Council Chamber, 580 Pacific
St., and Zoom Teleconference
Monterey, California
Monterey City Council
Special Meeting Agenda
Council Special Meeting
Wednesday, August 24, 2022
4:00 PM
City Council
Clyde Roberson, Mayor
Dan Albert, Councilmember
Alan Haffa, Councilmember
Ed Smith, Councilmember
Tyller Williamson, Councilmember
City Manager
Hans Uslar
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CALL TO ORDER
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
PUBLIC APPEARANCE
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8/24/2022 4:00:00 PM
2 1. Adopt a Resolution Supporting the Principles of “Mutually Monterey: A Unified Governance Framework” (Not a Project Under CEQA Article 20, Section 15378 and Under General Rule Article 5, Section 15061)
***Adjourn to Closed Session (See additional agenda)***
ADJOURNMENT
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Agenda Report
FROM: Hans Uslar, City Manager
Prepared by: Nat Rojanasathira, Assistant City Manager
SUBJECT: Adopt a Resolution Supporting the Principles of “Mutually Monterey: A Unified Governance Framework.” (Not a Project Under CEQA Article 20, Section 15378 and Under General Rule Article 5, Section 15061)
RECOMMENDATION:
That the City Council adopt a resolution supporting the principles of “Mutually Monterey: A Unified Governance Framework.”
VALUE DRIVERS:
In collaboration with our community partners, work to improve the quality of life of all of our community members by fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion; championing equitable access to affordable housing; and maintaining a safe environment.
POLICY IMPLICATIONS:
Adopting the principles of “Mutually Monterey: A Unified Governance Framework” can be a helpful guide for the City Council in its transition to district-based elections. Furthermore, adoption of a unified governance framework would help support elements of effective city councils, as acknowledged by the Institute for Local Government (ILG): unity of purpose; positive governance culture; clear roles and responsibilities; and norms, protocols, and policies.
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
None.
ENVIRONMENTAL DETERMINATION:
The City of Monterey determined that the proposed action is not a project as defined by the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)(CCR, Title 14, Chapter 3 (CEQA Guidelines), Article 20, Section 15378). In addition, CEQA Guidelines Section 15061 includes the general rule that CEQA applies only to activities which have the potential for causing a significant effect on the environment. Where it can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility that the activity in question may have a significant effect on the environment, the activity is not subject to CEQA. Because the proposed action and this matter have no potential to cause any effect on the environment, or because it falls within a category of activities excluded as projects pursuant to CEQA Guidelines section 15378, this matter is not a project. Because the matter does not cause a direct or any reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change on or in the environment, this matter is not a project. Any subsequent discretionary projects resulting from this action will be assessed for CEQA applicability.
Date: 8/24/2022
Item No.: 1.
Council Special Meeting, 8/24/2022, Item No. 1., Item Page 1, Packet Page 3 ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED:
The City Council could choose not to adopt this resolution, however, this is not recommended.
DISCUSSION:
This Special Meeting is part two of a discussion with the City Council about potential governance principles and practices as a direct result of the most recent switch from at-large elections to district-based elections. The City Council held its initial discussion about a governance model framework called “Mutually Monterey” at its Study Session on July 27, 2022.
Staff incorporated feedback from the City Council and community members from the July 27th meeting and are recommending that City Council adopt this resolution at its Special Meeting on August 24. The intent is for this resolution to be reviewed and revisited as needed with future City Councils.
Monterey’s Transition to District-based Elections for Electoral Purposes On February 15, 2022, the Monterey City Council adopted an ordinance converting the City of Monterey's City Council elections process from an at-large system to a district-based election system. The transition begins with Councilmembers for Districts 1 and 2 to be elected for the first time in the City’s history in November 2022, and Councilmembers for Districts 3 and 4 to be elected in November 2024. The Mayor would continue to be elected on an at-large basis.
Between November 2021 and February 2022, when the City Council considered transitioning to district-based elections, policymakers and community members alike expressed concern about the City becoming divided as a result of “district-based thinking.” Cities that shift from at-large system to district-based system can greatly benefit from discussing a unified governance framework. Without a unified governance framework, cities may experience a more divided community, fractured councils, and a community that is seen from a limited lens that is based on districts and not as one.
Best Practices Among Cities Transitioning to District-based Elections According to the League of California Cities (Cal Cities), the California Voting Rights Act (CVRA) has had a profound impact on local governance because it has driven cities like Monterey to transition to district-based elections. Cal Cities reports that during these transitions, it is common for formerly at-large Councilmembers to not radically change their behavior.
However, big culture shifts in governance occur when new Councilmembers are elected who have never won an at-large seat.
The four core elements of effective city councils, according to the Institute for Local Government (ILG) are:
1. Unity of Purpose
2. Positive Governance Culture
3. Clear Roles and Responsibilities
4. Norms, Protocols and Policies
Council Special Meeting, 8/24/2022, Item No. 1., Item Page 2, Packet Page 4 As stated during the July 27, 2022 City Council Study Session, a process recommended by ILG is for cities to work through the impacts of at-large to district-based elections, develop a unified vision of governance, discuss existing and potential governance norms, and review/discuss potential policy impacts.
