SPECIAL MEETING OF THE OAKLEY CITY COUNCIL
HELD FEBRUARY 24, 2024
1. Call to Order and Roll Call
Mayor Anissa Williams called the meeting to order at 9:01am in the Oakley City Council Chambers located at 3231 Main Street, Oakley, California. Vice Mayor Shannon Shaw and Councilmembers Hugh Henderson, Dr. George Fuller, and Aaron Meadows were also present.
2. Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag
Councilmember Henderson led the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
3. Public Comments
No public comments were submitted.
4. Work Session
4.1 Governance Workshop
Melissa Kuehne, ILG Senior Program Manager and Jennifer King, Consultant, introduced themselves and began their PowerPoint presentation.
Ms. Kuehne provided an overview of the agenda and discussed objectives (leadership and governance refresher, review governance tools and gain additional insights about Council colleagues).
The City Council and leadership team introduced themselves.
Ms. Kuehne shared information about ILG and discussed leadership and governance (trust, accountability, responsiveness, and transparency).
City Manager Joshua McMurray stated for the record that the City was subject to a ransomware attack Thursday and currently has no internet or phone capability so this meeting will not be livestreamed or recorded. He shared critical points including having good governance, being good stewards of resources, holding the highest ethical standards in decision making, being professional, and maintaining good morale.
Ms. Kuehne asked Councilmembers to share what inspired them to run for City Council.
Dr. Fuller shared that he had differences in how the city was being governed and being managed by the former City Manager and the community did not feel it was getting the information it needed. He mentioned the then Council was doing things with 3 days’ notice without public input then saying they had to do it and it was obvious developers were running the city. He shared that he wanted the public to participate, was glad the city went to districts, and when the City Manager left and there were three new members on the dais in 2020, and then two new members in 2022, he was happy to see something new and dynamic.
Councilmember Meadows shared that in the 1990s, he sat on the Oakley Municipal Advisory Council until it became a city, and his father was involved in local politics in the 1970s so he has been living it. He shared they have a family in business in Oakley which he has continued, and he looks at it as his city. He mentioned that he had some issues with the former City Manager but that did not influence his decision to run; it was good timing in his life to run for Council with his kids now being older.
Mayor Williams shared that during COVID, her job was furloughed, and she saw many people struggling during that time, so she started a Facebook group to connect people to resources, first doing things for first responders, then providing assistance to restaurants, and the group is now around 15,000 people today. She explained she wanted to do it on a larger scale to help others and take leadership in a positive direction. She mentioned in 3.5 years, she has a long list of things she has done to make the community better and make a difference in lives.
Vice Mayor Shaw shared that she works in Pittsburg and lives here where she joined a service club of which many elected were part of and they were normal, and with her family growing up, she began attended meetings, had an interest in the Planning Commission, then the City went to districts, so she started as a Planning Commissioner and then ran for and was elected to Council.
Councilmember Henderson shared that he has 37 years in public safety with police and fire, he watched the City incorporate, and there are projects the City is still trying to make happen that he is now part of.
Ms. King reviewed takeaways from the assessment interviews they conducted, including excellence in government, Council roles, successes, challenges, what is working well and where there is room for improvement. The Council had an opportunity to share their initial reactions to the feedback.
Dr. Fuller suggested they include fire department consolidation, an accomplishment for safety, along with E. Cypress Road. He shared that the hostility on the dais is untenable; Mayor Williams is flopping on the dais and talking to others while his daughter was dying of pancreatic cancer. He mentioned there is ongoing group think, like with the Rotary, and he is moving forward but it is very uncomfortable. He mentioned they need to address group think, proper decorum, and social media to inform the community. He added that when they talk about policy, they should think about if they are being oppressive, privileged, controlling, or if they are facilitating knowledge for the community.
Ms. King mentioned they can have a group discussion and may have differences in opinion and often the best decisions come from talking those through; it is not group think, just decision making.
