HomeMy WebLinkAbout03/16/1999, 2 - REVIEW OF CITY COUNCIL POLICIES & PROCEDURES MANUAL council i he D�
j] - - 2
acEnaa wpont16-99
Ikm N.A.N
CITY OF SAN LUIS O B I S P O
FROM: John Dunn, City Admi ' ative Offi�
Lee Price, City Cler%
SUBJECT: REVIEW OF CITY COUNCIL POLICIES & PROCEDURES MANUAL
CAO RECOMMENDATION
Review the Council Policies and Procedures Manual and provide direction to staff, if
appropriate.
DISCUSSION
In 1984, the City Council adopted by resolution a manual entitled, "Council Policies and
Procedures" which establishes procedural rules for the conduct of meetings and outlines
guidelines for efficient and effective means for conducting the City's business. The Policies and
Procedures has a been a "living" document in that it has been periodically reviewed over the
years by the City Council, with improvements made from time to time (specifically in 1988 and
1993). In addition, legislative amendments were approved less than one year ago (August 1998).
Given the desire expressed by Council members, staff is providing the Council with this
opportunity to review and discuss procedures outlined in the Manual. Revisions to the Manual
would be subsequently approved by the City Council by resolution. If there are suggestions for
refinements, staff would request that the Council refer them back to staff for analysis and
development of appropriate language.
Most cities are not necessarily guided by Council Policies and Procedures which have been
reviewed and refined over the years. Often Councils experience difficulty because of the lack of
agreement on procedural matters. In San Luis Obispo, we have been blessed with a City Council
that has taken pride in developing policies and procedures, and further, a Council and staff who
adhere to them to ensure orderly and accessible City government. The ultimate result is that the
will of the collective Council determines priorities and decisions. Governing, therefore, takes
place consistent with open, democratic principals.
Attachment: Council Policies&Procedures Manual
2-1
6.6.3.4 The City Clerk shall then place an ad in the local newspaper, inviting
citizens to apply for consideration as an appointment to an advisory body,
with instructions regarding the application process.
6.6.3.5 The applicant reads the Advisory Body Handbook and attends at least one
meeting prior to the interview with the Council Liaison Subcommittee.
6.6.3.6 The subcommittee shall interview qualified applicants, inviting the
advisory body Chair to attend (if the Chair is being considered for
reappointment, the Council Liaison Subcommittee shall /designate
another representative.) (ABH §III,C.3) If the vacancy is for a technical
or special-purpose committee (Board of Appeals, Jack House Committee,
Joint Recreational Use of School District Property Committee, Mass
Transportation Committee, or Tree Committee), the City staff
representative will be invited.
6.6.3.7 The Council Liaison Subcommittee shall submit recommendations for
appointment to the entire Council. If a unanimous decision for
recommendation to the full Council cannot be reached, the Council shall
take a separate motion for each candidate proposed by each member of
the Council Liaison Subcommittee. (ABH §III,C.3)
6.6.3.8 Applicants not appointed will be advised and their applications held for
consideration in the event of a future vacancy for no less than one year.
(ABH ¢III,C.4)
6.6.3.9 The subcommittee may prepare a list of all qualified candidates that they
interview. Such list shall be filed with the City Clerk and may be used as
a basis for appointments to fill vacancies which may occur during the
year. Council appointment of a particular term is required.
Council Policies&Procedwes age 31
32
6.6.2 TERMS
6.6.2.1 The term of office for each appointee to an advisory body shall be from
one year to a maximum of four years. The length of a term is dictated by
the principle that no more than two terms on any committee shall expire
each year. (ABH §III,D)
6.6.2.2 No appointee shall serve on the same advisory body for more than two
consecutive, full terms (eight years), but may subsequently serve on
another advisory body unless noted otherwise. Some exceptions include:
The Housing Authority, Jack House Committee and Tree Committee.
(ABH §III,D)
6.6.2.3 After a one-year interval, persons may reapply to serve on the same
advisory body.
6.6.2.4 Mid-term appointment to a vacant seat shall not preclude the appointee
from serving two additional consecutive full terms, provided that the
initial,partial term served is less than one year. (ABH §M,D)
6.6.2.5 Other Advisory Bodies. As a general policy, an applicant shall not be
appointed to serve on more than one advisory body, except that a member
may also serve on one technical or special-purpose committee at the same
time. If appointed to another committee,he/she will be expected to resign
from one body upon being appointed to another. (ABH §HI,C.5)
6.63 PROCESS
6.6.3.1 Applications are obtained and filed with the Office of the City Clerk.
(ABH §III,C.1)
6.6.3.2 In February of each year, the City Clerk shall advise the City Council of
the terns which are due to expire on each advisory body. The City Clerk
shall also notify each advisory member whose term is due to expire. Each
of these members shall be given the opportunity to apply for
reappointment unless the member has then served a total of eight(8)years
on that advisory body.
6.6.3.3 The Council Liaison Subcommittee reviews the current applications and
determines the recruitment process, including whether to advertise or not.
(ABH § M,C.3) If the committee is a technical or special purpose
committee (Board of Appeals, Jack House Committee, Joint Recreational
Use of School District Property Committee, Mass Transportation
Committee, or Tree Committee), the City staff representative and Chair
are invited to participate in determining the recruitment process.
Council Policies&Procedures y
2-01
(ABH §II,D)
Staff support includes preparation of a summary agenda after approval by the Chairperson, and
preparation of agenda reports providing a brief background of the issue, a list of alternatives,
recommendations, and appropriate backup material, if necessary. Advisory body members should
have sufficient information to reach decisions based upon a clear explanation of the issues. The
assigned staff person serves as Secretary,taking minutes as needed. (ABH §II,D)
It is important that advisory bodies wishing to communicate recommendations to the City Council
do so through adopted or approved Council agenda procedures. Staff members shall assist the
advising body Chair to insure appropriate legal review or City and State legislation is complied
with. (ABH §II,D)
6.5 APPOINTMENT PROCEDURES
The following procedures shall be the policy of the City Council in regard to appointment of
volunteer citizens to the various advisory bodies of the City.
6.5.1 PURPOSE
The establishment of these procedures shall insure that well-qualified, responsible and willing
citizens are given the opportunity to serve the City and participate in the governing of their
community. These procedures will apply to all appointments and reappointments to standing
advisory bodies.