Feedback from the City Council during the July 27, 2022 in response to key questions included:
Big picture: Is “election by district” the same as “governing by district”? How do you maximize the opportunities and minimize the risks?
Councilmembers noted that revisiting the shared vision and goal, as well as City Staff Work Plan priorities, can help the legislative body focus on Citywide priorities.
Monterey is comprised of many different communities of interest, and feedback from neighborhood associations will continue to be important, as will business associations and other groups.
In reality, citizens will be electing councilmembers by district and will expect their City government and elected officials to be responsive. The City must continue to be inclusive by listening to the needs of residents’ diverse thoughts and perspectives.
City Council may want to consider shifts on how Boards and Commissions are appointed to ensure geographic diversity.
What's required: What is required to change under district elections? The process by which councilmembers in Districts 1, 2, 3, and 4 are elected. A potential pull toward district-based priorities: What can be done to assure that decisions are made based on what is best for the City as a whole? What will help maintain a citywide perspective?
Onboarding and early team-building with new elected officials may help reemphasize community-wide needs as part of the organizational culture. Allocating time with key members of City staff on priorities. A fair and inclusive process: What happens when a constituent from someone else’s district reaches out to you? What would be the best way to address specific concerns of a district’s constituents? How and when should items be raised to the entire council to ensure awareness of issues that may have citywide impacts? Continue mutual respect among councilmembers.
The City should continue to provide responsive services to constituents, working with the Mayor and City Manager to address issues first, with councilmembers informed as appropriate.
Council recognized that residents have the right to reach out to any councilmember based on topics and issues, not necessarily based on district. It can be difficult to identify what is topic-specific and what has neighborhood impacts, as all Council decisions have Citywide impacts. Delivering critical services with finite resources: What factors and principles have made Monterey successful in the first place?
Working with revenue-generating partners such as hospitality and business. Supporting core services including public safety, parks, recreation, and more.
Council Special Meeting, 8/24/2022, Item No. 1., Item Page 3, Packet Page 5 In the future, Council may want to more closely look at discretionary funding with the Neighborhood and Community Improvement Program (NCIP) and if/how the City is equitable in the distribution of resources.
Constituent expectations: What might residents expect from the new way of electing councilmembers?
Citizens may default to the councilmember from their district first. The City may need to help educate the public on how the City Council works together and “what is good for the City.”
Councilmembers should remain informed about neighborhood meetings. Open dialogue and communication about district-based elections can be promoted on Have Your Say Monterey.
Teamwork: How can the Council continue to work as a cohesive team through this transition?
Continue to be collegial, review goals and outcomes for the City, and refrain from being territorial.
Remember the City’s form of governance as a Council-Manager form of government, with each councilmember having an equal vote. Team-building activities for the new City Council.
Guidelines for board interactions, ethical behavior.
“Mutually Monterey”: A Unified Governance Framework
While the intent of CVRA is to provide better representations of candidates favored by minorities, another outcome of the City’s shift to district-based elections is that the City Council will become geographically diverse, with representation from various neighborhoods of the City.
Staff believes that the City Council’s goal is for each Councilmember to make decisions with the City’s best interests as a whole as their primary focus while remaining inclusive by listening to the needs of residents’ diverse thoughts and perspectives. “Mutually Monterey” is that unified governance framework for the current City Council to consider, and for future City Councils to revisit.
This framework is being branded “Mutually Monterey,” since it reflects the foundation that as a community, we are mutually respectful of one another, mutually collaborative, and look for mutually beneficial solutions to community challenges. “Mutually Monterey” means that we support diversity, equity, and inclusiveness and that the City Council and staff work together, not in silos.
At its Study Session on July 27, 2022, staff received feedback from the City Council, as well as the community, on the proposed core principles of the “Mutually Monterey” framework for the City Council to consider. City Councilmembers agreed with most of the core principles of the framework. Some community members provided helpful feedback that the framework is being brought forward may be fear-based or afraid of change. The purpose of the framework is to seek clarity on what ILG describes are elements of effective city councils: unity of purpose; positive governance culture; clear roles and responsibilities; and norms, protocols, and policies.
The intent is to be inclusive as well as ensure transparency and trust among all neighborhoods and communities of interest in the City of Monterey.
Council Special Meeting, 8/24/2022, Item No. 1., Item Page 4, Packet Page 6 City staff is recommending the following changes (tracked changes shown with strikethrough text and new text underlined) to the initially proposed principles of the “Mutually Monterey” framework for the City Council to consider:
Reaffirming that the City Council is committed to working mutually and collaboratively under the Council-Manager form of government and governing as a body that represents the interests of the City as a whole by being inclusive and taking into consideration feedback from all communities of interest.
Recognizing that a Councilmember election district is not a political subdivision, and that while Councilmembers are elected by district, the Mayor and Councilmembers take an oath to represent the entire City of Monterey and its citizens. The Mayor and City Councilmembers are committed to making decisions that are in the interests of the entire community, hearing from residents with diverse viewpoints across the City, and giving equal consideration to issues and people inside and outside councilmember election districts.
