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HomeMy WebLinkAboutStaff ReportStaff Report Subject: Policy Establishing Regular Meetings between Mayor and Vice -mayor Background The City Council previously inquired as to whether a policy could be adopted that established regular meetings between the Mayor and Vice -mayor to discuss City matters. The short answer to that question is: Yes, such a policy could be adopted, and the meetings could occur as long as the meetings are held in compliance with the Brown Act. Discussion The Brown Act applies to legislative bodies. Generally, meetings of the legislative body are open to the public, require an agenda posted 72 hours prior to the meeting, and prohibit closed door meetings except in very limited situations.The definition of a legislative body includes "standing committees of a legislative body, irrespective of their composition, which have a continuing subject matter jurisdiction, or a meeting schedule fixed by charter, ordinance, resolution, or formal action of a legislative body are legislative bodies for purposes of this chapter." Government Code section 54952(b). This provision is an exception to the general rule that "advisory committees, composed solely of the members of the legislative body that are less than a quorum of the legislative body are not legislative bodies." Id. In this instance, the Council has inquired about adopting a policy that would establish regular meetings between the Mayor and Vice -mayor to discuss matters related to the City. The City Council could adopt such a policy. If so adopted, the policy would establish a "legislative body" under the Brown Act, subject to the open meeting laws including noticing and agenda requirements. Such a policy, adopted by formal action, would create a committee of the Mayor and Vice -mayor. This would be a standing committee subject to the Brown Act. Thus, the Mayor and Vice -mayor could regularly meet and discuss city matters that were placed onto an agenda, posted 72 hours prior, and open to the public. Conclusion The City Council can direct staff to return with a proposed policy establishing the standing committee of the Mayor and Vice -mayor to regularly meet.If so directed, staff would return with a draft policy at a future date for consideration.