BROWN ACT 35
ƒ First, make two determinations: (1) that there is an immediate need to take action
and (2) that the need arose after the posting of the agenda. The matter is then
placed on the agenda.
ƒ Second, discuss and act on the added agenda item.

Responding to the public
The public can talk about anything within the jurisdiction of the legislative body, but the legislative body generally cannot act on or discuss an item not on the agenda. What happens when a member of the public raises a subject not on the agenda?
While the Brown Act does not allow discussion or action on items not on the agenda, it does allow members of the legislative body, or its staff, to “briefly respond” to comments or questions from members of the public, provide a reference to staff or other resources for factual information, or direct staff to place the issue on a future agenda. In addition, even without a comment from the public, a legislative body member or a staff member may ask for information, request a report back, request to place a matter on the agenda for a subsequent meeting (subject to the body’s rules or procedures), ask a question for clarification, make a brief announcement, or briefly report on their own activities.27 However, caution should be used to avoid any discussion or action on such items.

Council Member Jefferson: I would like staff to respond to Resident Joe’s complaints during public comment about the repaving project on Elm Street.

Are there problems with this project?
City Manager Frank: The public works director has prepared a 45-minute PowerPoint presentation for you on the status of this project and will give it right now.

Council Member Brown: Take all the time you need; we need to get to the bottom of this. Our residents are unhappy.

It is clear from this dialogue that the Elm Street project was not on the council’s agenda but was raised during the public comment period for items not on the agenda. Council Member Jefferson properly asked staff to respond; the city manager should have given at most a brief response. If a lengthy report from the public works director was warranted, the city manager should have stated that it would be placed on the agenda for the next meeting. Otherwise, both the long report and the likely discussion afterward will improperly embroil the council in a matter that is not listed on the agenda. 36 OPEN & PUBLIC VI: A GUIDE TO THE RALPH M. BROWN ACT
CHAPTER 4: AGENDAS, NOTICES, AND PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
The right to attend and observe meetings
A number of Brown Act provisions protect the public’s right to attend, observe, and participate in meetings.

Members of the public cannot be required to register their names, provide other information, complete a questionnaire, or otherwise “fulfill any condition precedent” to attending a meeting.

Any attendance list, questionnaire, or similar document posted at or near the entrance to the meeting room or circulated at a meeting must clearly state that its completion is voluntary and that all persons may attend whether or not they fill it out.28 No meeting can be held in a facility that prohibits attendance based on race, religion, color, national origin, ethnic group identification, age, sex, sexual orientation, or disability, or that is inaccessible to the disabled. Nor can a meeting be held where the public must make a payment or purchase in order to be present.29 This does not mean, however, that the public is entitled to free entry to a conference attended by a majority of the legislative body.30 While a legislative body may use teleconferencing in connection with a meeting, the public must be given notice of and access to the teleconference location. Members of the public must be able to address the legislative body from the teleconference location.31 Action by secret ballot, whether preliminary or final, is flatly prohibited.32 All actions taken by the legislative body in open session, and the vote of each member thereon, must be disclosed to the public at the time the action is taken.33 Q. The agenda calls for election of the legislative body’s officers. Members of the legislative body want to cast unsigned written ballots that would be tallied by the clerk, who would announce the results. Is this voting process permissible? A. No. The possibility that a public vote might cause hurt feelings among members of the legislative body or might be awkward — or even counterproductive — does not justify a secret ballot.

The legislative body may remove persons from a meeting who willfully interrupt or disrupt proceedings.34 Ejection is justified only when audience members actually disrupt the proceedings,35 or, alternatively, if the presiding member of the legislative body warns a person that their behavior is disruptive and that continued disruption may result in their removal (but no prior warning is required if there is a use of force or true threat of force).36 If order cannot be restored after ejecting disruptive persons, the meeting room may be cleared. Members of the news media who have not participated in the disturbance must be allowed to continue to attend the meeting. The legislative body may establish a procedure to readmit an individual or individuals not responsible for the disturbance.37
OPEN & PUBLIC VI: A GUIDE TO THE RALPH M. BROWN ACT 37
Records and recordings
The public has the right to review agendas and other writings distributed by any person to a majority of the legislative body in connection with a matter subject to discussion or consideration at a meeting. Except for privileged documents, those materials are public records and must be made available upon request without delay.38 A fee or deposit as permitted by the California Public Records Act may be charged for a copy of a public record.39 Q. In connection with an upcoming hearing on a discretionary use permit, counsel for the legislative body transmits a memorandum to all members of the body outlining the litigation risks in granting or denying the permit. Must this memorandum be included in the packet of agenda materials available to the public? A. No. The memorandum is a privileged attorney-client communication.

Q. In connection with an agenda item calling for the legislative body to approve a contract, staff submits to all members of the body a financial analysis explaining why the terms of the contract favor the local agency. Must this memorandum be included in the packet of agenda materials available to the public?
A. Yes. The memorandum has been distributed to the majority of the legislative body, relates to the subject matter of a meeting, and is not a privileged communication.

A legislative body may discuss or act on some matters without considering written materials. But if writings are distributed to a majority of a legislative body in connection with an agenda item, they must also be available to the public. A nonexempt or otherwise non-privileged writing distributed to a majority of the legislative body less than 72 hours before the meeting must be made available for inspection at the time of distribution at a public office or location designated for that purpose, and the agendas for all meetings of the legislative body must include the address of this office or location.40 The location designated for public inspection must be open to the public, not a locked or closed office. Alternatively, the documents can be posted on the city's website for public review if statutory requirements are met.41
A writing distributed during a meeting must be made public:
ƒ At the meeting if prepared by the local agency or a member of its legislative body. ƒ After the meeting if prepared by some other person.42 This requirement does not prevent assessing a fee or deposit for providing a copy of a public record pursuant to the California Public Records Act except where required to accommodate persons with disabilities.43
Any tape or film record of an open and public meeting made for whatever purpose by or at the direction of the local agency is subject to the California Public Records Act; however, it may be erased or destroyed 30 days after the taping or recording. Any inspection of a video or tape recording is to be provided without charge on a video or tape player made available by the local agency.44 The agency may impose its ordinary charge for copies that is consistent with the California Public Records Act.45
In addition, the public is specifically allowed to use audio or videotape recorders or still or motion picture cameras at a meeting to record meetings of legislative bodies, absent a reasonable finding by the body that noise, illumination, or obstruction of view caused by recorders or cameras would persistently disrupt the proceedings.46
38 OPEN & PUBLIC VI: A GUIDE TO THE RALPH M. BROWN ACT
CHAPTER 4: AGENDAS, NOTICES, AND PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
Similarly, a legislative body cannot prohibit or restrict the public broadcast of its open and public meetings without making a reasonable finding that the noise, illumination, or obstruction of view would persistently disrupt the proceedings.47
The public’s right to speak during a meeting
Every agenda for a regular meeting must allow members of the public to speak on any item of interest, as long as the item is within the subject matter jurisdiction of the legislative body. Further, the public must be allowed to speak on a specific item of business before or during the legislative body’s consideration of it.48
Q. Must the legislative body allow members of the public to show videos or make a PowerPoint presentation during the public comment part of the agenda, as long as the subject matter is relevant to the agency and is within the established time limit? A. Probably, although the agency is under no obligation to provide equipment.

Moreover, the Brown Act, as well as case law, prevents legislative bodies from prohibiting public criticism of policies, procedures, programs, or services of the agency or the acts or omissions of the legislative body itself.49 However, this prohibition does not provide immunity for defamatory statements.50
Q. May the presiding officer prohibit a member of the audience from publicly criticizing an agency employee by name during public comments?
A. No, as long as the criticism pertains to job performance.

Q. During the public comment period of a regular meeting of the legislative body, a resident urges the public to support and vote for a candidate vying for election to the body. May the presiding officer gavel the speaker out of order for engaging in political campaign speech?
A. There is no case law on this subject. Some would argue that purely campaign issues are outside the subject matter jurisdiction of the body within the meaning of Section 54954.3(a). Others take the view that the speech must be allowed under paragraph (c) of that section where relevant to the governing of the agency and an implicit criticism of the incumbents’ performance of city business.

The legislative body may adopt reasonable regulations, including a limit on the total time permitted for public comment and a limit on the time permitted per speaker.51 Such regulations should be enforced fairly and without regard to speakers’ viewpoints. The legislative body has discretion to modify its regulations regarding time limits on public comment if necessary. For example, the time limit could be shortened to accommodate a lengthy agenda or lengthened to allow additional time for discussion on a complicated matter.52
The public does not need to be given an opportunity to speak on an item that has already been considered by a committee made up exclusively of members of the legislative body at a regular (but not special) public meeting if all interested members of the public had the opportunity to PRACTICE TIP: Public speakers
cannot be compelled to give
their name or address as a
condition of speaking. The clerk
or presiding officer may request
speakers to complete a speaker
card or identify themselves for
the record but must respect a
speaker’s desire for anonymity.

OPEN & PUBLIC VI: A GUIDE TO THE RALPH M. BROWN ACT 39
speak on the item before or during its consideration, and if the item has not been substantially changed.53
Notices and agendas for special meetings must also give members of the public the opportunity to speak before or during consideration of an item on the agenda but need not allow members of the public an opportunity to speak on other matters within the jurisdiction of the legislative body.54

