RPVCCA_CC_SR_2012_05_01_05_Rules_Of_Procedure_Council_Commission_Committee_ProtocolCITY OF
MEMORANDUM
RANCHO PALOS VERDES
TO:
FROM:
DATE:
SUBJECT:
HONORABLE MAYOR &CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS
CAROLYN LEHR,CITY MANAGER ~
MAY 1,2012
RULES OF PROCEDURE AND CITY COUNCIL AND
COMMISSION/COMMITTEE PROTOCOL
Project Manager:Kit Fox,AICP,Senior Administrative Analyst@
RECOMMENDATIONS
1)
2)
3)
Direct that the Subcommittee offer to meet with the Planning Commission at its May
8th meeting or,alternatively,receive written testimony from the Planning
Commission.The Subcommittee invites further commentary from members of other
Committees and Commissions.
Receive proposed revisions to the Rules of Procedure and City Council and
Commission/Committee Protocol submitted by Councilman Knight,Councilman
Duhovic,Mayor Pro Tem Campbell and other members of the public.
Schedule a stand alone workshop for Tuesday,May 29th ,as a date to render a final
decision on this treatment ofthe Proposed Rules and Protocol.Establish a deadline
of Friday,May 11 th ,2012 for all written commentary on this agenda item.This
deadline will offer the Subcommittee enough time to convene and to consider all
commentary in order to forward a recommendation to the full Council on May 29 th •
BACKGROUND
On March 20,2012,the City Council discussed proposed revisions to the Rules of
Procedure (Rules)and the adoption of the proposed City Council and
Commission/Committee Protocol (Protocol).At that meeting,the City Council continued
the proposed Rules and Protocol to the May 15,2012,City Council meeting,with the
exception of Section 5 ("Order and Preparation of Agenda")of the proposed Rules,which
were put in place immediately with the understanding that they could considered for further
revision in the future,as determined necessary by the City Council.At the following
meeting on April 3,2012,the City Council authorized the Council Rules and Protocol Ad
Hoc Subcommittee (Mayor Misetich and Councilwoman Brooks)to conduct outreach to the
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MEMORANDUM:Outreach for City Council and Commission/Committee Protocol
May 1,2012
Page 2
City's advisory boards to introduce and receive feedback on the proposed Rules and
Protocol.
At the request of Planning Commission Chair Paul Tetreault,an item was placed on the
Planning Commission's April 10,2012,agenda to give Commissioners an opportunity to
discuss the draft Rules and Protocol in advance of the Subcommittee's outreach efforts.At
that meeting,the Planning Commission provided its preliminary feedback on the proposed
Protocol;continued the discussion of the Rules to its next meeting on April 24,2012;and
invited the entire City Council to meet with the Planning Commission to discuss the draft
Rules and Protocol.The Planning Commission subsequently took up the draft Rules at its
meeting of April 24,2012.Mayor Pro Tem Campbell also submitted written suggestions for
further revisions to Section 5 of the Rules as "Late Correspondence"at that evening's
meeting (see discussion below).
As of the date of this report,the Subcommittee had indicated that it was available to attend
the Planning Commission meeting of May 8,2012 to conduct its outreach efforts.Unlike
the Planning Commission,however,it is not clear that other advisory boards desire to
agendize a meeting with the Subcommittee to discuss their feedback.Therefore,in the
interest of efficiency,the Subcommittee decided to request of Council that.rather than
schedule meetings with each Committee/Commission,written commentary and feedback
would be requested instead.
DISCUSSION
Planning Commission Review of Rules and Protocol in Advance of Subcommittee Outreach
Attached to tonight's report is a summary of the Planning Commission's recent review of
the Rules and Protocol by Community Development Director Joel Rojas.He noted that the
invitation made at the April 10,2012,meeting for the entire City Council to address the
Planning Commission on this topic was not intended as a rejection of a meeting with the
Subcommittee,but merely as an open invitation to the entire City Council to join the
Subcommittee in discussing this important issue.The tentative agenda for the May 8,
2012,Planning Commission meeting includes a "placeholder"for the Subcommittee's
presentation.The Planning Commission acknowledged that a joint meeting with the City
Council (if desired by the City Council)could occur at the May 8,2012,Planning
Commission meeting or at some other date and time of the City Council's choosing,and
that such a joint meeting might be in addition to or in lieu of a study session with the
Subcommittee.
Planning Commission Chair Tetreault will attend tonight's meeting to answer any questions
about the Planning Commission's previous discussion of this matter.
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MEMORANDUM:Outreach for City Council and Commission/Committee Protocol
May 1,2012
Page 3
Outreach to the City's Advisory Boards
Based upon the course of action approved by the City Council on April 3,2012,it was
envisioned that the Subcommittee would attend and present the draft Rules and Protocol to
each to each of the City's advisory boards to solicit their collective feedback at one of their
regular public meetings.As described above,the Planning Commission has taken the
initiative to discuss and familiarize itself with these matters in advance of the
Subcommittee's presentation,which is currently scheduled for the Planning Commission
meeting of May 8,2012.To Staff's knowledge,none of the City's other advisory boards
have yet discussed or agendized this matter for review.
Suggested Revisions to the Rules of Procedure
On Thursday,April 26th Councilman Duhovic submitted a comprehensive list of revisions to
the Rules.Attached is a comparison document that depicts these proposed changes,as
they relate to the Rules,which were last amended by the City Council on March 20,2012.
Councilman Duhovic has reviewed this document and confirmed that it reflects his
proposed language.Also,as mentioned above,Mayor Pro Tem Campbell submitted
proposed revisions to Section 5 of the Rules as "Late Correspondence"at the April 24,
2012,Planning Commission meeting.A copy of Mayor Pro Tem Campbell's suggestions is
also attached to tonight's report.
CONCLUSION
In conclusion,the Subcommittee recommends that the City Council adopt the
recommendations set forth in the introductory paragraph.Staff concurs that the schedule
as proposed offers an efficient and effective process for the Subcommittee to evaluate the
substantial amount of information before them.Subsequently this process allows the
Council to reach its best conclusions and move forward on revised Rules of Procedure and
Council and Committee/Commission Protocol.
Attachments:
•Memorandum from Community Development Director Rojas (dated 4/25/12)
•Suggestions for revisions to Section 5 of the Rules of Procedure from Mayor Pro
Tem Campbell (submitted to Planning Commission on 4/24/12)
•Suggestions for revisions to the Rules of Procedure from Councilman Duhovic
M:\Policy Issues\Rules of Procedure\20120501_RulesofProcedure_StaffRpt.doc
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CITYOF
MEMORANDUM
RANCHO PALOS VERDES
COfVlfVlUNITY DEVELOPfVIEI'iT DEPARTIVJENT
TO:
FROM:
DATE:
SUBJECT:
CAROLYN LEHR,CITY MANAGER
JOEL ROJAS,COMMUNI~LOPMENT DIRECTOR
APRIL 25,2012
DISCUSSION BY THE PLANNING COMMISION OF THE PROPOSED CITY
COUNCIL RULES OF PROCEDURE AND PROTOCOL AND POSSIBLE
DATES FOR A JOINT MEETING WITH THE CITY COUNCIL
On April 3,2012,the City Council authorized the Council Rules and Protocol Ad Hoc Subcommittee
(Mayor Misetich and Councilwoman Brooks)to conduct outreach to the City's advisory boards to
introduce and receive feedback on the proposed City Council and Commission/Committee Protocol
and City Council Rules and Procedures.At the request of Chairman Tetreault,an item was placed
on the Planning Commission's April 10,2012 agenda to give Commissioners an opportunity to
discuss the draft Protocol and Rules of Procedure in advance of the Subcommittee's outreach.On
April 10th ,the Planning Commission provided its preliminary feedback on the proposed Protocol,
continued the discussion ofthe Rules and Procedure to the April 24th meeting and invited the entire
City Council to meet with the Planning Commission to discuss the draft Protocol and Rules of
Procedure.
On April 24th ,the Planning Commission continued its discussion of this topic by providing its
preliminary feedback on the Rules of Procedure.In addition,the Planning Commission clarified that
the invitation it made at its previous April 10th meeting for the entire City Council to address the
Planning Commission on this topic was not intended as a rejection of a meeting with the Ad Hoc
Subcommittee.It was simply meant as an invitation for the entire City Council to join the Ad Hoc
Subcommittee on addressing the Planning Commission on this important issue.Noting that the
City Council Subcommittee has stated that they would be available to attend the Planning
Commission meeting on May 8th ,the Planning Commission agreed to add that discussion to their
May 8th agenda leaving it up the Subcommittee on where that item appears on the agenda.The
Planning Commission also acknowledged that an item has been placed on the City Council's
upcoming May 1st agenda to discuss the Planning Commission's invitation to meet with the entire
City Council and possible dates when a Council/Commission study session could occur.The
Planning Commission qgreed that if the City Council wishes to have a joint meeting with the
Planning Commission,said joint meeting could occur on May 8th or at some other date and time
agreed upon by the City Council.Furthermore,the Commission agreed that ifthe Council agrees on
May 1st to have a joint meeting with the Planning Commission,it would be up to the Council to
decide whether said joint meeting would be in addition to or in lieu of a study session with the Ad
Hoc Subcommittee.
Planning Commission Chairman Paul Tetreault plans to attend the upcoming May 1st City Council
meeting to answer any questions about the Planning Commission's discussion of this matter.
30940 HAWTHORNE BLVD./RANCHO PALOS VERDES,CA 90275-5391
PLANNING &CODE ENFORCEMENT DIVISION (310)544-5228/BUILDING &SAFETY DIVISION (310)265-7800/DEPT.FAX (310)544-5293
E-MAIL:PLANNING@RPVCOM /WWW.PALOSVERDESCOM/RPV 5-4
I /1;c-.#-(
Language suggestions regarding improving Para 5 from Brian Campbell.
