Proposed amendments to Council’s Temporary Rules of ProcedureAdditions are indicated indouble underline textanddeletions are indicated instrikeout text
APPROVED AS TO FORM AND LEGALITY
DRAFT________________________CITY ATTORNEY’S OFFICE
NOTE: TEMPORARY AMENDMENTS TO COUNCIL’S RULES OFPROCEDURE ARE INRED – These amendments are in effect during period that state or local public healthofficials have imposed or recommended social distancing measures due to COVID-19pandemic.
OAKLAND CITY COUNCILRESOLUTION NO. ________C.M.S.
INTRODUCED BY COUNCIL PRESIDENT NIKKI FORTUNATO BAS
RESOLUTIONAMENDINGTHECOUNCIL'STEMPORARYRULESOFPROCEDURESET FORTH IN RESOLUTIONNO. 88266C.M.S.,(EXCEPTFORMODIFICATIONSTO RULE25,THE“HIGHSTAKESNEGOTIATIONSPOLICY”APPROVEDBYRESOLUTIONNO.88785C.M.S.),WHICHESTABLISHGUIDELINESFORCOUNCILANDCOUNCILCOMMITTEEMEETINGSANDREQUIREMENTSDURINGTHEPERIODOFTHELOCALEMERGENCYDECLAREDBYTHECITYADMINISTRATORONMARCH9, 2020ANDCONFIRMEDBYCITYCOUNCILRESOLUTIONNO.88075C.M.S.ONMARCH12,2020,TO:(1)ESTABLISHMOREFREQUENTCOMMITTEEMEETINGS;(2)CLARIFYHOWLONGMEMBERSOFTHEPUBLICHAVETORAISETHEIRHANDSTOADVISETHECOUNCILANDCITYCLERKTHATTHEYWISHTOCOMMENTONAGENDAITEMS;(3)CLARIFYTHEPROCESSFORREQUESTINGSCHEDULINGOFITEMSVIARULE28; (4)ESTABLISHAPOLICYREGARDINGWHENCOUNCILMEMBERSSHOULDHAVETHEIRCAMERASONDURINGTELECONFERENCEMEETINGS;AND(5)MAKENON-SUBSTANTIVETECHNICALEDITS;ANDSETTINGFORTH IN THEIRENTIRETYTHERULESOFPROCEDURE AS AMENDED BY THIS RESOLUTION WHEREAS, duetothespreadofCOVID-19(coronavirus)withinthestate,onMarch1,2020theAlamedaCountyPublicHealthDepartment,andonMarch4,2020,GovernorGavinNewsom,declaredlocalandstatepublichealthemergenciesduetothespreadofCOVID-19locallyandwithinthestate,pursuanttoHealth&SafetyCodesection101080andGovernmentCode section 8625, respectively, and
WHEREAS, onMarch9,2020,theCityAdministratorinhercapacityastheDirectoroftheEmergencyOperationsCenter(EOC),issuedaproclamationoflocalemergencyduetothespreadofCOVID-19inOakland,andonMarch12,the-CityCouncilpassedResolutionNo.88075C.M.S.confirmingtheexistenceofthelocalemergencyproclaimedbytheCityAdministratorpursuanttoherpowerunderOaklandMunicipalCodesection8.50.050(C)toproclaimalocalemergencyprovidedthatthelocalemergencyproclamationshallremainineffectonlyiftheCityCouncil confirms the existence of the emergency within seven days; and WHEREAS, onMarch19,2020,GovernorNewsomissuedExecutiveOrderN-33-20,ordering“allindividualslivingin theStateof Californiato stayhomeorat theirplaceofresidenceexceptas neededto maintaincontinuityof operationsof the federalcriticalinfrastructuresectors”,andfurtheracknowledgedthatthe“supplychainmustcontinue,andCalifornians must have access to such necessities as food, prescriptions, and health care”; and WHEREAS,ExecutiveOrderN-33-20providesthat,to mitigate/controlthespreadofCOVID-1,whenpeopleneedtoleavetheirhomesorplacesofresidencetocarryoutspecifiedessentialfunctionsorto facilitatenecessaryactivities,theyshouldatalltimespractice“socialdistancing”,whichmeansremainingadistanceofsix(6)feetfromotherpersonswheninpublicplaces; and WHEREAS, theCityAdministratorin hiscapacityastheDirectoroftheEOChasauthority“topromulgateorders,rules,andregulationsonmattersreasonablyrelatedto theprotectionoflifeandpropertyandthepreservationofpublicpeaceandorder, inaccordancewithArticle 14 of the California Emergency Services Act; and WHEREAS,onMarch23,2020pursuanttohisauthorityasDirectoroftheEOC,theCityAdministratorhasissuedemergencyorders,includinganorderthatsuspendsprovisionsoftheSunshineOrdinance(OaklandMunicipalCodeChapter2.20)andtheCouncil’s RulesofProcedureResolutionNo.87044C.M.S.forthedurationofthelocalemergencyoruntilsuchtimetheMarch23,2020isrescindedortheCityCouncilterminatestheemergency, whicheverisearlier;“totheextentnecessarytoallowtheCitytoconductitsbusinessinaccordancewiththeCalifornia Brown Act;” and WHEREAS,the Governor’s ExecutiveOrder29-20suspendedthe followingrequirementsoftheBrownAct:(1)thattheCouncilnoticeaphysicallocationforitsmeetings,(2)thatallCouncilmembersparticipateinteleconferencemeetingsfroma locationwithintheterritoriallimitsoftheCityofOakland;(3)thateachteleconferencelocationbenoticedandaccessible to the public; WHEREAS, it is imperativethatcitizenspracticesocialdistancing(i.e.,maintainadistanceofsixfeetfromothers)in publicplacessuchasCityparks,recreationalareasandfacilities serving those areas to avoid contracting or exposing others to COVID-19; and WHEREAS,basedontheCityAdministrator’s March23,2020EmergencyOrderandGovernor’s ExecutiveOrderNo.29-20the(1)BrownActdeadlinesfornoticingCouncilandCouncilCommitteemeetings(72hoursforregularmeetingsand24hoursforspecialmeetings)arein effectforthedurationofthelocalemergencyandtheSunshineOrdinance’s noticing deadlines(10daysforregularmeetingsand48hoursforspecialmeetingsexcludingholidaysandweekends)weresuspended;(2)theentireCouncilandtheentiretyofeachCouncilstandingCommitteemaymeetviateleconference;(3)in accordwiththeBrownAct,therearenodeadlinesforfiling/submittingagenda-relatedmaterialsandtheSunshineOrdinance’s deadlinesfor agenda- related materials are suspended; and WHEREAS,notwithstandingthattheBrownActdeadlinesfornoticingmeetingsareineffectandinaccordwiththeBrownActtherearenodeadlinesforagenda-relatedmaterials,theCityCounciliscommittedtostrivingtoprovidetransparencyandgreaternoticethantheBrownActrequires,andto providingthepublicagenda-relatedmaterialsas soonas reasonablypracticable for Council and Council Committee meetings; and WHEREAS,the Councilaccordingly, has decidedto restored (1) the SunshineOrdinance’s 10-daynoticingrequirementsfor regularopensessionCouncilandCouncilCommitteemeetingsand(2) Sunshine’s 48-houradvancenotice(excludingholidaysandweekends) for special open session Council and Council Committee meetings; and WHEREAS,theCounciltherefore,wishesto terminated theprovisionof theCityAdministrator’s March23,2020EmergencyOrderthatsuspendedtheSunshineOrdinance’s10-days and48-hours advancenoticingrequirementsfor regularandspecialopensessionCouncil and Council Committee meetings; and WHEREAS,theCounciloftheCityofOaklandherebydeclaresthatthebusinessoftheCityistobeconductedinanorderlyandefficientmannertofacilitatesoundCityCouncilandpublic deliberation and decision making; and WHEREAS,theCityCouncilherebydeclaresthattheproperoperationofdemocraticgovernmentrequiresthatpublicofficialsareboundtoobserve,intheirofficialacts,thehigheststandardsofperformanceandtodischargefaithfullythedutiesoftheiroffice,regardlessofpersonalconsiderations.Recognizingthatthepublic'sinterestmustbetheirprimaryconcern,their conduct in both their official and private affairs should be above reproach; and WHEREAS,thefollowingRulesofProcedureseektoprovidefor:(1)reasonabletimeforpublicinputandcommentonagendaitemsattheCommitteeandCityCouncilmeetings;(2)in-depthstudyofpolicyproposals,forproblem-solvingopportunitiesamongstaff,Councilmembersandthepublicanddevelopmentofpolicyalternativesatthecommitteelevel;(3)morefocused(andfewer)CityCouncilagendaitemsbylimitingitemstothoseaCommitteehas had the opportunityto discussand as to whicha Committeehas developedrecommendations;and(4)anagendathatismanagedmoreefficientlyandeffectivelyandforpredictablediscussiontimesfordebateregardingagendaitemsinordertoavoidlongwaitsbythepublicas theCouncilconsidersprocedural,ceremonialandconsentitems(asdefinedherein); and WHEREAS,inrecognitionofthesegoals,theCityCouncildesirestoestablishRulesofProcedure for the Conduct of City Council Meetings and a Code of Ethics; and WHEREAS, CityChartersection210mandatesthattheCouncilprovidebyresolutionfor the order of business and the rules of procedure for the conduct of Council meetings; and WHEREAS,theBrownAct(GovernmentCodesection54950,etseq.)authorizestheCouncil to prescribe reasonable rules and regulations for public speakers; now therefore be it RESOLVED:ThatinaccordancewithSection208oftheCharteroftheCityofOakland,thetimeandplaceofCouncilmeetingsisherebydeterminedtobethefollowing:TheCouncilshallmeetinregularsessiononthefirstandthirdTuesdaysofthemonth,commencingat1:30p.m.viateleconferenceduringthedeclaredemergencyandstateand/orAlamedaCountysocialdistancingorders/recommendations;Councilshouldseektolimitmeetingstonomorethanfive(5)hoursindurationunlessextendedbya supermajorityvoteoftwo-thirdsofthemembersoftheCouncilin attendanceat themeeting;Councilmembersshouldmakereasonableeffortstoensuretheyhaveadequateinternetaccesstoensurefullaudioandvideoparticipationduringtheteleconference,and Councilmembersshallstriveto keeptheircamerason duringtheteleconference,particularlyduringpubliccommentandwhiletheyarespeaking;andupontheterminationofsuchemergencyandsocialdistancingordersorrecommendationstheCouncilshallmeetinregularsessiononthefirstandthirdTuesdaysofthemonth,commencingat5:30p.m.in theChambersofCityHall,OneCityHallPlaza,3rdFloor, Oakland,California;andmeetingsshallconcludenolaterthan12:00midnight,unlessextendedbymajorityvoteofthemembers