HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021-54 CC ResolutionRESOLUTION NO.2021-54
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF TEMECULA ADOPTING THE CITY COUNCIL
PROTOCOL MANUAL AND ADOPTING FIVE CITY
COUNCIL POLICIES GOVERNING THE OPERATIONS OF
THE CITY COUNCIL
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TEMECULA DOES HEREBY RESOLVE AS
FOLLOWS:
Section 1. The City Council adopted Resolution No. 94-79 setting forth the rules of
order for conduct of City Council meetings on July 26, 1994, and Resolution No. 11-27 setting
forth the time limit for public comments on March 22, 2011.
Section 2. The City Council approved the creation of a City Council Protocol Manual
as part of Phase II of its Race, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Initiative on July 14, 2020, and
approved the general policy contents of the City Council Protocol Manual on July 13, 2021.
Section 3. On August 24, 2021, the City Council requested the preparation of City
Council Policies relating to Code of Conduct, Rules of Order, Agenda Placement, Request of Staff,
and Public Participation In Meetings be expedited for consideration by the City Council for
inclusion in the City Council Protocol Manual.
Section 4. The City Council hereby adopts the "City Council Protocol Manual" which
shall consist of various Council policies adopted by the Council for the conduct of its business and
shall be maintained by the City Clerk. The following Policies are hereby adopted and shall be
included in the City Council Protocol Manual:
A. City Council Policy --Code of Conduct, attached hereto as Exhibit A;
B. City Council Policy --Rules of Order, attached hereto as Exhibit B;
C. City Council Policy --Agenda Placement, attached hereto as Exhibit C;
D. City Council Policy --Requests for Information and Staff Time, attached hereto as
Exhibit D; and
E. City Council Policy --Public Participation in Meetings, attached hereto as Exhibit
E;
Section 5. All prior resolutions in conflict with and superseded by this Resolution,
including Resolution Nos. 94-79 and 11-27, are hereby rescinded.
Section 6. The City Clerk shall certify to the adoption of this Resolution.
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PASSED, APPROVED, AND ADOPTED by the City Council of the City of Temecula
this 28th day of September, 2021.
ATTEST•
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Randi J ity Clerk
[SEAL]
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a WMENIM-3, Edwards.
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STATE OF CALIFORNIA )
COUNTY OF RIVERSIDE ) ss
CITY OF TEMECULA )
I, Randi Johl, City Clerk of the City of Temecula, do hereby certify that the foregoing
Resolution No. 2021-54 was duly and regularly adopted by the City Council of the City of
Temecula at a meeting thereof held on the 28`h day of September, 2021, by the following vote:
AYES: 3 COUNCIL MEMBERS: Edwards, Rahn, Schwank
NOES: 2 COUNCIL MEMBERS: Alexander, Stewart
ABSTAIN: 0 COUNCIL MEMBERS: None
ABSENT: 0 COUNCIL MEMBERS: None
Randi Johl, City Clerk
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EXHIBIT A.
CITY COUNCIL POLICY --CODE OF CONDUCT
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CITY OF TEMECULA
CITY COUNCIL POLICY
r
The Heart of Southern California
Wine Country
Title:
Code of Conduct
Policy No.
TBD
Approved:
September 28, 2021
Revised:
N/A
PURPOSE:
The purpose of this City Council policy is to provide for considerate and thoughtful civil discourse through
which respectful dialogue can occur in the best interest of the community.
POLICY:
The policy of the City Council with respect to the matter listed in the above -referenced title is as follows:
1. Elected and Appointed Officials' Conduct with One Another
Elected officials are individuals with a wide variety of backgrounds, personalities, values, opinions, and
goals. Notwithstanding this diversity, all have chosen to serve in public office in order to preserve and
protect the high quality of life of the community. Even in the face of adversity and differences of opinion,
this common goal is acknowledged and remains at the forefront.
1(a). In Public Meetings
Formal titles and professional appearance
Elected officials will refer to one another formally during public meetings, such as Mayor, Mayor Pro
Tempore, Chair, or Council Member followed by the individual's last name. Council Members shall
present a professional appearance in all public meetings.
Civility and decorum in discussions and debate
Difficult questions, tough challenges to a particular point of view, and criticism of ideas and information
are legitimate elements of a free democracy in action. While public officials have a right to state their
opinions, public officials should set an example and refrain from personal, slanderous, threatening,
abusive, or other disparaging comments. Shouting or physical actions that could be construed as
threatening will not be tolerated.
Role of Mayor in maintaining order
It is the responsibility of the Mayor to keep the comments of members on track during public meetings.
