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OPEN FOR DISCUSSIO N
STEPS TO PAINLESSLY AGENDIZE ITEMS FOR DISCUSSIO N
By Kevin P . Rice (contact :kevin@slovoice .org or (805) 602-2626 )
Abstract :Requests by council members to place an idea on the agenda are frequently met wit h
resistance from the rest of the council—even before a full "sales pitch" can be made by the proponent .
Often, opponents cite a lack of staff or council time, other times personal opposition is stated . When
such debates occur, they inevitably wander toward some level of debate on the merits of the idea itself ,
which violates the Brown Act since discussions are required to be on the agenda . Indeed, transparency
only exists when the public is aware that a discussion is taking place . Here, suggestions to the counci l
encourage liberal consideration of ideas for discussion, and for streamlining discussions to make the m
painless,
Step 1 :Support it!Just say `Yes'!
1) Liberally welcome new ideas . Don't fight new ideas !
a)Support your colleagues' ideas (and they will support you).
b)If a member wants to air an idea, it is likely the public does too .
2)The "sales pitch" (and counter-arguments) belong on the agenda .
a)If "no" requires an explanation, then you must say "yes".
b)Don't strike ideas before they can germinate in open session .
3) The Brown Act does not exist to serve itself ; it serves the public .
Step 2 : Streamline it !
1) Staff time is no reason to avoid a discussion !
a)No staff report is needed . Simply agendize a discussion .
b)No staff report is wanted—it prematurely colors ideas .
2) Council time is no reason to avoid a discussion !
a)Don't presume mere discussion requires full immersion .
b)Don't presume mere discussion requires an action or outcome .
c)Request staff reports and hearings AFTER initial discussion !
Step 3 :Discuss it! ("Discussion" is not "Taking action")
1)Allow everyone to hear the full sales pitch .
2)Allow ideas to blossom with public input !
3)Manage discussions to be brief .
4)Take further actions as warranted by council consensus .