of the Council in attendance at the Council meeting; and be it FURTHERRESOLVED:Thatduringthedeclaredemergencyandstateand/orAlamedaCountysocialdistancingordersorrecommendations,regularCouncilCommitteemeetingsshallbeheldoncea monthasfollows:theCouncilCommitteesshallmeetinregularsessionat1:30p.m.viateleconference,ASNEEDED,onthesecondandfourthTuesdaysofthemonthandtheMondaysprecedingthesecondandfourthTuesdaysofthemonthasfollows:SecondandFourthTuesdays of themonth:PublicSafetyWorksCommitteeat 10:30a.m.andCommunityandEconomicDevelopmentCommitteeat 2:00p.m.; MondaysprecedingSecondandFourthTuesdays: FinanceCommitteeat 10:30a.m.,PublicSafetyCommitteeat1:30p.m.,andLifeEnrichmentCommitteeat 4:30p.m.EducationPartnershipandCity-PortLiaisonCommitteeshallmeetat thediscretionof therespectiveCommitteeChairs.Finance& ManagementCommittee/City-PortLiaisonCommittee,asneeded;FourthTuesdaysofthemonth:CommunityandEconomicDevelopment/PublicWorks,asneeded;andMondaysprecedingFourthTuesday:LifeEnrichmentCommittee/EducationPartnershipCommittee,asneeded;CouncilCommitteemeetingsshouldbeheldasstudysessionswhenneededfordiscussionandconsiderationofnewlegislationand potentiallycontroversialitems;if the Councilor RulesandLegislationCommitteedeterminesthatan additionalCouncilCommitteemeetingis required,thenthesecondCouncilCommitteewillbescheduledontheMondayprecedingthesecondand/orfourthTuesdayofthemonth;andupontheterminationoftheemergencyandsocialdistancingordersorrecommendations,CouncilCommitteeswillresumeregularmeetingsintheChambersofCityHall,OneCityHallPlazaonthesecondandfourthTuesdaysofthemonth,exceptthattheRulesandLegislationCommitteewillresumeregularmeetingsinCouncilChambersonThursdays11:00 a.m.; and be it FURTHERRESOLVED:Thatduringthedeclaredemergencyandsocialdistancingordersor recommendations,theRulesandLegislationCommitteeregularmeetingsshallbescheduledona weeklybasisonThursdaysat10:30a.m.viateleconferenceandtheRulesandLegislationCommitteewillretainfullpowersandauthoritysetforthin theRulesbelow,including but not limited to Rules 23 and 24; and be it FURTHERRESOLVED:Thatduringthedeclaredemergencyandsocialdistancingordersor recommendations,CommitteeChairsmayrequestthattheCouncilor RulesandLegislation Committee schedule a special meeting to address a particular subject; and be it FURTHERRESOLVED:Thatduringthedeclaredemergencyandsocialdistancingordersor recommendations,the CityAdministratorandCommitteeChairswillidentifyinformationreportsandtheRulesandLegislationCommitteemayscheduleinformationalreportsandactionsubjecttoRule23and24asprovidedherein,tobeheardinanopensessionoftheCouncilorCouncilCommitteepursuantto theSunshineOrdinance.TheCityAdministratorshall provide all informational reports via publicly published memoranda; and be it FURTHERRESOLVED:Thatduringthedeclaredemergencyandsocialdistancingordersorrecommendations,Rule28oftheCouncil’sRulesofProcedurewillremainineffectaswilltheprovisionsoftheRulesofProcedurethatarenotinconsistentwiththeseAmendments,andalistoftheitemsthatareapprovedtobeaddedordeletedviaRule28willbeprovidedtotheCity Clerk, City Attorney, Mayor, and each Councilmember upon finalization; and be it FURTHERRESOLVED:Thatduringthedeclaredemergencyandsocialdistancingordersorrecommendations,theCityCouncilwillschedulespecialClosedSessionmeetingsasneededonthefirstandthirdThursdaysofthemonthcommencingat1:30p.m.;and/oronthesecond and fourth Thursdays of the month, if needed; and be it FURTHERRESOLVED:Thatduringthedeclaredemergencyandsocialdistancingordersor recommendations,for ClosedandOpenCouncilmeetings,theCityClerkshallfacilitateanelectronicprocessforpublicspeakersandshallprovidethepublicwithinformationonhowtoparticipateinmeetingsandappropriatelyaddresstheCouncil., andtheThepresidingofficermaytakeallspeakercommentsonallitemsontheagendaatthebeginningofthemeetingbeforetheCounciltakesactiononanyagendaitem,inwhichcasetheCityClerkshallallowfifteen(15)minutesformembersofthepublicwishingtospeakonanyitemoftheagendatoregistertheirdesireto speak. ForCouncilCommitteeMeetingsandBoardsandCommissionMeetings,CityAdministrationwilladministerteleconferencesystemforthemeetingandpublicparticipation; and be it FURTHERRESOLVED:ThatnotwithstandingthattheBrownAct72hournoticingdeadlineforregularmeetingsand24hourdeadlineforspecialmeetingsareineffectduringthedeclaredemergencyandsocialdistancingordersor recommendations;andthefactthattheBrownActdoesnothavedeadlinesforagenda-relatedmaterials,theCouncilshallprovidenoticeandfileagenda-relatedmaterialsinaccordancewiththeSunshineOrdinance,includingbutnotlimitedtothe10-dayadvancenoticeforregularopensessionCouncilandCommitteemeetings;the48-houradvancenoticeforspecialopensessionCouncilandCommitteemeetings(excludingholidaysandweekends);andtheFridayatnoondeadlineforspecialopensessionCouncilandCommittee meetings scheduled on Mondays; and be it FURTHERRESOLVED:Thatduringthedeclaredemergencyandsocialdistancingordersor recommendations,the establishmentof agendaitemsfor CouncilandCouncilCommittee meetings be guided by the following procedures:
a) Thereshouldbe no morethantwoagendaitemsforeachCommitteemeeting.Committeesshouldseekto limitmeetingsto no longerthanthree(3) hours.Committeemeetingsshouldbefocusedonlegislationneedingreviewandinput,andhigh-interesttopicsforthepurposeofseekinginput,considerationofproposals,andtothegreatestextentpossibletoadvancerecommendationsonrefinementofpolicyproposals.b) Agendareports,legislationandotheragenda-relatedmaterialsaredueto theCityClerknolaterthan4:00p.m.onThursdayforregularorspecial,opensessionCouncilandCouncilCommitteemeetingsscheduledforthefollowingMondayorTuesday.ItisstronglyencouragedthatanyaccompanyingPowerPointsorotherpresentationsbeincludedwiththeagenda-relatedmaterials.Supplementalagenda-relatedmaterialsforregularopensessionCouncilandCommitteemeetingsshallbesubmittedtotheCityClerknolaterthan4:00pmThursdayto allowtheCityClerkto complywiththe10-day advance noticing requirements of the Sunshine Ordinance.c) Totheextentreasonablyfeasiblepersonswhosubmititemsshouldstrivetodesignatenomorethanonepersonasthepresentertobeincludedasapanelistforthemeeting.Giventhechallengesofprovidingthepublic,Councilmembers,CityAdministrator,CityAttorneyandCityClerkamendmentsto legislationduringteleconferencemeetings,Councilmembers,CityAdministratorandCityAttorneyshall(1)submittheirsupplementalagenda-relatedmaterials’amendmentstotheCityClerknolaterthan4:00pmThursdaytoallowtheCityClerktocomplywiththerequirementsoftheSunshineOrdinanceandbeforethespecialorregularmeetingasrequiredbyitem(b)above;and(2)limittheiramendments/proposalsduringthemeetingto minor, orminimallysubstantivemattersandreadintotherecordverbatimtheirproposedlanguageandwhenpossible,shareanelectronicversionoftheirredlinedamendmentswiththefullCouncil,CityAttorney, CityAdministrator, CityClerkandthepublicinaccordancewiththedeadlineforsupplementalmaterialspursuantto theSunshineordinance;providedthatiftheforegoingisnotfeasibletheitemshallbedeferredtothenextdulynoticedCouncilorCommitteemeetingforactionandto allowtheamendments/supplementalagenda-relatedmaterialsto be placedin theagendapacket. Notwithstandingthe foregoing,the Councilmayconsidersignificant,substantiveamendments/proposalswithinthescopeof theagendanoticeduringteleconferencemeetingsuponpassinga motionwithat leastsixaffirmativevotesfindingthatthematterisurgentandasubstantialadverseimpactwillresultiftheitemis deferred to a subsequent meeting.d) TheCityClerkshallpublishthefinalagendatitlesforregularandspecialopensessionmeetingsof theCouncilandCouncilCommitteesin accordancewiththeSunshineOrdinance.AgendatitlesforregularandspecialopensessionmeetingsoftheCouncilanditsCommitteescannotbesupplementedaftertheSunshineOrdinancedeadline.(Pleaseseedeadlinesforsupplementingagenda-relatedmaterialsin (b)above.)e) Whenproposingnewlegislation,particularlytopicsthatarecomplexandexpectsignificantpublicinput,authorsareencouragedtoprovideforonline/teleconferencetownhallmeeting(s)to exploreanddiscusspolicyandsolicitfeedbackfromthepublic,butaquorumoftheCouncilcannotattendorparticipateinanytownhall,norcanaquorumofstandingcommitteehavingjurisdictionoverthesubjecttopicattendor participate in a town hall.f) Whenrequesting informationalreports,authorsshouldensurethat scheduling requestsareconsistentwiththeCouncil-approvedcalendar, whichdetailsduedatesfor reportsto theCityAdministrator’s Office,reportsto theClerkandagendadistribution. g) Councilmeetingswillincludea combined“Consent”listforactionitemsthatareregularrecurring,non-controversial,and/ordonotinvolvesignificantfeedback.Newlegislationthatiscontroversial,complex,orrequiringsignificantinputshallbelistedseparately.h) Publicspeakertimeshallbeuptotwo(2)minutesperspeaker, unlessmodifiedbythePresiding Officer. No pre-registration is required. No ceding of time is allowed.