Members should honor efforts by focusing discussion on current agenda items. If there is disagreement
about the agenda or the Mayor's actions, those objections should be voiced politely and with reason,
following procedures outlined in the City Council Rules of Order.
Effective problem -solving approaches
Members have a public stage to show how individuals with disparate points of view can find common
ground and seek a compromise that benefits the community as a whole. Outside of official meetings,
individual members represent themselves and not the City as a whole unless specifically authorized to do
so by law or City Council policy. In private settings, members may communicate their individual
viewpoints and opinions unless otherwise prohibited by law. In public, all members should strive to
represent the official policies or positions of the City and City Council, although both the majority and
minority viewpoint reflected in discussion may be shared or reported on.
1(b). In Private Encounters
Respectful behavior in private
The same level of respect and consideration of differing points of view that is deemed appropriate for
public discussions should be maintained in private conversations.
Insecurity of written notes, voicemail messages, and e-mail
Technology allows words written or said without much forethought to be distributed wide and far.
Written notes, voicemail messages and e-mail should be treated as potentially "public" communication.
Private conversations with a public presence
Elected officials are always on display and should be aware that their actions, mannerisms, and language
are monitored by people around them that they may not know and may be shared with others
unbeknownst to them.
2. Elected and Appointed Officials' Conduct with City Staff
Governance of a City relies on the cooperative efforts of elected officials, who set policy, appointed
officials who advise the elected officials, and staff who implement and administer City Council direction
and policy. Every effort should be made to show mutual respect for the contributions made by all for the
betterment of the community.
Staff as professionals
The general expectation for all is clear and honest communication respecting the abilities, experience,
and dignity of each individual. Contrary behavior towards staff is not acceptable.
Public criticism of employees
Elected officials should refrain from expressing concerns about individual employee conduct or
performance in public, to the employee directly, or to the employee's manager. Such comments should
be shared with the City Manager directly through private correspondence or conversation.
Involvement in administrative functions
In accordance with Section 2.12.080 of the Temecula Municipal Code, elected officials should not attempt
to influence staff on the making of appointments, awarding of contracts, selecting of consultants,
processing of development applications, granting of City licenses and permits, or any other administrative
functions or operations of the City that fall within the purview of the City Manager.
Reauests for staff su000rt
Routine administrative support is provided to all Council Members. The Executive Assistant or others
designated in the City Manager's Office, open and distribute mail, manage calendars and scheduling of
meetings, and perform other similar administrative tasks for the City Council. Requests for additional staff
support should be made to the City Manager directly to ensure proper allocation of resources.
Solicitation of political support
Elected officials shall not solicit any type of political support (financial contributions, display of posters or
lawn signs, name on support list, etc.) from staff. City staff may, as private citizens with constitutional
rights, support political candidates but all such activities must be done away from the workplace without
utilizing any City equipment and/or resources.
3. Elected and Appointed Officials' Conduct with the Public
3(a). In Public Meetings
Making the public feel welcome is an important part of the democratic process. Every effort should be
made to be fair and impartial in listening to public testimony. While questions of clarification may be
asked, the elected official's primary role during public testimony is to actively listen.
Maintain an open mind
Members of the public deserve an opportunity to influence the thinking of elected officials. To express
an opinion prior to the close of debate or a public hearing casts doubt on the ability to obtain a fair review
of the issue. This is particularly important when officials are serving in a quasi-judicial capacity and in
these cases Council Members shall not express an opinion on the matter prior to the completion of the
public hearing or receive evidence on the matter outside of the public hearing.
Asking for clarification and avoiding debate
Only the Mayor can interrupt a speaker during a presentation. However, a Council Member can ask the
Mayor for a point of order if the speaker is off the topic or exhibiting disruptive behavior. It is the
responsibility of the Mayor to remain calm at all times, keep the speaker focused, and maintain the order
and decorum of the meeting. The Mayor and all members of the City Council should follow the City
Council Rules of Order in conducting public meetings and the City Attorney is present to make any final
rulings on meeting procedures if needed.
3(b). In Unofficial Settings
Members will frequently be asked to explain a Council action or to give their opinion about an issue as
they meet and talk with constituents in the community. It is appropriate to give a brief overview of City
policy and to refer to City staff for further information. It is inappropriate to overtly or implicitly promise
Council or board/commission action, or to promise City staff will do something specific (fix a pothole,
remove a library book, plant new flowers in the median, etc.). It is acceptable to publicly disagree about
an issue, but it is unacceptable to make derogatory comments about other members, their opinions and
actions. Members shall refrain from expressing any opinions related to quasi-judicial land use matters in
all unofficial settings as such discussions must occur in public meetings for the official record. Unofficial
settings include internet and social media platforms (i.e., Facebook, Twitter, blogs, etc.)