I currently seNe 8S the Rancho Patos Verdes Mayor Pro Tern,but these are my own personal comments and they
are not meant to be Interpreted as the view of the entire city council.
Additionafly,my language below is not intended to be complete in regards to this paragraph but rather should be
interpreted more as a synopsis of key areas of concern.
Respectfully submitted for your consideration;
5.ORDER AND PREPARATION OF AGENDA
The Mayor acts as the representative of the entire city council in regards'to the preparation and
final approval of the Agenda.The Mayor has the same rights as any other council person,and
no more,to request putting or removing an item from an agenda.
With the approval of the Mayor,or if the Mayor is not available the Mayor Pro Tem,the City
Manager prepares the agenda draft including the order and priority of agenda items,and the
estimates of the time that should be required for the City Council to review,consider and take
action regarding each agenda item.
All other members of the City Council shall be made aware of tentative agendas for upcoming
meetings as soon as the tentative agenda is made available to the Mayor.The City Staff shall
provide staff reports to the City Council with sound,unbiased and professional
recommendations on potential alternatives or courses of action regardless of Staff's own biases
forthe outcome,along with pertinent and unbiased facts from various and balanced points of
view and analysis to enable the City Council to make an informed decision.
Any two Council members may request that an item of concern be placed on a future agenda.
Any two Councilmembers may request the entire cily council to discuss removing a Staff
proffered Item from a proposed future agenda.The council may do 50 with a majority vote.
At all times,the city council may at the time of the "Approval of the Agenda"at a city council
meeting,choose by a majority vote to remove or reorder in priority an item frorri that meeting's
agenda.
The City Manager is not allowed to develop any policy with the intent to place it on an upcoming
agenda without the prior written approval of the city council.
The City Manager and Staff are not permitted to lobby either for or against any policy or item
that is on or proposed to be on a city council agenda.
Per California State Law,the City Manager and 5taff are SUbject to the Brown Act and must
adhere to its prOVisions just as members of the public and as the City Council is reqUired.
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RANCHO PALOS VERDES
CITY COUNCIL
DRAFT
LAST AMENDED: March 20, 2012
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Table of Contents
Subject Page
1. Authority 4
2. General Rules 4
2.1 Quorum 4
2.2 Vacancy by Unexcused Absence 4
2.3 Minutes of Proceedings 4
2.4 Right of Floor 4
2.5 Rules of Order 4
2.6 City Manager 4
2.7 City Attorney 5
2.8 City Clerk 5
2.9 Deputy City Manager/Department Heads/Employees 5
3. Types of Meetings 5
3.1 Public Meetings 5
3.2 Regular Meetings 5
3.3 Adjourned Meetings 6
3.4 Special Meetings 6
3.5 Closed Session Meetings 6
3.6 Work Study Session Meetings 6
3.7 Media Attendance 6 7
3.8 Recess 7
3.9 Redevelopment Agency and Improvement Authority Business 7
3.10 Civic and Other Events 7
4. Duties of the Mayor 7
4.1 Election of the Mayor/Absence of the Mayor 7
4.2 Mayor Pro Tem 7 8
4.3 Presiding Officer 7 8
4.4 Call to Order 7 8
4.5 Preservation of Order 7 8
4.6 Point of Order 7 8
5. Order and Preparation of Agenda 8
5.1 Order of Business 8 9
5.2 Agenda Distribution 8 9
5.3 Agenda Posting 9 10
5.4 Minutes 9 10
5.5 Public Comments (see Citizens’ Rights in Section 6) 9 10
5.6 Public Hearings 9 10
5.7 Consent Calendar 9 10
5.8 City Council Oral Reports 9 10
5.9 Actions Limited to Posted Agenda 10 11
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Subject Page
6. Citizens’ Rights 10 11
6.1 Addressing the Council 10 11
6.2 Personal and Slanderous Remarks Conduct of Members of the Public 10 11
6.3 Enforcement of Decorum 11 12
6.4 Reading of Protests 11 12
6.5 Written Communications 12
7. Ordinances, Resolutions and Contracts 12
7.1 Document Preparation 12
7.2 Document Approval 12
7.3 Ordinance Introduction/Adoption 12 13
7.4 Majority Vote Required 12 13
7.5 Ordinance Preservation 12 13
8. Procedures Regarding Public Hearings 13
8.1 Introduction 13
8.2 Staff and Written Material Presentation 13
8.3 Public Testimony 13 14
8.4 Council Deliberations 14
8.5 Council Action 14
9. Boards, Commissions, and Committees and Subcommittees 15
9.1 Mayor/City Council Committee 15
9.2 Citizen Boards, Commissions, and Committees 15
9.3 City Council Subcommittees 16
10. Suspension and Amendment of These Rules 15 16
10.1 Suspension 15 16
10.2 Amendment 15 16
11. Miscellaneous Rules 16 17
11.1 Motion to be Stated 16 17
11.2 Roll Call Votes 16 17
11.3 Silence 16 17
11.4 Continuance of an Item 16 17
11.5 Personal Privilege 17
11.6 Motion to Reconsider 17
12. Rules of Debate 17 18
12.1 Mayor as Presiding Officer 17 18
12.2 Appeals 17 18
12.3 Precedence of Motions 17 18
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RULES OF PROCEDURE
1. AUTHORITY
As provided by Government Code Section 36813, the City Council hereby establishes these Rules of
Procedure for the conduct of meetings. These Rules shall be in effect upon the adoption by City Council
and until such time as they are amended or new rules are adopted in the manner provided by these Rules.
2. GENERAL RULES
2.1 Quorum
Three members of the Council shall constitute a quorum necessary to transact business. In the event a
quorum is not in attendance, the City Clerk will adjourn the meeting to a later set time.
2.2 Vacancy by Unexcused Absence
If a City CouncilmemberCouncil member is absent without permission from all regular City Council
meetings for 60 days consecutively from the last regular meeting s/he attended, his/her office becomes
vacant and shall be filled as any other vacancy, as provided by Government Code Section 36513.
2.3 Minutes of Proceedings
An account of all public proceedings of the City Council shall be recorded by the City Clerk or his/her
designee and entered into the official minute books of the Council. The minutes shall be prepared as
expeditiously as possible, and must be presented within 45 days of the meeting. These minutes shall be
Minutes will be available to the public following approval by the Council.
2.4 Right of Floor
Any Councilmember desiring to speak shall first be recognized by the Mayor and shall confine any
remarks to the subject under consideration.
2.5 Rules of Order
In all matters and things not otherwise provided for herein, the proceedings of the Council shall be
governed by “Robert’ Rosenberg's Rules of Order.” However; however, no ordinance, resolution,
proceedings or other action of the City Council will be invalidated, or the legality thereof affected, by the
failure or omission to observe or follow said Rules. In the event of a conflict between the City’s
Municipal Code and/or these Rules of Procedure with Rosenberg’s Rules of Order, the provisions of the
City’s Municipal Ordinances and/or these Rules, as applicable, shall govern.
2.6 City Manager
The City Manager reports to and serves at the pleasure of the City Council. The City Manager shall attend
all meetings of the Council unless excused, and in his/her absence, the Deputy City Manager or Acting
City Manager shall substitute. The City Manager may make recommendations and shall have the right to
take part in all discussions of the Council, but shall have no vote.
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The duties of the City Manager shall include, but are not limited to, ensuring that City Hall operates in the
best interests of the residents in and an open and transparent manner. The City Manager shall ensure that
staff maintains and implements the policies and direction of the Council.
2.7 City Attorney
The City Attorney reports to and serves at the pleasure of the City Council. The City Attorney shall attend
all meetings of the Council unless excused, and in his/her absence, the City Attorney shall make
arrangements for a substitute attorney. The City Attorney, upon request, shall give opinions, either
written or oral, on questions of law and shall act as the Council’s parliamentarian.
2.8 City Clerk
The City Clerk or his/her designee shall attend all meetings of the Council unless excused by the City
Manager, and in her/his absence, the Deputy City Clerk shall substitute. The City Clerk shall record,
prepare and maintain the official record of the Council and perform other related duties as prescribed by
the Council and/or City Manager.
2.9 Deputy City Manager/Department Heads/Employees
The Deputy City Manager, Department Heads and other city employees, as directed by the City Manager,
shall attend Council meetings.
3. TYPES OF MEETINGS
3.1 Public Meetings
All meetings (except closed sessions as provided by State law) of the Council shall be open to the public.
3.2 Regular Meetings - MC 2.04.020
The City Council shall meet in the City Council Chambers located at Fred Hesse Community Park, 29301
Hawthorne Boulevard, for all regular meetings. Regular meetings of the City Council shall be held on the
first and third Tuesday of each month at the hour of seven p.m. in the Council Chambers except as
follows:
1. When a Rancho Palos Verdes municipal election is conducted in the City on the first or
third Tuesday of any month, the meeting shall be held on the next succeeding day, which that is not a
holiday.
2. When an official City holiday falls on the first or third Tuesday of any month, the
meeting shall be held on the next succeeding day, which that is not a holiday.
Only closed sessions and work sessions may be held between six p.m. and seven p.m. unless a regular
meeting is adjourned to, or a special meeting is called for, such time. No work session or closed session
will be held during such hours unless the agenda is posted at least seventy-two hours prior to the meeting
as required by Section 54954.2 of the California Government Code. No action shall be taken during any
work session held between such hours unless the agenda so provides.