6.5.2 COUNCIL SUBCOMMITTEE LIAISONS
Subcommittee liaisons to advisory bodies are selected annually by the full Council, usually in
December. The Mayor and Vice Mayor shall submit recommendations to the full Council,
rotating nominations for Council Member Subcommittees,thereby ensuring an opportunity for
each member to serve as liaison at least once on each advisory body, when possible. When
terms of office do not allow each member to serve once, members with greatest seniority shall
have first right of selection. (ABH §III,C.6)
6.6 PROCESS
6.6.1 QUALIFICATIONS
6.6.1.1 The applicant must be a resident and registered voter of the City at the
time and during the entire term of appointment, unless excepted by State
law or special circumstances such as deed restrictions. (ABH §IH,C)
6.6.1.2 The applicant must be at least 18 years of age at the time of appointment.
(ABH §III,C)
Council Policies&Procedures Page 29
2-30
6.3 ROLE OF ADVISORY BODY MEMBERS AT COUNCIL MEETINGS
63.1 INTENT
To honor advisory body deliberations, views and positions on issues before Council; enhance
communications between Council and their advisory bodies; and allow participation and input
by advisory body members
63.2 COUNCIL AGENDA REPORTS
6.3.2.1 Recommendation Differences. For those rare occasions when the CAO's
recommendation differs from an advisory body recommendation, the
difference should be clearly noted in a separate paragraph following the
CAO recommendation. The Discussion section contains information
relating to the advisory body recommendation.
6.3.2.2 The minutes of the advisory body item are included as an attachment to
the Agenda Report.
633 COUNCIL MEETINGS
6.3.3.1 On appeals or items brought by the advisory body, the Chair (or Vice
Chair, when the Chair is not available) may be seated next to the
department head. The department head makes the introduction, then the
Chair of the advisory body makes a brief presentation, representing the
position of the advisory body.
6.3.3.2 . Other members of the advisory body are free to appear and give testimony
before Council using the public microphone, after identifying whether
they are speaking as a representative of the advisory body or not. (ABH
§HIB-I.g)
63.4 RECOMMENDATIONS
Recommendations or Reports to Council must be in written form. (ABH §111,B.Lb).
6.4 ROLE OF CITY STAFF PERSONS
Staff support and assistance may be provided or made available, but advisory bodies do not have
supervisory authority over City employees. While they may work closely with advisory bodies,
staff members remain responsible to their immediate supervisors and ultimately to the CAO and
Council. The members are responsible for the fimctions of the advisory body and the chairperson is
responsible for committee compliance with the policies outlined in the Advisory Body Handbook.
Council Policies&Procedures
CHAPTER SIX
ADVISORY BODY PROCEDURES
6.1 ROLE OF COUNCIL LIAISON SUBCOMMITTEE MEMBERS
6.1.1 COMMUNICATION
Facilitate communication between the Council and advisory body;
6.1.2 EDUCATION
Increase the Council's familiarity with the membership, programs and issues of the advisory
body;
6.13 APPOINTMENT RECOMMENDATION
Interview applicants and make recommendations for appointments to the full Council; and
6.1.4 ATTENDANCE
From time to time, attend commission meetings for observation purposes only.
(ABH§II,C)
6.2 OTHER COUNCIL SUBCOMMITTEES
Council may establish subcommittees of no more than two members to address areas of concern
and/or study.
6.2.1 LEGISLATIVE ACTION SUBCOMMITTEE
This subcommittee monitors and prepares responses to Federal and State Legislative Activities
in accordance with the adopted Legislative Action Process. Summarized, the process entails
receiving copies of League communications, identifying key issues with official League
positions and, as specified in Exhibit A of the policy, drafting responses. The draft is typed by
the Council Secretary, reviewed by the CAO, signed by the Mayor, and subsequently
distributed to appropriate legislators and the Council. Where a Council position is unclear, a
position will not be taken unless there is time to bring the matter to the Council for
determination. Citylink services(on-line computer legislative information)are provided to the
subcommittee to allow them access to timely and complete information regarding legislative
issues. Subcommittee members should ensure they have received a copy of the current
Legislative Action Process from the Office of the City Clerk. (Motion adopted 8/3/93)
Council Policies&Procedures
P ge4J3
Each remote user will have the same level of access of programs and files as they would while
on site. (Motion adopted 7/20/93)
Council Policies&Procedures L� „L
5.4.1.3 Training on City applications and remote access to the City Hall network
will be provided by the Office of the City Clerk. (Motion adopted
7/20/93)
5.4.2 REMOTE ACCESS POLICY
Modem use to and from the City's computer systems should occur under guidelines in the
Management Information Systems policies and procedures. Please refer to this policy for
complete information.
5.43 SECURITY
5.4.3.1 The City utilizes "dial-back" communications software to ensure only
authorized numbers have access to City computer systems.
5.4.3.2 Passwords. The City standard log-in name is first initial and last name up
to eight characters. Passwords are a confidential sequence of letters and
numbers. Because passwords are the key to system security, it is essential
that they are not disclosed or utilized by other persons. All passwords
will be assigned by the System Administrator and changed every six
months. Disclosure of passwords(or the use of an unauthorized one)may
result in terminating access (remote or local) to the City's LANs, and
depending on the severity of the outcome of the disclosure, may result in
disciplinary action, including termination.
5.4.4 SUPPORT RESPONSIBILITIES
5.4.4.1 Information Systems will provide initial installation of external modems
and communications software.
5.4.4.2 The Office of the City Clerk will provide training on standard City
application software (some applications may run very slow in the remote
access environment). Printing to the network printer in City Hall is
available; home printing is not supported by the City.
5.4.5 COUNCIL MEMBER RESPONSIBILITIES
Council Members who own a computer may dial-in to the City's local area network. The
minimum computer must be an IBM PC or compatible with 640K RAM and DOS 3.1. Any
other costs associated with installing remote access as well as the on-going maintenance,
repairs, and upgrades of the remote computers are the responsibility of the individual Council
Member. At the end of employment with the City (or termination of remote access
privileges), the communication software and external modem must be returned to the City
Clerk's Department
Council Policies&Procedures ;age j,
other assignments;the request should only impose a "one time" work requirement, as opposed
to an on-going work requirement; the response to the request should not require a significant
allocation of staff resources(generally defined as consisting of more than one staff person, or a
single staff person working on the issue in excess of 1-2 hours).
53.4 COUNCIL MEMBER REPRESENTATION TO OTHER AGENCIES
An exception to the above guidelines may be staff work required in support of a Council
Member designated by the City Council to represent the City in an intergovernmental role
(e.g., membership on Joint Powers Authority), or relative to a special assignment (e.g., a
special task force).