ENDNOTES
1 Cal. Gov. Code, § 54954.2, subd. (a)(1).
2 78 Ops.Cal.Atty.Gen. 327 (1995).
3 88 Ops.Cal.Atty.Gen. 218 (2005).
4 Cal. Gov. Code, §§ 54954.2, subd. (a)(1) and 54954.2, subd. (d). 5 Cal. Gov. Code, § 54960.1, subd. (d)(1).
6 99 Ops.Cal.Atty.Gen. 11 (2016).
7 North Pacifica LLC v. California Coastal Commission (2008) 166 Cal.App.4th 1416, 1432.
8 99 Ops.Cal.Atty.Gen. 11 (2016).
9 Cal. Gov. Code, § 54954.2, subd. (a)(1).
10 San Joaquin Raptor Rescue v. County of Merced (2013) 216 Cal.App.4th 1167 (legislative body’s approval of California Environmental Quality Act [CEQA] action [mitigated negative declaration] without specifically listing it on the agenda violates the Brown Act, even if the agenda generally describes the development project that is the subject of the CEQA analysis). See also GI Industries v. City of Thousand Oaks (2022) 84 Cal.App.5th 814 (depublished) (Brown Act requires CEQA finding of exemption to be listed on agenda items that are projects under CEQA). 11 Hernandez v. Town of Apple Valley (2017) 7 Cal.App.5th 194. 12 Cal. Gov. Code, § 54954.5.
13 Cal. Gov. Code, § 54954.1.
14 Cal. Gov. Code, §§ 36934; 54956, subd. (b).
15 Cal. Gov. Code, § 54956, subds. (a) and (c).
16 Cal. Gov. Code, § 54955.
17 Cal. Gov. Code, § 54954.2, subd. (b)(3).
18 Cal. Gov. Code, § 54955.1.
19 Cal. Gov. Code, § 54956.5.
20 Cal. Gov. Code, § 54952.3.
21 Cal. Edu. Code, §§ 35144, 35145, and 72129.
22 Carlson v. Paradise Unified School District (1971) 18 Cal.App.3d 196. 23 Cal. Edu. Code, § 35145.5
24 Cal. Edu. Code, § 54954.6
25 See Cal. Const. Art. XIIIC, XIIID; Cal. Gov. Code, § 54954.6, subd. (h). 26 Cal. Gov. Code, § 54954.2, subd. (b).
27 Cal. Gov. Code, § 54954.2, subd. (a)(2); Cruz v. City of Culver City (2016) 2 Cal.App.5th 239 (sixminute colloquy on non-agenda item with staff answering questions and advising that matter could be placed on future agenda fell within exceptions to discussing or acting upon non-agenda items). 40 OPEN & PUBLIC VI: A GUIDE TO THE RALPH M. BROWN ACT
28 Cal. Gov. Code, § 54953.3.
29 Cal. Gov. Code, § 54961, subd. (a); Cal. Gov. Code, § 11135, subd. (a). 30 Cal. Gov. Code, § 54952.2, subd. (c)(2).
31 Cal. Gov. Code, § 54953, subd. (b).
32 Cal. Gov. Code, § 54953, subd. (c).
33 Cal. Gov. Code, § 54953, subd. (c)(2).
34 Cal. Gov. Code, §§ 54957.9, 54957.95.
35 Norse v. City of Santa Cruz (9th Cir. 2010) 629 F.3d 966 (silent and momentary Nazi salute directed toward mayor is not a disruption); Acosta v. City of Costa Mesa (9th Cir. 2013) 718 F.3d 800 (city council may not prohibit “insolent” remarks by members of the public absent actual disruption); but see Kirkland v. Luken (S.D. Ohio 2008) 536 F.Supp.2d 857 (finding no First Amendment violation by mayor for turning off microphone and removing speaker who used foul and inflammatory language that was deemed as "likely to incite the members of the audience during the meeting, cause disorder, and disrupt the meeting”).
36 Cal. Gov. Code, § 54957.95.
37 Cal. Gov. Code, § 54957.9.
38 Cal. Gov. Code, § 54957.5.
39 Cal. Gov. Code, § 54957.5, subd. (d).
40 Cal. Gov. Code, § 54957.5(b); see also Sierra Watch v. Placer County (2021) 69 Cal.App.5th 1. 41 Cal. Gov. Code § 54957.5.
42 Cal. Gov. Code, § 54957.5, subd. (c).
43 Cal. Gov. Code, § 54957.5, subd. (d).
44 Cal. Gov. Code, § 54953.5, subd. (b).
45 Cal. Gov. Code, § 54957.5, subd. (d).
46 Cal. Gov. Code, § 54953.5, subd. (a).
47 Cal. Gov. Code, § 54953.6.
48 Cal. Gov. Code, § 54954.3, subd. (a).
49 Cal. Gov. Code, § 54954.3, subd. (c); Acosta v. City of Costa Mesa (9th Cir. 2013) 718 F.3d 800. 50 Cal. Gov. Code, § 54954.3, subd. (c).
51 Ribakoff v. City of Long Beach (2018) 27 Cal.App.5th 150 (public comment time limit of three minutes for each speaker did not violate First Amendment).
52 Cal. Gov. Code, § 54954.3. subd. (b); Chaffee v. San Francisco Public Library Commission (2005) 134 Cal.App.4th 109; 75 Ops.Cal.Atty.Gen. 89 (1992).
53 Cal. Gov. Code, § 54954.3, subd. (a); Preven v. City of Los Angeles (2019) 32 Cal.App.5th 925. 54 Cal. Gov. Code, § 54954.3, subd. (a).

OPEN & PUBLIC VI: A GUIDE TO THE RALPH M. BROWN ACT OPEN & PUBLIC VI: A GUIDE TO THE RALPH M. BROWN ACT41 41 Chapter 5

CLOSED SESSIONS
Agendas and reports......................................................................................................... 42 Litigation............................................................................................................................ 43 Real estate negotiations ................................................................................................... 45 Public employment........................................................................................................... 46 Labor negotiations ............................................................................................................ 47 Labor negotiations — school and community college districts ....................................... 48 Other Education Code exceptions.................................................................................... 48 Joint powers authorities ................................................................................................... 48 License applicants with criminal records ......................................................................... 49 Public security................................................................................................................... 49 Multijurisdictional law enforcement agency .................................................................... 49 Hospital peer review and trade secrets ........................................................................... 49 Other legislative bases for closed session ....................................................................... 50 Who may attend closed sessions ..................................................................................... 50 The confidentiality of closed session discussions............................................................ 51 42 OPEN & PUBLIC VI: A GUIDE TO THE RALPH M. BROWN ACT
CHAPTER 5: CLOSED SESSIONS
A closed session is a meeting of a legislative body conducted in private without the attendance of the public or press. A legislative body is authorized to meet in closed session only to the extent expressly authorized by the Brown Act.1
As summarized in chapter 1 of this guide, it is clear that the Brown Act must be interpreted liberally in favor of open meetings, and exceptions that limit public access (including the exceptions for closed session meetings) must be narrowly construed.2 The most common purposes of the closed
session provisions in the Brown Act are to avoid revealing confidential information (e.g., prejudicing the city’s position in litigation or compromising the privacy interests of employees).

Closed sessions should be conducted keeping those narrow purposes in mind. It is not enough that a subject is sensitive, embarrassing, or controversial. Without specific authority in the Brown Act for a closed session, a matter to be considered by a legislative body must be discussed in public. However, there is no prohibition in putting overlapping exceptions on an agenda in order to provide an opportunity for more robust closed session discussions. As an example, a city council cannot give direction to the city manager about a property negotiation during a performance evaluation exception. However, if both real property negotiation and performance evaluation exceptions are on the agenda, those discussions might be conducted.

Similarly, a board of police commissioners cannot meet in closed session to provide general policy guidance to a police chief, even though some matters are sensitive and the commission considers their disclosure contrary to the public interest.3
In this chapter, the grounds for convening a closed session are called “exceptions” because they are exceptions to the general rule that meetings must be conducted openly. In some circumstances, none of the closed session exceptions applies to an issue or information the legislative body wishes to discuss privately. In these cases, it is not proper to convene a closed session, even to protect confidential information. For example, although the Brown Act does authorize closed sessions related to specified types of contracts (e.g., specified provisions of real property agreements, employee labor agreements, and litigation settlement agreements),4 the Brown Act does not authorize closed sessions for other contract negotiations.

Agendas and reports
Closed session items must be briefly described on the posted agenda, and the description must state the specific statutory exemption.5 An item that appears on the open meeting portion of the agenda may not be taken into closed session until it has been properly put on the agenda as a Chapter 5

CLOSED SESSIONS
PRACTICE TIP: Some problems
over closed sessions arise
because secrecy itself breeds
distrust. The Brown Act does
not require closed sessions and
legislative bodies may do well
to resist the tendency to call a
closed session simply because
it may be permitted. A better
practice is to go into closed
session only when necessary.

OPEN & PUBLIC VI: A GUIDE TO THE RALPH M. BROWN ACT 43
closed session item or unless it is properly added as a closed-session item by a two-thirds vote of the body after making the appropriate urgency findings.6 The Brown Act supplies a series of fill-in-the-blank sample agenda descriptions for various types of authorized closed sessions that provide a “safe harbor” from legal attacks. These sample agenda descriptions cover license and permit determinations, real property negotiations, existing or anticipated litigation, liability claims, threats to security, public employee appointments, evaluations and discipline, labor negotiations, multijurisdictional law enforcement cases, hospital boards of directors, medical quality assurance committees, joint powers agencies, and audits by the California State Auditor’s Office.7
If the legislative body intends to convene in closed session, it must include the section of the Brown Act authorizing the closed session in advance on the agenda, and it must make a public announcement prior to the closed session discussion. In most cases, the announcement may simply be a reference to the agenda item.8 The legislative body must take public comment on the closed session item before convening in a closed session.

Following a closed session, the legislative body must provide an oral or written report on certain actions taken and the vote of every elected member present. The timing and content of the report vary according to the reason for the closed session and the action taken.9 The announcements may be made at the site of the closed session, as long as the public is allowed to be present to hear them.

If there is a standing or written request for documentation, any copies of contracts, settlement agreements, or other documents finally approved or adopted in closed session must be provided to the requestor(s) after the closed session if final approval of such documents does not rest with any other party to the contract or settlement. If substantive amendments to a contract or settlement agreement approved by all parties requires retyping, such documents may be held until retyping is completed during normal business hours, but the substance of the changes must be summarized for any person inquiring about them.10
The Brown Act does not require minutes, including minutes of closed sessions. However, a legislative body may adopt an ordinance or resolution to authorize a confidential “minute book” be kept to record actions taken at closed sessions.11 If one is kept, it must be made available to members of the legislative body, provided that the member asking to review minutes of a particular meeting was not disqualified from attending the meeting due to a conflict of interest.12 A court may order the disclosure of minute books for the court’s review if a lawsuit makes sufficient claims of an open meeting violation.

Litigation
The Brown Act expressly authorizes closed sessions to discuss what is considered pending litigation.13 The rules that apply to holding a litigation closed session involve complex, technical definitions and procedures. Essentially, a closed session can be held by the body to confer with, or receive advice from, its legal counsel when open discussion would prejudice the position of the local agency in litigation in which the agency is, or could become, a party.14 The litigation exception under the Brown Act is narrowly construed and does not permit activities beyond a legislative body’s conferring with its own legal counsel and required support staff.15 For example, it is not permissible to hold a closed session in which settlement negotiations take place between a legislative body, a representative of an adverse party, and a mediator.16 PRACTICE TIP: Pay close
attention to closed session
agenda descriptions. Using
the wrong label can lead
to invalidation of an action
taken in closed session if not
substantially compliant.
44 OPEN & PUBLIC VI: A GUIDE TO THE RALPH M. BROWN ACT
CHAPTER 5: CLOSED SESSIONS
The California Attorney General has opined that if the agency’s attorney is not a participant, a litigation closed session cannot be held.17 In any event, local agency officials should always consult the agency’s attorney before placing this type of closed session on the agenda in order to be certain that it is being done properly.