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The City Council will adjourn its meetings on or before 11 :00 p.m. and will not consider new business
items after 10:15 p.m., unless the majority of the CouncilmembersCouncil members who are present
affirmatively vote either to extend the meeting after 11 :00 p.m. or to consider new business after 10:15
p.m. If the meeting ends before all of the items listed on the agenda are completed, any unfinished
business will be continued to the next succeeding day, which that is not a holiday, at a location to be
determined. The City Clerk, or his or her deputy, will post notice of any continued hearing or other
unfinished business, as required by law.
3.3 Adjourned Meetings - MC 2.04.030
Any meeting of the City Council may be adjourned to a later date, place and time, provided no
adjournment is for a longer period than the next regularly scheduled meeting.
3.4 Special Meetings - MC 2.04.040
Special meetings may be called by the Mayor or by a majority of the Councilmembers. Council members.
The notice for a special meeting must specify the subject(s) to be considered. In accordance with
Government Code Section 54956, twenty-four hoursTwenty-four hours notice must be given prior to the
meeting; only the matters specified in the notice may be discussed at special meetings.
3.5 Closed Session Meetings – MC 2.04.050
Closed sessions may be held in accordance with the provisions of the Brown Act. The City Attorney
shall attend all closed sessions either in person or telephonically, unless his or her performance is being
reviewed. Closed sessions shall be presided over by the Mayor with the presentation of information by the
City Attorney and/or City Manager and City Staff with discussion and decisions by the City Council, in
accordance with the provisions of the Brown Act
Closed sessions may be held between six p.m. and seven p.m. unless a regular meeting is adjourned to, or
a special meeting is called.
3.6 Work Study Session Meetings
The Council may meet in work study sessions called by the Mayor or the majority of the
Councilmembers. Council members. Work Study sessions are open to the public and are meetings for the
purposes of the Brown Act. The primary purpose of the study session is to provide an opportunity for the
Council members to interact freely and informally, ask questions and discuss policy items agendized for
that specific study session. Council will also provide guidance to Staff regarding upcoming agenda items
and tentative agendas.
Study sessions may be held between 6:00 P.M. and 7:00 P.M., provided the agenda is posted in the
manner provided by Government Code Section ___________at least 72 hours / 3 days prior to the
meeting . No action shall be taken during any work study session held between such hours unless the
agenda so provides.
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3.7 Media Attendance
Except for closed sessions, all meetings of the City Council and City Boards/ Commissions shall be open
to the media, and may be recorded by tape, radio, television, or photography, provided such recordings do
not unreasonably interfere with the orderly conduct of the meetings. All meetings shall be televised and
broadcast live during the meeting whenever possible and in accordance with the City contract with the
company supplying broadcast services; a replay shall be broadcast on local TV at least one time during
the seven (7) day period following the meeting. Archived recordings of Council meetings shall be
maintained by the City Clerk’s office for a period of not less than 30 years.
3.8 Recess
Once every hour and one-half, or as Council business permits, the Council shall recess for a period of
time specified by the Mayor.
3.9 Redevelopment Successor Agency and Improvement Authority Business
Unless otherwise directed by the City Council, upon adjournment of the City Council meeting held on the
first Tuesday of each month, the City Council will meet as the Successor Agency to the Rancho Palos
Verdes Redevelopment Agency and then as the Rancho Palos Verdes Improvement Authority of the City.
3.10 Civic and Other Events
If a quorum or more of the Members of the City Council will attend an event where City business will be
discussed by a quorum of the City Council. the Council Members shall notify the City Clerk or City
Manager so that the event can be noticed as a City Council meeting, in accordance with the provisions of
the Brown Act. This does not include purely social or ceremonial occasions for which the Brown Act
defines the responsibilities of elected officials. City expenditure for other invited guests (as permitted by
State law) must be approved by the City Council at a regularly scheduled City Council meeting that is
held in advance of the event.
4. DUTIES OF THE MAYOR
4.1 Election of the Mayor/Absence of the Mayor
The Mayor is a member of the City Council and is annually elected by majority vote of the City Council
at the first regular meeting in December or, in the case of an election year, upon certification of the
election results. The Mayor serves as Mayor at the pleasure of the City Council. As a member of the City
Council, the Mayor shall have all the powers of a member.
Should the Mayor, for any reason, be, or expect to be, out of Los Angeles County for a period of 24 hours
or longer, he/she shall notify the Mayor Pro Tem and the City Manager of his/her expected absence and
the Mayor Pro Tem will assume the Mayor’s duties until the Mayor has notified the Mayor Pro Tem and
the City Manager of his/her return to Los Angeles County.
The mayor/presiding official must be physically present to conduct a council meeting; however, any other
Council member may participate telephonically, in accordance with the provisions of the Brown Act.
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4.2 Mayor Pro Tem
The Mayor Pro Tem shall be selected by a Council majority vote. The Mayor Pro Tem serves as Mayor
Pro Tern at the pleasure of the City Council.
4.3 Presiding Officer
The Mayor, if present, shall preside. In the Mayor’s absence, the Mayor Pro Tem shall preside. In the
absence of both, the CouncilmembersCouncil members present shall elect a Presiding Officer.
4.4 Call to Order
The Mayor or Mayor Pro Tem shall call the meeting to order at the hour appointed. In the absence of
both, the meeting shall be called to order by the City Clerk and those Councilmembers Council members
present shall proceed to elect a temporary Presiding Officer.
4.5 Preservation of Order
The Mayor shall preserve strict order and decorum, shall prevent disruptive verbal attacks on
Councilmembersby or on Council members, staff and/or citizens, shall confine debate to the item under
discussion, and shall discourage debate between CouncilmembersCouncil members and persons
addressing the Council.
4.6 Point of Order
The Mayor shall determine all points of order, subject to the right of any member to appeal. If an appeal
is taken, the question shall be, “Shall the decision of the Mayor be sustained?”
5. ORDER AND PREPARATION OF AGENDA
With the advice of the Mayor, or if the Mayor is not available the Mayor Pro Tem, theThe City Manager
prepares the agenda, including under the direction and approval of the Mayor. This shall include the order
and priority of agenda items, and the estimates. The City Manager will be responsible for providing an
estimate of the time that should be required for the City Council to review, consider and take action
regarding each agenda item. All other members of the City Council
In the absence of the Mayor, the Mayor Pro Tem will assume this responsibility as the Council’s
representative. The Mayor will provide appropriate oversight to ensure that agenda items are timely and
responsive to the needs of the residents. All other Council members shall be made aware of tentative
agendas for upcoming meetings on a weekly basis. Care must be exercised so that the items that will be
addressed on each Council agenda can be completed within the designated four-hour time limit for City
Council meetings. The City Staff shall strive to provide staff reports to the City Council with sound,
professional recommendations on a course of action for all City issues, to the maximum extent practical,
along with pertinent facts and analysis to enable the City Council to make an informed decision.
An individual CouncilmemberIndividual Council members may request that an item of concern be placed
on a future agenda. Such requests may be made to the Mayor or to the City Manager. If the Mayor and
City Manager decline to place the requested item on an upcoming Council agenda, the Councilmember
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may make thean agenda by making such request directly to the City Council at a City Council meeting
under the business item entitled “Future Agenda Items” and shall, as a courtesy, notify the Mayor in
advance. A majority of the Members of the City Council must vote to place the item on a future agenda,
and if that action is taken, the City Council also may"Future Agenda Items". If the request is seconded by
one additional Council member, the item shall be placed on a future agenda. specify the meeting agenda
upon which the item shall be placed. All agenda items shall be accompanied by a staff report. If a
Councilmember prepares a report for an agenda item, it shall be submitted to the City Manager at the
same time that other agenda reports are to be submitted.Should the concern be deemed an emergency
item, a request may be directed to the Mayor with a request for inclusion on the next meeting agenda.
The City Manager is responsible for providing staff reports with sound professional recommendations,
supported by thorough and impartial analysis that includes both pros and cons regarding the
recommended course of action, ready for inclusion in all Council Agenda packages. Should occasions
arise where that is not possible, the City Manager will so advise the Mayor who will then decide a course
of action.
5.1 Order of Business
1. Call to Order, Roll Call, Pledge of Allegiance
2. Ceremonial
3. Mayor’s Announcements
4. Recycling Drawing
5. Approval of Agenda
6. Public Comments
7. City Manager Reports
8. Consent Calendar
9. Public Hearings
10. Regular Business
11. Future Agenda Items
12. City Council Oral Reports
13. Closed Session Report
14. Adjournment
5.2 Agenda Distribution
The Agenda shall be delivered to the Mayor and CouncilmembersCouncil members as soon as practicable
after 5:0030 p.m. on the Thursday Wednesday preceding the Tuesday meeting where that agenda will be
considered. The agenda shall be posted on the bulletin board at City Hall and on the City website at the
same time that it is distributed to the City Councilmembers. If the agenda is distributed to City
Councilmembers after 5:30 p.m., theCouncil members. The full agenda packet, including staff reports,
shall be made available to the public upon request, without delay, in accordance with the provisions
of the Brown Act and by posting same on the City’s website within 24 hours of delivery of the
packets to Council members. Agenda packets shall be delivered to Council members not later than
3 days prior to the scheduled meeting.
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5.3 Agenda Posting
The City Clerk shall post, in a location that is freely accessible to members of the public and on the City’s
website, an agenda at least 72 hours before a regular meeting. The agenda shall specify the time and
location of the meeting and contain a brief description of each item of business to be transacted or
discussed.
5.4 Minutes
Unless requested by Council, minutes may be approved without reading if the City Clerk previously
furnished a copy to each member.
5.5 Public Comments - (see Citizens’ Rights in Section 6)
During Public Comments any person may address the Council, provided that the item is within the subject
matter jurisdiction of the Council and is not otherwise on the agenda.
5.6 Public Hearings
Items requiring a Public Hearing will be published and/or mailed to property owners as required by law.
