RPVCCA_CC_SS_2012_07_17_02a_Town_Hall_OutreachCITY OF
STUDY SESSION
MEMORANDUM
RANCHO PALOS VERDES
TO:
FROM:
DATE:.
SUBJECT:
HONORABLE MAYOR &CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS
COUNCILWOMAN SUSAN BROOKS cill.-(HL ~
JULY 17,2012
TOWN HALLS OUTREACH-FUTURE AGENDA ITEM
PROPOSAL
TOWN HALLS··L1VE AND VIRTUAL-Public Outreach
As Mayor in 1993,I conducted Town Halls and urged fellow Council members to join
me as a way to optimize the public outreach benefits.We held meetings on weekends
and also alternated on weekdays in order to make the City Council as accessible as
possible to our residents,who may not have the occasion to attend our Council
meetings-either because they do not have a particular issue pending with the City or
because it is inconvenient to attend our meetings on a weeknight.As a result,most
residents have little or no exposure to the workings of their city government,familiarity
with their elected officials or City staff,and may lack a clear understanding of municipal
services available to them and processes available for problem resolution,etc.
From another perspective-and equally important-we the Council Members do not
have the benefit of hearing and learning from the majority of our own residents.A
proactive effort on our part to reach a greater number of residents may bring a more
balanced perspective to our decision making.My experience with the earlier program
was that attendees frequently brought us different concerns than the ones we usually
heard at Council meetings.
If the Council agrees to pursue this opportunity,the City could arrange to hold Town
Hall meetings at various locations throughout the City.During my previous term,the
City held Town Hall meetings at Ladera Linda,Hesse Park,Miraleste Intermediate
School,City Hall and at Soleado Elementary.I would recommend that the City Manager
and/or pertinent staff would attend.
SS 2a-1
MEMORANDUM:Town Halls Outreach
July 17,2012
Page 2
At Council's direction,staff would arrange for notification to area residents using a
range of communication tools such as,RPVtv,flyers,news release,City website,
posters at City facilities and events,City newsletter,and so on.
Council Members would consider volunteering for Town Hall participation with no more
than two members at a time to hear resi,dent concerns.This would avoid violation of the
Brown Act while still providing outreach.
Town Halls can be both live and virtual.We can have an on-air Town Hall with either
telephone or video call-ins.This is probably easier and more efficient than what was
afforded us in prior years due to technology.
Somewhat related to this topic is the idea of placing a Q &A or 'suggestion box'icon on
the City's website.
I look forward to the Council's consideration of this item to be prioritized on a future
agenda.
SS 2a-2