53.5 INFORMATION DISTRIBUTION
In cases where a staff response to an individual Council Member request involves written
material which may be of interest to other Council Members, the CAO will provide copies of
the material to all other Council Members. In making this judgment, the CAO will consider
whether the information is significant or new or otherwise not available to the Council or of
interest to the Council.
53.6 SIGNIFICANT INFORMATION
Any information, service-related needs, or policy positions perceived as necessary by
individual Council Members which cannot be fulfilled per the above guidelines should be
raised by the individual Council Member under the "Communications" category of a regularly
scheduled City Council meeting. If so directed by the collective action of the Council, then
staff will proceed to complete the work within Council established deadlines.
5.4 E-MAIL AND REMOTE ACCESS TO COMPUTERS
A pilot program to provide remote access for Council Members who own an IBM-compatible
computer was implemented in August, 1993. Council Members utilize their own home computers
for access; the minimum configuration supported includes 640K RAM and DOS 3.1. Only one
dial-in session can be accommodated at a time, therefore instant access to the LAN may not be
available when another Council Member is utilizing the service. (Motion adopted 7/20/93)
5.4.1 COUNCIL REMOTE ACCESS
5.4.1.1 The City will provide an external 9,600 baud modem and software;this
must be returned to the Office of the City Clerk at the end of a Council
Member's term. (Motion adopted 7/20/93)
5.4.1.2 Council Members (and staff will abide by the Brown Act and all Council
Policies and Procedures as well as adopted remote access policies as listed
in Management Information Systems Policies and Procedures. (Motion
adopted 7/20/93)
Council Policies&Procedures
—A
5.2.2 INDIVIDUAL COUNCIL MEMBERS
Individual members of the Council shall make no attempt to pressure or influence staff
decisions, recommendations, workloads, and schedules, and departmental priorities without
the prior knowledge and approval of the Council as a whole. (Res. 5369)
5.23 COUNCIL POLICY
If a Council Member wishes to influence the actions, decisions, recommendations, workloads,
work schedules, and priorities of staff, that member must prevail upon the Council to do so as
a matter of Council policy. (Res. 5369)
5.2.4 INFORMATION
Individual Council Members as well as the Council as a whole shall be permitted complete
freedom of access to any information requested of staff and shall receive the full cooperation
and candor of staff in being provided with any requested information. (Res. 5369)
53 STAFF
53.1 EXECUTION OF COUNCIL DIRECTION
The Council recognizes the primary functions of staff as executing Council policy and actions
taken by the Council and in keeping the Council informed. (Res. 5369)
53.2 UNDUE INFLUENCE
Staff is obligated to take guidance and direction only from the Council as a whole or from the
appropriate management superiors as may be the case. Staff is directed to reject any attempts
by individual members of the Council to unduly influence or otherwise pressure them into
making, changing or otherwise suppressing staff decisions or recommendations, or changing
departmental work schedules and priorities. Staff shall report such attempts to influence them
in confidence to the City Administrative Officer, who may inform the Council as a whole of
such attempts. (Res. 5369)
533 TIMELY RESPONSE
City staff will make every effort to respond in a timely and professional manner to all requests
made by individual Council Members for information or assistance, provided that, in the
judgment of the City Administrative Officer the request is not of a magnitude, either in terns
of workload or policy, which would require that it more appropriately be assigned to staff
through the collective direction of the City Council. In terms of making this judgment, the
following guidelines should be considered: The request should be specific and limited in
scope so that staff can respond without altering other priorities and with only minimal delay to
Council Policies&Procedures Page J3-
CHAPTER FIVE
COUNCIL/STAFF RELATIONSHIPS AND CONDUCT
5.1 INTENT
This chapter addresses the relationship and conduct between Council Members and staff with the
intent of the Council to:
5.1.1 CONTROL OF THE COUNCIL
Maintain control and direction of the City by the Council as a whole. (Res. 5369)
5.1.2 INFORMATION
Ensure Council members free access to the flow of any information relative to the running of
the City and to insure that such information is communicated by staff in full and with candor
to those requesting it. (Res. 5369)
5.13 INDIVIDUAL COUNCIL MEMBERS
Avoid intrusion by individual Council Members into those areas which should be the
responsibility of staff and to prohibit intervention by individual Council Members in staff
decision-making, the making of staff recommendations, scheduling of work, and executing
department priorities without the prior knowledge and approval of the City Council as a
whole. (Res. 5369)
5.1.4 UNDUE INFLUENCE
Protect staff from undue influence and pressure from individual Council Members, and to
allow staff to execute priorities given by management and the Council as a whole without fear
of reprisal. (Res. 5369)
5.2 COUNCIL AND COUNCIL MEMBERS
5.2.1 COUNCIL POWER
The full City Council retains full power to accept, reject, amend, influence, or otherwise guide
and direct staff actions, decisions, recommendations, work loads and schedules, departmental
priorities,and the conduct of City business. (Res. 5369)
Council Policies&Procedures
4.2.8.3 Compensation (salaries and benefits) of employees; to review its position
and instruct designated representatives. (GC § 54957.6)
4.2.8.4 Personnel. The appointment, employment, evaluation of performance, or
dismissal, of a public employee, or to hear complaint against the
employee, unless the employee requests a public hearing. (GC
549576)
43 SPECIAL MEETINGS
Special Meetings may be called by the Mayor or a majority of the Council with strict notification
requirements delivered to the media and Council 24 hours before the time of the meeting. (GC
54956)
4.4 EMERGENCY MEETINGS
Emergency meetings may be called due to the disruption or threatened disruption of public facilities
without notification. Only work stoppages or crippling disasters that impair the public health
and/or safety qualify for emergency meetings. (GC §54956.5)
4.5 OTHER PROVISIONS
The Act provides many other restrictions and requirements; this chapter is intended merely as a
Council summary and overview of the Act,and nothing in this Chapter supersedes the provisions of
the Brown Act. This section was written in July 1993, and since State law constantly changes, it is
important to ensure you have the latest information. Please check with the City Attorney and/or the
City Clerk for more information.
Council Policies&Procedures Page 21
2-22
4.2.4 ACTIONS
No action shall be taken on any item not appearing on the posted agenda Exceptions:'
4.2.4.1 An emergency situation exists, (determined by a majority of the Council.)
4.2.4.2 That the need to take action arose subsequent to the agenda being posted
(determined by 2/3 of the Council; or if less than 2/3 are present, by
unanimous vote.)