5.7 Consent Calendar
Items listed under the Consent Calendar are those items staff and the Mayor believes will not require
Council discussion and are considered ministerial, routine, and/or of a periodic or recurring nature. The
Consent Calendar also may contain resolutions confirming prior Council action. However,; however. the
Consent Calendar is not for new policies items that have not been discussed previously by the City
Council; such. Such items, or any item that is anticipated to require discussion by the City Council,
should be placed under the business item entitled Regular Business.
Any member of the Council may remove an item for discussion or clarification. Items removed from the
Consent Calendar will be heard after the Regular Business section of the agenda, unless otherwise
directed by the City Council. If an item has been removed from the Consent Calendar, and a member of
the public has requested to speak to that item, the item shall be heard immediately after the Consent
Calendar.
5.8 City Council Oral Reports
City Council Oral Reports are short summaries of matters a Councilmember has attended as an elected
official of the City. The Mayor may, with the consent of the City Council, limit the time for such reports
or defer them to a future meeting, provided that the Councilmember’s legal reporting obligations are met.
CouncilmembersCouncil members are required to provide a brief oral report on their attendance at any
meetings where City funds have been expended. Detailed reports should be made in writing. Written
reports will be posted on the City’s website. Reports should omit functions that are purely of a social or
personal nature.
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5.9 Actions Limited to Posted Agenda
The City Council shall not take action on any item not appearing on the posted agenda except under the
conditions permitted by Government Code Section 54954.2 (Brown Act).
6. CITIZENS’ RIGHTS
6.1 Addressing the Council
1. Any person may address the Council on the following portions of the agenda:
(a) Public Comments as provided in Section 5.5.
(b) Public Hearings as provided in Section 8.
(c) All other portions of the agenda prior to the vote, if any, being taken.
2. The following shall apply:
(a) Each person addressing the Council shall step to the podium and give their
his/her name for the record.
(b) Each speaker is limited to three minutes on Public Comments as provided in
Section 5.5. All remarks shall be directed to the Mayor and Council as a body
and not to any particular member.
(c) No person, other than members of the Council and the person having the floor,
shall be permitted to enter into the discussion.
(d) No question shall be asked of CouncilmembersCouncil members or staff except
through the Mayor.
(e) These guidelines will generally apply to special meetings as well, but the City
Council reserves the right to otherwise limit or preclude Public Comments during
special meetings to items listed on the agenda of the special meeting.
(f) The City Council may limit the public input on any item based on the number of
people requesting to speak, the length of the agenda, or the business of the
Council. Council; provided, however, no speaker’s time limit shall be reduced to
less than two minutes.
6.2 Personal and Slanderous Remarks Conduct of Members of the Public
No person in the audience at a Council meeting shall engage in disorderly or boisterous conduct,
including the utterance of loud, threatening, profane or abusive language, personal, impertinent or
slanderous remarks, whistling, stamping of feet, booing or other acts which disturb, disrupt or otherwise
impede the orderly conduct of any Council meeting. Applause will be permitted, as deemed acceptable
by the Mayor, except during public hearing items.
Any person who conducts himself or herself in the aforementioned manner shall, at the discretion of the
Mayor or by a majority of the Council, pursuant to a point of order requested pursuant to Section 4.6 of
these Rules of Procedure, be barred from further audience before the Council during the meeting.
The Mayor shall request that a person who is breaching these rules of conduct be orderly and silent. If,
after receiving a warning from the Mayor, a person persists in disturbing the meeting, the Mayor shall
order the person to leave the Council meeting. If such person does not immediately remove himself or
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herself, the Mayor may order any law enforcement officer who is on duty at the meeting as sergeant-at-
arms of the Council to remove the person from the Council Chambers. Alternatively, the Mayor may
recess the meeting until a law enforcement officer is able to arrive and remove the person.
6.3 Enforcement of Decorum
After issuing a verbal warning, the Mayor shall order removed from the Council Chambers any person or
persons who commit the following acts in respect to a regular or special meeting of the City Council:
1. Disorderly, contemptuous or insolent behavior toward the Council or any member
thereof, tending to interrupt the due and orderly course of said meeting.
2. A breach of the peace, boisterous conduct or violent disturbance, tending to interrupt the
due and orderly course of said meeting.
3. Disobedience of any lawful order of the Mayor which shall include an order to be seated
or to refrain from disrupting the meeting by addressing the Council from the audience.
4. Any other unlawful interference with the due and orderly course of the meeting.
6.4 Reading of Protests
Interested persons or their representatives may address the Council for the reading of protests, petitions or
communications relating to the matter under consideration if a majority of the Council agrees that the
person should be heard. Such presentation shall be subject to the time limits that have been established
for addressing the City Council.
6.5 Written Communications
Any person(s) may submit written comments to the Council either directly or through the City Clerk or
City Manager’s office and request that Council receive copies in the agenda packet provided such written
comments are received in sufficient time to include them in the agenda packet. Written communications
may consist of letters, facsimiles or messages received by electronic mail. Written communications that
are submitted after the agenda has been distributed to the City Council will be distributed to the City
Council as late correspondence.
7. ORDINANCES, RESOLUTIONS AND CONTRACTS
7.1 Document Preparation
The content and form of all ordinances and resolutions shall be approved by the City Attorney. No
ordinance shall be prepared for presentation to the Council unless ordered by a majority vote of the
Council or prepared as may be required by law by the City Attorney on his/her own initiative.
7.2 Document Approval
All ordinances, resolutions, and contracts shall, before being placed on the agenda, be approved as to
form and legality by the City Attorney. All documents shall be reviewed by the City Manager.
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7.3 Ordinance Introduction/Adoption
A proposed ordinance will be read by title only unless a CouncilmemberCouncil member disagrees that
the ordinance can be read by title only and requests a full reading. Ordinances introduced by first reading
shall not be adopted within five days of the introduction nor at other than a regular or an adjourned
regular Council meeting. If the ordinance carries an urgency clause, introduction and adoption may occur
at the same meeting. After an ordinance has been introduced for first reading, it can be placed on the
Consent Calendar for adoption at a subsequent meeting.
7.4 Majority Vote Required
Resolutions, orders for the payment of money, and all ordinances require a recorded majority vote of the
total membership of the City Council, pursuant to Government Code Section 36936. An urgency
ordinance must be adopted by at least a four-fifths vote of the City Council, pursuant to Government
Code Section 36937. (NOTE: Motions and any other matters not involving any of the above actions may
be adopted by a majority vote of the Council Members who are present.)
7.5 Ordinance Preservation
Following adoption of an ordinance, the City Clerk will assign it a number and post it according to state
law. All ordinances are filed and preserved in the City Clerk’s Office.
8. PROCEDURES REGARDING PUBLIC HEARINGS
8.1 Introduction
The Mayor announces the subject of the public hearing and declares the public hearing open.
8.2 Staff and Written Material Presentation
1. Staff summary report, which shall include the findings and determinations that the City
Council is required to make, included in the agenda packet is received and filed. Written
comments (e.g. protests, etc.) are noted for the record.
2. Written material not in the agenda packet, if any, is received and filed.
3. Oral staff report, if any, is presented by a staff member, unless waived by the Council.
4. Staff responds to Councilmember questions.
5. Prior to hearing public testimony or comments, CouncilmembersCouncil members are
encouraged to raise questions or identify issues of concern that they may have, which
may assist members of the public to focus their comments upon those questions or issues.
However, CouncilmembersCouncil members shall refrain from stating their final position
or how they intend to vote on the issue until all public testimony has been received.
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8.3 Public Testimony
1. The purpose of this section is to provide an opportunity to members of the public who
wish to testify in support or opposition to the matter being heard.
2. The Mayor’s instructions to the audience will vary and will depend upon the issue being
discussed. Generally, the instructions will follow these general guidelines:
(a) participants Participants must speak from the podium;
(b) that theThe normal time limit for each speaker is three minutes;
(c) that repetitionRepetition should be avoided; and,
(d) that speakersSpeakers will be discouraged from reading a submission that has
been copied and is contained in the agenda materials.
3. Although the normal time limit is three minutes for each speaker, the Mayor may grant
additional time to a representative speaking for an entire group. However, this should not
discourage anyone from addressing the City Council individually. A speaker who is in
attendance at the meeting and who has signed a speaker’s slip shall be permitted to assign
his time to another speaker. No individual speaker shall speak for more than 15 minutes.
4. The appellant or their representative speaks first and will generally be allowed ten
minutes. If the applicant is different from the appellant, the applicant or their
representative will speak following the appellant and will also be allowed ten minutes to
make a presentation. Other public speakers will follow the presentation by the appellant
and the applicant. Normally, the applicants and appellants will be limited to a three
minute rebuttal (if requested).
5. At the Mayor’s discretion, staff and/or Council will answer questions posed by speakers
after the completion of the speaker’s testimony.
6. Council will generally reserve questioning of individual speakers until after the
completion of the speaker’s testimonycomments.
8.4 Council Deliberations
1. After the Mayor has determined that there is no more public testimony, the Council will
then deliberate on the matter.
2. The Council may ask additional questions of speakers and/or staff for clarification.
3. The Council will then debate and/or make motions on the matter.
4. During Council deliberations, the Mayor will allow each Councilmember to speak once
for up to 5 minutes prior to allowing another Councilmember to speak again.
Councilmembers Council members should strive to avoid repetition. Councilmembers
Council members may be permitted to ask questions of each other or debate relevant
issues as part of their deliberations. Council members shall refrain from whispering or
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otherwise communicating with one another in an inaudible manner. All comments made
by Council members should be public and made into the microphone.