4. Enforcement
The Code of Conduct expresses standards of conduct expected for members of the Temecula City Council.
Members themselves have the primary responsibility to assure that ethical standards are understood and
met, and that the public can continue to have full confidence in the integrity of local government.
Members who intentionally and repeatedly do not follow proper conduct may be reprimanded or
formally censured by the Council, lose committee assignments, or have other official representation on
behalf of the City restricted. Serious infractions of the Code of Conduct could lead to other sanctions as
deemed appropriate by the Council.
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EXHIBIT B.
CITY COUNCIL POLICY --RULES OF ORDER
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CITY OF TEMECULA
CITY COUNCIL POLICY
'01 IT
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The Heart of Southern California
Wine Country
Title:
Rules of Order
Policy No.
TBD
Approved:
September 28, 2021
Revised:
N/A
PURPOSE:
The purpose of this City Council policy is to ensure that the business of the people that is conducted at a
public meeting is done so in a clear, concise and orderly manner.
0I1111i 11VA
The policy of the City Council with respect to the subject matter listed in the above -referenced title is as
follows:
Obtaining the Floor. Any Council Member wishing to speak must first obtain the floor by being recognized
by the Mayor. The Mayor must recognize any Council Member who seeks the floor when that Council
Member is appropriately entitled to do so.
Council Discussion. Following the staff report and public comments on an item, the Council may discuss
the matter before a motion is made.
Motions. The Mayor or any member of the Council may call for action on any matter before the Council
by making a motion. Before the motion can be considered or debated it must be seconded. Once the
motion has been properly made and seconded, the Mayor shall open the matter for debate offering the
first opportunity to debate to the moving party and, thereafter, to any Council Member properly
recognized by the Mayor. Once the motion has been fully debated and the Mayor calls for a vote, no
further debate will be allowed. However, Council Members may be allowed to explain their vote.
Council Questions Only During Staff Report or Public Comment. Council participation during the
presentation of public testimony or staff reports shall be limited to questions asked at the conclusion of
the testimony. No general discussion should be permitted until the testimony has been completed.
Council discussion not relevant to the agenda item should be reserved for the City Council Reports portion
of the agenda.
Voting. If the vote is a voice vote, the Mayor shall declare the result and note for the record all yes votes
and all no votes. The Council may also vote by roll call or electronically. Regardless of the manner of
voting, the results reflecting all yes and no votes and the Council Members who cast them must be clearly
set forth in the minutes of the meeting. No secret ballots are allowed. To be adopted, a motion requires
the yes vote of a majority of the quorum present, unless the vote of three Council Members is required
by statute, ordinance, or resolution. If a member is disqualified from voting, the member shall not
participate in the consideration of the matter and shall not be counted for the purpose of the quorum.
In addition, as required by the Fair Political Practices Act and regulations the member shall leave the dais
and the Council chamber during the consideration of the matter, except for matters on the Consent
Calendar. If, however, the matter is being considered on the Consent Calendar and has not been removed
from the Consent Calendar, the Council Member may remain on the dais and disclose the reason for
disqualification. A disqualified Council Member may speak on the matter as a private citizen, but only to
the limited extent allowed by the Section 18702.5 of the Regulations of the Fair Political Practices
Commission, or its successor sections. A tie vote means no action has been taken on the motion.
Procedural Rules of Order. Once the main motion is properly placed on the floor, several related motions
may be employed in addressing the main motion, and if properly made and seconded, must be disposed
of before the main motion can be acted upon. The following motions are appropriate and may be made
by the Mayor or any Council Member at any appropriate time during the discussion of the main motion.
They are listed in order of precedence. The first three subsidiary motions are not debatable; the last three
are debatable.
Subsidiary Motions.
Lay on the Table. Any Council Member may move to lay the matter under discussion on the table. This
motion temporarily suspends any further discussion of the pending motion without setting a time certain
to resume debate. To bring the matter back before the Council, a motion must be adopted that the matter
be taken from the table. A motion to take from the table must be made at the same meeting at which it
was placed on the table or at the next meeting of the Council. Otherwise the motion that was tabled dies,
although it can be raised later as a new motion. A motion to lay on the table is not debatable.
Move Previous Question. Any Council Member may move to immediately bring the question being
debated by the Council to a vote, suspending any further debate. The motion must be made and seconded
without interrupting one who already has the floor. A majority vote of the quorum present is required
for passage. A motion to move previous question is not debatable.