FURTHERRESOLVED:ThattotheextentanyprovisionsoftheseRulesofProcedureareinconsistentwiththeprovisionsapplicableduringthelocalemergency, theemergencyprovisionswillbe applicable;andtheRulesof Procedureshallremainin effectexceptasotherwiseamendedbythetemporaryrulesandprocedures;andupontheterminationofthelocalemergencyandsocialdistancingordersor recommendations,thisResolutionshallbeofnofurtherforceandeffectandtheSunshineOrdinanceandtheRulesofProcedureResolutionNo.87044thatwereineffectpriortotheemergencyshallberestoredandtheseAmendmentswillsunset; and be it .
FURTHERRESOLVED:Thatduringthedeclaredemergencyandstateand/orAlamedaCountysocialdistancingordersorrecommendations,andinaccordancewithSection210oftheCharter, the following is established as the order of business for Council meetings:
Roll call
Actions on Special Orders of the Day
Modifications to the Agenda and Procedural Items
1. Public Comment on Agenda Items
2. AdoptionofConsentItemsList(requestscanbemadeatthistimetomoveConsent Items here to Non-Consent)
3. Public Hearings
4. ReportofFinalDecisionsMadeinClosedSessionbyCityAttorney;theCityAttorney, aspermittedbytheBrownAct,mayprovideawrittenreportoffinaldecisionsinClosedsessionasanalternativetoanoralreportinopensessionof final decisions.
5. Council Minutes
6. Non-ConsentActionItems
7. Announcements/Adjournments in memory
Open Forum; and be it
FURTHERRESOLVED:Thatupontheterminationof theemergencyandsocialdistancingordersor recommendations,in accordancewithSection210of theCharter, thefollowing is established as the order of business for Council meetings:
1. Call to Order by Council President and Pledge of Allegiance
2. Roll Call
3. Open Forum
4. ActiononSpecialOrders/PresentationsoftheDay(withaccompanyingagendamaterials as required by Sunshine Ordinance) i. Ceremonialpresentations,including proclamations,individualrecognitions, etc.;ii. Reports/presentations from the Mayor; andiii. Council Acknowledgements/ Announcements
5. Approval of Council minutes
6. Modifications to the Agenda and Procedural Items, including but not limited to a. RequestsfromCouncilmemberstopullanitemfromconsentitemscalendarandrescheduleasnon-consentcalendaritemonthenextsameCityCouncilmeeting agenda.b. Requestsby Councilmembersto speakon a ConsentCalendarItemortoregister a No Vote or Abstention on an Item.c. RequestsbyCouncilmemberstochangetheorderoftheitemsontheConsentCalendaror theNon-ConsentCalendar, or to deferitemsor makeothermodifications to the agenda.d. Announcementsby thePresidingOfficerof changesin theorderof theagenda, deletion or deferral of items or other modifications to the agendae. MotionforMembers’RequestsforReconsiderationofActiontheCounciltookat ImmediatelyPrecedingMeeting(Inordertomakemotion,Membermust have voted on “prevailing side”.)f. Members’RequestsforSchedulingofItemsconsideredbyCommitteebutnotforwarded to Council to be scheduled to the next City Council meeting.
7. Adoptionof ConsentCalendarItems(afterhearingpublicspeakersandCouncilmembers)
8. OralReportofFinalDecisionsinClosedSessionbyCityAttorneyanddisclosureofnonconfidentialclosedsessiondiscussionpursuantto SunshineOrdinance,OaklandMunicipalCodesection2.20.130; providedthatduringthe localemergencyandsocialdistancingrecommendationsororders,theCityAttorneymayaspermittedbytheBrownAct,provideawrittenreportoffinaldecisionsinClosed session.
Commencingat6:30p.m.,orassoonasreasonablypracticablethereafter, actiononNon-ConsentCalendarItems; providedthatduringthelocalemergencyandsocialdistancingrecommendationsororders,theCouncil’s regularmeetingwillbeconductedviateleconferenceandshallcommenceat 1:30 p.m. andthereshallbenocommencementtimefornon-consentitems.
9. Consideration of items with statutory Public Hearing Requirements
10. Action on Other Non-Consent Items
11. ContinuationofOpenForum(ifallpublicspeakerswhosignedupforopenforumdid not speak at open forum at the beginning of the meeting.
12. Adjournment–12midnightunlessCouncilpassesamotiontoextendthetimeforthe meeting; and be it FURTHER RESOLVED:That during the declared emergencyand state and/or AlamedaCounty social distancing orders or recommendations, and in accordance with Section 210 of theCharter, the following is established as the order of business for the Rules and LegislationCommittee meetings:
Roll Call1. Public Comment on Agenda Items2. Approval of Draft Minutes From Previous Rules and Legislation Committee3. New Scheduling Items and a Review of The Council Committees’ Action4. Review of Draft Agendas and Review of Pending Lists For Council andCommittee Meetings5. (and thereafter) Action ItemsOpen Forum; and be it FURTHER RESOLVED:That in accordance with Section210 of the Charter, thefollowing are established as the Rules of Procedure for the conduct of Council meetings:
Rule1. RobertsRulesofOrderAppliesExceptasModifiedbytheseRules-The businessof the Counciland its standingcommitteesshallbeconducted,sofarasit is practicable,in accordancewithparliamentaryrulesascontainedinRobertsRulesofOrderRevised,exceptasmodifiedbytheserulesandinaccordancewithstateopenmeetinglawsandlocalsunshineordinance.TheCityAttorney, orsuchotherpersonasmaybedesignatedbythepresidingofficeruponapprovaloftheCouncil,shallserve as the official parliamentarian for meetings of the Council.
Rule2. Seatingof Councilmembers,VotingOrder- Whenin session,theCouncilmembersshalloccupyassignedseatsintheCouncilChambersinalphabeticalorderaccordingtotheirsurnames,commencingtotheleftofthePresidentoftheCouncil,andshallvoteinsaidalphabeticalorder, withthePresidentoftheCouncilorotherpresidingofficervotinglast,except when utilizing the automated simultaneous voting system.
Rule 3. Definition of Terms:
i. ActionItemshallmeananyresolution,ordinance,publichearing,motionorrecommendationrequiringofficialvoteandapprovaloftheCity Council to be effective. ii. ConsentItemshallmean,forthepurposesoftheCityCouncilagenda,anyactionorinformationalitemthatasubjectmatterCommitteehasforwardedto thefullCouncilwithunanimousrecommendationforapproval,exceptanyitemhavinga highlevelofpublicinterestorcontroversyasdeterminedbytheRulesCommittee,oranyactionitemthattheRulesCommitteehasplacedontheconsentcalendar, unlessotherwise ineligible by law as a Consent Item. iii. Non-ConsentItemshallmean,forthepurposesoftheCityCouncilagenda,any actionor informationalitemthat a subject-matterCommitteehas forwardedto thefullCouncilwithoutunanimousrecommendationforapprovalorhavingahighlevelofpublicinterestor controversyas determinedby theRulesCommitteeor thatisotherwise ineligible by law as a Consent Item. iv. InformationalItemshallmeananitemoftheagendaconsistingonlyof informational report that does not require or permit Council action.v. Regularly-ScheduledMeetingshallmeana meetingoccurringonarecurringbasisandataregular, establishedtimeforwhichallrequiredpublic notice requirements for a regular meeting have been met. vi. SubjectMatterStandingCommitteesshallmeantheCommunityandEconomicDevelopmentCommittee,theFinanceandAdministrationCommittee,the PublicSafetyCommittee,the LifeEnrichmentCommittee,thePublicWorksCommittee,theRulesandLegislationCommitteeandsuchothersubjectmattercommitteesastheCouncilmay establish.
Rule 4. Standing Committees-Subject matter standingcommittees of theCouncil shall consist of the following and are entitled as follows:
Community and Economic DevelopmentPublic WorksLife EnrichmentFinance and ManagementPublic SafetyRules and Legislation ThePresidentof theCouncilshallappointall committeessubjecttoconfirmationbyCouncilresolutionandprovidedthata majorityofthe
membersoftheCouncilmaydirecttheappointmentofacommitteebythePresidentoftheCouncil.CommitteechairsalsoshallbeappointedbythePresidentoftheCouncilandconfirmedbyCityCouncilresolution.TheCouncilmayestablishsuchotheradhocorstandingcommitteesasitdeemsappropriateby Councilresolution(e.g.,City/PortLiaisonCommittee and the Education Partnership Committee).
Thisparagraphis suspendedduringthe localemergencyandsocialdistancingordersorrecommendations.WiththeexceptionoftheRulesCommittee,subjectmatterstandingCouncilCommitteesshallmeetonthesecondandfourthTuesdaysofeachmonth.RulesshallmeetweeklyonThursdays.Theyshallmeetatthetimessetforth,orsuchothertimeasrecommendedbytheRulesCommitteeandapprovedbytheCouncil.Withtheexceptionofspecialmeetings,allCouncilmeetingsonnon-consentitemsshalltakeplaceintheafternoonsandeveningstomaximizecitizenparticipation.MeetingsofcommitteesmaybenoticedasSpecialMeetingsoftheCouncilifamajorityofthemembersoftheCouncilplantoattendand participate as a part of the committee.