8.5 Council Action
1. Council may, at this point, continue the open public hearing.
(a) This should be done if any additional information is requested (e.g. a staff
report), or if additional facts or ideas have been raised by Council members that
were not raised by the public speakers or the staff report and that have a bearing
on the item. Members of the public shall be given additional opportunity to
comment on such new facts, information and ideas.
(b) Continuing a public hearing to a specific date does not require additional notice.
2. The Council may:
(a) Close the public hearing and vote on the item;
(b) Offer amendments or substitute motions allowing additional public comment; or
(c) Close the public hearing and continue the matter to a later date for a decision.
(NOTE: No additional reports or testimony may be received, nor issues raised,
after the public hearing has been closed.)
9. BOARDS, COMMISSIONS AND, COMMITTEES AND SUBCOMMITTEES
9.1 Mayor / City Council Committee
At the first or second meeting in January of each year, the Mayor shall appoint CouncilmembersCouncil
members to serve on various committees, which that require a Council representative.
9.2 Citizen Boards, Commissions, and Committees
1. Creation
The City Council may create boards, commissions, or committees to act as in an advisory
capacity boards to the Council. Commissions are given the authority to act within their assigned
scope of jurisdiction subject to appeal to the council.
2. Appointments
The City Council shall make appointments to citizen City boards, commissions and committees.
All committee and commission applicants will be interviewed by the City Council at a public
meeting. and appointed by a Council Majority. Committee and Commission members may be
removed for cause upon a public hearing and majority vote by the Council.
3. Duties
Other than the Planning Commission. whose duties are specified in the Municipal Code and the
California Government Code, the primary purpose of City Boards. Commissions and Committees
is to act in an advisory capacity to the City Council.
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The Council shall provide specific direction to each commission or committee as to what tasks or
projects the Council desires a commission or committee to accomplish and the method for said
commissions or committees to report to the Council on their respective accomplishments. The
City Manager shall assign a staff member to assist each commission or committee and to provide
necessary support. Should the City Manager believe that requests of staff time and City resources
are either inappropriate or excessive, the City Manager may request direction/action from the
Council for resolution.
3.4. Dissolution
Except as provided by the City’s Municipal Code, the City Council may dissolve an existing
board, commission, or committee if the Council finds that the purpose of the advisory board is no
longer necessary or required. dissolve an existing board, commission, or committee if the Council
finds that the purpose of the advisory board committee or commission is no longer necessary or
required.
9.3 City Council Subcommittees
City Council Ad-Hoc and Standing Subcommittees may be created by the City Council from time to time
to gather information and report back to the full City Council. The City Manager shall provide staff
support as deemed appropriate by the Council in achieving the goals specified by the Council in creating
either a City Council Ad-Hoc or Standing Subcommittee.
City Council Subcommittees shall be composed of two City Council members and may include members
of a Commission or Committee if deemed appropriate by the Council.
Timely Subcommittee Reports shall be conveyed to the full City Council during the Council Reports
section of the Council agenda. The City Council Ad-Hoc and Standing Subcommittees will strive to keep
all Council members and the public apprised of Council Ad-Hoc and Standing Subcommittees’ actions
and accomplishments.
10. SUSPENSION AND AMENDMENT OF THESE RULES
10.1 Suspension
Except as required by State law, any provision of these Rules not already governed by the City’s
Municipal Code or the California Government Code may be temporarily suspended by a majority vote of
the CouncilmembersCouncil members who are present.
10.2 Amendment
These Rules may be amended by additions or deletions or new rules adopted by a majority vote of the
Council, provided the proposed amendment or new rules are introduced into the record at a prior placed
on an agenda as a Regular Business item at a noticed Council meeting, and the public is afforded the
opportunity to comment thereon.
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11. MISCELLANEOUS RULES
11.1 Motion to be Stated
The City Clerk shall state all motions submitted for a vote and announce the result.
11.2 Roll Call Votes
Roll call votes shall be required for adoption of ordinances, adoption of resolutions, approval of
agreements and actions involving the payment of money. Upon demand by a Councilmember, made
before the “Nays” are called for, a roll call vote shall be taken on any motion before the Council. The
Mayor Pro Tem’s name shall be called second to last and the Mayor’s name shall be called last with other
members’ names called at random by the City Clerk. Members shall not be required to give explanations
of their vote during roll call.
11.3 Silence
Although not in accordance with “Rosenberg’s Rules of Order,” during During a collective vote (Ayes
and Nays), silence or abstention of any members member(s) denotes an affirmative vote.
11.4 Continuance of an Item
1. Continuance by a CouncilmemberCouncil member
Any Councilmember may make a motion to continue an item (not subject to a deadline) to the
next agreed upon meeting. This continuance may only be denied by a majority vote of the
Council.
2. Continuances Requested by Someone Not a CouncilmemberCouncil member
Anyone may request a continuance of an item and the Council, by a majority vote, may grant
such a continuance. A request for a subsequent continuance may be granted by a majority vote of
the Council only if it finds that:
(a) The need for the continuance was beyond the control of the person requesting it;
(b) The need for the continuance arose after: (1) the date of the notice of public
hearing was published if the item is subject to a public hearing or; (2) the time of
the Council agenda was posted for items not subject to a public hearing; or,
(c) The continuance does not adversely affect the City, any of the affected parties, or
the welfare of the City’s residents.
11.5 Personal Privilege
The right of a Councilmember to address the Council on a question of personal privilege shall be limited
to cases in which the integrity, character, or motives of the Councilmember is in question, or where the
welfare of the Council is concerned.
11.6 Motion to Reconsider
A motion to reconsider any action taken by the Council may be made in accordance with the following:
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1. The motion must be made by a member of the prevailing side, although it may be
seconded by any Councilmember.Council member.
2. The motion must be made prior to the adjournment of the meeting at which the original
action was taken.
3. The motion is debatable and has precedence over a pending motion.
12. RULES OF DEBATE
12.1 Mayor as Presiding Officer
The Mayor may move, second, and debate from the Chair, and shall not be deprived of any rights and
privileges of a Councilmember.
12.2 Appeals Appeal
Any ruling of the Mayor may be appealed at the request of a Councilmember. The Mayor shall call for a
roll call vote to determine if the ruling is upheld.
12.3 Precedence of Motions
When a motion is before the Council, no motion shall be entertained except:
1. Motion to Amend
A motion to amend is debatable only as it relates to the amendment. An amendment that
modifies the motion is in order; however, a substitute motion is in order if the intent is changed.
Amendments are voted on first; main motion vote is last. A motion may be amended more than
once with each amendment being voted on separately. There shall only be one amending motion
on the floor at any one time.
2. Motion to Postpone
A motion to postpone indefinitely is debatable. If such a motion is adopted, the principal
question is lost. A motion to postpone to a definite time is subject to debate and amendment as it
relates to propriety of the postponement and time set.
3. Motion to Table
A motion to table is undebatablenot debatable and not subject to amendment. The purpose of a
motion to table is to temporarily bypass the item. If a motion to table is adopted, the item may be
taken from the table at any time prior to the adjournment of the next regular meeting. If the item
is not taken from the table in the time specified, the business of the item is killed.
4. Motion to Call the Question
A motion to Call the Question must get a second and is not debatable. A vote on the motion is
taken immediately by roll call. If the motion to Call the Question passes, a vote on the motion on
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the floor is taken by roll call. If the motion to Call the Question fails, discussion on the motion on
the floor continues.
* * *
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RANCHO PALOS VERDES
CITY COUNCIL
DRAFT
LAST AMENDED: March 20, 2012
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Table of Contents
Subject Page
1. Authority 4
2. General Rules 4
2.1 Quorum 4
2.2 Vacancy by Unexcused Absence 4
2.3 Minutes of Proceedings 4
2.4 Right of Floor 4
2.5 Rules of Order 4
2.6 City Manager 4
2.7 City Attorney 5
2.8 City Clerk 5
2.9 Deputy City Manager/Department Heads/Employees 5
3. Types of Meetings 5
3.1 Public Meetings 5
3.2 Regular Meetings 5
3.3 Adjourned Meetings 6
3.4 Special Meetings 6
3.5 Closed Session Meetings 6
3.6 Study Session Meetings 6
3.7 Media Attendance 6
3.8 Recess 7
3.9 Redevelopment Agency and Improvement Authority Business 7
3.10 Civic and Other Events 7
4. Duties of the Mayor 7
4.1 Election of the Mayor/Absence of the Mayor 7
4.2 Mayor Pro Tem 7
4.3 Presiding Officer 7
4.4 Call to Order 8
4.5 Preservation of Order 8
4.6 Point of Order 8
5. Order and Preparation of Agenda 8
5.1 Order of Business 8
5.2 Agenda Distribution 9
5.3 Agenda Posting 9
5.4 Minutes 9
5.5 Public Comments (see Citizens’ Rights in Section 6) 9
5.6 Public Hearings 9
5.7 Consent Calendar 9
5.8 City Council Oral Reports 10
5.9 Actions Limited to Posted Agenda 10
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Subject Page
6. Citizens’ Rights 10
6.1 Addressing the Council 10
6.2 Conduct of Members of the Public 11
6.3 Enforcement of Decorum 11
6.4 Reading of Protests 11
6.5 Written Communications 11
7. Ordinances, Resolutions and Contracts 12
7.1 Document Preparation 12
7.2 Document Approval 12
7.3 Ordinance Introduction/Adoption 12
7.4 Majority Vote Required 12
7.5 Ordinance Preservation 12
8. Procedures Regarding Public Hearings 12
8.1 Introduction 12
8.2 Staff and Written Material Presentation 12
8.3 Public Testimony 13
8.4 Council Deliberations 13
8.5 Council Action 14
9. Boards, Commissions, Committees and Subcommittees 14
9.1 Mayor/City Council Committee 14
9.2 Citizen Boards, Commissions, and Committees 14
9.3 City Council Subcommittees 15
10. Suspension and Amendment of These Rules 15
10.1 Suspension 15
10.2 Amendment 16
11. Miscellaneous Rules 16
11.1 Motion to be Stated 16
11.2 Roll Call Votes 16
11.3 Silence 16
11.4 Continuance of an Item 16
11.5 Personal Privilege 17
11.6 Motion to Reconsider 17
12. Rules of Debate 17
12.1 Mayor as Presiding Officer 17
12.2 Appeals 17
12.3 Precedence of Motions 17
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RULES OF PROCEDURE
1. AUTHORITY
As provided by Government Code Section 36813, the City Council hereby establishes these Rules of
Procedure for the conduct of meetings. These Rules shall be in effect upon the adoption by City Council
and until such time as they are amended or new rules are adopted in the manner provided by these Rules.