Limit or Extend Limits of Debate. Any Council Member may vote to put limits on the length of debate.
The motion must be made and seconded and requires a majority vote of the quorum present to pass. A
motion to limit or extend limits of debate is not debatable.
Postpone to a Time Certain. Any Council Member may move to postpone debate and action on a motion
to a date and time certain. A motion to postpone to a time certain is debatable.
Commit or Refer. Any Council Member may move that the matter being discussed should be referred to
staff, a committee, or a commission for further study. The motion may contain directions for the staff,
committee, or commission, as well as a date upon which the matter will be returned to the Council's
Agenda. If no date is set for returning the item to the Council Agenda, any Council Member may move, at
any time, to require that the item be returned to the Agenda. A motion to commit or refer is debatable.
Amend. Any Council Member may amend the main motion or any amendment made to the main motion.
Before the main motion may be acted upon, all amendments and amendments to the amendments must
first be acted upon. An amendment must be related to the main motion or amendment to which it is
directed. Any amendment that substitutes a new motion rather than amending the existing motion is out
of order and may be so declared by the Mayor. A motion to amend is debatable.
Motions of Privilege, Order, and Convenience. The following actions by the Council are to ensure orderly
conduct of meetings and are for the convenience of the Mayor and Council Members. These motions take
precedence over any pending main or subsidiary motion and may be debated except as noted.
Call for Orders of the Day. Any Council Member may demand that the agenda be followed in the order
stated therein. No second is required, and the Mayor must comply unless the Council, by majority vote,
sets aside the agenda order of the day.
Request for Privilege. Any Council Member, at any time during the meeting, may make a request of the
Mayor to accommodate the personal needs of the Council for such things as reducing noise, adjusting
room temperature, ventilation, etc. The validity of the request is ruled on by the Mayor.
Recess. Any Council Member may move for a recess. No second is required, and the Mayor must comply
unless the Council, by majority vote, sets aside the motion.
Adjourn. Any Council Member may move to adjourn at any time, even if there is business pending. The
motion must be seconded, and a majority vote is required for passage. A motion to adjourn is not
debatable.
Point of Order. Any Council Member may require the Mayor to enforce the rules of the Council by raising
a point of order. The point of order shall be ruled upon by the Mayor.
Appeal. Should any Council Member be dissatisfied with a ruling from the Mayor, he or she may move to
appeal the ruling to the full Council. The motion to appeal requires a second, and the ruling of the Mayor
may be overturned by a majority vote of the members present.
Suspend the Rules. Any Council Member may move to suspend the rules if necessary to accomplish a
matter that would otherwise violate the rules. The motion requires a second, and a majority vote is
required for passage.
Division of Question. Any Council Member may move to divide the subject matter of a motion which is
made up of several parts so that Council Members can vote separately on each part. This motion may
also be applied to complex ordinances or resolutions.
Reconsider. Except for votes regarding matters that are quasi-judicial in nature or matters that require a
noticed Public Hearing, the Council may reconsider any vote taken at the same meeting, but no later than
the same or next regular meeting, to correct inadvertent or precipitant errors or to consider new
information not available at the time of the vote.
The motion to reconsider must be made by a Council Member who voted on the prevailing side, must be
seconded, and requires a majority vote of the quorum for passage, regardless of the vote required to
adopt the motion being reconsidered. If the matter is to be reconsidered at the next regular meeting, a
Council Member on the prevailing side must ask the City Clerk to place the matter on the agenda or
otherwise comply with the Government Code. If the matter to reconsider is successful, the matter to be
reconsidered takes no special precedence over other pending matters and any special voting
requirements related thereto still apply. Except pursuant to a motion to reconsider, once a matter has
been determined and voted upon, the same matter cannot be brought up again at the same meeting.
Rescind, Repeal, or Annul. The Council may rescind, repeal, or annul any prior action taken with reference
to any legislative matter so long as the action to rescind, repeal, or annul complies with all the rules
applicable to the initial adoption, including any special voting or notice requirements or unless otherwise
specified by law.
Council Authority. The Council shall have the authority to waive provisions of the procedures established
by this Resolution unless the procedure is required. Failure of the Council to follow the procedures
established by this Resolution shall not invalidate or otherwise affect any action of the Council.
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EXHIBIT C.
CITY COUNCIL POLICY --AGENDA PLACEMENT
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CITY OF TEMECULA
CITY COUNCIL POLICY
Ak
...... ..,,
a
The Heart of Southern California
Wine Country
Title:
Agenda Placements by Council Members
Policy No.