Before holding a closed session under the pending litigation exception, the legislative body must publicly state the basis for the closed session by identifying one of the following three types of matters: existing litigation, anticipated exposure to litigation, or anticipated initiation of litigation.18 Existing litigation
Q. May the legislative body agree to settle a lawsuit in a properly noticed closed session without placing the settlement agreement on an open session agenda for public approval? A. Yes, but the settlement agreement is a public document and must be disclosed on request. Furthermore, a settlement agreement cannot commit the agency to matters that are required to have public hearings.19
Existing litigation includes any adjudicatory proceedings before a court, administrative body exercising its adjudicatory authority, hearing officer, or arbitrator. The clearest situation in which a closed session is authorized is when the local agency meets with its legal counsel to discuss a pending matter that has been filed in a court or with an administrative agency and names the local agency as a party. The legislative body may meet under these circumstances to receive updates on the case from attorneys, participate in developing strategy as the case develops, or consider alternatives for resolution of the case. Generally, an agreement to settle litigation may be approved in closed session. However, an agreement to settle litigation cannot be approved in closed session if it commits the city to take an action that is required to have a public hearing.20
Anticipated exposure to litigation against the
local agency
Closed sessions are authorized for legal counsel to inform the legislative body of a significant exposure to litigation against the local agency, but only if based on “existing facts and circumstances” as defined by the Brown Act.21 The legislative body may also meet under this exception to determine whether a closed session is authorized based on information provided by legal counsel or staff. In general, the “existing facts and circumstances” must be publicly disclosed unless they are privileged written communications or not yet known to a potential plaintiff. If an agency receives a documented threat of litigation, and intends to discuss that matter in closed session, the record of a litigation threat must be included in the body’s agenda packet.22
OPEN & PUBLIC VI: A GUIDE TO THE RALPH M. BROWN ACT 45
Anticipated initiation of litigation by the local agency A closed session may be held under the exception for the anticipated initiation of litigation when the legislative body seeks legal advice on whether to protect the agency’s rights and interests by initiating litigation.

Certain actions must be reported in open session at the same meeting following the closed session.

Other actions, such as when final approval rests with another party or the court, may be announced when they become final and upon inquiry of any person.23 Each agency attorney should be aware of and make the disclosures that are required by the particular circumstances.

Real estate negotiations
A legislative body may meet in closed session with its negotiator to discuss the purchase, sale, exchange, or lease of real property by or for the local agency. A “lease” includes a lease renewal or renegotiation. The purpose is to grant authority to the legislative body’s negotiator on price and terms of payment.24 Caution should be exercised to limit discussion to price and terms of payment without straying to other related issues, such as site design, architecture, or other aspects of the project for which the transaction is contemplated.25
Q. May other terms of a real estate transaction, aside from price and terms of payment, be addressed in closed session?
A. No. However, there are differing opinions over the scope of the phrase “price and terms of payment” in connection with real estate closed sessions. Many agency attorneys argue that any term that directly affects the economic value of the transaction falls within the ambit of “price and terms of payment.” Others take a narrower, more literal view of the phrase.

The agency’s negotiator may be a member of the legislative body itself. Prior to the closed session, or on the agenda, the legislative body must identify its negotiators, the real property that the negotiations may concern,26 and the names of the parties with whom its negotiator may negotiate.27 After real estate negotiations are concluded, the approval and substance of the agreement must be publicly reported. If its own approval makes the agreement final, the body must report in open session at the public meeting during which the closed session is held. If final approval rests with another party, the local agency must report the approval and the substance of the agreement upon inquiry by any person as soon as the agency is informed of it.28 “Our population is exploding, and we have to think about new school sites,” said Board Member Jefferson.
“Not only that,” interjected Board Member Tanaka, “we need to get rid of a couple of our older facilities.”
“Well, obviously the place to do that is in a closed session,” said Board Member O’Reilly. “Otherwise we’re going to set off land speculation. And if we even mention closing a school, parents are going to be in an uproar.” 46 OPEN & PUBLIC VI: A GUIDE TO THE RALPH M. BROWN ACT
CHAPTER 5: CLOSED SESSIONS
A closed session to discuss potential sites is not authorized by the Brown Act. The exception is limited to meeting with its negotiator over specific sites — which must be identified at an open and public meeting.

Public employment
The Brown Act authorizes a closed session “to consider the appointment, employment, evaluation of performance, discipline, or dismissal of a public employee or to hear complaints or charges brought against the employee.”29 The purpose of this exception — commonly referred to as the “personnel exception” — is to avoid undue publicity or embarrassment for an employee or applicant for employment and to allow full and candid discussion by the legislative body; thus, it is restricted to discussing individuals, not general personnel policies.30 The body must possess the power to appoint, evaluate, or dismiss the employee to hold a closed session under this exception.31 That authority may be delegated to a subsidiary appointed body.32 An employee must be given at least 24 hours’ notice of any closed session convened to hear specific complaints or charges against them. This occurs when the legislative body is reviewing evidence, which could include live testimony, and adjudicating conflicting testimony offered as evidence. A legislative body may examine (or exclude) witnesses,33 and the California Attorney General has opined that, when an affected employee and advocate have an official or essential role to play, they may be permitted to participate in the closed session.34 The employee has the right to have the specific complaints and charges discussed in a public session rather than closed session.35 If the employee is not given the 24-hour prior notice, any disciplinary action is null and void.36
However, an employee is not entitled to notice and a hearing where the purpose of the closed session is to consider a performance evaluation. The Attorney General and the courts have determined that personnel performance evaluations do not constitute complaints and charges, which are more akin to accusations made against a person.37 Q. Must 24 hours’ notice be given to an employee whose negative performance evaluation is to be considered by the legislative body in closed session? A. No, the notice is reserved for situations where the body is to hear complaints and charges from witnesses.

Correct labeling of the closed session on the agenda is critical. A closed session agenda that identified discussion of an employment contract was not sufficient to allow dismissal of an employee.38 An incorrect agenda description can result in invalidation of an action and much embarrassment.

For purposes of the personnel exception, “employee” specifically includes an officer or an independent contractor who functions as an officer or an employee. Examples of the former include a city manager, district general manager, or superintendent. Examples of the latter include a legal counsel or engineer hired on contract to act as local agency attorney or chief engineer.

PRACTICE TIP: Discussions of
who to appoint to an advisory
body and whether or not to
censure a fellow member of the
legislative body must be held in
the open.

OPEN & PUBLIC VI: A GUIDE TO THE RALPH M. BROWN ACT 47
Elected officials, appointees to the governing body or subsidiary bodies, and independent contractors other than those discussed above are not employees for purposes of the personnel exception.39 Action on individuals who are not “employees” must also be public — including discussing and voting on appointees to committees, debating the merits of independent contractors, or considering a complaint against a member of the legislative body itself.

The personnel exception specifically prohibits discussion or action on proposed compensation in closed session except for a disciplinary reduction in pay. That means, among other things, there can be no personnel closed sessions on a salary change (other than a disciplinary reduction) between any unrepresented individual and the legislative body. However, a legislative body may address the compensation of an unrepresented individual, such as a city manager, in a closed session as part of a labor negotiation (discussed later in this chapter), yet another example of the importance of using correct agenda descriptions.

Reclassification of a job must be public, but an employee’s ability to fill that job may be considered in closed session.

Any closed session action to appoint, employ, dismiss, accept the resignation of, or otherwise affect the employment status of a public employee must be reported at the public meeting during which the closed session is held. That report must identify the title of the position, but not the names of all persons considered for an employment position.40 However, a report on a dismissal or non-renewal of an employment contract must be deferred until administrative remedies, if any, are exhausted.41
“I have some important news to announce,” said Mayor Garcia. “We’ve decided to terminate the contract of the city manager effective immediately.

The council has met in closed session, and we’ve negotiated six months’ severance pay.”
“Unfortunately, that has some serious budget consequences, so we’ve had to delay phase two of the East Area Project.”
This may be an improper use of the personnel closed session if the council agenda described the item as the city manager’s evaluation. In addition, other than labor negotiations, any action on individual compensation must be taken in open session.

Caution must be exercised not to discuss in closed session issues, such as budget impacts in this hypothetical, beyond the scope of the posted closed session notice.

Labor negotiations
The Brown Act allows closed sessions for some aspects of labor negotiations. Different provisions (discussed below) apply to school and community college districts.

A legislative body may meet in closed session to instruct its bargaining representatives, which may be one or more of its members,42 on employee salaries and fringe benefits for both represented (“union”) and unrepresented employees. For represented employees, it may also consider working conditions that by law require negotiation. For the purpose of labor negotiation closed sessions, an “employee” includes an officer or an independent contractor who functions as an officer or an employee, but independent contractors who do not serve in the capacity of an officer or employee are not covered by this closed session exception.43
PRACTICE TIP: The personnel
exception specifically prohibits
discussion or action on
proposed compensation in
closed session except for a
disciplinary reduction in pay.
48 OPEN & PUBLIC VI: A GUIDE TO THE RALPH M. BROWN ACT
CHAPTER 5: CLOSED SESSIONS
These closed sessions may take place before or during negotiations with employee representatives. Prior to the closed session, the legislative body must hold an open and public session in which it identifies its designated representatives.

During its discussions with representatives on salaries and fringe benefits, the legislative body may discuss available funds and funding priorities, but only to instruct its representative. The body may also meet in closed session with a conciliator who has intervened in negotiations. 44 The approval of an agreement concluding labor negotiations with represented employees must be reported after the agreement is final and has been accepted or ratified by the other party. The report must identify the item approved and the other party or parties to the negotiation.45 The labor closed sessions specifically cannot include final action on proposed compensation of one or more unrepresented employees.

Labor negotiations — school and community college districts Employee relations for school districts and community college districts are governed by the Rodda Act, where different meeting and special notice provisions apply. The entire board, for example, may negotiate in closed sessions.

Four types of meetings are exempted from compliance with the Rodda Act:

1. A negotiating session with a recognized or certified employee organization.

2. A meeting of a mediator with either side.

3. A hearing or meeting held by a fact finder or arbitrator.

4. A session between the board and its bargaining agent, or the board alone, to discuss its position regarding employee working conditions and instruct its agent.46 Public participation under the Rodda Act also takes another form.47 All initial proposals of both sides must be presented at public meetings and are public records. The public must be given reasonable time to inform itself and to express its views before the district may adopt its initial proposal. In addition, new topics of negotiations must be made public within 24 hours. Any votes on such a topic must be followed within 24 hours by public disclosure of the vote of each member.48 The final vote must be in public.

Other Education Code exceptions
The Education Code governs student disciplinary meetings by boards of school districts and community college districts. District boards may hold a closed session to consider the suspension or discipline of a student if a public hearing would reveal personal, disciplinary, or academic information about the student contrary to state and federal pupil privacy law. The student’s parent or guardian may request an open meeting.49
Community college districts may also hold closed sessions to discuss some student disciplinary matters, awarding of honorary degrees, or gifts from donors who prefer to remain anonymous.50 Kindergarten through 12th grade districts may also meet in closed session to review the contents of the statewide assessment instrument.51
PRACTICE TIP: Prior to the closed
session, the legislative body
must hold an open and public
session in which it identifies its
designated representatives.

PRACTICE TIP: Attendance by the
entire legislative body before a
grand jury would not constitute
a closed session meeting under
the Brown Act.

