Council reviews handbook of rules and procedures; consensus reached to keep mayoral term at one year for now

City staff reviewed proposed updates to the City of Hanford Handbook of Rules and Procedures, asking for council direction on meeting rules, mayor/vice‑mayor selection, public comment timing and related procedural matters.

Why it matters: the handbook consolidates the rules that govern council behavior, mayoral selection, meeting start and end times, public‑comment practices and recusal guidance; changes shape how the council conducts public business and how transparent and efficient meetings are for the public.

Summary of discussion and council guidance: - Mayor/vice‑mayor term: staff presented a redline change to move from a one‑year mayor/vice‑mayor term to a two‑year term beginning with the 2026 seating cycle. After extended discussion, council members split: some supported a two‑year term to improve continuity, others preferred keeping annual rotation so more council members could serve in the role. By consensus the council agreed to leave the handbook language unchanged for 2025 (one‑year terms) and to consider a possible amendment that would take effect in 2026 with a newly seated council. - Meeting times and adjournment: council confirmed starting regular meetings at 7:00 p.m. Study sessions remain fluid (4–5 p.m. typical) and council agreed by consensus to try a target adjournment at 9:00 p.m. with the option to extend by affirmative council action when needed. - Public comment: staff reiterated the Brown Act constraints and public‑comment rules. The handbook continues to provide a default three‑minute public‑comment period per speaker. Council discussed mayor discretion to manage time and phrasing was simplified to reflect that council as a whole may, by majority vote, adjust public‑comment timing if necessary; council members expressed concern about curtailing commenters on hot‑button items and ultimately agreed to retain the three‑minute rule and the mayor’s ability to manage decorum while allowing council to extend or shorten time by motion. - Council reports / council comments: council agreed to move “council reports and general reports” to the end of the agenda and to rename the section “council comment.” The intent is to prioritize public business earlier on the agenda and allow brief council updates at the end. - Recusals and decorum: staff reminded council of existing law and guidance on recusals and campaign contributions; staff said existing rules require recusal where a member has a disqualifying financial interest, and noted state proposals to change disclosure thresholds were under discussion at the League of California Cities. The handbook clarifies that when a member recuses, they should leave the dais and the chamber rather than remain in the council area where public perception of participation could arise.

Ending: staff will revise the handbook language per council direction (leave mayoral term language unchanged for 2025; move council comments to the end; adopt clarified language about meetings, public comment and adjournment target time) and return a redlined ordinance/resolution amending the handbook at a future meeting. The clerk was asked to add practical rules such as two‑week notice for recognition requests to give staff time for preparation.