4.2.4.3 The item was continued to another meeting that was scheduled and posted
within 5 days of the original agenda (GC § 54954.2)
4.2.5 PUBLIC INPUT
The public has an opportunity to address the Council on any item of interest to the public that
is within the jurisdiction of the Council. The City has the right to establish time limits on
speakers and the total time allocated for a particular issue. (GC §54954.3)
4.2.6 PUBLIC DISRUPTIONS
A portion or all of the public may be removed if willful disruption makes conducting the
meeting "unfeasible"; the press may remain unless they participate in the disruption. (GC §
54957.9)
4.2.7 CORRESPONDENCE
All writings distributed for discussion or consideration at a public meeting are public records.
(GC §54957.5)
4.2.8 CLOSED SESSIONS MAY BE HELD TO DISCUSS:
4.2.8.1 Real Property. The purchase, sale,exchange or lease of real property with
the City's negotiator; the real property and the person(s) with whom the
City may negotiate must be announced in open session prior to the closed
session. (GC §54956.8)
4.2.8.2 Litigation pending or a significant exposure to litigation, or the decision
to initiate litigation; the litigation or title must be identified in open
session prior to the closed session unless the Council states that to do so
would jeopardize its ability to conclude existing settlement negotiation or
effectuate service of process. A confidential memorandum from the City
Attorney must be submitted to Council within one week of the closed
session. (GC §54956.9)
Council Policies& Procedures Page 20
2-21
CHAPTER FOUR
THE BROWN ACT
4.1 APPLICABILITY AND PENALTIES
The entire City organization conducts its business in compliance with the Ralph M. Brown Act,
State Government Code Sections 54950. The intent of the Act is to ensure that deliberations and
actions of local public agencies are conducted in open and public meetings. The law provides for
misdemeanor penalties for members of a body who violate the Act (GC § 54959). In addition,
violations are subject to civil action(GC § 54960). A current copy of the Act will be provided to
all Council Members assuming office, but the provisions that most directly affect the Council are
summarized in this Chapter(as of July, 1993).
4.2 MAJOR PROVISIONS
4.2.1 APPLICABILITY
The Act applies to Council, City staff and all bodies that advise Council. (GC §54952.2)
4.2.2 MEETINGS
All meetings shall be open and public.
4.2.2.1 A meeting takes place whenever a quorum (3 or more) members are
present and information about the business of the body is received;
discussions qualify for a meeting.
4.2.2.2 Serial meetings take place when any member of Council or City staff
contact more than two Council Members for the purpose of deliberating
or acting upon an item pending before the City Council (does not apply to
the public or media).
4.2.2.3 Correspondence that merely takes a position on an issue is acceptable.
(GC §54953)
4.23 AGENDAS
Agendas for regular meetings must be posted 72 hours in advance of the meeting and must
meet various requirements. (GC § 54954.2)
Council Policies&Procedures Page 19
2-20
3.7 METHOD OF ACTION BY COUNCIL
All action by the Council shall be taken only by means of ordinance,resolution, or oral motion duly
made and passed.
Ordinances shall become a part of the Municipal Code and so remain until amended or voided. All
municipal laws relating to taxation or to possible criminal action against an offender shall be in the
form of ordinances.
Resolutions shall be serially numbered and filed sequentially in the office of the City Clerk.
Oral motions shall be recorded only in the minutes of any regular or special meeting of the Council.
(Charter §601)
3.8 ORDINANCES
The consideration and adoption of ordinances shall be in accordance with the Charter and relevant
state law. Ordinances not legally required to have a public hearing shall be set for a public hearing
if the subject matter is controversial or of a special nature. Any Council Member, prior to the time
required for notice and publication,may request the C.A.O. to set a public hearing on an ordinance.
No ordinance, resolution or motion shall be passed or become effective without receiving the
affirmative vote of at least three members of the Council. (Charter §506)
3.9 ACCEPTANCE OF GRANTS OR DEEDS
That both the Mayor and Vice-Mayor of the City of San Luis Obispo are hereby authorized to
accept and consent to the recording of any deed or grant conveying any interest in or easement upon
real property to the City of San Luis Obispo. (Res. 5370)
Council Policies&Procedures Page 18
2-19
that they would be willing to serve, if appointed, and that they are
residents of the City. Each candidate will be given five minutes to make a
presentation to Council. (Res. 8377)
3.3.5.5 Thereafter, all discussion shall be confined to the Council except for
questions directed by the Council to staff or to members of the public.
3.3.5.6 Upon the conclusion of such discussion, the Mayor shall open the floor to
nominations by the remaining Council Members. All nominations,
seconding, and voting, shall be done audibly in public.
3.3.5.7 If no person is appointed, the Council may adjourn the meeting from time
to time to attempt to reach a decision at any time within 30 days of the
occurrence of the vacancy. (Res. 4423)
3.4 GENERAL POWERS OF THE COUNCIL
Subject to the provisions and restrictions contained in this Charter and the delegation of power, if
any,to any person, officer, Board, or Commission, the Council shall have the power in the name of
the City, to do and perform all acts and things appropriate to a municipal corporation and the
general welfare of its inhabitants and which are not specifically forbidden by the Constitution and
laws of the State of California, or which now or hereafter would be competent for this Charter to
specifically enumerate.
No enumeration or specific statement herein of any particular powers shall be held to be exclusive
of, or a limitation of,the foregoing general grant of powers. (Charter Section 501)
3.5 ADMINISTERING OATHS: SUBPOENAS
Each member of the Council shall have the power to administer oaths and affirmations in any
investigation or proceeding pending before the Council. The Council shall have the power and
authority to compel the attendance of witnesses, to examine them under oath and compel the
production of evidence before it. Subpoenas may be issued in the name of the City and be attested
by the City Clerk. Disobedience of such subpoena or the refusal to testify (upon other than
constitutional grounds), shall be deemed contempt and shall be punishable as provided by the
general laws of the State. (Charter § 507)
'3.6 LUVHTATIONS
No member of the Council shall be appointed to or serve as a voting member of any City
Board, Committee, or Authority, whether composed of citizen volunteers, City employees, or a
combination of both. This is not to be construed as prohibiting members of the Council from
serving on Committees or Subcommittees of the Council itself, or of agencies representing other
levels of government. (Charter § 508)
Council Policies&Procedures Page 17
2-18
In order that the public may know how its business is being conducted, all phases of the
Council process to appoint a replacement member to a vacancy shall be conducted in public.
3.3.3 ADVERTISE FOR APPLICANTS
At least ten days before Council meets the first time to select a replacement member for a
vacancy, the City shall advertise in a local newspaper of general circulation describing the
vacancy and term thereof, requesting applications from those persons interested in being
appointed.
