REPORT TO GOVERNANCE AND ETHICS COMMITTEE
SUBJECT
Title
Review and Action on the 2026 Governance and Ethics Committee Workplan
Report
BACKGROUND
The Governance and Ethics Committee was established by City Council action on February 5, 2019. The Governance and Ethics Committee focuses on the refinement and establishment of policies and procedures regarding City Council operations, general good government practices, and implementation of the City’s Code of Ethics & Values program. In addition, the Committee also reviews naming recommendations for City facilities and buildings and reviews and recommends amendments, if any, to City Council Policies.
DISCUSSION
On an annual basis, the Governance and Ethics Committee establishes a workplan with items prioritized for the calendar year. Additional items may be recommended by the Committee or staff, which staff will bring forward as appropriate. To prepare and plan for the Committee workload, staff has developed a proposed Governance and Ethics Committee workplan for the 2026 calendar year.
The following workplan includes items which have been carried over from the previous approved workplan, and potential new items requested by Committee members and/or recommended by staff. It is also important to note, some work plan items listed may require more than one meeting to allow for full discussion and Committee action. During the year the Committee and staff may amend the workplan to add, delete, or re-prioritize items as desired or needed.
Proposed 2026 Workplan Items
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Committee Meeting Date: |
Agenda Item(s): |
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March 30, 2026 |
1) Review and Provide Direction on the 2026 City Council Priority Setting Session 2) Action on Council Policy Establishing an Annual Performance Review Process for Council 3) Review and Action on 2026 Workplan |
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April 30, 2026, Special Meeting |
1) Presentation by Outside Consultant for the Review of and Recommendations Regarding Potential Adoption of an Ethics Commission or Ethics Program and the Approval of Proposed Changes to City's Existing Ethics Policies Previously Presented to Committee (Continued) 2) Review and Approval of Amendments to Council Policy 042 (“Reconsideration of Council Action”) |
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May TBD (Special Meeting) |
1) Review of Council Policy 055 (“Meeting Management Protocol”) 2) Discuss and Provide direction to Staff on Council Policy that provides guidance on the scheduled start times and frequency of regular City Council meetings 3) Process for Scheduling Special City Council meetings and Closed Sessions |
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June 1, 2026 |
1) Review of a Policy Limiting Resolution Matters Outside Jurisdiction of the City |
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September 14, 2026 |
1) Review of additional Text Messaging Retention applications (in addition to Smarsh) (Continued) |
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December 7, 2026 |
1) Review of Proposed Comprehensive City Council Policies and Procedure manual (1st draft) |
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
The action being considered does not constitute a “project” within the meaning of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines section 15378(b)(5) in that it is a governmental organizational or administrative activity that will not result in direct or indirect changes in the environment
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact to the City other than staff time.
COORDINATION
This report was coordinated by the City Manager’s Office.
PUBLIC CONTACT
Public contact was made by posting the Council agenda on the City’s official-notice bulletin board outside City Hall Council Chambers. A complete agenda packet is available on the City’s website and in the City Clerk’s Office at least 72 hours prior to a Regular Meeting and 24 hours prior to a Special Meeting. A hard copy of any agenda report may be requested by contacting the City Clerk’s Office at (408) 615-2220, email clerk@santaclaraca.gov <mailto:clerk@santaclaraca.gov> or at the public information desk at any City of Santa Clara public library.
RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
Approve the 2026 Governance and Ethics Committee Workplan with any additional amendments.
Staff
Reviewed by: Maria Le, Assistant to the City Manager, City Manager’s Office
Approved by: Jovan D. Grogan, City Manager