Title
Introduction of Ordinance Amending the Alameda Municipal Code by Amending Various Provisions of Article VIII (Sunshine Ordinance) of Chapter II (Administration) Concerning Special Meetings, including the Setting and Noticing of Such and Other Meetings. (City Attorney)
Body
To: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The City Council approved a referral to the Open Government Commission (Commission) to consider potential amendments to the Sunshine Ordinance to address the setting and noticing of special meetings, in a manner that enhances civic engagement. Staff has obtained input and a recommendation from the Commission and has prepared a draft ordinance largely to transmit the Commission's recommendations to the Council with slight modifications as discussed further below.
BACKGROUND
Council Referral
On June 2, 2020, Councilmember Vella requested a referral to the Commission to consider amendments to the Sunshine Ordinance concerning special meeting noticing requirements. The item was heard on and continued to the City Council's June 16, 2020 regular meeting. See Exhibit 1 (Councilmember Vella Referral re Special Meetings).
At the June 16 meeting, Councilmember Vella asked that the City Council approve the referral and to send the item for initial consideration by the Commission. Councilmember Vella's referral states the purpose of the referral is to consider amending noticing requirements for special meetings with the interests of "transparency and in increasing public engagement" in mind. The item and the Commission's recommendation would then return to the City Council for consideration.
On June 24, 2020, in light of City Council direction, the Commission considered potential amendments to the Sunshine Ordinance regarding special meetings and directed staff to return with a draft ordinance for its consideration, as a means of facilitating a recommendation to the City Council.
Commission Direction
On June 24, 2020, ...
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