FOR THE COUNCIL MEETING OF AUGUST 1, 2023
COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
TO: City Council
FROM: City Manager
Prepared by: Chief Deputy City Clerk
SUBJECT: Request to Cancel the September 5, 2023, City Council Meeting
Description:
The City Council will consider approving the cancel lation of the regular City Council meeting scheduled on September 5, 2023.
Environmental Notice: The activity is not a “Project” as defined under Section 15378 of the California Environmental Quality Act State Guidelines; therefore, pursuant to State Guidelines Section 15060(c)(3) no environmental review is required.
RECOMMENDATION:
Adopt a Resolution cancelling the regular City Council meeting scheduled on September 5, 2023.
BACKGROUND:
Section 2-1.01 of the Santa Maria Municipal Code sets the time, day, and place for holding City Council meetings to discuss items of City business. The Council has the authority to cancel meetings due to lack of a quorum or lack of business items.
DISCUSSION:
While many cities go “dark” for a meeting or two during the summer months or holiday season, the Santa Maria City Council has always met on the first and third Tuesday of each month with no pre-determined scheduled breaks.
Due to the Labor Day holiday being scheduled the day prior to a scheduled Council meeting, staff is recommending that the City Council cancel the first meeting in September and address any items that arise between now and then at the October 3, 2023, City Council meeting.
It is likely the September 19, 2023 City Council may also be cancelled due to a conflict with the annual League of California Cities conference in Sacramento that week. A majority of City Council and a number of staff are attending the Conference to receive the annual legislative updates, training, continuing education credits, and municipal partner coordination.
2 Alternative(s)
The City Council could decide to not cancel the September 5th regular meeting; however, not doing so may result in there not being a quorum of the City Council and the absence of key staff due to the holiday and planned vacations.
The City Council can elect to cancel both the September 5 and September 19 meetings at this time.
Fiscal Considerations
There is no foreseeable impact as a result of this agenda item.
Impact to the Community
While the public will not have the ability to bring concerns to the City Council on September 5, 2023, due to the cance llation of the meeting, Councilmembers and staff remain available by email or telephone to address residents’ concerns during the regular business days prior to the holiday and thereafter.