ThestandingcommitteesoftheCouncilareauthorizedanddirectedtoascertain,studyandanalyzeallfactsrelatingtoanysubjectsormatterswithintheirjurisdiction,orasmaybeassignedbytheRulesCommittee,andshallreporttoandsubmitrecommendationstotheCityCouncilforaction.
Rule 5. Action by Subject Matter Committees
Theassignedsubjectmattercommitteeshallhaveinitialjurisdictionoveranyitemassignedtoit bytheRulesCommitteeandmaytakeanyofthefollowing actions with respect to the assigned item:
1. TheCommitteeChairshalldevelopwithstaff thescheduleto hearitems to be confirmed by a majority of the Committee.2. TheCommitteemay, byavoteofthemajorityofthememberspresent,decide to postpone, continue or table an item on the agenda.3. Onanyitemonanagenda,theCommitteeChairmayallowforaninformational presentation by City staff relating to the item.4. Withrespecttoanactionitem,andafterdiscussionandconsiderationof the item, committee may take one of the following actions:
a. Votebymajorityofthosepresenttoapprovetherecommendationofstaff ortheoriginatoroftheproposedactionitemandforwardtherecommendationontothefullCouncil.TheCommitteemay, asa conditionof approval,requestadditionalinformationto bepresented for consideration when the full Council hears the item.b. Failtoapproveanyrecommendedaction,inwhichcasetheitemshallnotbeforwardedtothefullCityCouncil;providedthatwhentheitemisurgent,theRulesCommitteeshallhavejurisdictionto placetheitemon thesupplementalagendafora regularCityCouncilmeeting,orontheagendaforaspecialCouncilmeetinginaccordancewiththerequirementsoftheSunshineOrdinanceifnoactionwastakenon theitem(1)dueto thecancellationof acommitteemeetingor(2)duetolackofaquorum,or(3)becausethecommitteeranoutoftime,or(4)becausethecommitteewasnotabletoapproveanyrecommendedactionandtheCommitteepassesa motionbytheaffirmativevotesofthemajorityofthememberswhoarepresentrequestingthattheRulescommitteescheduletheitemfora Councilmeeting.(SeeRule24(6).)Anysuchactionwillberecordedintheminutesandmaybesubjecttoconsiderationif pulledby a Councilmemberat theappropriateCouncil meeting.c. Proposebyamajorityvoteofthosepresentoneormorealternativerecommendation(s)be forwardedto thefullCityCouncilforconsiderationand finalaction.The Committeemayrequestadditionalinformationtobepresentedforconsiderationwhenthefull Council hears the item.d. Rejectbya majorityvoteofthosepresent,jurisdictionovertheactionitemandrefertheactionitembacktotheRulesCommitteewitha recommendationforreassignmentto anotherappropriatesubject-matter committee.e. Request,bymajorityvoteofthosepresent,additional,specifiedinformationfromstaff or theoriginatoroftheproposedactionitem.Theactionitemmaybecontinuedorrescheduledforfurtherconsideration at the soonest feasible date available, allowing timefor appropriatenoticepursuantto theSunshineOrdinanceandBrown Act.f. WithrespecttoitemsthattheCommitteeforwardstotheCouncilpursuantto subpartsa. or c., above,the Committeeor theCommitteechairmay designatesuchitemsas ConsentorNon-Consentitems,providedthat the RulesCommitteehasauthorityto makethe final determinationas ConsentorNon-Consent items under Rule 24(5).
5. With respectto an informationalitem,followingdiscussionandconsideration, committee shall take one of the following actions:
a. Receivetheinformationalreportbymajorityvoteofthosepresentwithout forwarding the report to the full City Council;b. Receivetheinformationalreportandforwardthereportontothefull City Council by majority vote of those present;c. Requestby motionandsecondmorespecificinformationfromstaff ortheoriginatoroftheproposedinformationalitem.Theitemmaybecontinuedorrescheduledforfurtherconsiderationatthesoonestfeasibledateavailable,allowingtimefor appropriatenotice pursuant to the Sunshine Ordinance.
6. EachCommitteeshallreviewtheminutesofitspreviousmeeting,makecorrectionsto mistakes,if any, andapprovetheminutesbymajority vote of the members present.
Rule6. ElectionofCouncilPresident;President’sPowers/Duties- At thefirstCouncilmeetinginJanuarytheCouncilshallelectthePresidentoftheCouncilfor a two-yeartermby resolution.ThePresidentof theCouncilshallserveasthepresidingofficeroftheCityCouncilandshallperform the following duties:
Chair regular and special meetings of the City Council; ManagetheOfficeoftheCityCouncilandpresentthebudgetoftheOffice of the City Council for adoption; AppointCouncilcommitteemembersandchairpersonsofcommitteesin accordance with Rule 4 of these Rules of Procedure; ExceptforthoseappointmentsreservedfortheMayorpursuanttotheCityCharterorotherenablinglegislation,thePresidentoftheCouncilshallrecommendappointmentsto regionalandlocalboardsandagencies,as appropriate,subjectto confirmationby Councilresolution.
The Presidentof the Council,subjectto confirmationby Councilresolution,shalldesignateaCouncilmember(s)toserveas"PresidentProtempore"fora two-yeartermbeginninginJanuarywitheachnewCityCouncilterm.In theabsenceor unavailabilityof thePresidentoftheCouncil,the PresidentProtemporeshallperformthe dutiesof thePresident of the Council.
Rule 7. Action and Procedures at Council Meetings
1. TheregularlyscheduledmeetingsoftheCityCouncilshalltakeplaceon thefirstandthirdTuesdaysof eachmonth,andshallbeginat5:30p.m.Allnon-consentitemsshallbeheardanddiscussednoearlierthan6:30p.m.ThefifthTuesdayswillbeutilizedforspecialmeetingsand workshops.
2. TheCityCouncilmayconsiderandactuponthoseitemsassignedbyRulesCommitteedirectlytoCityCouncil,orapprovedandforwardedbya subjectmattercommittee,or, asprovidedinItem8ofthisRule,pulledat the immediatelyprecedingCouncilmeetingby aCouncilmemberfordiscussion,orasprovidedbyRules5(4)(b)and24(6).
3. Foreachactionitemandinformationalitem,theagendashalllistthefollowing:
a. AsummarydescriptionoftheitempursuanttotheBrownActandthe Sunshine Ordinance; b. Therecommendation,alternativesand/ordirectionrecommendedbythesubjectmatterCommittee,includingthevotingrecordofCommittee members on the item; andc. ForeachactionitemreferreddirectlybytheRulesCommittee,abriefstatementoftheRulesCommittee’s reasonforreferringitemto Council directly without subject-mattercommitteeconsideration.
4. Foreachactionitemandinformationalitemontheagenda,theagendapackage shall include the following information:a. Staff orinformationalreportssubmittedtoCommittee,includingbut not limited to:i. anyadditionalinformationrequestedto beincludedbythesubject matter committeeii. a listingof all fundingsourcesto fundthe actionorrecommendationbeingtaken,anindicationthatnofundingsourcesareidentified,or an indicationthatnofundingisnecessaryiii. alistoftheorganization/stakeholderscontactedregardingtheitem, if anyiv. informationandcommenton theSustainableEconomic,EnvironmentalandSocialEquityOpportunitiesaffordedbythe recommended action.
5. During“ApprovalofCouncilMinutes”,theCityCouncilshallapprovethe minutesof the precedingCouncilmeeting(butnot of theCommitteemeetings),aftercorrectionsto anyerrorsthatmayhaveoccurredduringrecordationoftheproceedingsofthemeeting.TheCityCouncilshallnotdiscuss,consider, ordebatethesubstanceofanymatter recorded inthe minutes, unless such items are specifically included as an Action orInformation Item on the posted agenda.
6. During“Modificationsto theAgenda”anyCouncilmembermayrequesta changeintheorderoftheagenda,whichshallbechangedwiththeconsentof thepresidingofficer. AnyCouncilmemberbymotionthatis secondedby anotherCouncilmember, maypullaconsentitemfromtheConsentItemCalendarandplacetheitematthebeginningof the Non-ConsentCalendarof the agendaas anon-consentitem,subjecttothediscretionoftheCouncilPresidentto:1)determinetheorderofagendaitems,and2)toplacetheitemlaterintheNon-ConsentCalendaragenda,andallowingforpubliccommentontheitemtooccureitherduringtheconsentportionornon-consentportionof theagenda;provided,however, that,excludingconsentcalendaritemsmovedin theforegoingmanner, theConsentItemsCalendarmaynotbemovedtoatimelaterthan6:30p.m.andnoitemagendizedforconsiderationafter6:30p.m.maybemovedtoa timeearlierthan6:30p.m.ACouncilmemberisentitledtopullaconsent itemfromthe ConsentItemCalendarif anotherCouncilmembersecondshis/hermotion;itisnotnecessarythattheCouncilvoteonorpass the motion.
7. During“Members’RequestforReconsideration.”CouncilMemberwhovotedontheprevailingsideofamotionorotheractiontakenattheimmediatelyprecedingCouncilmeetingmaymovethatitemforreconsideration.If themotionis secondedandat leastfiveCouncilmembersvoteinfavorofthemotion,theitemshallbeplacedontheagendafor thenext-succeedingCityCouncilmeetingas a “non-consent”item.Thissectionisnotintendedandshallnotbeconstruedtoprecludea Councilmember, whovotedontheprevailingsideofamotionorotheractiontakenata Councilmeeting,frommovingforreconsiderationoftheitematthesamemeeting;norshallthissectionbeinterpretedtoprecludetheCouncilfromreconsideringtheitematthe same meeting if the motion to reconsider passes.
8. During“Members’RequestsforSchedulingofItemsConsideredbyCommitteebutnotforwardedto Council”,anyCouncilmemberbymotionthatissecondedbyanotherCouncilmember, mayplaceontheagendaofthenextCityCouncilmeeting(subjecttocompliancewithSunshineOrdinanceandBrownAct)anyactionitemthathasbeenconsideredin a subjectmatterCommittee,butnotforwardedbytheCommitteeto theCityCouncil;it is notnecessarythattheCouncilvote on or pass the motion.