Mayor Williams commented that it is public and what everyone is thinking, and they’ve talked about a social media policy; she is huge proponent of social media but they need respect and decorum. She mentioned that she and Councilmember Meadows are diametrically opposed on matters, but they do not levy personal attacks. She mentioned there should be substantiation, correct wrong information, require factual basis on social media posts, and maintain a level of professionalism with that information.
Ms. King mentioned they won’t develop a social media policy today, but it is helpful to have certainty.
Councilmember Meadows agreed with Mayor Wiliams in that they have differences in thought but respect each other. He mentioned Dr. Fuller is constantly attacking them for being on Rotary and wants to attack them all the time on social media, and that is the problem.
Ms. King mentioned that they all have a desire to work together for the greater good of the City; despite how uncomfortable it can be, the successes are significant.
Vice Mayor Shaw mentioned there has been a lot of conversation about social media which should be used to inform, but when it is used it to attack, there is already mistrust in politics throughout the country, it doesn’t highlight the good things the City is doing; it looks like a clown show if they are all putting out their own things. She mentioned they need to explore how they use that platform to get information to the community, rather than as a platform to attack others and make negative comments. She mentioned that she has been on social media weekly and daily for a while this month, and she uses her time at the dais to defend herself when she should be giving attention to business. She added that they are not trying to silence anyone; everything they do gets spun and crazy accusations are made. She mentioned she would like to air things out today, get things off her chest, squash it, and move forward at Tuesday’s meeting.
Ms. King mentioned that they can use space to do that. She addressed use of social media for personal attacks and that they never should use it to attack one another. She mentioned the social media policy would not be addressed tonight and it sounds like a Councilmember is characterizing an act of another.
Dr. Fuller mentioned he posted about a philandering City Manager and was contacted by David Wahl with Rotary who called him scum and unfit to be a Rotarian. He mentioned he is told time and time again that Rotary is great but not even his time in Vietnam, working in Police, or as a special education teacher, was he ever called scum. He mentioned that they kicked him out of Rotary, and it was a major issue.
Councilmember Henderson shared that he requested this workshop and appreciates everyone putting time in to try and work with one another. He mentioned social media posts affects the Council with the Brown Act and how they look in the community.
Ms. Kuehne mentioned there has been focus on social media and the Brown Act, there are new laws and a lot of clarification needed; it has been captured and is on the staff’s list of things to address.
Mr. McMurray commented that he has the future agenda items request from the Council for this, and staff is formulating something to bring to the Council in the near future.
Ms. King mentioned that the takeaways are generally positive, they are moving in the right direction, the things they have accomplished are great, and they are working on a process here which is achievable.
Ms. Kuehne reviewed the foundations for high-performing councils.
Mayor Williams mentioned the Council is not agreeing on everything to serve constituents to ensure their voices are heard, civil disagreement is a high performing act, they are a young performing city and there were decisions made by former Council that they don’t all agree with, but she believes they are forward thinking as possible. She mentioned reading agenda packets, coming prepared, having an open mind about all issues, and the ability to pivot is important.
Ms. King mentioned that through disagreeing agreeably, they are able to have conversations and are keeping an eye out for the future and community.
Vice Mayor Shaw mentioned decisions were made before her time, but she supports them even though not hers, and she respects a vote when made by a majority. She mentioned McDonald’s and Quick Quack were huge issues and she and Mayor Williams were on opposite sides of the vote. She shared that Mayor Williams received a complaint about her (Vice Mayor Shaw) vote and Mayor Williams defended her (Vice Mayor Shaw) vote even though it was opposite of hers (Mayor Williams); she can be on the losing end of a vote but can still be respectful, such as with the train platform and champion things that the City is doing.
Councilmember Henderson agreed with both. He mentioned when they do their homework, they should connect with staff so staff can get back to the Council with clarification; it is valuing staff time to make an efficient meeting.
Councilmember Meadows everything mentioned he is good with what has been said and it is what he would have said.