TBD
Approved:
September 28, 2021
Revised:
N/A
PURPOSE:
While most agenda items are scheduled through the City Manager's Office based on the administrative
and operational needs of the City, the purpose of this City Council policy is to provide for an effective and
efficient process through which an individual Council Member may place an item on the agenda.
POLICY:
Request for Placement. Any Council Member, including the Mayor, may request that an item be placed
on a future agenda. The Council Member's request will be considered by the City Council under the
"Items for Future City Council Agendas" section of the agenda. In making the request, a Council Member
may briefly describe the topic of the proposed agenda item and any timing associated with the placement
of the item on the agenda. The Council Members description of the requested future agenda item shall
not exceed three (3) minutes unless extended by a majority vote of the City Council. No substantive
discussion on the subject to be placed on a future agenda of the motion may occur except to explain the
general nature of the item and the issue of timing for its placement on a future agenda. While a member
of the public may express a desire to place an item on the agenda for consideration, items may only be
placed on the agenda by Council Members pursuant to this policy or by the City Manager based on
administrative or operational needs of the City.
Response to Request for Placement. In response to such a request to place an item on the agenda by an
individual Council Member, the City Council by a majority vote may choose to do any of the following:
(1) Refer the item to the City Manager with specific direction to place the item on the agenda, conduct
additional research and/or obtain additional information to report back to the City Council, and/or
any other specific direction that the City Council deems appropriate.
(2) Refer the item to the City Council subcommittee most related to the subject matter of the request for
additional review and consideration. The relevant Council subcommittee after consideration may
place the item on an agenda at their request and/or report back the findings of their consideration at
a Council meeting under the "City Council Reports" section of an agenda. At the direction of the
subcommittee, the City Manager may also share the general findings in writing as an update to the
full City Council.
(3) Take no action. Absent a majority vote of the City Council to refer an item pursuant to (1) and (2)
above, the proposed item shall not be placed on a future agenda.
Motion Required. If a motion to refer an item pursuant to (1) and (2) above is made, seconded and
approved by a majority vote of the City Council, the proposed item will be processed accordingly through
the City Manager. If there is no second, or the motion fails for the lack of a majority, no subsequent action
shall be taken on the request.
Time for Discussion and Public Comment
Public comments on the placement of these agenda items shall be limited to a maximum of 30 minutes.
Individual comments shall not exceed three (3) minutes. General discussion amongst the City Council on
the placement of agenda items listed under the "Items for Future City Council Agendas" section of the
agenda shall be limited to 15 minutes.
Timing Direction. If the motion provides specific direction regarding timing, the approved item will be
referred and/or placed on a future agenda consistent with that direction. If the motion is silent regarding
timing, the approved item will be placed on a future agenda at the earliest reasonable time as determined
by the City Manager.
Recurring Requests. Requests by Council Members to add the same agenda item to every subsequent
agenda are not permitted. An item may not be reconsidered for placement for a minimum of three (3)
months unless approved by a majority vote of the City Council.
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EXHIBIT D.
CITY COUNCIL POLICY --REQUESTS FOR INFORMATION AND STAFF TIME
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CITY OF TEMECULA
CITY COUNCIL POLICY
r
The Heart of Southern California
Wine Country
Title:
Requests for Information and Staff Time
Policy No.
TBD
Approved:
September 28, 2021
Revised:
N/A
PURPOSE:
The purpose of this City Council policy is to ensure the effective use of staff time to fulfill individual City
Council Member requests in balance with implementing the direction of the full City Council.
POLICY:
1. General. Unless circumstances warrant otherwise, communications with staff should occur during
normal City business hours. Responses to inquiries and questions should be expected within the next
business day where possible.
2. Routine Requests for Information. Council Members may contact Executive Department Directors
directly for information made readily available to the general public on a regular basis. Routine requests
to provide information that can be fulfilled within a nominal period of time (i.e., status of a resident
request, legislation, project timing, copy of existing documents, etc.) will be provided as soon as
practicable. Staff shall treat all Council Members the same without preferential treatment and advise the
City Manager of information provided as needed.
3. Non -Routine Requests for Information. Non -routine requests are defined as requests for information
that exceed four (4) hours or one-half of a regular business day, as determined by the City Manager, to
compile, research, prepare, etc.. Non -routine requests shall require the approval of the majority of the
City Council. Non -routine requests may be placed on the agenda by the City Manager as an administrative
or operational item under the Consent Calendar or Business section of the agenda to obtain such
approval. The responsive information to non -routine requests will be distributed to the full City Council
by way of written notification, as a future agenda item, or such other manner as determined by the City
Manager. The City Manager retains the ability to bring any item to the full City Council irrespective of
time constraints. The City Manager also retains the ability in the aggregate to perform work in response
to individual City Council Member requests based on overall time and resource allocation.