9. Onanyactionitem,theCityCouncilmay, bytherequisitenumberofvotes:
a. Approvethe Committee’s recommendation,selectoneof theCommittee’s suggested alternatives or approve an alternativerecommendationproposedatthefullCouncilincompliancewiththe Brown Act and Sunshine Ordinance;b. Bya majorityoftheCouncilmemberspresent,continuetheitemto thenextregularCouncilmeetingif permittedby SunshineOrdinance and Brown Act;c. Bya majorityoftheCouncilmemberspresent,refertheitemtoany subject-matter Committee for reconsideration; ord. WithrespecttoanitemthattheRulesCommitteereferreddirectlytoCouncil,theCouncilmaytakeanyactionsubjecttotheBrownAction and the Sunshine Ordinance.
10.On anyagendizedinformationalreport,theCitycouncilmayreceive the report either by oral presentation by staff or as written.
Rule8. ProtocolatCouncilMeetings- EverymemberoftheCouncil,beforespeaking,shalladdressthepresidingofficer, andnomembershallspeakexceptwhileseatedatorstandingintheimmediatevicinityof,hisorher desk.WhenitemsontheagendarelatetoaspecificCouncilDistrict,thepresidingofficershallrecognizetheCouncilrepresentativeoftheDistrictfirst,andtheCouncilmember-at-Largesecondly, priortorecognizingotherCouncilmembers.
Rule9. AnnouncementsbyCouncilmembers- Eachmemberof the Councilshallhavetherightto makebriefannouncementsviatheCityoperatedstation,KTOP,orattheappropriatetimeontheagenda,withoutapreviousmotion,uponmatterswhichareCouncilsponsoredorrelatetothewelfareandconditionoftheCity. Heorsheshall,atthecommencementofhis/herannouncements,statethesubjectmatteronwhichheorshedesirestospeak.Individualannouncementsshallnotexceedtwominutesunlessadditional time is authorized.
Rule10. Motions- If anymemberoftheCouncilmakesa motion,suchmotionshallnotbedebated,orfurtherdiscussedorconsidered,orvotedupon,until after a second to such motion is made by a member of the Council.
Rule11. SpeakingTimeLimitsfor Councilmembers- No memberof theCouncilshallspeakformorethanten(10)minutesonanymatterwithouttheconsentofthepresidingofficerora majorityoftheCouncil.Duringthe declaredlocal emergencyand socialdistancingordersandrecommendationsandwhiletheCityCouncilconductsmeetingsusingteleconferencinginaccordancewithCaliforniaGovernmentCodesection54953(e),theCouncilasa wholeshallspeakfornomorethanten(10)minutesonanymatterwithouttheconsentofthepresidingofficeroramajorityof the Council.Questions,clarifications,motions,andamendments are exempt from this limit.
Rule12. Thissectionissuspendedduringthelocalemergencyandsocialdistancingordersor recommendations.Speakers’Cards- TheCityClerkshallfacilitatetheprocessforpublicspeakersandshallprovidethepublicwithinformationonhowtoappropriatelyaddresstheCouncil.Membersofthepublicwishingto speakmustsubmittheirnameandtheitemontheagendatheywishto discuss,if any, to theCityClerkbeforebeingrecognized by the presiding officer.Personswishingtospeakmustcompletea speakercardforeachagendaitemhe/shewishestospeakon.Multipleagendaitemscannotbelistedonone speaker card.
Speakers'cardsmustbereceivedbytheCityClerk(1)priortoCouncilactiononModificationstotheAgendaforitemsagendizedfrom5:30to6:30p.m.,and(2)by 8:00p.m.foritemsagendizedfor6:30p.m.orthereafter, unlessconsenttospeakisgivenbythepresidingofficeroramajority of the Council.
MultiplespeakersrepresentinganorganizationorpositiononanitemareencouragedtoorganizetheirpresentationsbeforetheCouncil.Designated spokesperson(s)representingthepositionofmultiplespeakersonanitemwillbeallottedanappropriateallocationoftimetoaddresstheCouncilonbehalf of all of the speakers.
Rule13. OpenForum- OpenForumpriortoModificationstotheAgendashallbelimitedto a totalof 15 minutes.If allpublicspeakerswhosubmittedspeakercardsforopenforumpursuanttoRule12arenotheardwithinthe15minutetimeframe,openforumwillbecontinuedat theendoftheagenda prior to adjournment.
PublicSpeakerssubmittingtheirnamestospeakunderopenforumshallbeallottedaminimumofone(1)minuteeachtospeakandamaximumofthree(3)minutes.Aspeakermayspeakonlyonceunderopenforumduringanyonemeeting,subjectto thediscretionofthepresidingofficer. SpeakersduringopenforummayaddresstheCityCouncilregardinganyitemsofpublicinterestthatarenotonthemeetingagenda.OpenForumspeakercards are to be numbered by the City Clerk in the order received.
TheCityClerkshalladvisethepublicthattheCouncilcannottakeanyactionunderOpenForumunlessit isdeemedanemergencyorurgencymatterbyavoteoftheCouncil,asdefinedintheSunshineOrdinanceandBrown Act.
DuringthedeclaredlocalemergencyandsocialdistancingordersandrecommendationsandwhiletheCityCouncilconductsmeetingsusingteleconferencinginaccordancewithCaliforniaGovernmentCodesection54953(e),theCityClerkshallallowfive(5)minutesformembersofthepublicwishingto speakatOpenForumtoregistertheirdesiretospeakduring Open Forum.
Rule14. TimeLimitsforPublicSpeakersonCommitteeandCouncilAgendaItems –
1. AnymemberofthepublicwhohassubmittedaspeakercardpursuanttoRule12onanagendaitem,otherthanopenforumshallbeallottedaminimumoftwo(2)minutestospeakpriortoanyvoteoractionbytheCouncil,subjecttotheregulationsprovidedunderthisRule14.ThePresident,presidingofficeror Committeechairmayreduceeachspeaker’s allottedtimetoone(1)minuteifheorshepubliclystatesallreasonsjustifyinganyreductioninspeakertime,whichreasonsshallbebasedatleastonconsiderationofthetimeallocatedoranticipatedforthemeeting,thenumberandcomplexityofagendaitemsandthenumberof personswishingto addressthelocalbody, andwhethertherewillbesufficienttimeavailableduringthemeetingtoconsiderall agenda items if all speakers are allowed two minutes to speak.2. SubjecttotheprovisionsofthisRulethatapplytopublicspeakerswhosubmitmultiplespeaker’s cards,allspeakersonanyoneitemshallbe allottedthesameamountofspeakingtimeonthatitem,unlessgivenpre-approvedcededor organizedtimepursuantto theseRules,orunlessmoretimemustbegiventocomplywithdueprocessorotherlegalrequirementsorincircumstanceswheretheCouncilisactinginaquasi- adjudicatory capacity.
3. SpeakersSubmittingSpeaker’s Cardson MultipleItemsatStandingCommittees.SubjecttoRule14(7)andthediscretionofthepresidingofficer, whichdiscretionmustbeexercisedin accordancewithRule14(1)and(2),a speakerwhosubmitshisorhernametospeakonfourormoreitems(otherthanopenforum)willbeinstructedto addressallitemsconcurrentlyandshallbeallotted2 minutesperitemuptoamaximumof10minutes;ifthepresidingofficerexerciseshis/herdiscretionunderRule14(1)and(2)toreduceeachspeaker’stime to one(1) minute,speakerswhosubmitfouror morespeaker’s cardsshallbe allottedone(1)minuteperitemup to a maximumof 5minutes.
4. SpeakersSubmittingSpeaker’s CardsforMultipleItemsonNonConsentCalendaratCouncilMeetings.Subjecttothediscretionofthepresidentorpresidingofficer, whichdiscretionmustbeexercisedinaccordancewithRule14(1)and(2),if20ormorespeaker’s cardsaresubmittedforthenonconsentcalendarportionoftheCityCouncilmeeting,whichis scheduledto commenceat 6:30p.m.,a speakersubmittinghisorhernameto speakonfourormoreitemsonthatportionof the agendawill be instructedto addressall itemsconcurrentlyandshallbeallottedtwominutesperitemuptoatotaloften (10) minutes.
5. SpeakersSubmittingSpeaker’s Cardsfor MultipleItemsonAgendaItemsthatAppearbefore the6:30p.m.Non-ConsentCalendarforCouncilMeetings.Subjectto thediscretionof thepresidingofficer, whichdiscretionmustbeexercisedin accordancewithrule14(1)and(2),publicspeakerswhosignupformultipleitemswillbeinstructedtospeakonallitemsatonceandbegiventwo(2)minutes to speak on each item up to a maximum of six (6) minutes.
6. CedingTime.Incasetheallottedtimeforeachspeakerislessthantwo(2)minutesonanagendizeditem,aspeakermayextendhisorherspeakingtimeif otherspeakerswhohavesubmittedtheirnamestospeakagreetocedetheirtimetotherecipientspeaker. Therecipientspeakerwillreceiveone(1)minutespeakingtimefromeachcedingspeaker, uptoa maximumoffive(5)minutes.AtthePresident’s orpresidingofficer’s discretion,aspeakermaybeallottedmorethanfive(5)minutesbasedoncededtime.Therecipientspeakermustsubmitthecedingspeakers’speakingcards,andthecedingspeakersmustbepresent at the time the recipient speaker speaks.
7. PublicSpeakerson SchedulingItemat RulesandLegislationCommittee.Subjecttothediscretionofthepresidingofficer, whichdiscretionmustbeexercisedinaccordancewithRule14(1)and(2),publicspeakerswhosignuptospeakontheSchedulingItemattheRulesCommitteewillhaveoneminuteperschedulingrequestuptoamaximumof5 minutes,providethatapublicspeaker’s totaltimeforallitemsontheRulesagenda(excludingopenforum)shallnotexceed10 minutes. (See Rule 14(3).) Rule15. PresidingOfficer’s RolerePublicSpeakers-Thepresidingofficershallmaintainorderinthechamber, haveauthoritytorefusethefloortoanyperson. The presiding officer may rule a public speaker out of order if:
(a) the speaker is speaking beyond the allocated time limit; (b) ifthespeaker’s remarksarenotrelevanttotheagendaitemorarerepetitious; or (c) if themanner, toneandcontentof thespeaker’s remarksaredisruptive(disturbthepeaceandgoodorderof themeeting),maliciouslyattackthecharacterofindividualsorareabusive(e.g.vulgar or obscene language).
