10.E.
City Council Meeting - FINAL
- Meeting Date:
- 04/07/2020
- From:
- Sterling Solomon, City Attorney
Information
TITLE:
Discussion, consideration and Possible Action: Temporarily suspend Rule 5.01 of the City of Flagstaff City Council Rules of Procedure due to the COVID-19 pandemic. (Proposed suspension of one Rule of Procedure to allow for earlier start times and reordering of agenda items for meetings of City Council.)
STAFF RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Temporarily suspend Rule 5.01 of the City of Flagstaff City Council Rules of Procedure due to COVID-19 pandemic.
Executive Summary:
Staff recommends City Council temporarily suspend Rule 5.01 of the City of Flagstaff City Council Rules of Procedure due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Rule 5.01 governs the order of business on agendas for regular meetings of City Council. Due to the unique circumstances presented by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, a vote to suspend Rule 5.01 will allow City Council and staff flexibility in the management of agendas during this temporary timeframe.
Under Rule 5.01 the City Council meeting start times and order of business are outlined. Under normal circumstances that is not an issue for agenda management. Under the unique circumstances of the COVID-19 pandemic and recommendations promulgated by the Centers for Disease Control and the Coconino Department of Health and Human Services, the number of City Council meetings has been reduced to encourage physical distancing. The reduction in meetings will result in more items on each agenda and likely longer meetings. To allow City Council adequate time to address each item and to facilitate completion of agendas, it is recommended that meetings start earlier. In addition, the reordering of placement of items on the agenda may also be necessary. The recommended temporary suspension of Rule 5.01 will facilitate such management of the agendas until such time as meetings of City Council can resume under a normal schedule.
Under Rule 5.01 the City Council meeting start times and order of business are outlined. Under normal circumstances that is not an issue for agenda management. Under the unique circumstances of the COVID-19 pandemic and recommendations promulgated by the Centers for Disease Control and the Coconino Department of Health and Human Services, the number of City Council meetings has been reduced to encourage physical distancing. The reduction in meetings will result in more items on each agenda and likely longer meetings. To allow City Council adequate time to address each item and to facilitate completion of agendas, it is recommended that meetings start earlier. In addition, the reordering of placement of items on the agenda may also be necessary. The recommended temporary suspension of Rule 5.01 will facilitate such management of the agendas until such time as meetings of City Council can resume under a normal schedule.
Financial Impact:
None.
Policy Impact:
None.
Connection to Council Goal, Regional Plan, CAAP, and/or Strategic Plan:
None.
Previous Council Decision on This:
None.
Options and Alternatives:
Temporarily suspend Rule 5.01 due to COVID-19 pandemic allowing City Council and staff flexibility in managing the agendas for meetings of City Council.
Maintain application of Rule 5.01 as is.
Maintain application of Rule 5.01 as is.
Community Involvement:
Promotion of proper physical distancing to slow the spread of COVID-19.
Expanded Options and Alternatives:
The community will continue to have the opportunity to participate in meetings of the City Council under the temporary format in place during the COVID-19 pandemic. Members of the public can still submit public participation items for any issues not on the agenda, or public comments on items that are on the agenda. Comments should be emailed to: publiccomment@flagstaffaz.gov and those comments will be read aloud City Council during the meetings.