Council introduces updated military equipment use policy and a plain-language public-notice ordinance
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Summary
On first reading the council introduced an updated Garden Grove Police Department military equipment use policy under Government Code provisions and a new municipal code chapter to require plain-language public notices and improved communications.
On Jan. 13 the Garden Grove City Council conducted the first readings of two ordinances: an updated military equipment use policy for the Garden Grove Police Department and an ordinance (new Chapter 2.65) establishing standards for public hearing notices and other city communications.
Chief Afarra presented the police report and said the department posted its annual report and held the required community engagement meeting. He recommended the council introduce and conduct first reading of the ordinance updating the department's military equipment use policy and rescinding Ordinance No. 2960, in compliance with Government Code requirements.
City Attorney Sandoval and Mayor Pro Tem Breidingham presented the public-notice ordinance, explaining its goal is clearer communications in plain language and improved translation/clarity for diverse language audiences. Sandoval said the ordinance includes exceptions (councilmember constituent communications, agendas, staff reports, contracts and grant-required language) and also addresses compliance with the Public Records Act and election-related notifications.
Both ordinances passed their first readings on unanimous votes; further hearings or second readings may follow as required by municipal procedures.
