Memo
To: Oliver Chi, City Manager
From: Lana Negrete, Councilmember
Date: January 19, 2026
Re: A request of Councilmember Negrete that the City Council consider support directing staff to analyze process improvements for City Council Meetings.
Request that the City Council support directing the analysis and implementation of the following 3 meeting protocol / logistical adjustments.
1. Provide a Minimum Amount of Public Comment Time For Speakers • 2-Minutes of Guaranteed Minimum Speaking Time – Ensure that no member of the public receives less than two (2) minutes to speak on any agenda item or during general public comment, regardless of the number of speakers.
• Separate Time for Separate Items – Confirm that speakers are afforded the full 2-minute minimum speaking time for each distinct agenda item they wish to address, regardless of the number of speakers we have on an item.
2. Meeting Structure & Scheduling Reforms
• Reorder Agenda for Closed Session – Reorder our agenda such that Closed Session takes places either at 3pm or at the end of Council meetings, rather than happen mid-agenda.
• Consider Closed Session on 1st & 3rd Tuesday – Concurrently, we should also consider and analyze the feasibility of holding closed sessions on the first or third Tuesday of each month, separate from regular City Council meeting evenings.
3. Earlier Meeting Start Time Once Per Month
• 10am Council Meeting – Explore shifting one of our two regular monthly Council meetings to a 10:00 a.m. start time, to expand access for residents unable to attend evening meetings.
I am respectfully requesting that the City Council consider and implement the above referenced changes to facilitate process improvements for our Council Meetings that would improve resident and public participation.
Please place this item on January 27, 2026, agenda for full City Council consideration.