San Mateo council studies changes to rules on public presentations, event attendance and travel allocations

SAN MATEO, Calif. — The San Mateo City Council on July 20 held a study session on proposed amendments to its rules and procedures, hearing a staff presentation and public comment but taking no formal action.

City Clerk Martin McTigert outlined proposed changes that would (1) set an attendance framework for outside events to limit potential Brown Act issues by generally limiting official attendance to two council members with priority given to the mayor or deputy mayor and a relevant council liaison; (2) require presentation materials for meetings be submitted at least one business day before a meeting; (3) clarify eligibility and administration of organized presentations (five-minute group presentations) and require at least one presenter to be present in-person or virtually; (4) authorize the city manager to adjust agenda order before packet publication in response to anticipated public interest; and (5) create a standardized individual allocation model to track and control council travel and related expenses.

The proposals are intended to improve Brown Act compliance, ensure equitable treatment of speakers and organized groups, and provide clearer internal processes for staff and the public.

"We're recommending a submission deadline of at least 1 business day prior to the…