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La Palma Council adopts revised code of conduct amid dispute over agenda rules
Summary
Council approved a revised city council code of conduct that adds requirements such as securing a second councilmember to place certain items on the agenda; the measure passed 4-1 after debate about whether the change limits an individual member’s voice.
The La Palma City Council voted to adopt an updated code of conduct that modifies how council members request agenda items and clarifies meeting norms, communications and accountability procedures.
Staff told the council the revisions responded to earlier direction from a goal setting session and were intended to reflect best practices as the city transitions to district‑based representation. The draft included edits addressing meeting agendas, oral communications, council comments and reports, boards and committees, travel and accountability. A clean copy and a redlined version were provided in the staff packet for review.
Council Member Janet Keough Kirkland objected to a provision that requires another councilmember’s support (a second) before an item raised during councilmember remarks may be placed on a future agenda. She said the change curtailed the ability of an at‑large or district representative to advance constituent concerns and described the provision as punitive or aimed at silencing an individual.
Mayor Pro Tem Nitesh Patel and others defended the procedural requirement as common practice in neighboring cities and as a vetting step to avoid conflicts of interest or ethically questionable solicitations. "Allowing us and making us work with another council member gives us the pros and cons of it," one council member said, arguing the step promotes collaboration and reduces risk.
A motion to approve the revised code was made by Mayor Pro Tem Nitesh Patel and seconded by Council Member Debbie Baker. The ordinance passed with a 4-1 vote; Council Member Keo Conklin cast the lone no vote.
The council’s action formalizes several procedural norms and directs staff to implement the policy changes. No immediate budget appropriation was discussed in connection with the policy.
Votes at a glance: consent calendar (items 1–9) approved 5-0; code of conduct adopted 4-1; the separate motion to request staff to add live video streaming failed for lack of a second earlier in the meeting.
What’s next: Staff will implement the updated policy and make the revised documents available to the public; councilmembers may seek future adjustments if unintended constraints arise.
