Review and Approval of Suggested Changes to the City Council Procedures and Protocols Handbook as Recommended by the Policy and Services Committee. CEQA Status – Not a project.

Summary

The City Council is reviewing and approving suggested changes to its Procedures and Protocols Handbook, as recommended by the Policy and Services Committee. Key updates include:

• Brown Act Amendments (SB 707): Extends alternative teleconferencing provisions for remote participation to 2030, expands "just cause" reasons (e.g., military service), and requires meeting minutes to identify the specific provision relied upon for remote attendance.
• Proclamations: Revised guidelines clarify that routine, non-controversial proclamations can be issued at the Mayor's discretion, while potentially controversial ones require a full Council vote. The Council will also refrain from taking positions on foreign governments or non-local governance issues.
• Consent Calendar Process: If an item is pulled from the Consent Calendar, it will now be heard as the first action item for a brief 10-minute discussion at the same meeting, if feasible, or continued to a future meeting.
• Mayor and Vice Mayor Compensation: The section detailing additional compensation for the Mayor and Vice Mayor is being removed from the Handbook, as Councilmember compensation is already at the highest level authorized by State law.
• Councilmember Expense Reimbursement: The Handbook also incorporates previously adopted changes (December 2024) for technology purchases (up to $2,000 annually, with specific rules for full vs. partial reimbursement) and cellular phone usage (25% of monthly cost, up to $2,000 annually).

Citizen Impact

These changes affect how City Council meetings are conducted, including rules for remote participation, how routine items are handled, and what official stances the Council will take. New expense reimbursement policies ensure accountability for public funds used by Councilmembers for technology and communication.

Confidence

high