OPEN & PUBLIC VI: A GUIDE TO THE RALPH M. BROWN ACT 49
Joint powers authorities
The legislative body of a joint powers authority may adopt a policy regarding limitations on disclosure of confidential information obtained in closed session, and may meet in closed session to discuss information that is subject to the policy.52 License applicants with criminal records
A closed session is permitted when an applicant who has a criminal record applies for a license or license renewal and the legislative body wishes to discuss whether the applicant is sufficiently rehabilitated to receive the license. The applicant and the applicant’s attorney are authorized to attend the closed session meeting. If the body decides to deny the license, the applicant may withdraw the application. If the applicant does not withdraw it, the body must deny the license in public, either immediately or at its next meeting. No information from the closed session can be revealed without consent of the applicant, unless the applicant takes action to challenge the denial.53
Public security
Legislative bodies may meet in closed session to discuss matters posing a threat to the security of public buildings; essential public services, including water, sewer, gas, or electric service; or to the public’s right of access to public services or facilities over which the legislative body has jurisdiction. Closed session meetings for these purposes must be held with designated security or law enforcement officials, including the Governor, Attorney General, district attorney, agency attorney, sheriff or chief of police, or their deputies or agency security consultant or security operations manager.54 Action taken in closed session with respect to such public security issues is not reportable action.

Multijurisdictional law enforcement agency
A joint powers agency formed to provide law enforcement services (involving drugs; gangs; sex crimes; firearms trafficking; felony possession of a firearm; high technology, computer, or identity theft; human trafficking; or vehicle theft) to multiple jurisdictions may hold closed sessions to discuss case records of an ongoing criminal investigation, to hear testimony from persons involved in the investigation, and to discuss courses of action in particular cases.55 The exception applies to the legislative body of the joint powers agency and to any body advisory to it. The purpose is to prevent impairment of investigations, to protect witnesses and informants, and to permit discussion of effective courses of action.56 Hospital peer review and trade secrets
Two specific kinds of closed sessions are allowed for district hospitals and municipal hospitals under other provisions of law:57

1. A meeting to hear reports of hospital medical audit or quality assurance committees or for related deliberations. However, an applicant or medical staff member whose staff privileges are the direct subject of a hearing may request a public hearing.

2. A meeting to discuss “reports involving trade secrets” — provided no action is taken. 50 OPEN & PUBLIC VI: A GUIDE TO THE RALPH M. BROWN ACT
CHAPTER 5: CLOSED SESSIONS
A “trade secret” is defined as information that is not generally known to the public or competitors and that (1) “derives independent economic value, actual or potential” by virtue of its restricted knowledge; (2) is necessary to initiate a new hospital service or program or facility; and (3) would, if prematurely disclosed, create a substantial probability of depriving the hospital of a substantial economic benefit.

The provision prohibits use of closed sessions to discuss transitions in ownership or management, or the district’s dissolution.58 Other legislative bases for closed session
Since any closed session meeting of a legislative body must be authorized by the Legislature, it is important to review the Brown Act carefully to determine if there is a provision that authorizes a closed session for a particular subject matter. There are some less frequently encountered topics that are authorized to be discussed by a legislative body in closed session under the Brown Act, including a response to a confidential final draft audit report from the Bureau of State Audits,59 consideration of the purchase or sale of particular pension fund investments by a legislative body of a local agency that invests pension funds,60 hearing a charge or complaint from a member enrolled in a health plan by a legislative body of a local agency that provides MediCal services,61 discussions by a county board of supervisors that governs a health plan licensed pursuant to the Knox-Keene Health Care Services Plan Act related to trade secrets or contract negotiations concerning rates of payment,62 and discussions by an insurance pooling joint powers agency related to a claim filed against, or liability of, the agency or a member of the agency.63 Who may attend closed sessions
Meetings of a legislative body are either fully open or fully closed; there is nothing in between.

Therefore, local agency officials and employees must pay particular attention to the authorized attendees for the particular type of closed session. As summarized above, the authorized attendees may differ based on the topic of the closed session. Closed sessions may involve only the members of the legislative body and only agency counsel, management and support staff, and consultants necessary for consideration of the matter that is the subject of closed session, with very limited exceptions for adversaries or witnesses with official roles in particular types of hearings (e.g., personnel disciplinary hearings and license hearings). In any case, individuals who do not have an official or essential role in the closed session subject matters must be excluded from closed sessions.65
Q. May the lawyer for someone suing the agency attend a closed session in order to explain to the legislative body why it should accept a settlement offer? A. No, attendance in closed sessions is reserved exclusively for the agency’s advisors.

PRACTICE TIP: Meetings are
either open or closed. There is
nothing “in between.”64
OPEN & PUBLIC VI: A GUIDE TO THE RALPH M. BROWN ACT 51
The confidentiality of closed session discussions
The Brown Act explicitly prohibits the unauthorized disclosure of confidential information acquired in a closed session by any person present, and offers various remedies to address breaches of confidentiality.66 It is incumbent upon all those attending lawful closed sessions to protect the confidentiality of those discussions. One court has held that members of a legislative body cannot be compelled to divulge the content of closed session discussions through the discovery process.67 Only the legislative body acting as a body may agree to divulge confidential closed session information. With regard to attorney-client privileged communications, the entire body is the holder of the privilege, and only the entire body can decide to waive the privilege.68 Before adoption of the Brown Act provision specifically prohibiting disclosure of closed session communications, agency attorneys and the Attorney General long opined that officials have a fiduciary duty to protect the confidentiality of closed session discussions. The Attorney General issued an opinion that it is “improper” for officials to disclose information regarding pending litigation that was received during a closed session,69 though the Attorney General has also concluded that a local agency is preempted from adopting an ordinance criminalizing public disclosure of closed session discussions.70 In any event, in 2002, the Brown Act was amended to prescribe particular remedies for breaches of confidentiality. These remedies include injunctive relief and, if the breach is a willful disclosure of confidential information, disciplinary action against an employee and referral of a member of the legislative body to the grand jury.71 The duty of maintaining confidentiality, of course, must give way to the responsibility to disclose improper matters or discussions that may come up in closed sessions. In recognition of this public policy, under the Brown Act, a local agency may not penalize a disclosure of information learned during a closed session if the disclosure (1) is made in confidence to the district attorney or the grand jury due to a perceived violation of law; (2) is an expression of opinion concerning the propriety or legality of actions taken in closed session, including disclosure of the nature and extent of the illegal action; or (3) is information that is not confidential.72 The interplay between these possible sanctions and an official’s First Amendment rights is complex and beyond the scope of this guide. Suffice it to say that this is a matter of great sensitivity and controversy.
“I want the press to know that I voted in closed session against filing the eminent domain action,” said Council Member Chang.
“Don’t settle too soon,” reveals Council Member Watson to the property owner, over coffee. “The city’s offer coming your way is not our bottom line.” The first comment to the press may be appropriate if it is a part of an action taken by the city council in closed session that must be reported publicly.73 The second comment to the property owner is not. Disclosure of confidential information acquired in closed session is expressly prohibited and harmful to the agency.

PRACTICE TIP: There is a strong
interest in protecting the
confidentiality of proper and
lawful closed sessions.
52 OPEN & PUBLIC VI: A GUIDE TO THE RALPH M. BROWN ACT
CHAPTER 5: CLOSED SESSIONS

ENDNOTES
1 Cal. Gov. Code, § 54962.
2 Cal. Const. , Art. 1, § 3.
3 61 Ops.Cal.Atty.Gen. 220 (1978); but see Cal. Gov. Code, § 54957.8 (multijurisdictional law enforcement agencies are authorized to meet in closed session to discuss the case records of ongoing criminal investigations and other related matters).
4 Cal. Gov. Code, § 54957.1.
5 Cal. Gov. Code, § 54954.5.
6 Cal. Gov. Code, § 54954.2.
7 Cal. Gov. Code, § 54954.5.
8 Cal. Gov. Code, §§ 54956.9, 54957.7.
9 Cal. Gov. Code, § 54957.1, subd. (a).
10 Cal. Gov. Code, § 54957.1, subd. (b).
11 Cal. Gov. Code, § 54957.2.
12 Hamilton v. Town of Los Gatos (1989) 213 Cal.App.3d 1050; 2 Cal. Code Regs. § 18707. 13 But see Roberts v. City of Palmdale (1993) 5 Cal.4th 363 (protection of the attorney-client privilege alone cannot by itself be the reason for a closed session). 14 Cal. Gov. Code, § 54956.9; Shapiro v. Board of Directors of Center City Development Corp. (2005) 134 Cal.App.4th 170 (agency must be a party to the litigation). 15 82 Ops.Cal.Atty.Gen. 29 (1999).
16 Page v. Miracosta Community College District (2009) 180 Cal.App.4th 471. 17 “The Brown Act,” California Attorney General (2003), p. 40. 18 Cal. Gov. Code, § 54956.9, subd. (g).
19 See e.g., Avco Community Developers, Inc. v. South Coast Regional Com. (1976) 17 Cal.3d 785; Trancas Property Owners Assn. v. City of Malibu (2006) 138 Cal.App.4th 172. 20 Trancas Property Owners Assn. v. City of Malibu (2006) 138 Cal.App.4th 172. 21 Cal. Gov. Code, § 54956.9, subd. (e).
22 Fowler v. City of Lafayette (2020) 46 Cal.App.5th 360. 23 Cal. Gov. Code, § 54957.1.
24 Cal. Gov. Code, § 54956.8.
25 Shapiro v. San Diego City Council (2002) 96 Cal.App.4th 904. See also 93 Ops.Cal.Atty.Gen. 51 (2010) (redevelopment agency may not convene a closed session to discuss rehabilitation loan for a property already subleased to a loan recipient, even if the loan incorporates some of the sublease terms and includes an operating covenant governing the property); 94 Ops.Cal.Atty.Gen. 82 (2011) (real estate closed session may address form, manner, and timing of consideration and other items that cannot be disclosed without revealing price and terms).
26 73 Ops.Cal.Atty.Gen. 1 (1990).
27 Cal. Gov. Code, §§ 54956.8, 54954.5, subd. (b).
28 Cal. Gov. Code, § 54957.1, subd. (a)(1).
29 Cal. Gov. Code, § 54957, subd. (b).
30 63 Ops.Cal.Atty.Gen. 153 (1980); but see Duvall v. Board of Trustees (2000) 93 Cal.App.4th 902 (board may discuss personnel evaluation criteria, process and other preliminary matters in closed session but only if related to the evaluation of a particular employee).

