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Ione adopts ordinance allowing closed sessions before 6 p.m.; public raises transparency concerns
Summary
Council adopted Ordinance No. 534 allowing closed session start times earlier than 6:00 p.m. Supporters said it will help staff and attorneys; opponents said it could deter candidates and reduce transparency.
The Ione City Council voted March 4 to adopt Ordinance No. 534, amending the municipal code to allow closed sessions before the 6:00 p.m. start of the regular meeting.
City staff explained the ordinance would not change the open-session start time or require closed sessions to begin earlier; it only permits flexibility to hold closed meetings before the public portion of the regular meeting. "All this ordinance does is memorialize that the closed session before the open session at 6PM can begin before 6PM... it just allows the council to have the flexibility," the city attorney said during the second-reading hearing.
Public comment was strongly divided. Several residents said the change would discourage working people from running for council and could be used to "weaponize" meeting schedules. One speaker said, "By leaving it open ended as has been put in this ordinance, you are leaving people with no idea when these meetings are gonna start," and warned it would make council seats less accessible to employed residents. Others, including a resident and members of council, said earlier closed sessions can reduce staff overtime and shorten late nights for employees and legal counsel.
Council discussion touched on the scope of the ordinance. One council member asked whether the wording meant closed sessions could be scheduled "any time of the day," and staff acknowledged it could be written that broadly. The mayor and supporters argued the change provides operational relief for overworked staff and attorneys.
After public hearing and discussion, the council moved to waive a second reading by title only and adopt Ordinance No. 534. The motion passed on voice vote; the mayor announced, "Ayes have it."
Councilors and several members of the public asked staff to monitor effects and return with any recommended clarifications if implementation caused access or transparency issues. The ordinance takes effect upon adoption; staff noted that closed-session topics remain confidential and that the policy change does not alter existing Brown Act rules about public notice and disclosure of closed-session actions where legally required.