2. GENERAL RULES
2.1 Quorum
Three members of the Council shall constitute a quorum necessary to transact business. In the event a
quorum is not in attendance, the City Clerk will adjourn the meeting to a later set time.
2.2 Vacancy by Unexcused Absence
If a City Council member is absent without permission from all regular City Council meetings for 60 days
consecutively from the last regular meeting s/he attended, his/her office becomes vacant and shall be
filled as any other vacancy, as provided by Government Code Section 36513.
2.3 Minutes of Proceedings
An account of all public proceedings of the City Council shall be recorded by the City Clerk or his/her
designee and entered into the official minute books of the Council. The minutes shall be prepared as
expeditiously as possible, and must be presented within 45 days of the meeting. Minutes will be available
to the public following approval by the Council.
2.4 Right of Floor
Any Councilmember desiring to speak shall first be recognized by the Mayor and shall confine any
remarks to the subject under consideration.
2.5 Rules of Order
In all matters and things not otherwise provided for herein, the proceedings of the Council shall be
governed by “Rosenberg's Rules of Order”; however, no ordinance, resolution, proceedings or other
action of the City Council will be invalidated, or the legality thereof affected, by the failure or omission to
observe or follow said Rules. In the event of a conflict between the City’s Municipal Code and/or these
Rules of Procedure with Rosenberg’s Rules of Order, the provisions of the City’s Municipal Ordinances
and/or these Rules, as applicable, shall govern.
2.6 City Manager
The City Manager reports to and serves at the pleasure of the City Council. The City Manager shall attend
all meetings of the Council unless excused, and in his/her absence, the Deputy City Manager or Acting
City Manager shall substitute. The City Manager may make recommendations and shall have the right to
take part in all discussions of the Council, but shall have no vote.
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The duties of the City Manager shall include, but are not limited to, ensuring that City Hall operates in the
best interests of the residents in and an open and transparent manner. The City Manager shall ensure that
staff maintains and implements the policies and direction of the Council.
2.7 City Attorney
The City Attorney reports to and serves at the pleasure of the City Council. The City Attorney shall attend
all meetings of the Council unless excused, and in his/her absence, the City Attorney shall make
arrangements for a substitute attorney. The City Attorney, upon request, shall give opinions, either
written or oral, on questions of law and shall act as the Council’s parliamentarian.
2.8 City Clerk
The City Clerk or his/her designee shall attend all meetings of the Council unless excused by the City
Manager, and in her/his absence, the Deputy City Clerk shall substitute. The City Clerk shall record,
prepare and maintain the official record of the Council and perform other related duties as prescribed by
the Council and/or City Manager.
2.9 Deputy City Manager/Department Heads/Employees
The Deputy City Manager, Department Heads and other city employees, as directed by the City Manager,
shall attend Council meetings.
3. TYPES OF MEETINGS
3.1 Public Meetings
All meetings (except closed sessions as provided by State law) of the Council shall be open to the public.
3.2 Regular Meetings - MC 2.04.020
The City Council shall meet in the City Council Chambers located at Fred Hesse Community Park, 29301
Hawthorne Boulevard, for all regular meetings. Regular meetings of the City Council shall be held on the
first and third Tuesday of each month at the hour of seven p.m. in the Council Chambers except as
follows:
1. When a Rancho Palos Verdes municipal election is conducted in the City on the first or
third Tuesday of any month, the meeting shall be held on the next succeeding day that is not a holiday.
2. When an official City holiday falls on the first or third Tuesday of any month, the
meeting shall be held on the next succeeding day that is not a holiday.
The City Council will adjourn its meetings on or before 11 :00 p.m. and will not consider new business
items after 10:15 p.m., unless the majority of the Council members who are present affirmatively vote
either to extend the meeting after 11 :00 p.m. or to consider new business after 10:15 p.m. If the meeting
ends before all of the items listed on the agenda are completed, any unfinished business will be continued
to the next succeeding day that is not a holiday, at a location to be determined. The City Clerk, or his or
her deputy, will post notice of any continued hearing or other unfinished business, as required by law.
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3.3 Adjourned Meetings - MC 2.04.030
Any meeting of the City Council may be adjourned to a later date, place and time, provided no
adjournment is for a longer period than the next regularly scheduled meeting.
3.4 Special Meetings - MC 2.04.040
Special meetings may be called by the Mayor or by a majority of the Council members. The notice for a
special meeting must specify the subject(s) to be considered. Twenty-four hours notice must be given
prior to the meeting; only the matters specified in the notice may be discussed at special meetings.
3.5 Closed Session Meetings - MC 2.04.050
Closed sessions may be held in accordance with the provisions of the Brown Act. The City Attorney
shall attend all closed sessions either in person or telephonically, unless his or her performance is being
reviewed. Closed sessions shall be presided over by the Mayor with the presentation of information by the
City Attorney and/or City Manager and City Staff with discussion and decisions by the City Council, in
accordance with the provisions of the Brown Act.
Closed sessions may be held between six p.m. and seven p.m. unless a regular meeting is adjourned to, or
a special meeting is called.
3.6 Study Session Meetings
The Council may meet in study sessions called by the Mayor or the majority of the Council members.
Study sessions are open to the public and are meetings for the purposes of the Brown Act. The primary
purpose of the study session is to provide an opportunity for the Council members to interact freely and
informally, ask questions and discuss policy items agendized for that specific study session. Council will
also provide guidance to Staff regarding upcoming agenda items and tentative agendas.
Study sessions may be held between 6:00 P.M. and 7:00 P.M., provided the agenda is posted in the
manner provided by Government Code Section ___________at least 72 hours/3 days prior to the meeting
. No action shall be taken during any study session held between such hours unless the agenda so
provides.
3.7 Media Attendance
Except for closed sessions, all meetings of the City Council and City Boards/ Commissions shall be open
to the media, and may be recorded by tape, radio, television, or photography, provided such recordings do
not unreasonably interfere with the orderly conduct of the meetings. All meetings shall be televised and
broadcast live during the meeting whenever possible and in accordance with the City contract with the
company supplying broadcast services; a replay shall be broadcast on local TV at least one time during
the seven (7) day period following the meeting. Archived recordings of Council meetings shall be
maintained by the City Clerk’s office for a period of not less than 30 years.
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3.8 Recess
Once every hour and one-half, or as Council business permits, the Council shall recess for a period of
time specified by the Mayor.
3.9 Redevelopment Successor Agency and Improvement Authority Business
Unless otherwise directed by the City Council, upon adjournment of the City Council meeting held on the
first Tuesday of each month, the City Council will meet as the Successor Agency to the Rancho Palos
Verdes Redevelopment Agency and then as the Rancho Palos Verdes Improvement Authority.
3.10 Civic and Other Events
If a quorum or more of the Members of the City Council will attend an event where City business will be
discussed by a quorum of the City Council, the Council Members shall notify the City Clerk or City
Manager so that the event can be noticed as a City Council meeting, in accordance with the provisions of
the Brown Act. This does not include purely social or ceremonial occasions for which the Brown Act
defines the responsibilities of elected officials. City expenditure for other invited guests (as permitted by
State law) must be approved by the City Council at a regularly scheduled City Council meeting that is
held in advance of the event.
4. DUTIES OF THE MAYOR
4.1 Election of the Mayor/Absence of the Mayor
The Mayor is a member of the City Council and is annually elected by majority vote of the City Council
at the first regular meeting in December or, in the case of an election year, upon certification of the
election results. The Mayor serves as Mayor at the pleasure of the City Council. As a member of the City
Council, the Mayor shall have all the powers of a member.
Should the Mayor, for any reason, be, or expect to be, out of Los Angeles County for a period of 24 hours
or longer, he/she shall notify the Mayor Pro Tem and the City Manager of his/her expected absence and
the Mayor Pro Tem will assume the Mayor’s duties until the Mayor has notified the Mayor Pro Tem and
the City Manager of his/her return to Los Angeles County.
The mayor/presiding official must be physically present to conduct a council meeting; however, any other
Council member may participate telephonically, in accordance with the provisions of the Brown Act.
4.2 Mayor Pro Tem
The Mayor Pro Tem shall be selected by a Council majority vote. The Mayor Pro Tem serves as Mayor
Pro Tern at the pleasure of the City Council.
4.3 Presiding Officer
The Mayor, if present, shall preside. In the Mayor’s absence, the Mayor Pro Tem shall preside. In the
absence of both, the Council members present shall elect a Presiding Officer.
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4.4 Call to Order
The Mayor or Mayor Pro Tem shall call the meeting to order at the hour appointed. In the absence of
both, the meeting shall be called to order by the City Clerk and those Council members present shall
proceed to elect a temporary Presiding Officer.
4.5 Preservation of Order
The Mayor shall preserve strict order and decorum, shall prevent disruptive verbal attacks by or on
Council members, staff and/or citizens, shall confine debate to the item under discussion, and shall
discourage debate between Council members and persons addressing the Council.