OPEN & PUBLIC VI: A GUIDE TO THE RALPH M. BROWN ACT 53
31 Gillespie v. San Francisco Public Library Commission (1998) 67 Cal.App.4th 1165; 85 Ops.Cal.Atty.Gen. 77 (2002).
32 Gillespie v. San Francisco Public Library Commission (1998) 67 Cal.App.4th 1165; 80 Ops.Cal.Atty.Gen. 308 (1997). Interviews of candidates to fill a vacant staff position conducted by a temporary committee appointed by the governing body may be done in closed session. 33 Cal. Gov. Code, § 54957, subd. (b)(3).
34 88 Ops.Cal.Atty.Gen. 16 (2005).
35 Morrison v. Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles (2003) 107 Cal.App.4th 860. 36 Cal. Gov. Code, § 54957, subd. (b); but see Bollinger v. San Diego Civil Service Commission (1999) 71 Cal.App.4th 568 (notice not required for closed session deliberations regarding complaints or charges when there was a public evidentiary hearing prior to closed session). 37 78 Ops.Cal.Atty.Gen. 218 (1995); Bell v. Vista Unified School District (2000) 82 Cal.App.4th 672; Furtado v. Sierra Community College (1998) 68 Cal.App.4th 876; Fischer v. Los Angeles Unified School District (1999) 70 Cal.App.4th 87.
38 Moreno v. City of King (2005) 127 Cal.App.4th 17.
39 Cal. Gov. Code, § 54957.
40 Gillespie v. San Francisco Public Library Commission (1998) 67 Cal.App.4th 1165. 41 Cal. Gov. Code, § 54957.1, subd. (a)(5).
42 Cal. Gov. Code, § 54957.6.
43 Cal. Gov. Code, § 54957.6, subd. (b); see also 98 Ops.Cal.Atty.Gen. 41 (2015) (a project labor agreement between a community college district and workers hired by contractors or subcontractors is not a proper subject of closed session for labor negotiations because the workers are not “employees” of the district).
44 Cal. Gov. Code, § 54957.6; 51 Ops.Cal.Atty.Gen. 201 (1968). 45 Cal. Gov. Code, § 54957.1, subd. (a)(6).
46 Cal. Gov. Code, § 3549.1.
47 Cal. Gov. Code, § 3540.
48 Cal. Gov. Code, § 3547.
49 Cal. Edu. Code, § 48918; but see Rim of the World Unified School District v. Superior Court (2003) 104 Cal.App.4th 1393 (Section 48918 preempted by the Federal Family Educational Right and Privacy Act in regard to expulsion proceedings).
50 Cal. Edu. Code, § 72122.
51 Cal. Edu. Code, § 60617.
52 Cal. Gov. Code, § 54956.96.
53 Cal. Gov. Code, § 54956.7.
54 Cal. Gov. Code, § 54957.
55 McKee v. Los Angeles Interagency Metropolitan Police Apprehension Crime Task Force (2005) 134 Cal.

App.4th 354.
56 Cal. Gov. Code, § 54957.8.
57 Cal. Gov. Code, § 54962.
58 Cal. Health and Saf. Code, § 32106.
59 Cal. Gov. Code, § 54956.75.
60 Cal. Gov. Code, § 54956.81.
54 OPEN & PUBLIC VI: A GUIDE TO THE RALPH M. BROWN ACT
CHAPTER 5: CLOSED SESSIONS
61 Cal. Gov. Code, § 54956.86.
62 Cal. Gov. Code, § 54956.87.
63 Cal. Gov. Code, § 54956.95.
64 Ops.Cal.Atty.Gen. 34 (1965)
65 82 Ops.Cal.Atty.Gen. 29 (1999); 2022 WL 1814322, 105 Ops. Cal.Atty.Gen. 89 (2022). 66 Cal. Gov. Code, § 54963.
67 Kleitman v. Superior Court (1999) 74 Cal.App.4th 324, 327. See also Cal. Gov. Code, § 54963. 68 Roberts v. City of Palmdale (1993) 5 Cal.4th 363.
69 80 Ops.Cal.Atty.Gen. 231 (1997).
70 76 Ops.Cal.Atty.Gen. 289 (1993).
71 Cal. Gov. Code, § 54963.
72 Cal. Gov. Code, § 54963.
73 Cal. Gov. Code, § 54957.1.

OPEN & PUBLIC VI: A GUIDE TO THE RALPH M. BROWN ACT OPEN & PUBLIC VI: A GUIDE TO THE RALPH M. BROWN ACT55 55 Chapter 6

REMEDIES
Invalidation of action taken .............................................................................................. 56 Declaratory relief to determine whether past action violated the act............................. 57 Civil action to prevent future violations............................................................................ 57 Costs and attorney’s fees ................................................................................................. 58 Misdemeanor penalties .................................................................................................... 58 Voluntary resolution.......................................................................................................... 59 56 OPEN & PUBLIC VI: A GUIDE TO THE RALPH M. BROWN ACT
CHAPTER 6: REMEDIES
A violation of the Brown Act can lead to invalidation of the agency’s action, payment of a challenger’s attorney fees, public embarrassment, and even criminal prosecution. As explained below, a legislative body often has an opportunity to correct a violation prior to the filing of a lawsuit. Compliance ultimately results from regular training and a good measure of self-regulation on the part of public officials.

This chapter discusses the remedies available to the public when that self-regulation is ineffective.

Invalidation of action taken
Any interested person, including the district attorney, may seek to invalidate certain actions of a legislative body on the grounds that they violate the Brown Act.1 The following actions cannot be invalidated:
ƒ Those taken in substantial compliance with the law. No Brown Act violation is found when the given notice substantially complies with the Brown Act, even when the notice erroneously cites the wrong Brown Act section but adequately advises the public that the legislative body will meet with legal counsel to discuss potential litigation in closed session.2
ƒ Those involving the sale or issuance of notes, bonds, or other indebtedness, or any related contracts or agreements.3
ƒ Those creating a contractual obligation, including a contract awarded by competitive bid for other than compensation for professional services, upon which a party has in good faith relied to its detriment.4
ƒ Those connected with the collection of any tax.5

ƒ Those in which the complaining party had actual notice at least 72 hours prior to the regular meeting or 24 hours prior to the special meeting, as the case may be, at which the action is taken.6
Before filing a court action seeking invalidation, a person who believes that a violation has occurred must send a written “cure or correct” demand to the legislative body. This demand must clearly describe the challenged action and the nature of the claimed violation. This demand must be sent within 90 days of the alleged violation, or within 30 days if the action was taken in open session but in violation of Section 54954.2, which requires (subject to specific exceptions) that a legislative body may act only on items posted on the agenda.7 The legislative body then has up to 30 days to cure and correct its action.8 The purpose of this requirement is to offer the body an opportunity to consider whether a violation has occurred and, if so, consider correcting the action to avoid the costs of litigation. If the legislative body does not act, any lawsuit must be filed within the next 15 days.9
Chapter 6

REMEDIES
OPEN & PUBLIC VI: A GUIDE TO THE RALPH M. BROWN ACT 57
Although just about anyone has standing to bring an action for invalidation,10 the challenger must show prejudice as a result of the alleged violation.11 An action to invalidate fails to state a cause of action against the agency if the body deliberated but did not take an action.12 Declaratory relief to determine whether past action violated the act Any interested person, including the district attorney, may file a civil action to determine whether a past action of a legislative body constitutes a violation of the Brown Act and is subject to a mandamus, injunction, or declaratory relief action.13 Before filing an action, the interested person must, within nine months of the alleged violation of the Brown Act, submit a “cease and desist” letter to the legislative body clearly describing the past action and the nature of the alleged violation.14 The legislative body has 30 days after receipt of the letter to provide an unconditional commitment to cease and desist from the past action.15 If the body fails to take any action within the 30-day period or takes an action other than an unconditional commitment, the interested person has 60 days to file an action.16
The legislative body’s unconditional commitment must be approved at a regular or special meeting as a separate item of business and not on the consent calendar.17 The unconditional commitment must be substantially in the form set forth in the Brown Act.18 No legal action may thereafter be commenced regarding the past action.19 However, an action of the legislative body in violation of its unconditional commitment constitutes an independent violation of the Brown Act, and a legal action consequently may be commenced without following the procedural requirements for challenging past actions.20
The legislative body may rescind its prior unconditional commitment by a majority vote of its membership at a regular meeting as a separate item of business not on the consent calendar. At least 30 days written notice of the intended rescission must be given to each person to whom the unconditional commitment was made and to the district attorney. Upon rescission, any interested person may commence a legal action regarding the past actions without following the procedural requirements for challenging past actions.21
Civil action to prevent future violations
The district attorney or any interested person can file a civil action asking the court to do the following:
ƒ Stop or prevent violations or threatened violations of the Brown Act by members of the legislative body.
ƒ Determine the applicability of the Brown Act to actions or threatened future action of the legislative body.
ƒ Determine whether any rule or action by the legislative body to penalize or otherwise discourage the expression of one or more of its members is valid under state or federal law.
ƒ Compel the legislative body to audio-record its closed sessions.22 PRACTICE TIP: A lawsuit to
invalidate must be preceded by
a demand to cure and correct
the challenged action in order
to give the legislative body
an opportunity to consider its
options. The Brown Act does not
specify how to cure or correct
a violation; the best method
is to rescind the action being
complained of and start over, or
reaffirm the action if the local
agency relied on the action and
rescinding the action would
prejudice the local agency.
58 OPEN & PUBLIC VI: A GUIDE TO THE RALPH M. BROWN ACT
CHAPTER 6: REMEDIES
It is not necessary for a challenger to prove a past pattern or practice of violations by the local agency in order to obtain injunctive relief. A court may presume when issuing an injunction that a single violation will continue in the future when the public agency refuses to admit to the alleged violation or to renounce or curtail the practice.23 A court may not compel elected officials to disclose their recollections of what transpired in a closed session.24 Upon finding a violation of the Brown Act pertaining to closed sessions, a court may compel the legislative body to audio record its future closed sessions.25 In a subsequent lawsuit to enforce the Brown Act alleging a violation occurring in closed session, a court may upon motion of the plaintiff review the audio recording if it finds there is good cause to think the Brown Act has been violated and make public a certified transcript of the relevant portion of the closed session recording.26 Costs and attorney’s fees
A plaintiff who successfully invalidates an action taken in violation of the Brown Act or who successfully enforces one of the Brown Act’s civil remedies may seek court costs and reasonable attorney’s fees. Courts have held that attorney’s fees must be awarded to a successful plaintiff unless special circumstances exist that would make a fee award against the public agency unjust.27 When evaluating how to respond to assertions that the Brown Act has been violated, elected officials and their lawyers should assume that attorney’s fees will be awarded against the agency if a violation of the Brown Act is proven.

An attorney’s fee award may only be directed against the local agency and not the individual members of the legislative body. If the local agency prevails, it may be awarded court costs and attorney’s fees if the court finds the lawsuit was clearly frivolous and lacking in merit.28 Misdemeanor penalties
A violation of the Brown Act is a misdemeanor if (1) a member of the legislative body attends a meeting where action is taken in violation of the Brown Act, and (2) the member intends to deprive the public of information that the member knows or has reason to know the public is entitled to.29 “Action taken” is not only an actual vote but also a collective decision, commitment, or promise by a majority of the legislative body to make a positive or negative decision.30 If the meeting involves mere deliberation without the taking of action, there can be no misdemeanor penalty.

A violation occurs for a tentative as well as final decision.31 In fact, criminal liability is triggered by a member’s participation in a meeting in violation of the Brown Act — not whether that member has voted with the majority or minority, or has voted at all.

As with other misdemeanors, the filing of a complaint is up to the district attorney. Although criminal prosecutions of the Brown Act are uncommon, district attorneys in some counties aggressively monitor public agencies’ adherence to the requirements of the law.

Some attorneys and district attorneys take the position that a Brown Act violation may be pursued criminally under Government Code section 1222.32 There is no case law to support this view.