The public has the right to criticize policies, procedures, programs orservices of the City or of the actions or omissions of the legislative bodyor staff.
Rule16. PublicSpeakerProcedures- PersonsaddressingtheCouncilshallstatetheirname.Theyshallconfinetheirremarksto theagendaitemunderdiscussion,unlesstheyarespeakingduringtheOpenForumportionoftheAgenda.
Rule17. AttendanceofStaffatCouncilMeetings- TheCityAdministratorshalldesignateappropriatestaff to attendtheCouncilmeetingsto answerquestionsandprovideassistanceto thepublicon issues.Priorto thecommencementoftheCouncilmeeting,theCityClerkshalladvisethepublicthatarepresentativeoftheCityisavailabletomeetwithmembersof the public to assist them with their concern(s).
Rule18. BallotMeasures- A voteofa majorityoftheCouncilisrequiredforendorsingoropposinganypropositionsubmittedtotheelectorateonanynational,state,county,orlocalballot,andforpropositionsplacedupontheballot on the Council's own motion Rule19. AppointmentstoBoards,CommissionsandOtherBodies-TheMayorshallsubmittothemembersoftheCouncil,atleastoneweekinadvanceofthedateactionthereonistobetaken,thenamesofthosepersonstobeappointedbytheMayortoanycommissionorboard.ThePresidentofthe CouncilshallsubmittothemembersoftheCouncil,atleastoneweekinadvanceof thedateactionthereonis to betaken,thenamesofthosepersonsrecommendedto beappointedbythePresidentoftheCounciltothosebodiesand committeesthat are withinthe President'sappointmentauthority. Anaffirmativevoteof five(5)membersof theCouncilisrequired for confirmation of such appointments.
Appointmentsby the Mayorto the PlanningCommission,the PortCommission,theHousing,ResidentialRent&RelocationBoard,andthePoliceCommissionshallfirstbescheduledtoandconsideredbytheRulesandLegislationCommitteebeforebeingscheduledtothefullCouncil.IftheRulesandLegislationCommitteetowhichanappointmenthasbeenschedulediscanceled,theappointmentmaybescheduledtothefollowingweek’s regularCouncilagenda(i.e.,tothe72-hoursupplementalagenda)underthenon-consentportionof theagenda,or to a specialcouncilmeetingthe followingweek,listedundernon-consentif thespecialmeetingagendalists“consent”and“non-consent”items,ifsubjecttoandapproved via Rule 28.
Rule20. Council’s AnnualRecess- TheCityCouncilshallrecessfortheperiodof August1 through31 of eachyear, or untilthefirstmeetinginSeptemberassetbytheRulesCommittee,whichshallbeknownasthe"annualrecess."Duringthe annualrecesstheCityCouncilmaybeconvened for special Council meetings as provided for by the City Charter.
Rule21. ActionsDuringCouncilRecess- TheMayorisauthorizedtotakesuchactionsaswouldnormallybetakenbytheCityCouncilduringtheperiodoftheannualrecessexceptforthosemattersspecificallysetforthherein.TheMayorisfurtherauthorizedtoconveneemergencymeeting(s)oftheCouncilto takesuchemergencyactionsas maybe necessary, fortheimmediate preservation of the public peace, health or safety. All mattersapprovedbytheMayorduringtheCouncilrecessmustclearlysetforththereason(s)whyapprovalcannotbedeferredforCouncilapprovalfollowingtherecess.TheMayor'scontractapprovalsmustconformwithandbelimitedto therequirementsoftheCity'spurchasingrequirementsassetforthin Chapter2 oftheOaklandMunicipalCode.TheMayoris notauthorizedtotakeanyactionsforwhichtheadoptionofanordinanceisrequired.Further, theMayor'sapprovalsshallbelimitedtoauthorizationswithinpreviousadoptedbudgetedamounts.TheMayorisnotauthorizedto appropriatefundswithoutpriorCouncilauthorizationandapproval.TheMayorisfurtherdirectedtomakea fullandcompletereporttotheCityCouncil,at itsfirstregularlyscheduledmeetingin October, ofactionstakenbytheMayorpursuanttothisResolution,atwhichtimetheCityCouncilmaymakesuchfindingsandconfirmsaidactionsoftheMayor,as may be required.
Action(s)takenby the Mayorduringthe annualrecessshallbeimplementedinamannertoprovidepublicnoticeandanopportunityforpubliccommentandinputonmatterstobeapproved.InkeepingwiththeintentoftheSunshineOrdinance(OMC§§2.20.010etseq.)theMayorwill cause a two-weekagendatobepostedatregularpostinglocations.TheMayor,throughtheCityClerk,shallfacilitatethereceiptofwrittencommentsbythepubliconanymatterpresentedtotheMayorforconsideration.TheMayorshallreviewandconsiderallwrittencommentsinmakinghis/herdecisiononthematter. ArecordofthefinalactionoftheMayorshallbefiledwiththe City Clerkalongwithany supportinglegislation,reportsandcommentsreceivedonthatmatter. Asummaryoffinalactiontakenshallbe posted at the regular agenda posting locations.
Rule22. Proclamations- IndividualCouncilmembersmayissueproclamation(s)forthepurposeofcommendation,recognitionorcongratulationofanyperson,group,organizationor event,or forthepurposeofexpressingsympathy, regretor sorrowon the deathof any person.Suchaproclamationshallbeknownasa"MemberProclamation"andshallbeinaform,whichclearlyidentifiestheCouncilmemberwhohassponsoredtheproclamation.CityCouncilapprovalisnotrequiredfortheissuanceofaMember proclamation.
Rule23. RulesandLegislationCommittee’s Jurisdiction- TheCommitteeonRulesandLegislationshallserveas theproceduralcommitteeof theCouncilandshallhaveresponsibilitiesincluding,butnotlimitedto,thefollowing:
Makerecommendationsto theCouncilregardingendorsingoropposingpropositionssubmittedtotheelectorateonanynational,state,county, orlocalballot,andforpropositionsplacedupontheballotontheCouncil'sown motion.
Monitorpertinentstate,federaland locallegislativeactivities,andrecommendactionrelatedtheretotothefullCouncil.TheCommitteeshallalso submit to the Council, an annual legislative agenda.
ToprovidegeneraloversightfortheofficesoftheCityAdministrator,CityAttorney, City Clerkand shallhavepolicyjurisdictionon PublicInformation,ConstituentServices,CommunityGovernance,StrategicPlanning,PublicEthicsCommissionandtheStateandFederallegislativeagenda,intergovernmentalrelationsandoperationaloversightof theOfficeoftheCityCouncil.Itshall,inaddition,monitorandassignissuespertainingto the Port Department,the Oakland-AlamedaCountyColiseumAuthority, andothergovernmentalagencies,asappropriate,andmake referrals to appropriate standing committees as required.
To recommendthesettingofspecialmeetingsoftheCouncil,standingcommittees,andsuchotheradhoccommitteesasmaybeestablishedbythe Council.
To assignproposedCouncilresolutionsandordinancestotheCouncilorcommittee agendas.To definethe jurisdictionand responsibilitiesof Councilstandingcommittees, subject to Council approval.
Tomakestudiesandrecommendationsdesignedtopromote,improveandexpeditethebusinessandproceduresoftheCouncilandofthecommitteesthereof,andtoproposetotheCityCouncilanyamendmentstotheRulesdeemed necessary to accomplish such purposes.
Rule24. RulesandLegislationCommittee’s PowersreAgendaItems- Exceptas providedin item8 of Rule7, the RulesCommitteeshallhavejurisdictiontoassignallproposedagendaitemstocommitteesand/orfullCouncil for consideration and action as follows:
1. OneormoremembersoftheCityCouncil,a committeeoftheCityCouncil,the Mayor, the CityAdministrator, CityAttorney, CityAuditorandanymemberofthepublicmayproposeanagendaitemforCouncilconsiderationto theRulesandLegislationCommitteeforassignmentandschedulingthroughproceduresestablishedby theRules and Legislation Committee.
2. RulesandLegislationCommitteeshallhavethefollowingoptionstoassignandscheduleanyandallproposedresolutionsandordinancesofthe City Council:
a. to a subject-matter committee, orb. to staff for review and report back to the requestor, orc. directly to City Council pursuant to “3” below.
3. RulesandLegislationCommitteeshallnotreferanyactionitemdirectlytothefullCityCouncilunlesstheCommitteedeterminesbyamajorityvoteofthosepresentthattheitemshouldproceeddirectlytothe City Council for a specified reason.
4. RulesandLegislationCommitteeshallassignandscheduleanyinformationalitemfor considerationandacceptanceeitherby acommittee or directly by the full Council.
5. TheRulesandLegislationCommitteeshallhavesoleauthorityinestablishingspecificagendaitemstobeplacedontheagenda.RulesandLegislationCommitteeshallestablishtheconsentandnon-consentagenda items of the City Council agenda.
6. NotwithstandinganyotherprovisionoftheseRulesofProcedure,theRulesandLegislationCommitteeshallhavethepowertoplaceanitemthatis urgenton thesupplementalagendafor a regularCouncilmeetingorona specialCouncilmeetingagenda,inaccordancewiththerequirementsoftheSunshineOrdinance,ifnoactionwastakenontheitem(1)duetothecancellationofacommitteemeeting,(2)duetolackofaquorum,(3)becausethecommitteeranoutoftime,or(4)becausethecommitteewasnotabletoapproveanyrecommendedactionandtheCommitteepassesamotionbytheaffirmativevotesofthemajorityofthememberswhoarepresentrequestingthattheRulesCommitteeschedule the item for a Council meeting.
