HomeMy WebLinkAbout12-13-2016 Item 15, SchmidtECEIVED
COUNCIL MEETING: I F�
- I ' � - DEC 12 2016
ITEM NO.: lS . _
From: Richard Schmidt [
Sent: Sunday, December 11, 2016 8:56 PM
To: E-mail Council Website <emailcouncil slocitv.ore>
Subject: Police Contract Settlement
Dear Mayor Harmon and Council Members,
I have seen a letter sent to you by former council member and sponsor of Measure B Andrew Carter
protesting council decision-making on this matter prior to the public's being informed of what's being
talked about.
Although I was on the opposite side of Measure B from Andrew, I completely agree with his point.
The absence of details in your public agenda packet leaves the public in the dark. Even if staff were
to post more details the day before the meeting, such late notice would be deficient in terms of
adequately informing the public.
The public needs to be dealt in on this 100% so we may speak to it prior to any council decision-
making if we so wish. There was contentious feeling all around regarding binding arbitration, and we
deserve to be kept in the loop as the council considers its next steps. This is not properly a private
decision to be made by council, management staff and police representatives.
I would remind the council that the Brown Act, California's open meeting law, sets the spirit and tone
for all actions taken by the council. Its preamble states:
"The people of this state do not yield their sovereignty to the agencies which serve them. The
people, in delegating authority, do not give their public servants the right to decide what is
good for the people to know and what is not good for them to know. The people insist on
remaining informed so that they may retain control over the instruments they have created." —
CGC 54950
urge this new council to remember that elevated and noble principle of open government in all that
you do on our behalf.
Thank you.
Richard Schmidt