33.4 QUALIFICATIONS
Although the only two established minimum qualifications for appointment are (1) residency
in the City for at least 30 days prior to appointment, and (2) elector status at the time of
appointment (City Charter $ 403), each applicant shall be encouraged to submit written
statement of 200 words or less covering at least the following areas: (Res. 8377)
3.3.4.1 The amount of time available each week to devote to the Council.
3.3.4.2 Reasons for wanting to be appointed.
3.3.4.3 Involvement in community affairs and organizations, especially in the
preceding 23-month period.
3.3.4.4 Personal qualifications for the position.
3.3.4.5 Prior experience in government, or areas associated with or doing
business with government.
33.5 PUBLIC MEETING
3.3.5.1 At a time(s) selected by the Council, a meeting open to the public shall be
held by the Council to consider the selection of an applicant to fill the
vacancy.
3.3.5.2 The applications shall be given to the Council and be available to the
public at least four days before the opening of the meeting.
3.3.5.3 Members of the public may submit written continents regarding an
application at any time up to 24 hours before the meeting begins.
3.3.5.4 At the meeting each applicant wishing to serve should be present to verify
Council Policies&Procedures Page 16
2-17
CHAPTER THREE
COUNCIL POWERS & APPOINTMENTS
3.1 MAYOR-POWER AND DUTIES
The Mayor shall preside at all meetings of the City Council and perform such other duties
consistent with the office as may be imposed by the Council or by vote of the people. The Mayor
shall be entitled to, and must vote when present, but shall possess no veto power. As presiding
officer of the Council, the Mayor will faithfully communicate the will of the Council majority to
the Administrative Officer in matters of policy. (Charter §407)
The Mayor shall present an annual work program to the Council for its consideration at the first
meeting in May. The Mayor shall have the responsibility for forwarding the work program
approved by the Council. The Mayor should submit the annual work program at the beginning of
the budget process to allow incorporation into the Council goal-setting process. (Charter §407)
The Mayor shall be recognized as the official head of the City for all ceremonial purposes, and by
the Governor for military purposes. In time of public danger or calamity, the Mayor shall take
command of the public forces,maintain order,and enforce laws. (Charter §406)
The Mayor shall exercise such other powers and perform such other duties as may be prescribed by
law or ordinance or by resolution of the Council,except as limited by this Charter. (Charter $407)
3.2 APPOINTMENT OF VICE-MAYOR
The appointment of the Vice-Mayor shall be for a one-year term and is made on a rotational basis,
the appointment going to the next senior member. The Vice Mayor shall be appointed at the first
meeting in December. (Motion adopted 12/19/83 and 12/02/85.)
33 FILLING COUNCIL VACANCIES
33.1 APPOINTMENT OR SPECIAL ELECTION
Per City Charter Section 406,the Council shall by a majority vote of the remaining Council
members, appoint a replacement member to the Council within 30 days of the occurrence of
the vacancy. If the council fails to fill the vacancy within thirty(30)days of its occurrence, it
shall call a special municipal election to fill the vacancy,to be held not sooner than ninety(90)
days or not later than one hundred and fifty(150)days following the occurrence of the
vacancy.
33.2 PUBLIC APPOINTMENT
Council Policies&Procedures Page 15
2-16
2.5.5 OTHER GUIDELINES
Any other travel-related issue not specifically governed in this resolution shall be adjudicated
in accordance with the City of San Luis Obispo adopted Travel Guidelines. (Res. 8776)
2.6 COUNCIL COMPENSATION CONE%HTTEE
A five-member review committee shall be appointed by January 31, in even-numbered years and
shall bring its proposed recommendations in resolution form to the City Council within 90 days, or
no later than May 1 st. (Res. 8776)
2.6.1 MEMBERSHIP
The committee membership shall have as broad a representation as possible, including but not
limited to, one previously elected official, one Personnel Board member, and one
citizen-at-large. (Res. 8776)
2.6.2 REVIEW RESPONSIBILITY
The committee shall review the full Council compensation package including salary, benefits,
expense reimbursement, professional development allowances and any other compensation
provided the City Council. Review should include, but shall not be limited to: 1)
compensation of Council and Mayors of cities of similar population/budget size; 2)
compensation practices of both Charter and General Law cities; 3) Government Code
provisions for General Law cities; and 4) Council and Mayor responsibilities in San Luis
Obispo at the time of the committee's review; and, 5) any structural changes that may have
occurred in municipal government either as a result of State legislation or by actions of the
local electorate which may have added to or deducted from the duties and responsibilities of
the Council Members and/or Mayor. (Res. 8776)
Council Policies&Procedures Page 14
2-15
Ouarterly Mileage Allowance:
Council Member $300
Mayor $450 (Res. 6587)
2.5 GENERAL PROCEDURES AND LIMITATIONS
Appropriate budgetary practices and accounting controls shall be established to ensure that
expenditures and reimbursements are in compliance with approved budget allocations. The Mayor
and each Council Member is expected to plan business activities so as to stay within his/her budget.
When exceptional circumstances require that additional amounts be allocated to accounts, formal
Council action shall be required. (Res. 8776)
2.5.1 ACCOUNTING
An account shall be established in the name of each Council Member with all expenditures
charged to the individual Council Member or Mayor. If any account is depleted prior to the
end of the fiscal year, additional allocations shall require a specific action of the City Council.
Claims for reimbursement as specified in Section 4, above, may be submitted monthly but the
aggregate of three monthly claims may not exceed the quarterly maximum. Receipts shall be
submitted within the fiscal year. The Council budget shall be available for review in the City
Clerk's Office and the Mayor and Council Members shall receive periodic statements. (Res.
8776)
2.5.2 REUVIBURSEMENT LIMITATION
The City's adopted Travel Guidelines shall govern all expenditures for non-local professional
development and conferences. These guidelines include all non-local official meals,tuition or
fees,transportation to meeting sites,materials and telephone usage. (Res. 8776)
2.53 SPECIAL EXPENSES
For occasions when the Mayor and/or a Council Member is designated by the City Council to
represent the City at special meetings, reimbursement shall be made from an unallocated
Travel Expense Account. (Res. 8776)
2.5.4 HONORARIUM
If the Mayor or a Council Member receives an honorarium as a result of his/her participation
in a meeting or conference, the amount of the honorarium shall be deducted from the amount
normally provided by the City for that meeting or conference if the City paid for the Council
Member's attendance at such meeting or conference. (Res. 8776)
Council Policies&Procedures Page 13
2-14
- Spousal registration fees to attend Conference seminars(this does not include
reimbursement for recreational activities that may be offered by the League during
meeting activities).