4.6 Point of Order
The Mayor shall determine all points of order, subject to the right of any member to appeal. If an appeal
is taken, the question shall be, “Shall the decision of the Mayor be sustained?”
5. ORDER AND PREPARATION OF AGENDA
The City Manager prepares the agenda under the direction and approval of the Mayor. This shall include
the order and priority of agenda items. The City Manager will be responsible for providing an estimate of
the time required for the City Council to review, consider and take action regarding each agenda item.
In the absence of the Mayor, the Mayor Pro Tem will assume this responsibility as the Council’s
representative. The Mayor will provide appropriate oversight to ensure that agenda items are timely and
responsive to the needs of the residents. All other Council members shall be made aware of tentative
agendas for upcoming meetings on a weekly basis.
Individual Council members may request that an item of concern be placed on an agenda by making such
request to the City Council at a City Council meeting under the business item entitled “Future Agenda
Items”. If the request is seconded by one additional Council member, the item shall be placed on a future
agenda. Should the concern be deemed an emergency item, a request may be directed to the Mayor with a
request for inclusion on the next meeting agenda.
The City Manager is responsible for providing staff reports with sound professional recommendations,
supported by thorough and impartial analysis that includes both pros and cons regarding the
recommended course of action, ready for inclusion in all Council Agenda packages. Should occasions
arise where that is not possible, the City Manager will so advise the Mayor who will then decide a course
of action.
5.1 Order of Business
1. Call to Order, Roll Call, Pledge of Allegiance
2. Ceremonial
3. Mayor’s Announcements
4. Recycling Drawing
5. Approval of Agenda
6. Public Comments
7. City Manager Reports
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8. Consent Calendar
9. Public Hearings
10. Regular Business
11. Future Agenda Items
12. City Council Oral Reports
13. Closed Session Report
14. Adjournment
5.2 Agenda Distribution
The Agenda shall be delivered to the Mayor and Council members as soon as practicable after 5: 30 p.m.
on the Wednesday preceding the meeting where that agenda will be considered. The agenda shall be
posted on the bulletin board at City Hall and on the City website at the same time that it is distributed to
the City Council members. The full agenda packet, including staff reports, shall be made available to
the public in accordance with the provisions of the Brown Act and by posting same on the City’s
website within 24 hours of delivery of the packets to Council members. Agenda packets shall be
delivered to Council members not later than 3 days prior to the scheduled meeting.
5.3 Agenda Posting
The City Clerk shall post, in a location that is freely accessible to members of the public and on the City’s
website, an agenda at least 72 hours before a regular meeting. The agenda shall specify the time and
location of the meeting and contain a brief description of each item of business to be transacted or
discussed.
5.4 Minutes
Unless requested by Council, minutes may be approved without reading if the City Clerk previously
furnished a copy to each member.
5.5 Public Comments - (see Citizens’ Rights in Section 6)
During Public Comments any person may address the Council, provided that the item is within the subject
matter jurisdiction of the Council and is not otherwise on the agenda.
5.6 Public Hearings
Items requiring a Public Hearing will be published and/or mailed to property owners as required by law.
5.7 Consent Calendar
Items listed under the Consent Calendar are those items staff and the Mayor believes will not require
Council discussion and are considered ministerial, routine, and/or of a periodic or recurring nature. The
Consent Calendar may contain resolutions confirming prior Council action; however the Consent
Calendar is not for new items that have not been discussed previously by the City Council. Such items, or
any item that is anticipated to require discussion by the City Council, should be placed under the business
item entitled Regular Business.
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Any member of the Council may remove an item for discussion or clarification. Items removed from the
Consent Calendar will be heard after the Regular Business section of the agenda, unless otherwise
directed by the City Council. If an item has been removed from the Consent Calendar, and a member of
the public has requested to speak to that item, the item shall be heard immediately after the Consent
Calendar.
5.8 City Council Oral Reports
City Council Oral Reports are short summaries of matters a Councilmember has attended as an elected
official of the City. The Mayor may, with the consent of the City Council, limit the time for such reports
or defer them to a future meeting, provided that the Councilmember’s legal reporting obligations are met.
Council members are required to provide a brief oral report on their attendance at any meetings where
City funds have been expended. Detailed reports should be made in writing. Written reports will be
posted on the City’s website. Reports should omit functions that are purely of a social or personal nature.
5.9 Actions Limited to Posted Agenda
The City Council shall not take action on any item not appearing on the posted agenda except under the
conditions permitted by Government Code Section 54954.2 (Brown Act).
6. CITIZENS’ RIGHTS
6.1 Addressing the Council
1. Any person may address the Council on the following portions of the agenda:
(a) Public Comments as provided in Section 5.5.
(b) Public Hearings as provided in Section 8.
(c) All other portions of the agenda prior to the vote, if any, being taken.
2. The following shall apply:
(a) Each person addressing the Council shall step to the podium and give his/her
name for the record.
(b) Each speaker is limited to three minutes on Public Comments as provided in
Section 5.5. All remarks shall be directed to the Mayor and Council as a body
and not to any particular member.
(c) No person, other than members of the Council and the person having the floor,
shall be permitted to enter into the discussion.
(d) No question shall be asked of Council members or staff except through the
Mayor.
(e) These guidelines will generally apply to special meetings as well, but the City
Council reserves the right to otherwise limit or preclude Public Comments during
special meetings to items listed on the agenda of the special meeting.
(f) The City Council may limit the public input on any item based on the number of
people requesting to speak, the length of the agenda, or the business of the
Council; provided, however, no speaker’s time limit shall be reduced to less than
two minutes.
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6.2 Conduct of Members of the Public
No person in the audience at a Council meeting shall engage in disorderly or boisterous conduct,
including the utterance of loud, threatening, profane or abusive language, personal, impertinent or
slanderous remarks, whistling, stamping of feet, booing or other acts which disturb, disrupt or otherwise
impede the orderly conduct of any Council meeting. Applause will be permitted, as deemed acceptable
by the Mayor, except during public hearing items.
Any person who conducts himself or herself in the aforementioned manner shall, at the discretion of the
Mayor or by a majority of the Council, pursuant to a point of order requested pursuant to Section 4.6 of
these Rules of Procedure, be barred from further audience before the Council during the meeting.
The Mayor shall request that a person who is breaching these rules of conduct be orderly and silent. If,
after receiving a warning from the Mayor, a person persists in disturbing the meeting, the Mayor shall
order the person to leave the Council meeting. If such person does not immediately remove himself or
herself, the Mayor may order any law enforcement officer who is on duty at the meeting as sergeant-at-
arms of the Council to remove the person from the Council Chambers. Alternatively, the Mayor may
recess the meeting until a law enforcement officer is able to arrive and remove the person.
6.3 Enforcement of Decorum
After issuing a verbal warning, the Mayor shall order removed from the Council Chambers any person or
persons who commit the following acts in respect to a regular or special meeting of the City Council:
1. Disorderly, contemptuous or insolent behavior toward the Council or any member
thereof, tending to interrupt the due and orderly course of said meeting.
2. A breach of the peace, boisterous conduct or violent disturbance, tending to interrupt the
due and orderly course of said meeting.
3. Disobedience of any lawful order of the Mayor which shall include an order to be seated
or to refrain from disrupting the meeting by addressing the Council from the audience.
4. Any other unlawful interference with the due and orderly course of the meeting.
6.4 Reading of Protests
Interested persons or their representatives may address the Council for the reading of protests, petitions or
communications relating to the matter under consideration if a majority of the Council agrees that the
person should be heard. Such presentation shall be subject to the time limits that have been established
for addressing the City Council.
6.5 Written Communications
Any person(s) may submit written comments to the Council either directly or through the City Clerk or
City Manager’s office and request that Council receive copies in the agenda packet provided such written
comments are received in sufficient time to include them in the agenda packet. Written communications
may consist of letters, facsimiles or messages received by electronic mail. Written communications that
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are submitted after the agenda has been distributed to the City Council will be distributed to the City
Council as late correspondence.
7. ORDINANCES, RESOLUTIONS AND CONTRACTS
7.1 Document Preparation
The content and form of all ordinances and resolutions shall be approved by the City Attorney. No
ordinance shall be prepared for presentation to the Council unless ordered by a majority vote of the
Council or prepared as may be required by law by the City Attorney on his/her own initiative.
7.2 Document Approval
All ordinances, resolutions, and contracts shall, before being placed on the agenda, be approved as to
form and legality by the City Attorney. All documents shall be reviewed by the City Manager.
7.3 Ordinance Introduction/Adoption
A proposed ordinance will be read by title only unless a Council member disagrees that the ordinance can
be read by title only and requests a full reading. Ordinances introduced by first reading shall not be
adopted within five days of the introduction nor at other than a regular or an adjourned regular Council
meeting. If the ordinance carries an urgency clause, introduction and adoption may occur at the same
meeting. After an ordinance has been introduced for first reading, it can be placed on the Consent
Calendar for adoption at a subsequent meeting.
7.4 Majority Vote Required
Resolutions, orders for the payment of money, and all ordinances require a recorded majority vote of the
total membership of the City Council, pursuant to Government Code Section 36936. An urgency
ordinance must be adopted by at least a four-fifths vote of the City Council, pursuant to Government
Code Section 36937. (NOTE: Motions and any other matters not involving any of the above actions may
be adopted by a majority vote of the Council Members who are present.)
7.5 Ordinance Preservation
Following adoption of an ordinance, the City Clerk will assign it a number and post it according to state
law. All ordinances are filed and preserved in the City Clerk’s Office.
8. PROCEDURES REGARDING PUBLIC HEARINGS
8.1 Introduction
The Mayor announces the subject of the public hearing and declares the public hearing open.
