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Council forms Measure P citizens advisory committee, agrees membership and rules after extended debate
Summary
After a lengthy discussion about community input and potential politicization, the City Council approved formation of a Measure P citizens advisory committee; council settled on five members, residency and voter requirements, staggered terms, Brown Act rules and a small operating budget.
The council voted to create a Measure P citizens advisory committee to gather public input about how the sales tax measure's revenues should be prioritized. The motion to form the committee passed unanimously after extended council and public discussion about the committee's purpose, composition and safeguards.
Council member Jeremy Engle, who proposed the committee, said it was intended to broaden outreach beyond those who attend council meetings. "The thought is, furthering the outreach and getting kind of boots on the ground responses, for folks," Engle said, noting the committee would bring community input back to council but not replace council authority.
Several council members questioned whether a committee was necessary because the elected council already represents residents; others said a standing advisory group would allow broader, ongoing input and continuity as council membership changes. Public speakers urged the council to adopt the committee so voters who approved Measure P would have a formal channel for input.
Council decisions and parameters agreed at the meeting included: - Size: Council settled by consensus to create a five-member advisory committee to align with other city committees. - Residency and eligibility: Members must be residents within the city's limits and registered voters, age 18 or older; the council left other qualifications (such as professional background) to be evaluated during interviews. - Terms: Three-year terms, staggered so not all seats turn over at once; the council discussed staggering to maintain continuity. - Governance: The committee will be a Brown Act body (open meetings) and members will be subject to Form 700 filing requirements because they advise on the use of public funds. The council retains the authority to remove members. - Budget and logistics: Council signaled a small annual operating allowance (council discussed $500) to support outreach materials or small event costs; staff will include a fiscal note.
Council members also debated safeguards to minimize political positioning or the appearance of campaigning by committee members. City staff and the city attorney advised the council that narrow, clear responsibilities and a removal process are the primary controls; the city attorney added that eligibility to run for office cannot be restricted by the council.
After discussion, a council motion "to approve the formation of Measure P citizens advisory committee with the amendments as provided by council" passed unanimously.
Ending: Staff will draft the formal ordinance or resolution text and an application/interview process reflecting the council's instructions (five members, residency/voter requirement, three-year staggered terms, Brown Act and Form 700 requirements, small outreach budget) and return with a formal recruitment schedule and fiscal impact for the operating allowance.