Travel expenses only if a bus,train,or plane must be used rather than a city vehicle.
If the public official uses his/her personal vehicle,travel reimbursement shall be
provided only the employee.
Meals that spouses are expected to attend as part of directly-related Conference
activities will be reimbursed at the same per diem as the public official. (Res.8776)
233 CHANNEL COUNTIES DIVISION MEETINGS
When the spouse of an official or employee is expected to attend a quarterly meeting of the
Channel Counties Division of the League, the meal expense will be paid by the City with the
authorization of the City Administrative Officer. (Res. 8776)
2.3.4 START-UP ALLOWANCE
An additional professional development allowance up to $1,000 shall be budgeted to each new
Mayor and Council Member to help accelerate his/her comprehension of municipal and
legislative operations during the first 12 months following the taking of office. (Res. 8776)
2.4 CITY BUSINESS AND MILEAGE REIMBURSEMENT
Quarterly allowances shall be budgeted for the Mayor and each Council Member as follows:
2.4.1 CITY BUSINESS
For costs incurred in connection with official City business. Said allowance shall be used for
in-county expenses and shall include all meals, tickets, periodicals, dues, subscriptions, and
similar miscellaneous expenses.
Quarterly Expense Allowance:
Council Member $300
Mayor $450
2.4.2 MILEAGE
For official travel within the County of San Luis Obispo, reimbursement shall be made upon
submittal of an official mileage expense form:
Council Policies&Procedures Page 12
2-13
CHAPTER TWO
COUNCIL COMPENSATION
Council compensation and benefits are established every other year by Council action after the
Council Compensation Committee conducts a biennial review and makes a recommendation. See
Section 6 of this Chapter.
2.1 SALARIES FOR MAYOR AND COUNCIL MEMBERS
Effective January 1, 1989, compensation for services rendered in an official capacity shall be
provided as follows: a Council Member is$800 per month and the Mayor receives a monthly salary
of$1,000. (Res. 8776)
2.2 RETIREMENT,MEDICAL DENTAL VISION AND LIFE INSURANCE
The Mayor and Council Members shall be entitled to city-funded participation in P.E.R.S.
retirement. The City shall contribute $420 per month toward the Mayor and Council Members
participation in PEMCHA, dental, vision and life insurance. Any unexpended amount shall not be
distributed to the Mayor and Council Members in cash. (Res. 8776)
23 PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Allowances shall be budgeted for the Mayor and each Council Member as follows:
2.3.1 PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
For costs of professional development and educational conferences designed to improve
understanding of and proficiency in municipal affairs. Said allowance shall be used for
out-of-county expenses only and shall be reimbursed in accordance with accepted City Travel
Guidelines:
Annual Allowance:
Council Member $1500
Mayor $1800 (Res. 8776)
23.2 LEAGUE OF CALIFORNIA CITIES CONFERENCE
For the cost of participating in the Annual Conference of the League of California Cities. The
City shall also reimburse the following costs for spousal participation,which is encouraged:
- Double room instead of a single room.
Council Policies&Procedures Page 11
2-12
13.9 COMMUNICATIONS
1.3.9.1 The purpose of this time is to allow staff and Council to provide an update
or share information regarding a particular matter. Examples of
appropriate communications would be information of general interest
received from outside agencies, and comments or inquiries received from
individuals or from the public, or requests to agendize future items.
1.3.9.2 If possible, written material connected with a particular communication
item should be provided to the C.A.O. sufficiently in advance of the
meeting to be distributed with the regular agenda materials.
1.3.9.3 State law provides that Council can take action only on such matters
which have been noticed at least three days in advance of the meeting,
unless special circumstances are found to exist. Formal action or
approval on non-agendized items is not allowed, and such an item should
be placed on the agenda of the next regular meeting.
1.3.9.4 The communications period should not exceed 15 minutes and speaking
to a particular item should be limited to five minutes.
1.3.10 CLOSED SESSIONS(closed to the public)
1.3.10.1 Closed Sessions are regulated pursuant to the Brown Act.
1.3.10.2 No member of the Council, employee of the City, or anyone else present
shall disclose to any person the content or substance of any discussion
which takes place in a closed session unless authorized by a four-fifths
vote of the Council.
Council Policies&Procedures Page 10
2-11
1.3.7.4 Group or applicant representatives desiring to speak shall:
1.3.7.4.1 Submit a speaker slip to the City Clerk.
1.3.7.4.2 Address the Council from the podium after giving name of
the group, its purpose if necessary, and the representative's
name and city of residence.
1.3.7.4.3 Be permitted up to ten minutes to speak in either support or
opposition to an agenda item. Prior written comments are
welcomed and encouraged.
1.3.7.5 After the public hearing is closed, no member of the public shall be
permitted to address the Council or the staff from the audience, except at
the discretion of the Presiding Officer.
1.3.8 CONSENT ITEMS
1.3.8.1 Minor Questions. A Council Member may ask questions on any item
without it being pulled from the Consent Agenda. When a Council
Member has a minor question for clarification concerning a consent item
which will not involve extended discussion, the item may be pulled for
clarification at the beginning of the meeting and the questions will be
addressed along with the rest of the Consent Agenda There should be no
objections at this time. Council Members are encouraged to seek
clarifications prior to the meeting (if at all possible). (Memorandum from
Mayor dated 6/12/91)
1.3.8.2 No Vote. When a Council Member wishes to pull an item simply to
register a dissenting vote, a request should be made that the item be pulled
for separate vote without discussion. Such items will also be handled at
the beginning of the meeting along with the rest of the Consent Agenda
(Memorandum from Mayor dated 6/12/91)
1.3.8.3 Any item may be pulled by a Council Member for discussion. A member
of the public may request the Council to pull an item for discussion.
1.3.8.4 Pulled items shall be heard at the close of the session unless a majority of
the Council chooses an earlier time.
Council Policies&Procedures Page 9
2-10
1.3.6.9 Upon the request of any member, the ayes and noes shall be taken and
recorded on any vote. (Charter § 505)
1.3.6.10 The ayes and noes shall be taken upon the passage of all ordinances and
resolutions and entered upon the journal of the proceedings of the
Council. (Charter §505)
1.3.6.11 Following the vote the City Clerk shall announce whether the questions
have been carried or defeated.
1.3.6.12 Tie votes. Should a tie vote occur, the Council is required to continue the
item by majority vote or make motions until an action receives three
affirmative votes.