8.2 Staff and Written Material Presentation
1. Staff summary report, which shall include the findings and determinations that the City
Council is required to make, included in the agenda packet is received and filed. Written
comments (e.g. protests, etc.) are noted for the record.
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2. Written material not in the agenda packet, if any, is received and filed.
3. Oral staff report, if any, is presented by a staff member, unless waived by the Council.
4. Staff responds to Councilmember questions.
5. Prior to hearing public testimony or comments, Council members are encouraged to raise
questions or identify issues of concern that they may have, which may assist members of
the public to focus their comments upon those questions or issues. However, Council
members shall refrain from stating their final position or how they intend to vote on the
issue until all public testimony has been received.
8.3 Public Testimony
1. The purpose of this section is to provide an opportunity to members of the public who
wish to testify in support or opposition to the matter being heard.
2. The Mayor’s instructions to the audience will vary and will depend upon the issue being
discussed. Generally, the instructions will follow these general guidelines:
(a) Participants must speak from the podium;
(b) The normal time limit for each speaker is three minutes;
(c) Repetition should be avoided; and,
(d) Speakers will be discouraged from reading a submission that has been copied and
is contained in the agenda materials.
3. Although the normal time limit is three minutes for each speaker, the Mayor may grant
additional time to a representative speaking for an entire group. However, this should not
discourage anyone from addressing the City Council individually. A speaker who is in
attendance at the meeting and who has signed a speaker’s slip shall be permitted to assign
his time to another speaker. No individual speaker shall speak for more than 15 minutes.
4. The appellant or their representative speaks first and will generally be allowed ten
minutes. If the applicant is different from the appellant, the applicant or their
representative will speak following the appellant and will also be allowed ten minutes to
make a presentation. Other public speakers will follow the presentation by the appellant
and the applicant. Normally, the applicants and appellants will be limited to a three
minute rebuttal (if requested).
5. At the Mayor’s discretion, staff and/or Council will answer questions posed by speakers
after the completion of the speaker’s testimony.
6. Council will generally reserve questioning of individual speakers until after the
completion of the speaker’s comments.
8.4 Council Deliberations
1. After the Mayor has determined that there is no more public testimony, the Council will
then deliberate on the matter.
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2. The Council may ask additional questions of speakers and/or staff for clarification.
3. The Council will then debate and/or make motions on the matter.
4. During Council deliberations, the Mayor will allow each Councilmember to speak once
for up to 5 minutes prior to allowing another Councilmember to speak again. Council
members should strive to avoid repetition. Council members may be permitted to ask
questions of each other or debate relevant issues as part of their deliberations. Council
members shall refrain from whispering or otherwise communicating with one another in
an inaudible manner. All comments made by Council members should be public and
made into the microphone.
8.5 Council Action
1. Council may, at this point, continue the open public hearing.
(a) This should be done if any additional information is requested (e.g. a staff
report), or if additional facts or ideas have been raised by Council members that
were not raised by the public speakers or the staff report and that have a bearing
on the item. Members of the public shall be given additional opportunity to
comment on such new facts, information and ideas.
(b) Continuing a public hearing to a specific date does not require additional notice.
2. The Council may:
(a) Close the public hearing and vote on the item;
(b) Offer amendments or substitute motions allowing additional public comment; or
(c) Close the public hearing and continue the matter to a later date for a decision.
(NOTE: No additional reports or testimony may be received, nor issues raised,
after the public hearing has been closed.)
9. BOARDS, COMMISSIONS, COMMITTEES AND SUBCOMMITTEES
9.1 Mayor / City Council Committee
At the first or second meeting in January of each year, the Mayor shall appoint Council members to serve
on various committees that require a Council representative.
9.2 Citizen Boards, Commissions, and Committees
1. Creation
The City Council may create boards, or committees to act in an advisory capacity to the Council.
Commissions are given the authority to act within their assigned scope of jurisdiction subject to
appeal to the council.
2. Appointments
The City Council shall make appointments to citizen City boards, commissions and committees.
All committee and commission applicants will be interviewed by the City Council at a public
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meeting and appointed by a Council Majority. Committee and Commission members may be
removed for cause upon a public hearing and majority vote by the Council.
3. Duties
Other than the Planning Commission, whose duties are specified in the Municipal Code and the
California Government Code, the primary purpose of City Boards, Commissions and Committees
is to act in an advisory capacity to the City Council.
The Council shall provide specific direction to each commission or committee as to what tasks or
projects the Council desires a commission or committee to accomplish and the method for said
commissions or committees to report to the Council on their respective accomplishments. The
City Manager shall assign a staff member to assist each commission or committee and to provide
necessary support. Should the City Manager believe that requests of staff time and City resources
are either inappropriate or excessive, the City Manager may request direction/action from the
Council for resolution.
4. Dissolution
Except as provided by the City’s Municipal Code, the City Council may dissolve an existing
board, commission, or committee if the Council finds that the purpose of the advisory board
committee or commission is no longer necessary or required.
9.3 City Council Subcommittees
City Council Ad-Hoc and Standing Subcommittees may be created by the City Council from time to time
to gather information and report back to the full City Council. The City Manager shall provide staff
support as deemed appropriate by the Council in achieving the goals specified by the Council in creating
either a City Council Ad-Hoc or Standing Subcommittee.
City Council Subcommittees shall be composed of two City Council members and may include members
of a Commission or Committee if deemed appropriate by the Council.
Timely Subcommittee Reports shall be conveyed to the full City Council during the Council Reports
section of the Council agenda. The City Council Ad-Hoc and Standing Subcommittees will strive to keep
all Council members and the public apprised of Council Ad-Hoc and Standing Subcommittees’ actions
and accomplishments.
10. SUSPENSION AND AMENDMENT OF THESE RULES
10.1 Suspension
Except as required by State law, any provision of these Rules not already governed by the City’s
Municipal Code or the California Government Code may be temporarily suspended by a majority vote of
the Council members who are present.
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10.2 Amendment
These Rules may be amended by additions or deletions or new rules adopted by a majority vote of the
Council, provided the proposed amendment or new rules are placed on an agenda as a Regular Business
item at a noticed Council meeting, and the public is afforded the opportunity to comment thereon.
11. MISCELLANEOUS RULES
11.1 Motion to be Stated
The City Clerk shall state all motions submitted for a vote and announce the result.
11.2 Roll Call Votes
Roll call votes shall be required for adoption of ordinances, adoption of resolutions, approval of
agreements and actions involving the payment of money. Upon demand by a Councilmember, a roll call
vote shall be taken on any motion before the Council. The Mayor Pro Tem’s name shall be called second
to last and the Mayor’s name shall be called last with other members’ names called at random by the City
Clerk. Members shall not be required to give explanations of their vote during roll call.
11.3 Silence
Although not in accordance with “Rosenberg’s Rules of Order,” during a collective vote (Ayes and
Nays), silence or abstention of any member(s) denotes an affirmative vote.
11.4 Continuance of an Item
1. Continuance by a Council Member
Any Councilmember may make a motion to continue an item (not subject to a deadline) to the
next agreed upon meeting. This continuance may only be denied by a majority vote of the
Council.
2. Continuances Requested by Someone Not a Council Member
Anyone may request a continuance of an item and the Council, by a majority vote, may grant
such a continuance. A request for a subsequent continuance may be granted by a majority vote of
the Council only if it finds that:
(a) The need for the continuance was beyond the control of the person requesting it;
(b) The need for the continuance arose after: (1) the date of the notice of public
hearing was published if the item is subject to a public hearing or; (2) the time of
the Council agenda was posted for items not subject to a public hearing; or,
(c) The continuance does not adversely affect the City, any of the affected parties, or
the welfare of the City’s residents.
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11.5 Personal Privilege
The right of a Councilmember to address the Council on a question of personal privilege shall be limited
to cases in which the integrity, character, or motives of the Councilmember is in question, or where the
welfare of the Council is concerned.
11.6 Motion to Reconsider
A motion to reconsider any action taken by the Council may be made in accordance with the following:
1. The motion must be made by a member of the prevailing side, although it may be
seconded by any Council member.
2. The motion must be made prior to the adjournment of the meeting at which the original
action was taken.
3. The motion is debatable and has precedence over a pending motion.
12. RULES OF DEBATE
12.1 Mayor as Presiding Officer
The Mayor may move, second, and debate from the Chair, and shall not be deprived of any rights and
privileges of a Councilmember.
12.2 Appeal
Any ruling of the Mayor may be appealed at the request of a Councilmember. The Mayor shall call for a
roll call vote to determine if the ruling is upheld.
12.3 Precedence of Motions
When a motion is before the Council, no motion shall be entertained except:
1. Motion to Amend
A motion to amend is debatable only as it relates to the amendment. An amendment that
modifies the motion is in order; however, a substitute motion is in order if the intent is changed.
Amendments are voted on first; main motion vote is last. A motion may be amended more than
once with each amendment being voted on separately. There shall only be one amending motion
on the floor at any one time.
2. Motion to Postpone
A motion to postpone indefinitely is debatable. If such a motion is adopted, the principal
question is lost. A motion to postpone to a definite time is subject to debate and amendment as it
relates to propriety of the postponement and time set.
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3. Motion to Table
A motion to table is not debatable and not subject to amendment. The purpose of a motion to
table is to temporarily bypass the item. If a motion to table is adopted, the item may be taken
from the table at any time prior to the adjournment of the next regular meeting. If the item is not
taken from the table in the time specified, the business of the item is killed.
4. Motion to Call the Question
A motion to Call the Question must get a second and is not debatable. A vote on the motion is
taken immediately by roll call. If the motion to Call the Question passes, a vote on the motion on
the floor is taken by roll call. If the motion to Call the Question fails, discussion on the motion on
the floor continues.
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