Dr. Fuller mentioned the Council needs to be informed, they need to understand constituents in their area, have a connection with the community, reflect values, and say what they stand for and let people make decisions, If a Councilmember says what they stand for, who they support, and bring it to the dais, each member on dais should not be judgmental. He mentioned if they don’t understand their constituents and attack others because someone is not in the right club or area, it is not right; they all have a right to speak without saying someone is too old or doesn’t get it. He mentioned they should have communication with staff, discuss things on the dais, and listen to people. He mentioned regarding not talking beforehand that he almost voted ‘no’ on the fire district, however Mr. Cole changed his mind with an eloquent delivery; he said he was strongly opposed, not ‘no’. He mentioned it is important that the community know him, maintain ethics among themselves and police themselves. He mentioned with integrity, do they really stand for transparency or good optics; it bothers him and the community immensely; he prefers to let the community know what is coming down the line, and build trust and integrity.
Ms. Kuehne mentioned that they all have an individual responsibility.
Dr. Fuller mentioned that they need to stay away from group think that he is bad, and they need to get him in line because he doesn’t agree, and censure him.
Ms. Kuehne commented that they may be voting differently on an item, but they can have dialogue on the dais and the Council can move forward; they can have a conversation on the dais and be open minded to take all information in and make a decision here for the community as a whole.
Dr. Fuller commented that titles are important for city staff, and the community calls him Dr. Fuller, and some people on the dais said they will not call him “doctor”.
Ms. Kuehne inquired if his preference is to call him “doctor” or “Councilmember”.
Dr. Fuller indicated either.
Ms. Kuehne mentioned that there should be a level of respect for colleagues; it is a foundation for exceptional councils (governance tools, governance mindsets, effective councils).
Ms. Kuehne addressed effective leadership and culture. Ms. King handed out a worksheet.
The Council participated in an individual exercise on self-assessment--how the Councilmembers are doing individually and as a whole.
Mayor Williams commented that she didn’t come into politics thinking she would have such a strong impact; she has achieved things she campaigned on, i.e., small business, ARPA funds, library, and E. Cypress Road work that they pushed forward even though there are competing priorities. She mentioned there are projects the Council wants to see succeed together.
Vice Mayor Shaw mentioned she prepares for every meeting, she has every agenda in a binder, she goes to a location if it is coming up as a project to get a visual and feel for it, and she maintains a good relationship with staff. She also mentioned that the Council has to answer to constituents in their districts but must look at the City as a whole. She mentioned she would never let someone bully her into something that isn’t right just for a developer; even when her decision is not liked; she doesn’t want to be affected by how she will be perceived and may say things that may upset some people.
Dr. Fuller mentioned that he maintains transparency, integrity, and current knowledge.
Councilmember Henderson mentioned that he does his homework, respects staff and their workload, he is a good listener, attends events to hear what the community wants, and feels he is approachable.
Councilmember Meadows mentioned being here his whole life helps, he does his homework, tries to be respectful of Councilmembers—they are all elected, and he tries to be forward thinking.
Ms. Kuehne asked them to address improvements.
Vice Mayor Shaw mentioned her improvements include not letting what people say affect her personally and holding more community meetings within her district to keep residents informed but also to listen and obtain their feedback.
Mayor Williams mentioned her improvements include getting thicker skin, not concerning herself with people who don’t like her personally, not thinking about non-productiveness, getting out in the community and making herself available, and she would like to have a more formal meeting with residents.
Councilmember Henderson mentioned his improvements include communicating from the dais more as he is known to be quiet one. He shared that he is listening but doesn’t always express his thoughts before a vote.
Councilmember Meadows commented that he believes he is the second most quiet. He mentioned his improvements include controlling his emotions to express clearly what he is thinking and taking action on.
Dr. Fuller mentioned it was a free for all for staff at one point in the Council; they were allowed to make disparaging remarks which were put to an end. He mentioned his improvements have included recognizing the community and having them involved, ensuring they have good staff and integrity, and that they continue to grow. He added improvements include ensuring more effective discourse and rhetoric which can be toned down at times, and now that his dissertation is done, he would like to get out in the community more.
Ms. Kuehne commented that she appreciates their candor and all being introspective. She asked the Council to share things the Council will do as a whole to continue working with the community and staff.
Vice Mayor Shaw mentioned that they are doing well balancing development in the City; they don’t approve every change. She mentioned she appreciates that they are hiring qualified staff and allowing the City Manager to manage staff.