Rule25. AccountabilityandTransparencyinHigh-StakesNegotiationsPolicy:Votingby DelegatesandAlternatesto Boards,CommissionsandOtherBodies- CityCouncilmembers,theMayororCityofficialswhorepresenttheCityasa delegateoralternatebeforeanyboard,agency,authority, jointpowersauthority, commission,etc.shallreceiveCityCouncilauthorizationfroma majorityof theCouncilpriorto castingvote(s)onbehalfoftheCityonanymatterwhichcouldhaveasignificanteconomicor policyimpactontheCity, oronanymatterofparticularcontroversy. Shouldtimebeoftheessence,resultingintherepresentative'sinabilitytoobtainpriorCityCouncilauthorization,therepresentativeshallobtainapprovalfromtheappropriateCityCouncilcommittee(e.g.,thecommitteewhichhas subjectmatterjurisdictionoverthe issueinquestion).Thereafter, the representativeshallreportbackto thefullCouncil,atthenextregularlyscheduledmeetingoftheCouncil,theactiontaken.
CityCouncildelegatesand alternatesshall:(i) within30 daysofappointmenttorepresenttheCityonsuchbodies,participateintrainingprovidedby the CityAdministratoror designeeon the dutiesandobligationsof representation;(ii)providetheCityCounciland/ortheappropriateCouncilcommitteewithan annualreportor briefingongeneralbusinessregardingtheissues,activitiesandagendaofthebodyonwhichtherepresentativeserves;(iii)workwiththeCityAdministratororhis or herdesigneeto notifytheCityCouncilviaan InformationalMemorandum,InformationReportto thesubjectmattercommitteeorclosedsessionbriefingwhenappropriateundertheCaliforniaBrownAct(Gov. CodeSec.54950,etseq.)andOaklandSunshineOrdinance(O.M.C.Chap.2.20)assoonashigh-stakesnegotiationsortransactionscommence;(iv)providetheCityCouncilreal-timereportsonhigh-stakesnegotiationsor transactions.
IntheeventthatarepresentativedeterminesthatcastingavoteasdirectedbytheCouncilwouldnotbeinthebestinterestoftheCitybecauseofchangedcircumstancesornewinformationthatwasnotavailableatthetimeauthorizationwasgranted,therepresentativemaychangehis/her vote(s).Therepresentativeshall,however, attemptto carryforththegeneralintentoftheCouncilwhencastingachangedvote.Thereafter, therepresentativeshallreportbacktothefullCouncil,theactiontakenandthe basis upon which the vote was changed. “High-Stakes”negotiations/transactionsshall be definedas anynegotiationsortransactionsbyaboard,commission,agency,jointpowersauthority, etc.withCouncilappointedCouncilmember, MayororCityofficialdelegatesor alternatesinvolving:licenses,leases,contractsorother transactions that could or will have an economic impact of$1,000,000.00orhigherontheCityofOaklandora significantpolicyimpact or a matter of particular controversy.
Rule 25 shall not applyto mattersunderconsiderationby amultijurisdictionalboard/commission/agency/jointpowersauthority, etc.thatwouldpurelybenefit/bringrevenuetotheCity. Suchrevenuemattersare exempt from Rule 25.
Rule26. Procedure for Councilmemberto PlaceItemson Agenda-CouncilmembersshouldthoroughlyinvestigatepolicyissuespriortosubmittingproposalstoacommitteeortheCouncilforaction.Onmatterspendingbeforea committeeorCouncil,Councilmembersshould,whenfeasibleand in compliancewithCity Charterand openmeetingrequirements,studyandobtaininformationrelativetoanissuepriortothemeetingwhereactionistobetaken.RequestsforformalinformationalandstatusreportsmustbeapprovedbytheRulesCommitteeandshouldbeminimized.Committeesmaydirectthatitemsappropriatelypendingbeforethecommitteebescheduledforfuturecommitteeagendas.NewitemsandissuesbroughtbeforeacommitteeshallbereferredtotheRulesCommitteeforscheduling.TheRulesCommitteeshallprovidegeneraloversight of the implementation of this Rule to insure compliance.
Beforefilingagendamaterialsinthepacket,non-ceremonialresolutionsandordinancesthatwouldcreatenewagendaitemsmustbesubmittedtothe City Attorneyfor review. The sponsorof the non-ceremonialresolutionorordinancemustfileamemorandumorreportnolaterthanthedeadlinefor filingthenon-ceremonialresolutionor ordinancein theagenda packet.
Rule27. QuorumforStandingCommittees- A quorumfor theconductofmeetingsofstandingcommittees,whichhaveamembershipoffour,shallbe three(3)members.A quorumfortheconductof meetingsof theEducationPartnershipand City/PortLiaisonCommitteesshallbe amajorityoftheseatsdesignatedforeachbody. IftheCouncilseatofamemberof a standingcommitteebecomesvacant,thequorumforthatcommitteeshallnotbe reduced.A quorumfor all otherestablishedcommitteesshallbe a majorityofthedulyappointedmembers.Intheeventthata quorumisnotestablishedwithinfifteen(15)minutesofthe noticedstarttimeofthemeeting,themeetingmaybedeclaredcanceled.However, discussionoftheitemsnoticedontheagendamaycontinuebutnoformalactioncanbetaken.TheCityClerkwillpreparearecordofthediscussion,buttherecordwillreflectthatthe;meetingwascanceleddueto a lackofa quorumandthatnofinalactionwastakenontheitemsdiscussed.In determiningwhethera meetingshouldbe canceled,theCommitteeChairpersonshouldconsiderfactorssuchaswhetherthedelayis causedby conflictingmeetingschedules;if priornoticefromthememberwasgiventhatheorshewouldbelate;orifthereisaneedtotakeofficialactiononimportantitem(s)ofbusinessoncea quorumhasbeenestablished.
TheCityClerkshallkeepa recordofCommitteemembers’attendance.Theattendancerecordshallreflectabsencesandtardiness(arrivalafterthefifteen(15)minutescheduledstarttime)andshallindicatewhethertheabsenceortardywasexcusedorunexcused.IfduringthecalendaryearaCommitteememberaccumulatesthree(3)unexcusedabsencesad/orlatearrivalstheCityClerkshallsoadvisethePresidentoftheCouncilandthePresidentoftheCouncilmay, in hisorherdiscretion,removethememberfromtheCommittee.Ifremoved,themembercanbeconsideredforreappointmentby the President of the Council, as appropriate.
Rule 28. Procedure to Add, Remove Agenda Items -
A. ForCouncilitems,anyonewishingto addor removea CouncilagendaitemaftertheRulesCommitteehasmet,butbeforetheagendaisprinted,mustgetauthorizationfromtheChairoftheRulesCommittee,theMayorand/orCityAdministrator, andthePresidentoftheCouncil.Ifanyoneofthesepersonsobjects,orifadditionorremovalofsuchitemiscontrarytotheSunshineOrdinanceortheBrownAct,thesubjectagendaasapprovedbytheRulesCommitteewillnotbechanged.RequeststoaddorremoveanagendaitemmustbesubmittedtotheCityAdministrator’sOfficenolaterthan12p.m.the day beforethe agendapublicationdeadline. The CityAdministrator’s OfficeshalltransmitallRule28requestsreceivedby thedeadlineto theCouncilPresident,theCityAdministrator,Mayor, and Chairof the Rulesand LegislationCommittee,preferablyasasinglelist.Rule28requestsmaybeapproveduntil2p.m.thedaybeforetheagendapublicationdeadline.Ifauthorizationis obtained,theCityAdministratorisresponsiblefornotifyingtheCityClerkpriorto theaffectedCouncilmeeting,to amendtheagendatoreflecttheapprovedchange.Oncetheagendaisprinted,an itemmayonlybe removedat thenextRulesandLegislationCommitteemeetingif thereis an interveningRulesCommitteemeetingpriorto theCityCouncilmeetingforwhichtheitemisagendizedoruponadulyadoptedmotionoftheCityCouncilatthemeetingforwhichtheitemisagendized,if thereisnointervening Rules and Legislation Committee meeting.
B. ForCommitteeitems,anyonewishingtoaddorremoveaCommitteeagendaitemaftertheRulesandLegislationCommitteehasmet,butbeforetheagendaisprinted,mustgetauthorizationfromtheChairoftheRulesandLegislationCommittee,thePresidentoftheCouncil,theMayorand/orCityAdministrator, andtherespectiveCommitteeChair. Ifanyoneofthesepersonsobjects,orifadditionordeletionofsuchitemiscontrarytotheSunshineOrdinanceorBrownAct,thesubjectagendaas approvedby theRulesCommitteewillnotbechanged. Requeststo add or removeagendaitemsmustbesubmittedtotheCityAdministrator’sOfficenolaterthan12p.m.theday before the agenda publicationdeadline.The CityAdministrator’s OfficeshalltransmitallRule28requestsreceivedbythedeadlinetotheCouncilPresident,theCityAdministrator, theMayor, and Chairof the Rulesand LegislationCommittee,preferablyasasinglelist.Rule28requestsmaybeapproveduntil2p.m.thedaybeforetheagendapublicationdeadline.Ifauthorizationis obtained,theCityAdministratorisresponsiblefornotifyingtheCityClerkoftheauthorizedchangepriortotheaffectedCommitteemeetingtoamendtheagendatoreflecttheapprovedchange.Oncetheagendaisprinted,anitemmayonlyberemovedatthenextRulesandLegislationCommitteemeetingifthereisaninterveningRulesandLegislationCommitteemeetingpriortotheCommitteemeetingforwhichtheitemisagendizedoruponadulyadoptedmotionoftheCommitteeatthemeetingforwhichtheitemisagendized,ifthereisno intervening Rules and Legislation Committee meeting.
