PURPOSE:
The purpose of this policy is to establish a clear and transparent process for adding items to the City Council meeting agenda. This policy aims to ensure that all relevant matters are considered in a timely and efficient manner, promoting effective governance and responsiveness to the needs of the community. This policy refines the procedures for agenda item addition, allowing City Council members to request agenda items during Council meetings, while providing the Mayor and City Manager the flexibility to add items at any time, subject to the agenda posting requirements of the Brown Act, except in emergency situations.
AUTHORITY:
This policy shall be adopted by a majority vote of the City Council and shall become effective immediately upon approval.
APPLICATION:
This policy shall be applicable to all regular City Council meetings.
POLICY:
Authority to Add Agenda Items:
City Council Members' Authority:
City Council members are authorized to request the addition of items to the City Council meeting agenda exclusively during a City Council meeting.
Requests must be made verbally during the meeting, accompanied by a concise description and rationale.
Mayor and City Manager's Authority:
The Mayor and City Manager retain the authority to add items to the agenda at any time.
Added items must adhere to the agenda posting requirements of the Brown Act, except in cases of emergency.
Emergency additions necessitate a post hoc explanation and justification.
Procedures for Agenda Item Addition:
City Council Members:
A Council member may request the addition of an item to the agenda during a City Council meeting through verbal communication.
The request will undergo review and discussion during the meeting, requiring a majority vote for approval (at least three affirmative votes).
Mayor and City Manager:
The Mayor and City Manager may add items to the agenda at any time.
Added items must comply with the agenda posting requirements of the Brown Act, excluding emergency situations.
Emergency additions necessitate a post hoc explanation and justification.
The City Clerk shall be responsible for receiving and processing agenda item addition requests from City Council members, ensuring compliance with established procedures.
The City Clerk, in collaboration with relevant administrative staff, shall oversee the addition of items to the agenda by the Mayor and City Manager, verifying adherence to the Brown Act requirements.
REVIEW AND AMENDMENTS:
This policy shall be subject to periodic review by the City Council, with any necessary amendments made through a formal process of approval.
AUTHORITY TO ADD AGENDA ITEMS DRAFT POLICY LANGUAGE