4. Meeting Requests. Any Council Member requests for meetings with staff must be directed through
the City Manager and/or relevant Executive Department Director, as appropriate.
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EXHIBIT E.
CITY COUNCIL POLICY --PUBLIC PARTICIPATION IN MEETINGS
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CITY OF TEMECULA
CITY COUNCIL POLICY
lift
The Heart of Southern California
Wine Country
Title:
Public Participation at Meetings
Policy No.:
TBD
Approved:
September 28, 2021
Revised:
TBD
PURPOSE:
The purpose of this City Council policy is to ensure that the community can formally address their local
representatives in a public meeting regarding matters that relate to Council business or citizen concerns
within the subject matter jurisdiction of the City Council.
POLICY:
The policy of the City Council with respect to the subject matter listed in the above -referenced title is as
follows:
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION IN COUNCIL MEETINGS
Audience Decorum. Members of the audience have the right to express their views about items on the
agenda or issues within the jurisdiction of the City subject to the time, place and manner rules described
in this Policy. Actions expressing the views of members of the public, such as clapping, whistling;
stomping; sign waving are permitted as free speech so long as the actions do not disturb, disrupt, or
otherwise impede the orderly conduct of the meeting. The Council expects persons speaking at City
Council meetings to do so in a civil manner that promotes the free exchange of ideas and encourages
public participation.
Request to Speak Form. Members of the public may address the City Council during Public Comments
and before consideration of any agenda item; however, no person shall address the Council without first
being recognized by the Mayor. Any person wishing to speak, whether during Public Comments, Consent
Calendar, or on an agenda item, shall first complete a Public Comment or Request to Speak form and
submit this form to the City Clerk or Deputy City Clerk before the Mayor calls for Public Comments or calls
the particular agenda item. A speaker is not required to list his or her name and address, but doing so
does helps the Council and staff to provide follow-up information to the speaker if needed. Speakers shall
be called in the order their Request to Speak form is received by the City Clerk or Deputy City Clerk.
Speak Only Once. Second opportunities for the public to speak on the same issue will not be permitted
unless mandated by state or local law.
Addressing the Council. Comment and testimony shall be directed to the Council through the Mayor.
Dialogue between and inquiries from citizens at the podium and individual Council Members, members
of staff, or the seated audience is not permitted. Council Members seeking to clarify testimony or gain
additional information should direct their questions through the Mayor.
Public Comments to City Council
Non -Agenda Items and Consent Calendar. The public has right to comment on matters within the
jurisdiction of the City that are not listed on the agenda as provided in this Policy. The agenda shall provide
for such public comments. Public Comments will be heard at the meeting in the manner noted on the
agenda. A maximum of thirty (30) minutes shall be allowed for such public comments. A member of the
public who wishes to speak under Public Comments may fill out a Public Comment Request to Speak form
and submit it to the City Clerk or Deputy City Clerk before the Mayor calls for Public Comments. Persons
may speak under Public Comments for three (3) minutes. Deferral of one speaker's time to another is not
permitted.
State law prohibits the City Council from taking action on any item not listed on the agenda unless the
Council makes a determination that an emergency exists or that the need to take immediate action on
the item arose subsequent to the final posting of the agenda. Council Members or staff members may
provide brief response to comments, ask brief questions of the speaker, refer the speaker to staff or
another agency, or request that the matter be placed on an agenda in a manner that is consistent with
the City Council policy for the placement of items on a future agenda. Council Member or staff responses
shall not exceed three (3) minutes each.
Consent Calendar Items. Members of the public who wish to speak on a Consent Calendar item will be
allowed to speak for a maximum period of 30 minutes prior to the consideration of the Consent Calendar.
Persons may speak on Consent Calendar items for three (3) minutes each. Deferral of one speaker's time
to another is not permitted.
Agenda Items. The public has a right to comment on agenda items. A member of the public who wishes
to speak on an agenda item may fill out a Request to Speak form and submit it to the City Clerk or Deputy
City Clerk before the Mayor calls the agenda item. Subject to the special provisions discussed below for
Public Hearings, persons may speak about an agenda item for a maximum of five (5) minutes. Deferral of
one speaker's time to another is not permitted. In the event there is a large number of speakers, the
Mayor may reduce the maximum time limit for members of the public to speak on the item.
