REPORT TO COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
Action on a Written Petition (Council Policy 030) Submitted by Councilmember Becker Requesting to Place an Agenda Item at a Future Council Meeting to Consider a Policy to Normalize and make Consistent Speaking at Public Events
Report
BOARD PILLARS
Enhance Community Engagement and Transparency
BACKGROUND
Council Policy 030 - Adding an Item on the Agenda (Attachment 1) sets forth the procedure for written petitions. Any member of the public or Council may submit a written request raising any issue or item within the subject matter jurisdiction of the Council. Per the policy, the written request will be submitted on the agenda, in the form substantially provided by the requestor, without any staff analysis, including fiscal review, legal review and policy review. If a simple majority of the City Council supports further study of the request, then a full staff analysis shall be prepared within thirty (30) days, unless otherwise directed by the City Council.
DISCUSSION
The City Clerk’s Office received a Council Written Request on September 5, 2023 requesting to place an agenda item at a future council meeting to consider a policy to normalize and make consistent speaking at public events. (Attachment 2).
Here is my 030 written petition to be placed on the September 12, 2023 Council meeting. I am submitting for council consideration a policy to normalize and make consistent speaking at public events. While this is not prevented, a narrow interpretation of supported policies often leaves Councilmembers without a channel to address their constituents, even within their own districts.
An inclusive policy would allow Councilmembers to address the public regardless of jurisdiction, especially within their representative districts. These interactions would be scheduled or agendized for each event and opportunity and coordinated with event planners, just like multi-jurisdictional events outside of the city. In addition, I would like this policy to also include powers for Councilmembers to declare proclamations in their respective districts. If city council agrees to this item, I would like it placed on the September 19th meeting.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact other than administrative staff time.
COORDINATION
This report was coordinated with the City Attorney’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
Staff makes no recommendation.
Staff
Prepared by: Nora Pimentel, Assistant City Clerk
Approved by: Jōvan D. Grogan, City Manager
ATTACHMENTS
1. Policy and Procedure 030-Adding an item on the Agenda
2. Written Petition submitted by Councilmember Becker dated September 4, 2023