Understanding that democracy means that members of the City Council may not always agree on issues, but are committed to respecting one another, respecting members of the community, and engaging in healthy debate.
Respecting that once a decision is made by the City Council, all members of the City Council and staff will work to support maintain civility regarding that decision, regardless of whether or not one initially supported that decision, because we are all committed to a positive outcome for the City.
Committing to continue to fully engage regarding every issue before the City Council, regardless of which district(s) may be most directly impacted by the issue. This includes hearing all stakeholders, without regard to which District they might reside. Agreeing that decisions regarding resources of the City government, both financial and personnel, will continue to be based on the needs of all residents in the City of Monterey, and not simply divided by Districts. City resources will not be used to conduct meetings or similar activities for self-promotion only in a councilmember’s election district, as that would not unite our community.
Continuing to raise issues and concerns using the established process with the City Manager, or the process to request for an item to be added to a City Council agenda.
Council members will continue to work through the City Manager or City Attorney, rather than consult other staff.
Representing all neighborhoods in Monterey, and continuing to work mutually as a City Council, to represent the greater good.
Next Steps
Staff recommends that the City Council adopt this resolution at its Special Meeting on August 24, 2022.
The City Council may also choose to discuss unified governance at a future Study Session or City Council Workshop, or table the item and discuss this matter further in early 2023 when one or more new members become part of the City Council.
Council Special Meeting, 8/24/2022, Item No. 1., Item Page 5, Packet Page 7 Attachment: Resolution
Writings distributed for discussion or consideration on this matter within 72 hours prior to the meeting, pursuant to Government Code § 54957.5, will be made available at the following link:
https://monterey.org/Submitted-Comments
Council Special Meeting, 8/24/2022, Item No. 1., Item Page 6, Packet Page 8 RESOLUTION NO. __- ___ C.S.
A RESOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MONTEREY
№07/19
SUPPORTING THE PRINCIPLES OF
“MUTUALLY MONTEREY: A UNIFIED GOVERNANCE FRAMEWORK”
WHEREAS, the City Council reaffirms its commitment to working mutually and collaboratively under the Council-Manager form of government and governing as a body that represents the interests of the City as a whole by being inclusive and taking into consideration feedback from all communities of interest;
WHEREAS, the City Council recognizes that while Councilmembers are elected by district, the Mayor and Councilmembers take an oath to represent the entire City of Monterey and its citizens. The Mayor and City Councilmembers are committed to making decisions that are in the interests of the entire community, hearing from residents with diverse viewpoints across the City, and giving equal consideration to issues and people inside and outside councilmember election districts;
WHEREAS, the City Council understands that democracy means that members of the City Council may not always agree on issues, but are committed to respecting one another, respecting members of the community, and engaging in healthy debate; WHEREAS, the City Council respects that once a decision is made by the City Council, all members of the City Council and staff will maintain civility regarding that decision, regardless of whether or not one initially supported that decision, because we are all committed to a positive outcome for the City;
WHEREAS, the City Council is committed to continuing to fully engage regarding every issue before the City Council, regardless of which district(s) may be most directly impacted by the issue. This includes hearing all stakeholders, without regard to which District they might reside;
WHEREAS, the City Council agrees that decisions regarding resources of the City government, both financial and personnel, will continue to be based on the needs of all residents in the City of Monterey, and not simply divided by Districts; WHEREAS, the City Council will continue to raise issues and concerns using the established process with the City Manager, or the process to request for an item to be added to a City Council agenda. Council members will continue to work through the City Manager or City Attorney, rather than consult other staff;
WHEREAS, the City Council believes in representing all neighborhoods in Monterey, and continuing to work mutually as a City Council, to represent the greater good; and WHEREAS, the City of Monterey determined that the proposed action is not a project as defined by the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)(CCR, Title 14, Chapter 3 (“CEQA Guidelines), Article 20, Section 15378). In addition, CEQA Guidelines Section 15061 includes the general rule that CEQA applies only to activities which have the potential for causing a Council Special Meeting, 8/24/2022, Item No. 1., Item Page 7, Packet Page 9 2 significant effect on the environment. Where it can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility that the activity in question may have a significant effect on the environment, the activity is not subject to CEQA. Because the proposed action and this matter have no potential to cause any effect on the environment, or because it falls within a category of activities excluded as projects pursuant to CEQA Guidelines section 15378, this matter is not a project.
Because the matter does not cause a direct or any reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change on or in the environment, this matter is not a project. Any subsequent discretionary projects resulting from this action will be assessed for CEQA applicability.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MONTEREY that it supports the foregoing principles of “Mutually Monterey: A Unified Governance Framework.”
PASSED AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MONTEREY this _____ day of _______, 202_, by the following vote:
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS:
NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS:
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS:
ABSTAIN: COUNCILMEMBERS:
APPROVED:
ATTEST:
Mayor of said City
City Clerk thereof
Council Special Meeting, 8/24/2022, Item No. 1., Item Page 8, Packet Page 10