Disruptive Behavior Prohibited at Council Meetings. The Council expects persons speaking at the City
Council meeting to do so in a civil manner that promotes the free exchange of ideas and encourages
public participation. Any person who engages in behavior that actually disrupts, disturbs or otherwise
impedes the orderly conduct of any City Council meeting shall, upon an order by the Mayor, or the
presiding officer, or a majority of the City Council, be barred from further audience before the City Council
during that meeting.
Examples of disruptive behavior. Examples of behavior that can actually disrupt, disturb, or
otherwise impede the orderly conduct of a City Council meeting include, but are not limited
to, the following:
(1) Speaking without being recognized by the Mayor or the presiding officer.
(2) Continuing to speak after the allotted time has expired.
(3)
Speaking on an item at a time not designated for discussion by the public of
that item.
(4)
Throwing objects.
(5)
Speaking on an issue that is not within the jurisdiction of the City Council.
(6)
Speaking to the audience rather than to the City Council.
(7)
Interrupting a person who is speaking to the City Council during such person's
allotted time.
(8)
Preventing a person from speaking to the City Council during such time as is
allocated for comments from the public.
(9)
Wearing of a mask, costume, disguise or other regalia or paraphernalia that
actually disrupts, disturbs or otherwise impedes the orderly conduct of the
City Council meeting.
(10) Uttering loud, threatening, or abusive language that actually disrupts, disturbs
or otherwise impedes the orderly conduct of the City Council meeting.
(11) Clapping, whistling, stomping feet, and sign waving that actually disrupts,
disturbs or otherwise impedes the orderly conduct of the City Council meeting.
Enforcement. The rules of conduct for City Council meetings set forth in this section shall
be enforced in the following manner:
(1) Warning to desist. Whenever practicable, the Mayor, or the presiding officer,
or a majority of the City Council shall give a warning to a person whose
behavior is actually disrupting, disturbing or otherwise impeding the orderly
conduct of a City Council meeting. The warning shall identify the disruptive
behavior and the manner in which the person must comply. A warning shall
not be necessary when it would not be effective due to extraordinary
circumstances. Examples of extraordinary circumstances in which no warning
is required include situations in which a warning would be difficult to hear over
the noise of the disturbance; situations involving an immediate threat to
public safety such as the throwing of objects or the display of a weapon; and
situations involving a person who has been warned about the same type of
disruptive behavior at a City Council meeting held within the prior thirty (30)
calendar days.
(2) Recess. If, after receiving a request from the Mayor, the person persists in
violating the rules, the Mayor may order a recess. Any representative of law
enforcement who is present at the meeting when the violation occurs shall be
authorized to warn the person that his or her conduct is violating the rules and
that he or she is requested to cease such conduct.
(3) Order barring person from meeting. The Mayor, or the presiding officer, or a
majority of the City Council may issue an order barring a person from the
remainder of a City Council meeting if such person was warned at that City
Council meeting about disruptive behavior and such person again engages in
behavior that actually disrupts, disturbs or otherwise impedes the orderly
conduct of the meeting. Additionally, the Mayor, or the presiding officer, or a
majority of the City Council may issue an order barring a person from the
remainder of a City Council meeting without a warning if there are
extraordinary circumstances and the person engages in behavior that actually
disrupts, disturbs or otherwise impedes the orderly conduct of the meeting.
(4) Removal. If a person barred from the remainder of a City Council meeting does
not voluntarily exit the Council chambers, the Mayor, or the presiding officer,
or a City Council majority may direct the Sergeant -at -arms to remove that
person from the Council chambers and exclude that person for the remainder
of that meeting.
(5) Clearing the Room. Pursuant to Government Code Section 54957.9, in the
event that any meeting is willfully interrupted by a person or groups of persons
so as to disrupt, disturb or otherwise impede the orderly conduct of such
meeting and order cannot be restored by the removal of the individuals who
are willfully interrupting the meeting, City Council may order that the meeting
room may be ordered cleared and the meeting shall continue in session. The
motion to clear the room shall be by a vote not less than three members of
the City Council in favor. Only matters appearing on the agenda may be
considered in such a session. Representatives of the press or other news
media, except those participating in the disturbance, shall be allowed to
attend any session held pursuant to Government Code Section 54957.9.
(6) Violation of the California Penal Code. A person or persons who substantially
impairs the conduct of a City Council meeting by knowingly and intentionally
violating these rules of decorum may be prosecuted under Penal Code Section
403 for disturbing a public meeting. Every person who violates Penal Code
Section 403 is guilty of a misdemeanor.
Unlawful behavior. The following conduct shall be unlawful:
(1) Engaging in behavior that actually disrupts, disturbs or otherwise impedes
the orderly conduct of a City Council meeting after receiving a warning at that
meeting from the Mayor, or the presiding officer, or a City Council Member.