If anything, the existence of an express criminal remedy within the Brown Act would suggest otherwise.33
PRACTICE TIP: Attorney’s fees
will likely be awarded if a
violation of the Brown Act is
proven.

OPEN & PUBLIC VI: A GUIDE TO THE RALPH M. BROWN ACT 59
Voluntary resolution
Successful enforcement actions for violations of the Brown Act can be costly to local agencies. The district attorney or even the grand jury occasionally becomes involved. Publicity surrounding alleged violations of the Brown Act can result in a loss of confidence by constituents in the legislative body and its members. It is in the agency’s interest to consider re-noticing and rehearing, rather than litigating, an item of significant public interest, particularly when there is any doubt about whether the open meeting requirements were
satisfied.

Overall, agencies that regularly train their officials and pay close attention to the requirements of the Brown Act will have little reason to worry about enforcement.

ENDNOTES
1 Cal. Gov. Code, § 54960.1. Invalidation is limited to actions that violate the following sections of the Brown Act: section 54953 (the basic open meeting provision), sections 54954.2 and 54954.5 (notice and agenda requirements for regular meetings and closed sessions), 54954.6 (tax hearings), 54956 (special meetings), and 54596.5 (emergency situations). Violations of sections not listed above cannot give rise to invalidation actions, but they are subject to the other remedies listed in section 54960.1. 2 Castaic Lake Water Agency v. Newhall County Water District (2015) 238 Cal.App.4th 1196, 1198. 3 Cal. Gov. Code, § 54960.1(d)(2).
4 Cal. Gov. Code, § 54960.1(d)(3).
5 Cal. Gov. Code, § 54960.1(d)(4).
6 Cal. Gov. Code, § 54960.1(d)(5).
7 Cal. Gov. Code, § 54960.1, subds. (b), (c)(1).
8 Cal. Gov. Code, § 54960.1, subd. (c)(2).
9 Cal. Gov. Code, § 54960.1, subd. (c)(4).
10 McKee v. Orange Unified School District (2003) 110 Cal.App.4th 1310, 1318-1319. 11 Cohan v. City of Thousand Oaks (1994) 30 Cal.App.4th 547, 556, 561. 12 Boyle v. City of Redondo Beach (1999) 70 Cal.App.4th 1109, 1116-17, 1118. 13 Cal. Gov. Code, § 54960.2, subd. (a); Senate Bill No. 1003, Section 4 (2011-2012 Session). 14 Cal. Gov. Code, § 54960.2, subds. (a)(1), (2).
15 The legislative body may provide an unconditional commitment after the 30-day period. If the commitment is made after the 30-day period, however, the plaintiff is entitled to attorneys’ fees and costs. Cal. Gov. Code, § 54960.2, subd. (b).
16 Cal. Gov. Code, § 54960.2, subd. (a)(4).
17 Cal. Gov. Code, § 54960.2, subd. (c)(2).

Photo credit: Courtesy of the City of West
Hollywood. Photo by Jon Viscott.
60 OPEN & PUBLIC VI: A GUIDE TO THE RALPH M. BROWN ACT
CHAPTER 6: REMEDIES
18 Cal. Gov. Code, § 54960.2, subd. (c)(1).
19 Cal. Gov. Code, § 54960.2, subd. (c)(3).
20 Cal. Gov. Code, § 54960.2, subd. (d).
21 Cal. Gov. Code, § 54960.2, subd. (e).
22 Cal. Gov. Code, § 54960, subd. (a).
23 California Alliance for Utility Safety and Education (CAUSE) v. City of San Diego (1997) 56 Cal.App.4th 1024; Common Cause v. Stirling (1983) 147 Cal.App.3d 518, 524; Accord Shapiro v. San Diego City Council (2002) 96 Cal.App.4th 904, 916 and fn.6.
24 Kleitman v. Superior Court (1999) 74 Cal.App.4th 324, 334-36. 25 Cal. Gov. Code, § 54960, subd. (b).
26 Cal. Gov. Code, § 54960, subd. (c).
27 Los Angeles Times Communications, LLC v. Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors (2003) 112 Cal.

App.4th 1313, 1327-29 and cases cited therein.
28 Cal. Gov. Code, § 54960.5.
29 Cal. Gov. Code, § 54959. A misdemeanor is punishable by a fine of up to $1,000 or up to six months in county jail, or both (California Penal Code section 19). Employees of the agency who participate in violations of the Brown Act cannot be punished criminally under section 54959. However, at least one district attorney instituted criminal action against employees based on the theory that they criminally conspired with the members of the legislative body to commit a crime under section 54949. 30 Cal. Gov. Code, § 54952.6.
31 61 Ops.Cal.Atty.Gen. 283 (1978).
32 California Government Code section 1222 provides that “[e]very wilful omission to perform any duty enjoined by law upon any public officer, or person holding any public trust or employment, where no special provision is made for the punishment of such delinquency, is punishable as a misdemeanor.” 33 The principle of statutory construction known as expressio unius est exclusio alterius supports the view that section 54959 is the exclusive basis for criminal liability under the Brown Act.

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Rosenberg’s Rules of Order
REVISED 2011
Simple Rules of Parliamentary Procedure for the 21st Century By Judge Dave Rosenberg
ii
MISSION and CORE BELIEFS
To expand and protect local control for cities through education and advocacy to enhance the quality of life for all Californians.

VISION
To be recognized and respected as the leading advocate for the common interests of California’s cities.

About the League of California Cities
Established in 1898, the League of California Cities is a member organization that represents California’s incorporated cities.

The League strives to protect the local authority and automony of city government and help California’s cities effectively serve their residents. In addition to advocating on cities’ behalf at the state capitol, the League provides its members with professional development programs and information resources, conducts education conferences and research, and publishes Western City magazine.
© 2011 League of California Cities. All rights reserved.

About the Author
Dave Rosenberg is a Superior Court Judge in Yolo County. He has served as presiding judge of his court, and as presiding judge of the Superior Court Appellate Division. He also has served as chair of the Trial Court Presiding Judges Advisory Committee (the committee composed of all 58 California presiding judges) and as an advisory member of the California Judicial Council. Prior to his appointment to the bench, Rosenberg was member of the Yolo County Board of Supervisors, where he served two terms as chair. Rosenberg also served on the Davis City Council, including two terms as mayor. He has served on the senior staff of two governors, and worked for 19 years in private law practice. Rosenberg has served as a member and chair of numerous state, regional and local boards. Rosenberg chaired the California State Lottery Commission, the California Victim Compensation and Government Claims Board, the Yolo-Solano Air Quality Management District, the Yolo County Economic Development Commission, and the Yolo County Criminal Justice Cabinet. For many years, he has taught classes on parliamentary procedure and has served as parliamentarian for large and small bodies.
1 Table of Contents
About the Author............................................................................................................ii Introduction....................................................................................................................2 Establishing a Quorum...................................................................................................2 The Role of the Chair......................................................................................................2 The Basic Format for an Agenda Item Discussion........................................................2 Motions in General.........................................................................................................3 The Three Basic Motions................................................................................................3 Multiple Motions Before the Body.................................................................................4 To Debate or Not to Debate............................................................................................4 Majority and Super-Majority Votes ...............................................................................5 Counting Votes................................................................................................................5 The Motion to Reconsider..............................................................................................6 Courtesy and Decorum ..................................................................................................7 Special Notes About Public Input..................................................................................7 2 Establishing a Quorum
The starting point for a meeting is the establishment of a quorum.

A quorum is defined as the minimum number of members of the body who must be present at a meeting for business to be legally transacted. The default rule is that a quorum is one more than half the body. For example, in a five-member body a quorum is three.

When the body has three members present, it can legally transact business. If the body has less than a quorum of members present, it cannot legally transact business. And even if the body has a quorum to begin the meeting, the body can lose the quorum during the meeting when a member departs (or even when a member leaves the dais). When that occurs the body loses its ability to transact business until and unless a quorum is reestablished.

The default rule, identified above, however, gives way to a specific rule of the body that establishes a quorum. For example, the rules of a particular five-member body may indicate that a quorum is four members for that particular body. The body must follow the rules it has established for its quorum. In the absence of such a specific rule, the quorum is one more than half the members of the body.

The Role of the Chair
While all members of the body should know and understand the rules of parliamentary procedure, it is the chair of the body who is charged with applying the rules of conduct of the meeting. The chair should be well versed in those rules. For all intents and purposes, the chair makes the final ruling on the rules every time the chair states an action. In fact, all decisions by the chair are final unless overruled by the body itself.

Since the chair runs the conduct of the meeting, it is usual courtesy for the chair to play a less active role in the debate and discussion than other members of the body. This does not mean that the chair should not participate in the debate or discussion. To the contrary, as a member of the body, the chair has the full right to participate in the debate, discussion and decision-making of the body. What the chair should do, however, is strive to be the last to speak at the discussion and debate stage. The chair should not make or second a motion unless the chair is convinced that no other member of the body will do so at that point in time.

The Basic Format for an Agenda Item Discussion
Formal meetings normally have a written, often published agenda.

Informal meetings may have only an oral or understood agenda. In either case, the meeting is governed by the agenda and the agenda constitutes the body’s agreed-upon roadmap for the meeting. Each agenda item can be handled by the chair in the following basic format:

Introduction
The rules of procedure at meetings should be simple enough for most people to understand. Unfortunately, that has not always been the case. Virtually all clubs, associations, boards, councils and bodies follow a set of rules — Robert’s Rules of Order — which are embodied in a small, but complex, book. Virtually no one I know has actually read this book cover to cover. Worse yet, the book was written for another time and for another purpose. If one is chairing or running a parliament, then Robert’s Rules of Order is a dandy and quite useful handbook for procedure in that complex setting. On the other hand, if one is running a meeting of say, a five-member body with a few members of the public in attendance, a simplified version of the rules of parliamentary procedure is in order.

Hence, the birth of Rosenberg’s Rules of Order.

What follows is my version of the rules of parliamentary procedure, based on my decades of experience chairing meetings in state and local government. These rules have been simplified for the smaller bodies we chair or in which we participate, slimmed down for the 21st Century, yet retaining the basic tenets of order to which we have grown accustomed. Interestingly enough, Rosenberg’s Rules has found a welcoming audience. Hundreds of cities, counties, special districts, committees, boards, commissions, neighborhood associations and private corporations and companies have adopted Rosenberg’s Rules in lieu of Robert’s Rules because they have found them practical, logical, simple, easy to learn and user friendly.

This treatise on modern parliamentary procedure is built on a foundation supported by the following four pillars:

1. Rules should establish order. The first purpose of rules of parliamentary procedure is to establish a framework for the orderly conduct of meetings.

2. Rules should be clear. Simple rules lead to wider understanding and participation. Complex rules create two classes: those who understand and participate; and those who do not fully understand and do not fully participate.

3. Rules should be user friendly. That is, the rules must be simple enough that the public is invited into the body and feels that it has participated in the process.

