CC 01-25-2023 Item No. 1 City Procedures Manual Written CommunicationsCC 1-25-23
Item No. 1
Study Session to
consider adopting City
of Cupertino City
Council Procedures
Manual
Written Communications
From:Eric Schaefer
To:City Attorney"s Office; City Council; Pamela Wu; City Clerk
Subject:City Council Procedures Manual (Jan. 25, 2023 agenda item 1.)
Date:Tuesday, January 24, 2023 1:48:01 PM
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Councilmembers and City Staff,
I am concerned that some elements of the proposed City Council Procedures Manual
could diminish democracy in the governance of Cupertino. My concerns by manual section are
described in the following table.
Please include this letter as part of the written communication for the extended
Study/Special Meeting Item “Consider Adopting Cupertino City Council Procedures
Manual,” on January 25, 2023.
Thank you for your consideration.
Section My Content Suggestion Impact (if my suggestion is
not adopted)
1.0 Introduction Add Chao’s suggestion:
“Principle. The City Council
maintains control as the
governing body. This
manual ensures free and
fair access to the flow of
any information relative to
the operation of the City
and free and fair access to
public meetings.”
The guiding principle of
free and fair access to
information and public
participation in the City’s
governance is absent.
Popular, democratic
governance is diminished.
2.2 Removal of Mayor and
Vice Mayor.
Clarify that removal from
office means office of
Mayor or Vice mayor and
not removal from the office
of City Council
A majority of council
members could remove a
member from city council,
effectively overturning the
will of the electorate.
3.1 Appointment of
Councilmmemeber
Committes and
subcommittees
Add Moore’s suggestion
that appointments should
consider experience and
benefit to the committee.
Committees might be
staffed with members
whose experience does not
benefit the committees.
4.4 Appointment to Other Do not accept Wei's If adopted, a sitting
City Commissions and
Committees
proposed change:
“Former Councilmembers
are not eligible for
appointment to to serve on
any commission or
committee within four years
of having served on the
City Council.”
Planning Commissioner
would be removed. In this
case, the appointment
process is ignored and the
current council majority
removes a political
adversary. The “courtesy
and respect for individual
points of view” that is
professed in other sections
of the manual is ignored
and replaced by political
expediency.
4.4 Appointment to Other
City Commissions and
Committees
Accept Moore’s suggestion
that Commissioners and
committee members shall
not be employees of the
City or companies which
the City contracts with, or
employees of
subcontracted companies.
“
Potential conflict of
interest.
6.6 Councilmember
Access to Information
Adopt Moore’s suggestion
to remove the prohibition
on councilmembers from
using PRA requests for
information.
A City Manager’s personal
inclination could prevent
the electorate’s
representative (even if
holding a minority opinion)
from accessing information
that is required to fulfill
their sworn duty.
8.0 Meeting Procedures Adopt Chao’s suggestion,
which defines “Study
Session” and clarify that no
voting action is taken at a
study session.
If expectations are not set
accurately, council could
vote on items that the
public believes are not
subject to a vote. The
public’s participation could
be diminished.
8.5 Consent Calendar Define what qualifies for
Consent Calendar. IMHO
only non-controversial
items like meeting minutes,
accounts payable should
be on Consent. Recent
examples of what shouldn’t
have been on Consent:
Items that merit discussion
might not be discussed.
The public loses an
opportunity to comment on
the item.
Response to Civil
Grand Jury report
Lawrence-Mitty
Park and Trail
project design
direction
Committee
assignment
Update on 6th
Cycle of the
Housing
Element
8.5.Adding and Removing
Items from the Consent
Calendar
Adopt Moore’s suggestions
(8.5.1, 8.5.2) that remove
restrictions on pulling items
from Consent
Items that merit discussion
might not be discussed.
The public loses an
opportunity to comment on
the item.
--
Eric Schaefer
Cupertino Resident
From:Peggy Griffin
To:Pamela Wu; City Clerk; Christopher Jensen
Cc:City Council
Subject:2023-01-25 CC Study Session - Agenda Item1-Council Procedure Manual and...
Date:Tuesday, January 24, 2023 2:16:32 PM
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Dear City Manager Wu, City Attorney Jensen and City Clerk Squarcia,
There seems to be missing information in the materials for Agenda Item 1:
1. Exhibits A-E are referenced in the Manual and were included in the Jan. 17th packet as part of
the dra
Exhibit A: City of Cupertino Ceremonial Correspondence Policy
Exhibit B: Elected Officials’ Compensation Program
Exhibit C: Council Technology Policy
Exhibit D: Resolution No. 07-103
Exhibit E: Cupertino Municipal Code Chapter 2.17
2. The new Ceremonial Correspondence Policy mentioned in the agenda description
Also, this agenda item was continued from the Jan. 17, 2023 CC Study Session but the descriptions
do not match. Has this Ceremonial Correspondence Policy been added to this agenda item? If so,
how can you continue an item but add stuff to it?
1-17-2023 Agenda Item 1 Description
1-25-2023 Agenda Item 1 Description
Sincerely,
Peggy Griffin
From:Rhoda Fry
To:City Clerk; City Council; Cupertino City Manager"s Office; City Attorney"s Office
Subject:For Item #1 and #2 Study Session January 25 Final Actions are not made at Study Sessions
Date:Tuesday, January 24, 2023 4:29:20 PM
Attachments:CITY OF CUPERTINO - 2022.pdf
CITY OF CUPERTINO - 2021.pdf
CITY OF CUPERTINO - 2020.pdf
CITY OF CUPERTINO - 2019.pdf
CITY OF CUPERTINO - 2018.pdf
CITY OF CUPERTINO - 2017.pdf
CITY OF CUPERTINO - 2016.pdf
CITY OF CUPERTINO - 2015.pdf
CITY OF CUPERTINO - 2014.pdf
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Hi City Clerk,
Just to clarify, please include this for public comment on Item #1 and #2 Study Session January 25
Final Actions are not made at Study Session
Thanks Much,
Rhoda Fry
From: Rhoda Fry [mailto:fryhouse@earthlink.net]
Sent: Sunday, January 22, 2023 5:41 PM
To: 'City Clerk' <CityClerk@cupertino.org>; 'citycouncil@cupertino.org'
<citycouncil@cupertino.org>; 'manager@cupertino.org' <manager@cupertino.org>;
'cityattorney@cupertino.org' <cityattorney@cupertino.org>
Subject: Final Actions are not made at Study Sessions
Dear City Manager and City Council,
Final Actions are not made at Study Sessions.
Items are studied at Study Sessions, discussed at subsequent Regular Sessions, and
subsequently decided.
This has been the case as far as I can remember in my 40 years as a Cupertino resident.
Attached you will find the facts to back up this assertion going back 9 years of Study Sessions
(this was the maximum I was able to extract from the database).
In 9 years, Final Actions have never taken place on the same day as Study Session Items.
To continue transparency and public participation, at the next City Council meeting and
moving forward, please
1. Do not take Final Action (vote on resolution) on Study Session items
2. Discuss the outcome of a Study Session and open public comment at a subsequent City
Council meeting and then take action
Respectfully,
Rhoda Fry
IMPORTANT NOTICE: Please be advised that pursuant to Cupertino Municipal Code 2.08.100 written communications sent to the Cupertino
City Council, