Working with the City Council

Attending Public Meetings

The City Council meets regularly, generally twice monthly on the second and fourth Thursdays with one meeting in July, August, and December. Additional budget workshops are scheduled in the spring. Public meetings, including City Council meetings, are listed on the City website. For a full view at upcoming meetings, please view the City's website calendar.

Meeting Agendas

During City Council meetings, the Council adheres to a published agenda. The agenda lists all topics/items that will be discussed. The City Council is limited to discussing only items published on the agenda, and may not be able to respond if asked to answer or discuss an item not listed on the agenda. 

Addressing the Council at a Council Meeting

City Council meetings are open to the public and there are many opportunities for participation. Any person desiring to address the Council at a meeting shall first secure the permission of the Mayor or Vice Mayor (2.04.220). All remarks shall be addressed to the Council as a body and not to any member thereof (2.04.240). No question shall be asked of a Council Member or staff member, except through the Mayor or Vice Mayor (2.04.240).

  • Addressing the Council on an item not on the agenda - Speakers wishing to talk about items in the City's jurisdiction but not listed on an agenda can speak during "Oral Communications."
  • Addressing the Council on an item listed in the "Consent" portion of the agenda - Speakers wishing to provide comments on a Consent Agenda Item can speak during "Oral Communications."
  • Addressing the Council on an item listed in the "General Government/Public Hearing" portion of the agenda - Speakers wishing to provide comments on a General Government Item or Public Hearing Item can speak during the public comment portion specific to that item.

How Agenda Items Get Added to a Council Agenda

The following have the authority to place a matter on a City Council agenda:

  • Any member of the City Council, with the condition that the item is requested at a Council meeting and seconded by a Council Member;
  • City Manager;
  • City Treasurer, City Clerk, or City Attorney (provided the subject is related to their powers/duties).

Other persons must direct their agenda requests to the City Council (at Council meetings), the Mayor, or the City Manager. Agendas shall otherwise be prepared under the direction of the City Manager and shall be posted, noticed and distributed in accordance with the Brown Act. (2.04.140)

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