1.3.6.13 The Presiding Officer may publicly explain the effect of the vote for the
audience or may direct a member of the staff to do so.
13.7 PUBLIC COMMENT
1.3.7.1 Immediately prior to scheduled public hearings, members of the public
may address the City Council on items that are not on the printed agenda,
or items on the Consent Agenda. A time limit of three minutes is
provided. A speaker slip must be filed with the City Clerk prior to the
beginning of the meeting.
1.3.7.2 Pursuant to the Brown Act, action may not be taken on issues not listed
on the agenda Staff may be asked to follow-up on such items.
1.3.7.3 Individuals desiring to speak shall:
1.3.7.3.1 Submit a speaker slip to the City Clerk.
1.3.7.3.2 Address the Council from the podium after giving name and
city of residence.
1.3.7.3.3 Comment on the specific matter before the Council with
reasons for the position taken. Written comments are
encouraged and should be submitted before the public
hearing is closed on that item.
1.3.7.3.4 Limit comment to three minutes until others have had
opportunity to address the Council. The Presiding Officer,
after all others have spoken, may allow additional brief
comment from speakers who have already commented on the
same agenda item.
Council Policies&Procedures Page 8
2-9
1.3.5.3 Only the City Council, staff, Advisory Body Chairs or designated
representatives, and those authorized by the Presiding Officer shall be
permitted to sit at the Council or staff tables.
1.3.5.4 Enforcement of order:
1.3.5.4.1 The Police Chief or his designee shall act as the
Sergeant-at-Arms.
1.3.5.4.2 Any Council Member may request the Presiding Officer to
enforce the rules of protocol. Upon motion and majority
vote,the Presiding Officer shall be required to do so.
13.6 VOTING PROCEDURES
1.3.6.1 When present, all Council Members shall vote. Failure of a seated
Council Member to vote will be construed as an affirmative vote.
(Charter §505)
1.3.6.2 No ordinance, resolution or motion shall be passed or become effective
without receiving the affirmative vote of at least three members of the
Council. (Charter $506)
1.3.6.3 A conflict of interest shall be declared whenever appropriate and in
compliance with State law and the Council Member will step down and
not participate in the discussion or vote on the item.
1.3.6.4 A vote may be changed by a Council Member only immediately after the
vote announcement by the City Clerk and prior to the introduction of the
next agenda item.
1.3.6.5 The City Clerk shall restate the motion prior to the vote or request the
motion maker to restate the motion,if required for Council or public
clarity.
1.3.6.6 Electronic voting is the preferred method for recording Council votes.
(Motion adopted 11/15/88)
1.3.6.7 Voice vote may be taken at the discretion of the Chair.
1.3.6.8 General consent vote may be taken at the discretion of the Chair, if there
are no negative votes or objections by Council Members.
Council Policies&Procedures Page 7
2-S
1.3.3.5 Tabling Procedure:
Immediately stop discussion and vote.
1.3.3.6 Right of Protest:
A Council Member is never required to state reasons for dissent.
1.3.3.7 Rules of Procedure:
The Council shall determine its own rules of procedure. (Charter
504)
1.3.3.8 Council Minutes:
If a Council Member wishes a stated opinion to be entered in the minutes,
he/she should precede the statement with "for the record," or request the
City Clerk to enter it into the record following the statement.
13.4 PARLIAMENTARY PROCEDURE
Those rules in effect according to the City Council policy(State law and Robert's Rules). See
Table 1.3.4, which summarizes the most frequently used actions.
13.5 PROTOCOL
1.3.5.1 Council Members and staff shall:
1.3.5.1.1 Work earnestly to preserve appropriate order and decorum
during all meetings.
1.3.5.1.2 Side conversations,disruptions,interruptions or delaying
efforts are discouraged.
1.3.5.1.3 Inform the Presiding Officer when departing from a
meeting.
1.3.5.2 Persons demonstrating rude,boisterous,or profane behavior will be called
to order by the Presiding Officer. If such conduct continues, the Presiding
Officer may call a recess, request the removal of such person(s) from the
Council Chamber, adjourn the meeting, or take such other appropriate
action as permitted by the Brown Act.
Council Policies&Procedures Page 6
2- /
Administrative Officer has been authorized by Council action to sign
documents. In the event the Mayor is unavailable, the Mayor
Pro-Tempore's(Vice-Mayor) signature may be used.
13.2 QUORUM
A majority of the Council Members shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business.
(Charter §503)
133 DISCUSSION RULES
1.3.3.1 Obtaining the floor:
1.3.3.1.1 A member of the City Council or staff shall first address the
Presiding Officer and gain recognition.
1.3.3.1.2 Comments and questions should be limited to the issue before
Council.
1.3.3.1.3 Cross-exchange between Council Members and public should
be avoided.
1.3.3.2 Questions to Staff:
A Council Member shall, after recognition by the Presiding Officer,
address questions to the designated staff member.
1.3.3.3 Interruptions:
1.3.3.3.1 Once recognized,a Council Member shall not be interrupted
while speaking except to make a point of order or personal privilege.
1.3.3.3.2 If a Council Member is called to order while speaking,the
individual shall cease speaking until the question of order is determined.
1.3.3.3.3 Upon being recognized by the Presiding Officer, members of
staff shall hold the floor until completion of their remarks or until
recognition is withdrawn by the Presiding Officer.
1.3.3.4 Limitation on Discussion:
No Council Member shall speak more than once on a particular subject
until every other Council Member has had the opportunity to speak.
Council Members are encouraged to discuss items during the
decision-making process.
Council Policies&Procedures Page 5
2-6
1.2.5.5 Consent Agenda
1.2.5.6 Appointments
1.2.5.7 Liaison Reports
1.2.5.8 Public Hearings
1.2.5.9 Communications
1.2.5.10 Business Items
1.2.6 CONSENT ITEMS
Consent items are the first items on the agenda (items that are routine, have been discussed
before, relate to implementation of approved budget items, or to City operations or items to be
later set for public hearing).
1.2.7 NOTIFICATION AND ADVERTISING
1.2.7.1 The City will advertise all matters of significant neighborhood or
community public interest which appear on a City Council or Planning
Commission agenda, as well as all matters where advertising is required
by law. Said advertisements shall include location maps, project
descriptions and posting of property, if required, written in plain English
in order to fiilly inform all interested individuals.
1.2.7.2 All advertising shall be accomplished in an economical manner. All
affidavits of publication shall be reviewed by the City Clerk and will be
available to interested members of the public.