C. Within2 businessdaysofanyapprovedRule28decision,theCityAdministratorshallnotifytheCityCouncilof thedecisionviae-mail.
D. NotwithstandinganyotherprovisionoftheseRulesofProcedure,anitemoritemsthatarefinallyapprovedinclosedsessionbeforethedeadlinefornoticingandpostingtheitemto thenextregularorspecialCouncilmeeting,includingbutnotlimitedto settlementagreements,shallbeaddedtotheagendaupontheCityAttorney’scommunicationtotheCouncilandClerkinclosedsessionthat(1)theitemwillbereportedoutasa finaldecisioninwriting,(2)therequiredlegislationandagenda-relatedmaterialswillbesubmittedto the Clerkduringclosedsessionor withintwohoursafterconclusionof closedsession,and(3)theCityAttorneyandtheCouncilPresidenthavedeterminedthatitisotherwiseappropriatetoplace the item on the agenda.
Rule29. Tie-BreakingVotesbyMayor- IntheeventthatthemembersoftheCouncilareevenlydividedintheirvoteonanitem(bymotion,resolutionorordinance)theitemwillautomaticallybecontinuedtoitsnextregularly scheduledmeetingsolelyforthepurposeofallowingtheMayortocastavote;providedthatiftheMayorsochooses,he/shemaycastavoteatthemeetingat whichthetievoteoccurs.TheCityClerkshallprovidetheMayorwithallsupportingdocumentation,reportsandlegislationrelatingto theitemanda copyofthevideotapeofthediscussion,if available.Council and public discussion ispermittedontheitemto bevotedonbytheMayor;however, Councilmemberscannotchangetheirvoteunlesstheitemhasbeenproperlynoticedfor reconsideration.TheMayormustappearat theCouncilmeeting to cast his/her vote.
Rule30. Resolutionor OrdinanceRequired to Approve Contracts-NotwithstandingCityChartersection210whichpermitstheCityCouncilto takeactionby ordinanceorresolutionormotion,theCouncilshallapproveandauthorizecontractsby resolutionunlessan ordinanceisrequired; and be it FURTHER RESOLVED:That the City Council hereby adoptsthe following CensurePolicy and Procedure and Code of Conduct for each member of the City Council:OAKLAND CITY COUNCIL CENSURE POLICY AND PROCEDURES BACKGROUND:
TheCityofOaklandandtheCityCouncilhavea strongcommitmenttotheOaklandCharter,legislation,ethicalandcouncilpoliciesandprocedures.TheCityCouncilhasthepowertocensureoneofitsmembersforviolationsoftheselaws,policiesandprocedures.TheCouncil'sCodeofConduct,whichispartoftheCouncil'sRulesofProcedure,statesthattheCityCouncilmaycensureanymember"whowillfullyviolatestherulesofconductcontainedinthisCodeofEthics."(CityCouncilResolutionNo.82580,Codeof ConductNo.12,seealso,SunshineOrdinance,OaklandMunicipalCodesection2.20.170(censurefor releaseof confidentialinformation).)Moreover, censureisaninherentpowerofalegislativebodythatfollowsRobert'sRulesof Order. (Roberts,p. 627-28,Section61.)Inorderto beableto censurea Councilmember, the City Council must adopt a fair policy and procedure for the process.
PURPOSE:
ThisPolicyandProcedureisintendedtoprovidetheprocessbywhichtheCityCouncilactingas a wholecancensureanyof its memberswhoviolatestateorfederallaws,Cityordinances or policies.
COUNCIL CODE OF CONDUCT:
TheCouncil'sCodeof Conduct,whichis partof theCouncil'sRulesof Procedurecodified in Resolution No. 82580 C.M.S., provides as follows:
"Each member of the City Council has a duty to:
1. Respectandadhereto theAmericanidealsof government,theruleof law, theprinciplesof public administrationand high ethical conduct in theperformance of public duties.
2. Represent and work for the common good of the City and not for any private interest.
3. Refrainfromacceptinggiftsorfavorsorpromisesforfuturebenefitswhichmightcompromise or tend to impair independence of judgment or action.
4. ProvidefairandequaltreatmentforallpersonsandmatterscomingbeforetheCouncil.
5. Learnandstudythebackgroundandpurposesofimportantitemsofbusinessbeforevoting.
6. Faithfully perform all duties of office.7. Refrainfromdisclosinganyinformationreceivedconfidentiallyconcerningthebusinessof theCity, or receivedduringanyclosedsessionof theCouncilheldpursuant to state law.
8. Decline any employment incompatible with public duty
9. Refrainfromabusiveconduct,personalchargesorverbalattacksuponthecharacter,motives,ethicsormoralsofothermembersoftheCouncil,staff orpublic,orotherpersonal comments not germane to the issues before the Council.
10.ListencourteouslyandattentivelytoallpublicdiscussionsatCouncilmeetingsandavoidinterruptingotherspeakers,includingotherCouncilmembers,exceptasmaybe permitted by established Rules of Order.
11.FaithfullyattendallsessionsoftheCouncilunlesstodosobecauseofdisabilityorsome other compelling reason.
12.Maintainthehigheststandardof publicconductby refusingto condonebreachesofpublictrustorimproperattemptstoinfluencelegislation,andbybeingwillingtocensureanymemberwhonegligently,willfullyorintentionallyviolatestherulesofconduct contained in this Code of Ethics." CENSURE POLICY:
It isthePolicyoftheCityCouncilthatallitsmembersshallabidebyfederalandstatelaw, theCityCharter, CitylegislationandCityCouncilpolicies.ViolationofsuchlaworpolicycansubjecttheCitytoliability, affecttheCity'sbudget,resources,plansandtimelines,injuresthegoodnameoftheCityandunderminestheeffectivenessoftheCityCouncilasawhole.Suchconduct is deemed to be subject to City Council Censure.
Censureis a formalresolutionoftheCityCouncilofficiallyreprimandingoneofitsmembers.CensureservestoformallyputacensuredcouncilmemberonnoticeoftheCouncil's disapprobationofconductthathasviolatedlawsorpolicies,butcarriesnofineorsuspensionoftherightsofthememberasanelectedofficial.Censureisanappropriatepunitivemeasurewhenthe violation of law or policy is deemed by the City Council to be a serious offense.
Inordertoprotecttheoverridingprincipleoffreedomofspeech,theCityCouncilshallnotimpose"censure"onanyofitsmembersfortheexerciseofhisorherFirstAmendmentrightsno matterhowdistastefultheexpressionwasto theCouncil,officials,employeesorpublic.However, nothinghereinshallbe construedto prohibittheCityCouncilfromcollectivelyexpressing their strong disapproval of such remarks.
TheCityCouncilshallnotimpose"censure"onanyofitsmembersfortheviolationofanylawwhilecriminalchargesarepending.However, whenthecriminalproceedingsarefinal,theCityCouncilneednotbeboundbytheconclusionoftheCourtandmayholda"censure"hearing.
PROCEDURE:
1. Arequesttoschedulea“censure”hearingmustbesubmittedtotheRulesCommitteein writing by a member of the Council. a. Theschedulingrequestmustcontaina briefdescriptionof thespecificcharges on which the proposed censure is based in the title of the item. b. A censureresolutionsettingforthspecificchargesandgroundsforcensuremustbesubmittedtotheCityClerkwiththeschedulingrequestatleastfortyeight(48)hourspriorto theRulesCommitteemeetingat whichit willbeconsidered for scheduling. c. TheCityClerkshallservecopiesoftheschedulingrequestandthecensureresolutionontheaccusedcouncilmemberatleasttwenty-four(24)hourspriortotheRulesCommitteemeetingatwhichitwillbeconsideredforscheduling.TheCityClerkshalldelivertheschedulingrequestandcensureresolutiontothecouncilofficeoftheaccusedmember, subjecttoexecutionofaproofofservice.Serviceshallbeaccomplishedbyelectronicmailorin person,asdetermined by the City Clerk.
2. The Rules Committee shall:
a. Schedule the matter for public hearing; or
b. ReferthemattertotheCityAdministratorforfurtherinvestigationbyanindependentinvestigator, inconsultationwiththeCityAttorney, priortoscheduling the matter; or c. Not schedule the matter for public hearing.
3. Censurematterssetforpublichearingmustbescheduledatleast10calendardaysinadvanceofthe hearingdateto givetheaccusedmemberadequatetimetoprepare a defense.
4. Thecouncilmemberseekingcensureofanothercouncilmemberis responsibleforpreparingandsubmittingtotheCityClerkacensureresolutionandreportsupportingcensurein timeforpublicationwiththeI 0-dayagendapacketforthemeetingatwhichthematterwillbeheard.TheCityClerkshall,at leastI 0 calendardaysbeforethehearing,delivercopiesoftheresolution,reportandotheragendamaterialsto thecouncilofficeof theaccusedmember, subjectto executionofa proofofservice.
5. TheaccusedmemberisresponsibleforpreparingandsubmittingtotheCityClerkfortheagendapacket,reports,documentsorotherinformationopposingcensureintimefor the three (3) day supplemental agenda.6. Atthehearing,thememberoftheCouncilsubjecttothecensureproceedingshallhavetheopportunitytorebuttheallegationsinthecensureresolutionandtoquestionanyknownaccusersif theyagreetobequestioned.Notwithstandingtheforegoing,identitiesof personswhoprovidedstatementsor informationin confidenceshallremainconfidential.Thisincludes,butis notlimitedto,personswhoprovidedstatementsorinformationthrougha whistleblowerprogramofthefederalorstategovernmentor Cityof Oakland.Themembersubjectto thechargesmayberepresented and may have the representative speak or question on his or her behalf.
7. A decisionto censuremustbemadebyresolutionandbasedonconductfoundtohavebeennegligent,willfulorintentional.Adecisiontocensurerequiresfive(5)votesoftheCounciladoptingaresolution:1)findingthereissubstantialevidenceinthe recordto supportthespecificchargesalleged,2) findingthattheconductsupporting the censure was negligent, willful or intentional, and 3) approving censure.
IN COUNCIL, OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA,
PASSED BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE:
AYES - FIFE,GALLO, KALB, KAPLAN, REID, TAYLOR, THAOANDPRESIDENTFORTUNATOBASNOES –ABSENT –ABSTENTION – ATTEST: ASHA REEDCity Clerk and Clerk of the Council of the City ofOakland, California 3210428v6