Councilmember Meadows mentioned overall he thinks they are respectful on the dais and allow the Council and City Manager to do their jobs.
Mayor Williams mentioned the Council is making hard decisions that are right for the City of Oakley, they are making progress on the right kind of development, she supports staff 100% because she can see the result of their interactions with the community, and they are doing something right as a Council if the staff loves the City and treats people well. She commented that she sees the opposite position in another city.
Councilmember Henderson mentioned the Council wants to do what is best for the City. He shared that they attend community events, listen, and all have a way to do it.
Ms. Kuehne mentioned many positives have been shared. She asked the Council to share what they can do as a whole.
Mayor Williams mentioned they can disagree agreeably, limit any discussion to policy rather than personal attacks so as not to cheapen them in eyes of the public-it is a distraction to good work happening, communicate positively, and not discount all the work that has been done.
Councilmember Meadows mentioned that the Council could be more respectful but overall, they do a good job working together; it is reflected in the city and staff, and he would grade the Council very high.
Dr. Fuller mentioned he and Councilmember Meadows disagree on many things, but Councilmember Meadows was the best Mayor he has seen in the City—he ensured a good meeting, ensured all were informed and took great responsibility; he was a good role model for Mayor. He mentioned the Council needs to be courteous to one another; sometimes believes he is back in middle school. He suggested common courtesy such as “Hi!” “How are you?”, “Would you like a seat?” He mentioned they should be courteous and respectful of others’ views and be understanding and empathetic to each other.
Vice Mayor Shaw mentioned that personal attacks on social media on both the Council and staff need to stop as well as underhanded remarks that they hear.
She added that they can’t go back to change the past but can focus on the future. She mentioned that she understands the Brown Act and when remarks are made, it puts the City in jeopardy for legal issues.
Councilmember Henderson mentioned that they can always improve teamwork, communication, understanding different views, being more open, and being able to weigh different thoughts and explaining those amicably.
Ms. Kuehne shared high performing Councils attributes and how to develop a sense of team. She mentioned there appears to be a willingness to work collaboratively and have an agency-wide perspective. She suggested they could have an annual workshop. She mentioned they should be able to disagree agreeably with the ability to have those conversations.
Vice Mayor Shaw mentioned when they transition from candidate to Council member, they should make sure they are a Councilmember first, but when running a campaign, have the ability to transition to candidate, but also transition back to Councilmember.
Ms. Kuehne discussed clear roles and responsibilities, understanding the role of local government and responsibilities, knowing their role to set a vision rather than micromanaging, striving to focus on issues within the city, and being prepared to ask questions of staff and each other.
Ms. King commented that she is not sure social media is the best forum to really find out what constituents want; face-to-face communication is still proven to be how people are finding out what residents want.
Ms. Kuehne mentioned that they have the ability to respectfully disagree, keeping it at a policy level, not personal attacks. She mentioned a code of conduct provides tools of how they want to work together, and it could be revisited.
Regarding the Council’s relationship with staff, she suggested the Council avoid “gotcha” questions from the dais and provide staff advance notice for a chance to gather information so they can respond, which is not to say don’t ask questions; just give staff ability to provide the information.
Ms. King added that staff being prepared to provide information is not staged or rehearsed as the Council and staff are all part of the same team; allowing staff to research and have information is more informative for the public.
Ms. Kuehne addressed effective Council meetings including doing homework, asking questions in advance, being respectful, having civil discourse, being mindful of body language, recognizing issues are not personalized and having thoughtful dialogue is the objective, celebrating success, holding themselves responsible for adhering to operating protocols and a code of conduct, behaving in a civil, respectful manner, and acting with decorum.
Ms. King commented that they are a high functioning Council and are doing lots of good work; hopefully these things provide a reminder.
Ms. Kuehne addressed practicing continuous learning and development.
Dr. Fuller requested a copy of the PowerPoint presentation of which Ms. Kuehne agreed can be provided.
