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City Council Rules and Communications Committee <br />October 2, 2008 <br />,.. ~3 <br />2. Discussion Regarding Criteria for Review of Agenda Items by a Council Committee <br />Interim City Manager Steve Hollister noted that some members of the Council have expressed <br />interest in having more agenda items vetted by a Council committee prior to being considered by <br />the full City Council. He provided the Committee with a staff report, providing suggested <br />criteria which could be used to determine which items could be referred to a Council committee. <br />Committee Member Souza expressed concern that she feels responsible for understanding the <br />items on which she is voting; however, agenda items listed on the Consent Calendar receive no <br />verbal report or discussion unless removed, so there is no opportunity to obtain a better <br />understanding of these items. <br />Chair Santos recalled past Council meetings where every agenda item was considered separately, <br />and it added significantly to the length of the meetings. He commented on the large number of <br />Council committees and the amount of time already taken in committee meetings. Chair Santos <br />noted that Councilmembers can direct questions on agenda items to the City Manager prior to the <br />Council meeting. <br />The Committee discussed the matter. Committee Member Stephens noted that most items placed <br />on the Consent Calendar are pro forma, and he added that he understands the concerns expressed <br />by Committee Member Souza that the Council have the information necessary to make sound <br />decisions. <br />The Committee did not recommend changes to the current practice. <br />3. Public Comments <br />None. <br />4. Committee Member Comments <br />None. <br />5. Adjourn <br />The meeting was adjourned at 4:50 p.m. <br />