4. Rules should enforce the will of the majority while protecting the rights of the minority. The ultimate purpose of rules of procedure is to encourage discussion and to facilitate decision making by the body. In a democracy, majority rules. The rules must enable the majority to express itself and fashion a result, while permitting the minority to also express itself, but not dominate, while fully participating in the process.
3 Ninth, the chair takes a vote. Simply asking for the “ayes” and then asking for the “nays” normally does this. If members of the body do not vote, then they “abstain.” Unless the rules of the body provide otherwise (or unless a super majority is required as delineated later in these rules), then a simple majority (as defined in law or the rules of the body as delineated later in these rules) determines whether the motion passes or is defeated.

Tenth, the chair should announce the result of the vote and what action (if any) the body has taken. In announcing the result, the chair should indicate the names of the members of the body, if any, who voted in the minority on the motion. This announcement might take the following form: “The motion passes by a vote of 3-2, with Smith and Jones dissenting. We have passed the motion requiring a 10-day notice for all future meetings of this body.”
Motions in General
Motions are the vehicles for decision making by a body. It is usually best to have a motion before the body prior to commencing discussion of an agenda item. This helps the body focus.

Motions are made in a simple two-step process. First, the chair should recognize the member of the body. Second, the member of the body makes a motion by preceding the member’s desired approach with the words “I move … ”
A typical motion might be: “I move that we give a 10-day notice in the future for all our meetings.”
The chair usually initiates the motion in one of three ways:

1. Inviting the members of the body to make a motion, for example, “A motion at this time would be in order.”

2. Suggesting a motion to the members of the body, “A motion would be in order that we give a 10-day notice in the future for all our meetings.”

3. Making the motion. As noted, the chair has every right as a member of the body to make a motion, but should normally do so only if the chair wishes to make a motion on an item but is convinced that no other member of the body is willing to step forward to do so at a particular time.

The Three Basic Motions
There are three motions that are the most common and recur often at meetings:

The basic motion. The basic motion is the one that puts forward a decision for the body’s consideration. A basic motion might be: “I move that we create a five-member committee to plan and put on our annual fundraiser.”
First, the chair should clearly announce the agenda item number and should clearly state what the agenda item subject is. The chair should then announce the format (which follows) that will be followed in considering the agenda item.

Second, following that agenda format, the chair should invite the appropriate person or persons to report on the item, including any recommendation that they might have. The appropriate person or persons may be the chair, a member of the body, a staff person, or a committee chair charged with providing input on the agenda item.

Third, the chair should ask members of the body if they have any technical questions of clarification. At this point, members of the body may ask clarifying questions to the person or persons who reported on the item, and that person or persons should be given time to respond.

Fourth, the chair should invite public comments, or if appropriate at a formal meeting, should open the public meeting for public input.

If numerous members of the public indicate a desire to speak to the subject, the chair may limit the time of public speakers. At the conclusion of the public comments, the chair should announce that public input has concluded (or the public hearing, as the case may be, is closed).

Fifth, the chair should invite a motion. The chair should announce the name of the member of the body who makes the motion.

Sixth, the chair should determine if any member of the body wishes to second the motion. The chair should announce the name of the member of the body who seconds the motion. It is normally good practice for a motion to require a second before proceeding to ensure that it is not just one member of the body who is interested in a particular approach. However, a second is not an absolute requirement, and the chair can proceed with consideration and vote on a motion even when there is no second. This is a matter left to the discretion of the chair.

Seventh, if the motion is made and seconded, the chair should make sure everyone understands the motion.

This is done in one of three ways:

1. The chair can ask the maker of the motion to repeat it;

2. The chair can repeat the motion; or

3. The chair can ask the secretary or the clerk of the body to repeat the motion.

Eighth, the chair should now invite discussion of the motion by the body. If there is no desired discussion, or after the discussion has ended, the chair should announce that the body will vote on the motion. If there has been no discussion or very brief discussion, then the vote on the motion should proceed immediately and there is no need to repeat the motion. If there has been substantial discussion, then it is normally best to make sure everyone understands the motion by repeating it.
4 First, the chair would deal with the third (the last) motion on the floor, the substitute motion. After discussion and debate, a vote would be taken first on the third motion. If the substitute motion passed, it would be a substitute for the basic motion and would eliminate it. The first motion would be moot, as would the second motion (which sought to amend the first motion), and the action on the agenda item would be completed on the passage by the body of the third motion (the substitute motion). No vote would be taken on the first or second motions.

Second, if the substitute motion failed, the chair would then deal with the second (now the last) motion on the floor, the motion to amend. The discussion and debate would focus strictly on the amendment (should the committee be five or 10 members). If the motion to amend passed, the chair would then move to consider the main motion (the first motion) as amended. If the motion to amend failed, the chair would then move to consider the main motion (the first motion) in its original format, not amended.

Third, the chair would now deal with the first motion that was placed on the floor. The original motion would either be in its original format (five-member committee), or if amended, would be in its amended format (10-member committee). The question on the floor for discussion and decision would be whether a committee should plan and put on the annual fundraiser.

To Debate or Not to Debate
The basic rule of motions is that they are subject to discussion and debate. Accordingly, basic motions, motions to amend, and substitute motions are all eligible, each in their turn, for full discussion before and by the body. The debate can continue as long as members of the body wish to discuss an item, subject to the decision of the chair that it is time to move on and take action.

There are exceptions to the general rule of free and open debate on motions. The exceptions all apply when there is a desire of the body to move on. The following motions are not debatable (that is, when the following motions are made and seconded, the chair must immediately call for a vote of the body without debate on the motion):

Motion to adjourn. This motion, if passed, requires the body to immediately adjourn to its next regularly scheduled meeting. It requires a simple majority vote.

Motion to recess. This motion, if passed, requires the body to immediately take a recess. Normally, the chair determines the length of the recess which may be a few minutes or an hour. It requires a simple majority vote.

Motion to fix the time to adjourn. This motion, if passed, requires the body to adjourn the meeting at the specific time set in the motion. For example, the motion might be: “I move we adjourn this meeting at midnight.” It requires a simple majority vote.

The motion to amend. If a member wants to change a basic motion that is before the body, they would move to amend it. A motion to amend might be: “I move that we amend the motion to have a 10-member committee.” A motion to amend takes the basic motion that is before the body and seeks to change it in some way.

The substitute motion. If a member wants to completely do away with the basic motion that is before the body, and put a new motion before the body, they would move a substitute motion. A substitute motion might be: “I move a substitute motion that we cancel the annual fundraiser this year.”
“Motions to amend” and “substitute motions” are often confused, but they are quite different, and their effect (if passed) is quite different.

A motion to amend seeks to retain the basic motion on the floor, but modify it in some way. A substitute motion seeks to throw out the basic motion on the floor, and substitute a new and different motion for it. The decision as to whether a motion is really a “motion to amend” or a “substitute motion” is left to the chair. So if a member makes what that member calls a “motion to amend,” but the chair determines that it is really a “substitute motion,” then the chair’s designation governs.

A “friendly amendment” is a practical parliamentary tool that is simple, informal, saves time and avoids bogging a meeting down with numerous formal motions. It works in the following way: In the discussion on a pending motion, it may appear that a change to the motion is desirable or may win support for the motion from some members. When that happens, a member who has the floor may simply say, “I want to suggest a friendly amendment to the motion.” The member suggests the friendly amendment, and if the maker and the person who seconded the motion pending on the floor accepts the friendly amendment, that now becomes the pending motion on the floor. If either the maker or the person who seconded rejects the proposed friendly amendment, then the proposer can formally move to amend.

Multiple Motions Before the Body
There can be up to three motions on the floor at the same time.

The chair can reject a fourth motion until the chair has dealt with the three that are on the floor and has resolved them. This rule has practical value. More than three motions on the floor at any given time is confusing and unwieldy for almost everyone, including the chair.

When there are two or three motions on the floor (after motions and seconds) at the same time, the vote should proceed first on the last motion that is made. For example, assume the first motion is a basic “motion to have a five-member committee to plan and put on our annual fundraiser.” During the discussion of this motion, a member might make a second motion to “amend the main motion to have a 10-member committee, not a five-member committee to plan and put on our annual fundraiser.” And perhaps, during that discussion, a member makes yet a third motion as a “substitute motion that we not have an annual fundraiser this year.” The proper procedure would be as follows:
5 Motion to close nominations. When choosing officers of the body (such as the chair), nominations are in order either from a nominating committee or from the floor of the body. A motion to close nominations effectively cuts off the right of the minority to nominate officers and it requires a two-thirds vote to pass.

Motion to object to the consideration of a question. Normally, such a motion is unnecessary since the objectionable item can be tabled or defeated straight up. However, when members of a body do not even want an item on the agenda to be considered, then such a motion is in order. It is not debatable, and it requires a two-thirds vote to pass.

Motion to suspend the rules. This motion is debatable, but requires a two-thirds vote to pass. If the body has its own rules of order, conduct or procedure, this motion allows the body to suspend the rules for a particular purpose. For example, the body (a private club) might have a rule prohibiting the attendance at meetings by non-club members. A motion to suspend the rules would be in order to allow a non-club member to attend a meeting of the club on a particular date or on a particular agenda item.

Counting Votes
The matter of counting votes starts simple, but can become complicated.

Usually, it’s pretty easy to determine whether a particular motion passed or whether it was defeated. If a simple majority vote is needed to pass a motion, then one vote more than 50 percent of the body is required. For example, in a five-member body, if the vote is three in favor and two opposed, the motion passes. If it is two in favor and three opposed, the motion is defeated.

If a two-thirds majority vote is needed to pass a motion, then how many affirmative votes are required? The simple rule of thumb is to count the “no” votes and double that count to determine how many “yes” votes are needed to pass a particular motion. For example, in a seven-member body, if two members vote “no” then the “yes” vote of at least four members is required to achieve a two-thirds majority vote to pass the motion.

What about tie votes? In the event of a tie, the motion always fails since an affirmative vote is required to pass any motion. For example, in a five-member body, if the vote is two in favor and two opposed, with one member absent, the motion is defeated.

Vote counting starts to become complicated when members vote “abstain” or in the case of a written ballot, cast a blank (or unreadable) ballot. Do these votes count, and if so, how does one count them? The starting point is always to check the statutes.

In California, for example, for an action of a board of supervisors to be valid and binding, the action must be approved by a majority of the board. (California Government Code Section 25005.) Typically, this means three of the five members of the board must vote affirmatively in favor of the action. A vote of 2-1 would not be sufficient. A vote of 3-0 with two abstentions would be sufficient. In general law cities in Motion to table. This motion, if passed, requires discussion of the agenda item to be halted and the agenda item to be placed on “hold.” The motion can contain a specific time in which the item can come back to the body. “I move we table this item until our regular meeting in October.” Or the motion can contain no specific time for the return of the item, in which case a motion to take the item off the table and bring it back to the body will have to be taken at a future meeting. A motion to table an item (or to bring it back to the body) requires a simple majority vote.

Motion to limit debate. The most common form of this motion is to say, “I move the previous question” or “I move the question” or “I call the question” or sometimes someone simply shouts out “question.” As a practical matter, when a member calls out one of these phrases, the chair can expedite matters by treating it as a “request” rather than as a formal motion. The chair can simply inquire of the body, “any further discussion?” If no one wishes to have further discussion, then the chair can go right to the pending motion that is on the floor.

