CC 2020-05-12_08e Cancellation of July 14 CC MeetingMEMORANDUM
TO: CITY COUNCIL
FROM: BILL ROBESON, ACTING CITY MANAGER
SUBJECT: CONSIDERATION OF CANCELLATION OF JULY 14, 2020 CITY
COUNCIL MEETING
DATE: MAY 12, 2020
SUMMARY OF ACTION:
Cancellation of the July 14, 2020 City Council meeting.
IMPACT ON FINANCIAL AND PERSONNEL RESOURCES:
There is some minimal cost savings due to reduced staff time associated with agenda
and meeting preparation, as well as no broadcasting expenses.
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended the Council cancel the regularly scheduled Council meeting of July 14,
2020.
BACKGROUND:
On August 14, 2007, the City Council considered the concept of establishing a policy of
designating a summer month for cancellation of Council meetings. The purpose was to
designate a month “dark” from Council meetings in the summer so the City Council and
staff could coordinate their summer breaks during this period. Staff recommended the
month of July because it was the only full month in which school is not in session and it
includes the July 4th holiday.
ANALYSIS OF ISSUES:
The City Council’s regular meetings are held on the second and fourth Tuesdays of each
month. Due to the current COVID-19 emergency, at its regular meeting on April 28th, the
City Council directed staff to schedule weekly Council meetings to provide an update to
the community on County and City COVID-19 efforts and to address any COVID-19
related issues that may arise.
When the Council considered the policy in 2007 of designating a summer month for
cancellation, concerns were expressed regarding the impact on other meeting agendas
Item 8.e. - Page 1
CITY COUNCIL
CONSIDERATION OF CANCELLATION OF JULY 14, 2020 CITY COUNCIL MEETING
MAY 12, 2020
PAGE 2
and potential delays to important items. Therefore, it was suggested that one meeting be
cancelled in July as a compromise. The City Council concurred and a policy was
established to cancel the first meeting in July of each year.
While it is not known how long the current shelter at home order will be in place, it is
recommended that the Council continue to observe the policy by cancelling the July 14th
meeting in order to provide staff and the Council a brief break in the regular and current
special meeting schedule.
Should staff determine that it is necessary that the Council meet in early July to address
any time sensitive issues that have arisen, the regular meeting could be held or a special
meeting could be scheduled.
ALTERNATIVES:
The following alternatives are provided for the Council’s consideration:
1. Cancel the July 14, 2020 City Council Meeting;
2. Cancel the July 28, 2020 City Council Meeting;
3. Direct staff to make changes to the current policy; or
4. Provide other direction to staff.
ADVANTAGES:
Cancelling the July 14, 2020 meeting provides the City Council and staff an opportunity
for an extended break between meetings without being absent from a meeting or being
concerned about missing an item that is important for their vote or input.
DISADVANTAGES:
Cancellation of a regular meeting may result in heavier agendas preceding and following
the cancelled meeting.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW:
No environmental review is required for this item.
PUBLIC NOTIFICATION AND COMMENTS:
The agenda was posted in front of City Hall and on the City website in accordance with
Government Code Section 54954.2.
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