1.3 MEETING PROCEDURES
13.1 PRESIDING OFFICER
1.3.1.1 The Mayor is the Presiding Officer and acts as Chair at Council meetings.
(Charter §407)
1.3.1.2 In the absence or incapacity of the Mayor, the Vice-Mayor will serve as
Presiding Officer.
1.3.1.3 Seating arrangement of the Council:
1.3.1.3.1 The Mayor Pro-Tempore (Vice-Mayor) shall always be seated
immediately next to the Mayor.
1.3.1.3.2 The Mayor with the approval of individual Council Members
shall establish other seating arrangements for regular Council
meetings.
1.3.1.4 Signing of City Documents
The Mayor, unless unavailable, shall sign all ordinances, resolutions,
contracts and other documents which have been adopted by the City
Council and require an official signature; except when the City
2-5
Council Policies&Procedures Page 4
1.1.5.7 Regularly scheduled meetings by other agencies and groups shall be
discouraged
1.1.5.8 Meetings being held to advocate the election or re-election of a particular
candidate for political office shall not be allowed. However, the Council
Chamber may be used for a Candidates' Forum where the public and all
the candidates for a particular public office have been invited. (Res.
8496)
1.2 AGENDA
1.2.1 PLACING AN ITEM ON THE AGENDA(COUNCIL MEMBER)
Any Council Member may request an item be placed on a future agenda during
Communications,and upon consensus of a majority of Council, staff will prepare a staff report
if formal Council action is required. An individual Council Member may place an urgency
item on an agenda with a minimum of 72 hours legal notice and a memorandum from the
Council Member to the Council and staff setting forth the substantive issues of the item. For
the purpose of this paragraph, urgency shall arise in those limited situations where an item
requires immediate action, and the need to take immediate action came to the attention of the
Council Member subsequent to the distribution of the agenda. (Res. 8473)
1.2.2 PLACING AN ITEM ON THE AGENDA(THE PUBLIC)
A member of the public may request an item be placed on a future agenda during Public
Comment or via other communication with Council Members, and upon consensus of a
majority of Council, a staff report will be prepared and approved by the C.A.O. or his
designee.
1.23 EMERGENCY ITEMS
Emergency items may be placed on the agenda only in accordance with state law. Generally,
only those matters affecting public health or safety may be considered emergency in nature. A
four-fifths vote of Council is necessary to add an emergency item.
1.2.4 RECONSIDERATION
Reconsideration of an item shall be allowed in accordance with Robert's Rules of Order and
established Council guidelines. Resubmittal of issues previously acted upon is discouraged,
but requests will be considered upon a consensus of a majority of the Council.
1.2.5 ORDER OF BUSINESS shall be as follows:
1.2.5.1 Call to Order
1.2.5.2 Pledge of Allegiance
1.2.5.3 Roll Call
1.2.5.4 Public Comment
Council Policies&Procedures 2_4
Page 3
1.1.4 SPECIAL MEETINGS
1.1.4.1 Special meetings may be called by the Mayor or three members of the
City Council. (GC § 54956) Written notice of each special meeting must
be given not less than twenty-four(24) hours before such meeting to each
member of the City Council not joining the call. (Ord. 677)
1.1.4.2 Written notice must be given to the City Council and to the media 24
hours prior to each meeting. (GC§54956)
1.1.4.3 A supplemental telephone call shall be made if necessary to notify each
Council Member.
1.1.4.4 No business other than that announced shall be discussed.
1.1.4.5 Any special meeting held at a place other than City Hall shall be open to
the public. Notice requirements of the Brown Act shall be complied with
for any such meetings; regular minutes shall be taken by the City Clerk
and shall be available for public inspection.
1.1.5 USE OF COUNCIL CHAMBERS
1.1.5.1 The City Administrative Officer,or designee,is responsible for
maintaining a calendar on the use of the Council Chamber and all requests
for reservations shall be cleared through the administrative office.
1.1.5.2 When a question arises regarding permission for any group to use the
facility, the City Administrative Officer shall have authority to make the
final decision.
1.1.5.3 The following rules are established as a guide:
1.1.5.4 Use of the Council Chamber by City commissions, committees, and other
advisory bodies shall take precedence over any other group or agency.
1.1.5.5 Favorable consideration shall be given to other governmental agencies
and non-profit groups during regular business hours only. These groups
will be charged for the use of the Council Chamber at the same rate as is
charged governmental agencies and non-profit groups for use of the
Community Room at the City/County Library. No events of a
commercial nature shall be allowed. The Council Chambers will not be
available for use by any non-City organizations during non-business
hours. (Res. 8496& 8783)
1.1.5.6 No admission shall be charged. No events featuring the service of food or
drink shall be allowed.
Council Policies&Procedures 2-3
Page 2
CHAPTER ONE
MEETING GUIDELINES & PROCEDURES
1.1 MEETING SCHEDULE
1.1.1 MEETINGS OF COUNCIL
The Council shall provide by ordinance the time and place of holding meetings and the
manner in which special meetings may be called. Public interest and convenience shall be
primary considerations when decisions are made as to time, location and frequency.
Except as otherwise provided by law, all meetings of the Council shall be open to the
public. (Charter§502)
1.1.2 REGULAR MEETINGS
1.1.2.1 Regular meetings shall be held the first and third Tuesday of each month
beginning at 7:00 p.m. In the event that a regular meeting of the Council
shall fall on a legal holiday, that regular meeting shall be held at the same
place and time on the next succeeding working day. (Ord. 677)
1.1.2.2 Regular meetings shall be held in the Council Chambers, 990 Palm Street,
in the City of San Luis Obispo. (Ord. 677)
1.1.2.3 Regular meetings shall be between the hours of 7:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m. It
shall be the policy of the City Council to complete meetings, including
closed sessions, by 11:00 p.m. unless, upon consensus, Council elects to
continue past the adjournment hour. Following the mid-meeting break
(around 9:00 p.m.) the Mayor, with assistance from the C.A.O., will
review the balance of the agenda with Council to discuss how it can be
handled in the allowed time. If it is necessary to continue any items, it
will be announced at that time.
1.1.3 STUDY SESSIONS (Open to the public)
1.1.3.1 The purpose of these meetings shall be for informal discussions between
staff, advisory bodies or consultants and the City Council regarding
specific programs,projects or policies.
1.1.3.2 Study Sessions will be held at a time and place convenient to
Council and advantageous for public participation.
1.1.3.3 Participation of the public shall be at the discretion of the Presiding
Officer, upon consensus of the Council.
Council Policies& Procedures 2-2
Page 1