However, if even one person wishes to discuss the pending motion further, then at that point, the chair should treat the call for the “question” as a formal motion, and proceed to it.

When a member of the body makes such a motion (“I move the previous question”), the member is really saying: “I’ve had enough debate. Let’s get on with the vote.” When such a motion is made, the chair should ask for a second, stop debate, and vote on the motion to limit debate. The motion to limit debate requires a two-thirds vote of the body.

Note: A motion to limit debate could include a time limit. For example: “I move we limit debate on this agenda item to 15 minutes.” Even in this format, the motion to limit debate requires a twothirds vote of the body. A similar motion is a motion to object to consideration of an item. This motion is not debatable, and if passed, precludes the body from even considering an item on the agenda. It also requires a two-thirds vote.

Majority and Super Majority Votes
In a democracy, a simple majority vote determines a question. A tie vote means the motion fails. So in a seven-member body, a vote of 4-3 passes the motion. A vote of 3-3 with one abstention means the motion fails. If one member is absent and the vote is 3-3, the motion still fails.

All motions require a simple majority, but there are a few exceptions.

The exceptions come up when the body is taking an action which effectively cuts off the ability of a minority of the body to take an action or discuss an item. These extraordinary motions require a two-thirds majority (a super majority) to pass:

Motion to limit debate. Whether a member says, “I move the previous question,” or “I move the question,” or “I call the question,” or “I move to limit debate,” it all amounts to an attempt to cut off the ability of the minority to discuss an item, and it requires a two-thirds vote to pass.
6 Now, exactly how does a member cast an “abstention” vote? Any time a member votes “abstain” or says, “I abstain,” that is an abstention. However, if a member votes “present” that is also treated as an abstention (the member is essentially saying, “Count me for purposes of a quorum, but my vote on the issue is abstain.”) In fact, any manifestation of intention not to vote either “yes” or “no” on the pending motion may be treated by the chair as an abstention. If written ballots are cast, a blank or unreadable ballot is counted as an abstention as well.

Can a member vote “absent” or “count me as absent?” Interesting question. The ruling on this is up to the chair. The better approach is for the chair to count this as if the member had left his/her chair and is actually “absent.” That, of course, affects the quorum. However, the chair may also treat this as a vote to abstain, particularly if the person does not actually leave the dais.

The Motion to Reconsider
There is a special and unique motion that requires a bit of explanation all by itself; the motion to reconsider. A tenet of parliamentary procedure is finality. After vigorous discussion, debate and a vote, there must be some closure to the issue. And so, after a vote is taken, the matter is deemed closed, subject only to reopening if a proper motion to consider is made and passed.

A motion to reconsider requires a majority vote to pass like other garden-variety motions, but there are two special rules that apply only to the motion to reconsider.

First, is the matter of timing. A motion to reconsider must be made at the meeting where the item was first voted upon. A motion to reconsider made at a later time is untimely. (The body, however, can always vote to suspend the rules and, by a two-thirds majority, allow a motion to reconsider to be made at another time.)
Second, a motion to reconsider may be made only by certain members of the body. Accordingly, a motion to reconsider may be made only by a member who voted in the majority on the original motion. If such a member has a change of heart, he or she may make the motion to reconsider (any other member of the body — including a member who voted in the minority on the original motion — may second the motion). If a member who voted in the minority seeks to make the motion to reconsider, it must be ruled out of order. The purpose of this rule is finality. If a member of minority could make a motion to reconsider, then the item could be brought back to the body again and again, which would defeat the purpose of finality.

If the motion to reconsider passes, then the original matter is back before the body, and a new original motion is in order. The matter may be discussed and debated as if it were on the floor for the first time.

California, as another example, resolutions or orders for the payment of money and all ordinances require a recorded vote of the total members of the city council. (California Government Code Section 36936.) Cities with charters may prescribe their own vote requirements. Local elected officials are always well-advised to consult with their local agency counsel on how state law may affect the vote count.

After consulting state statutes, step number two is to check the rules of the body. If the rules of the body say that you count votes of “those present” then you treat abstentions one way. However, if the rules of the body say that you count the votes of those “present and voting,” then you treat abstentions a different way. And if the rules of the body are silent on the subject, then the general rule of thumb (and default rule) is that you count all votes that are “present and voting.” Accordingly, under the “present and voting” system, you would NOT count abstention votes on the motion. Members who abstain are counted for purposes of determining quorum (they are “present”), but you treat the abstention votes on the motion as if they did not exist (they are not “voting”). On the other hand, if the rules of the body specifically say that you count votes of those “present” then you DO count abstention votes both in establishing the quorum and on the motion. In this event, the abstention votes act just like “no” votes.

How does this work in practice?
Here are a few examples.

Assume that a five-member city council is voting on a motion that requires a simple majority vote to pass, and assume further that the body has no specific rule on counting votes. Accordingly, the default rule kicks in and we count all votes of members that are “present and voting.” If the vote on the motion is 3-2, the motion passes. If the motion is 2-2 with one abstention, the motion fails.

Assume a five-member city council voting on a motion that requires a two-thirds majority vote to pass, and further assume that the body has no specific rule on counting votes. Again, the default rule applies.

If the vote is 3-2, the motion fails for lack of a two-thirds majority. If the vote is 4-1, the motion passes with a clear two-thirds majority. A vote of three “yes,” one “no” and one “abstain” also results in passage of the motion. Once again, the abstention is counted only for the purpose of determining quorum, but on the actual vote on the motion, it is as if the abstention vote never existed — so an effective 3-1 vote is clearly a two-thirds majority vote.

Now, change the scenario slightly. Assume the same five-member city council voting on a motion that requires a two-thirds majority vote to pass, but now assume that the body DOES have a specific rule requiring a two-thirds vote of members “present.” Under this specific rule, we must count the members present not only for quorum but also for the motion. In this scenario, any abstention has the same force and effect as if it were a “no” vote. Accordingly, if the votes were three “yes,” one “no” and one “abstain,” then the motion fails. The abstention in this case is treated like a “no” vote and effective vote of 3-2 is not enough to pass two-thirds majority muster.
7 Appeal. If the chair makes a ruling that a member of the body disagrees with, that member may appeal the ruling of the chair. If the motion is seconded, and after debate, if it passes by a simple majority vote, then the ruling of the chair is deemed reversed.

Call for orders of the day. This is simply another way of saying, “return to the agenda.” If a member believes that the body has drifted from the agreed-upon agenda, such a call may be made. It does not require a vote, and when the chair discovers that the agenda has not been followed, the chair simply reminds the body to return to the agenda item properly before them. If the chair fails to do so, the chair’s determination may be appealed.

Withdraw a motion. During debate and discussion of a motion, the maker of the motion on the floor, at any time, may interrupt a speaker to withdraw his or her motion from the floor. The motion is immediately deemed withdrawn, although the chair may ask the person who seconded the motion if he or she wishes to make the motion, and any other member may make the motion if properly recognized.

Special Notes About Public Input
The rules outlined above will help make meetings very publicfriendly. But in addition, and particularly for the chair, it is wise to remember three special rules that apply to each agenda item:

Rule One: Tell the public what the body will be doing.

Rule Two: Keep the public informed while the body is doing it.

Rule Three: When the body has acted, tell the public what the body did.

Courtesy and Decorum
The rules of order are meant to create an atmosphere where the members of the body and the members of the public can attend to business efficiently, fairly and with full participation. At the same time, it is up to the chair and the members of the body to maintain common courtesy and decorum. Unless the setting is very informal, it is always best for only one person at a time to have the floor, and it is always best for every speaker to be first recognized by the chair before proceeding to speak.

The chair should always ensure that debate and discussion of an agenda item focuses on the item and the policy in question, not the personalities of the members of the body. Debate on policy is healthy, debate on personalities is not. The chair has the right to cut off discussion that is too personal, is too loud, or is too crude.

Debate and discussion should be focused, but free and open. In the interest of time, the chair may, however, limit the time allotted to speakers, including members of the body.

Can a member of the body interrupt the speaker? The general rule is “no.” There are, however, exceptions. A speaker may be interrupted for the following reasons:

Privilege. The proper interruption would be, “point of privilege.” The chair would then ask the interrupter to “state your point.” Appropriate points of privilege relate to anything that would interfere with the normal comfort of the meeting. For example, the room may be too hot or too cold, or a blowing fan might interfere with a person’s ability to hear.

Order. The proper interruption would be, “point of order.” Again, the chair would ask the interrupter to “state your point.” Appropriate points of order relate to anything that would not be considered appropriate conduct of the meeting. For example, if the chair moved on to a vote on a motion that permits debate without allowing that discussion or debate.
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I have received my copy of the City of Carpinteria’s City Council Advisory Group Handbook. My signature below certifies that I understand and agree that it is my responsibility to read and abide by the policies and procedures contained in this Handbook. I further understand that the policies and procedures contained in this Handbook may be added to, deleted or changed by the City at any time.

As a member of a Carpinteria City Council Advisory Group, I agree to uphold the Rules of Conduct and Decorum specified in this Handbook.

I affirm that I have read and that I understand, accept, and support the City’s Rules of Conduct and Decorum.

Please fill out the information below and sign and return this page to the City Clerk’s Office.
______________________________ ______________________________ Council Advisory Group Name Position
______________________________
Name
______________________________ ______________________________ Signature Date
City of Carpinteria

COUNCIL AGENDA STAFF REPORT

ITEM FOR COUNCIL CONSIDERATION
First Quarter Code Compliance Report for Fiscal Year 2025-26

STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Receive and file the First Quarter Code Compliance Report for Fiscal Year 2025–26.

BACKGROUND
The Code Compliance Division enforces local and state laws within the City of Carpinteria. Staffing includes one Code Compliance Supervisor and one Code Compliance Officer II, whose varied schedules generally provide coverage to the city seven days a week. Code Compliance staff work both proactively and in response to community-initiated requests to address zoning, building, homelessness, public nuisances, smoking restrictions, animal control, and parking regulations, within City limits.

Code Compliance staff work in cooperation with all City Departments, the Sheriff’s Office, and other outside agencies to resolve code-related issues and calls for service in an efficient and timely manner.

At the request of the City Council, Code Compliance staff provides a quarterly report summarizing the recent types and number of compliance efforts addressed by the Code Compliance division. Where appropriate or noteworthy, the quarterly report can be used to highlight current issue areas, trends (both positive and negative), or particularly significant cases that have been addressed.

Figure 1, below, provides the available means to contact Code Compliance staff. Contact via the City’s service request portal (web link provided below) is the preferred method for filing a complaint or logging a request for service.

Figure 1. Code Compliance Contact Information
https://carpinteriaca.gov/servicerequest/
David Hernandez (805) 755-4418 [email protected] Henry Menendez (805) 755-4413 [email protected]
Agenda Section: Other Business
Agenda Item No.: 8
Council Meeting Date: November 10, 2025
First Quarter Code Compliance Report
November 10, 2025