REPORT TO THE CITY COUNCIL
September 22, 2016
FROM: PAUL CAPRIOGLIO, Council President
City Council Offices
SUBJECT
Title
RESOLUTION - Amending the Council Rules of Procedure to conform to current practice, and to allow additional time for public comment by members of the public speaking through an interpreter
Body
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that Council approve the attached resolution amending the Council Rules of Procedure.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The Council proposes a number of amendments to its Rules of Procedure to conform to its current practice, and to add provisions regarding use of interpreters.
BACKGROUND
On May 9, 2013, Council adopted the Rules of Procedure to establish rules for the conduct of its proceedings. Council has amended the rules from time to time to account for changes in practice. Council now wishes to amend the rules to conform to its current practice, and also to account for a proposed change in state law.
AB 1787 (Gomez) is currently awaiting the Governor’s signature. The bill will require the Council to provide at least twice the allotted time to a member of the public who utilizes a translator to ensure that non-English speakers receive the same opportunity to directly address Council, unless simultaneous translation equipment is used. Though the Governor has not yet signed the bill, Council agrees with the concept of ensuring equal access to all members of the public wishing to communicate with Council, and amends its Rules of Procedure accordingly. In addition, to maintain clarity of the public record, where the City provides an interpreter, public comments or discussion on the record shall be translated by the City interpreter. If City officials or staff believe an interpreter is likely to be necessary for an item, staff should timely arrange with the Clerk to have an interpreter available.
Other changes to the Rules of Procedure are:
• All contracts must be signed by the non-City party prior to being placed on the Council Agenda, unless an exception applies.
• All matters to be included on the Agenda must be submitted to the Council President and City Clerk by 5:00 the Thursday before the meeting, and supporting documents must be distributed by 5:00 the Monday prior to the meeting.
• A quorum must be present to begin a Council meeting, for any vote to be taken, or during any portion of a noticed public hearing.
• Contracts or budget amendments in excess of $500,000 may not be placed on the consent calendar.
• Ordinance amendments approved at introduction shall come back on the consent calendar for adoption. Council is not required to vote on an ordinance at introduction.
• If a “friendly amendment” to a motion is rejected, then a formal motion to amend may be made.
• Confidential closed session documents must remain in the closed session room for collection by the City Attorney’s Office at the conclusion of closed session, unless released by the City Attorney.
ENVIRONMENTAL FINDINGS
This is not a project for CEQA purposes.
LOCAL PREFERENCE
Not applicable.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact.
Attachment: Council Rules of Procedure
Resolution