(2) Refusing to leave the Council chambers after being barred for the
remainder of a City Council meeting by the Mayor, or the presiding officer, or a
City Council majority.
(3) Returning to the Council chambers before the conclusion of a City Council
meeting after being barred for the remainder of that meeting by the Mayor, or
the presiding officer, or a City Council majority.
Sergeant -at -arms. The Sheriff, or such members of the Sheriff's Department as he or she
may designate, shall attend each Council meeting and shall be Sergeant -at -arms of the
City Council unless otherwise directed by the City Manager. The Sergeant -at -arms shall
carry out all lawful orders given by the Mayor, or the presiding officer, or a majority of
the City Council for the purpose of maintaining order at City Council meetings. The
Sergeant -at -arms shall have the authority and power to enforce the orders of the Mayor,
or the presiding officer, or a majority of the City Council relating to the order and conduct
of City Council meetings. Any Council Member may move to require the Mayor, or
presiding officer, to enforce the rules of conduct and a majority vote of the Council shall
require him or her to do so.
Motion to Enforce. If the Mayor fails to enforce the rules of decorum set forth herein, any
Council Member may move to require the Mayor to do so, and an affirmative vote of
three members of the Council shall require the Mayor to do so. If the Mayor fails to carry
out the will of the majority of the Council in this matter, the Council by an affirmative vote
of three Council Members may designate another Council Member to act as Mayor for
the limited purpose of enforcing the rules of decorum established herein for that meeting.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
Process and Procedures. The City Council conducts Public Hearings on applications, projects, and other
matters as required to provide due process of law. The following outlines the process under which Public
Hearings will be conducted. Staff will review the application/project/matter, will prepare a staff report,
and may make a recommendation or propose alternatives to the City Council prior to the Public Hearing.
A notice of the Public Hearing shall be posted, published, and mailed as required by law and the Temecula
Municipal Code. The members of the City Council will receive the staff report for the
application/project/matter in the agenda packet prior to the meeting. This provides the Council with an
opportunity to study the staff report, which will become part of the hearing record, and to become
familiar with the project prior to the Public Hearing. When the Public Hearing is called, staff shall
summarize the application/project/matter as contained in the staff report or request a continuance to a
future meeting. The City Council may ask questions for clarification. Once the Public Hearing is opened,
the applicant/property owner and the appellant is entitled to present the application/project/matter in
person or through a representative. Following this presentation, members of the public shall be called
upon to speak on the application/project/matter in the order their Request to Speak forms are received
by the City Clerk or Deputy City Clerk. Once the members of the public have spoken, the
applicant/property owner and the appellant shall be provided an opportunity to rebut any testimony or
evidence provided by opponents or by staff. The rebuttal shall be limited to answering or refuting
testimony of the public or staff. Following each presentation, members of the City Council may question
the speakers. Following rebuttal, the item is then before the City Council for discussion and clarification.
When all parties have been heard and there are no additional requests to speak, the Mayor may close
the Public Hearing and any member of the Council may make a motion to:
(1) Reopen the Public Hearing and continue it to a date certain to allow for further study
or discussion; or
(2) Adopt the resolution or ordinance for approval or denial of the project, with or
without changes, as recommended in the Staff Report; or
(3) Direct Staff to prepare a different resolution or ordinance than the one recommended
for adoption on the Consent Calendar at the next regular meeting of the City Council.
The applicant may withdraw the application/project/matter at any time before a vote is taken by the City
Council. An appellant may withdraw its appeal at any time prior to the opening of the public hearing.
Speaker Time Limits for Public Hearings
At Public Hearings involving land use matters the property owner or the applicant/property owner has
the burden of proof and, therefore, shall be allowed fifteen (15) minutes for an initial presentation by its
development team and an additional ten (10) minutes for rebuttal by its development team following the
other comments on the matter. The Mayor may allow more time if required to provide due process for
the property owner or applicant. An appellant, other than the property owner or applicant, and the
spokesperson for an organized group of residents residing within the noticed area of the property which
is the subject of the Public Hearing, shall be allowed fifteen (15) minutes to present the appellant's
position to the Council. The Mayor may allow more time if required to provide due process for the
appellant. All other members of the public may speak during the Public Hearing for a maximum period
five (5) minutes each. Deferral of one speaker's time to another is not permitted. In the event there is a
large number of speakers, the Mayor may reduce the maximum time limit for members of the public to
speak.
Policy Applicable to All Public Meetings of the City. The above -referenced public participation standards
of this Policy shall apply to all public meetings of the City including City Council and all commissions,
boards and committees of the City.
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