Councilmember Meadows commented that he didn’t disagree with anything in the slides. He mentioned he doesn’t think that the Council really asks “gotcha” questions, at least not on purpose. He mentioned he will try to ask the City Manager beforehand and believes everyone does.
Dr. Fuller gave staff credit for being prepared as he didn’t find that when he originally came here and that has changed. He mentioned he can’t think of any intentional “gotcha” questions that have been asked.
Ms. Kuehne called for a brief recess. The City Council reconvened at 11:04 a.m.
Ms. Kuehne mentioned the Council participated in an exercise that included questions regarding communications and leadership style based on preferences.
She provided an overview of governance principles, policies, and tools. She mentioned the Council already did goal setting in April 2022 with its Strategic Plan. She mentioned the Council can establish clear measures or success (SMART) goals and have regular review of policy effectiveness and implementation practices.
Ms. King suggested when formulating policy, they can think about what goal they are trying to achieve, the end result, so policy can be specifically targeted to that goal.
Ms. Kuehne addressed the Council Policy Handbook and Governance Protocols.
Ms. King mentioned the Brown Act is necessary and may make those conversations more difficult, but study sessions can be offsite to put them in a different context, so it is not feeling so formal and a study session is a good way to keep in touch with others like Planning Commissioners or other committees to let them know Council goals.
Ms. Kuehne added that they can also continue their education and professional development, including peer learning.
Dr. Fuller agreed with a study session if they want to address an issue, but he is not sure what they are talking about meeting together.
Ms. King mentioned a study session would still be a public meeting.
Dr. Fuller commented that this setting is terrible for coming together as a group.
Vice Mayor Shaw commented that they had a joint meeting with the Council, Diablo Water District and Ironhouse Sanitary District.
Ms. Kuehne mentioned a study session can be with only the Council, or joint meetings with other bodies such as the Planning Commission, County, or school districts, to share policies and goals.
Councilmember Meadows commented that the Council has workshops, open discussions, and utilizes workshops often, but they have not brought the Planning Commission in.
Dr. Fuller inquired if Councilmember Meadows is referring to workshops on the meeting agendas which Councilmember Meadows confirmed is correct.
Dr. Fuller agreed that getting off the dais and getting down to a level where they are talking face to face at a roundtable would be helpful.
Ms. Kuehne asked them to share reflections about this governance meeting.
Mayor Williams shared that she would like to have regular “Meet Your Mayor” sessions, stop putting stock into conversations out there, and continue providing meeting recaps while acknowledging work done and work to still be done.
Councilmember Meadows shared that he would like to have better organization for his notes for meetings, always try to continue to do the right thing, continue to interact on the dais, and be respectful and listen to others’ points of view.
Councilmember Henderson shared that he would use titles for Councilmembers, explain his thoughts and ideas, listen more, work on body language so he doesn’t look mad, continue to do his homework, and respect staff for the time and effort they put in.
Vice Mayor Shaw shared that she would air out grievances instead of keeping it in to fester, outreach to others, accept what she can’t change, stand up for herself, listen to constituents, continue to bring her binder as it helps her, and to hide her face.
Dr. Fuller shared that there are things he does not understand about his district— the old section and new so he would like to look at allocation of resources of existing and new areas, tone down some of his social media posts, and continue his attendance (he only missed one meeting).
Ms. Kuehne mentioned she will prepare a summary of what happened today and provide it along with slides.
Vice Mayor Shaw mentioned she has a good working relationship with most of the Council and would like to have a working relationship with all. She invited Dr.
Fuller to have coffee to build a working relationship to which he agreed.
Mayor Williams thanked Councilmember Henderson for bringing the governance meeting forward. She mentioned she believes they have skills to take away and hopes to develop policy, but this is a first step, and she appreciates it. She mentioned she is available to all, and it is a good reminder that face to face is still the best way and they want to enable people to feel that way.
Mr. McMurray commented that he appreciates the time everyone put in for this governance meeting and it reaffirms the great things that the Council and staff are doing. He commented that he looks forward to their commitment to work together.
Ms. Kuehne shared additional resources.
5. Adjourn
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 11:53 a.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Libby Vreonis
City Clerk