Laserfiche WebLink
City Council Meeting Minutes January 4, 2022 <br />Mayor Pro Tem Scott agrees with two council members placing items for <br />discussion and provide direction to staff by having four council members agree <br />for further action. He mentioned also contacting the department director helps <br />with questions. In some cases he has received answers and he didn't need to <br />place the item on an agenda. <br />Mr. Lumbreras stated it is permissible for a council member to contact <br />department directors similar to what citizens would be asking. The only <br />concern is if a council member is directing the director or pushing them in a <br />particular direction. He stated if it's an inquiry on a particular project, <br />initiative or communicating as a citizen there is no problem. He stated there is <br />a reporting system that directors notify the city manager's office on the <br />council's request. <br />Council Member Baker noted that the council member requester can work <br />with staff as to the background information to be included in the packet. He <br />expressed concerns with how long it takes to get stuff done. He noted the <br />amount of time staff spends on some topics for council committees and thinks <br />that same amount of time could be provided for council agenda items. Mayor <br />Hughson stated when the section was written in the City Code this was about <br />regular council meetings and that work sessions are new although workshops <br />were held in the past, and she noted executive sessions. She would like <br />clarification as to which type meeting is the agenda items requested. Mr. <br />Lumbreras stated work sessions were initiated after his employment began and <br />are intended for key policy issues on topics council would be undertaking. He <br />provided the timeline and what preparation is needed for items added to the <br />work session and discussion items which can be several weeks. Items has been <br />driven by staff. <br />Mayor Hughson suggests to amend Section 2.044 and add "regular meetings". <br />She suggested the discussion to determine if further discussion is needed during <br />a work session. Mr. Cosentino stated Section 2.044 hasn't been applied to <br />executive sessions and in his experience council members do not place items on <br />executive session agendas. He mentioned executive session is staff driven when <br />there is a need to determine to purchase property and at what price personnel <br />matters and litigation. He stated it would be helpful to get clarity as to whether <br />or not it should apply to executive session. <br />Mayor Pro Tem Garza asked how items get on work sessions. Mr. Lumbreras <br />noted work sessions are presentations that are held publicly and executive <br />City of San Marcos Page 14 <br />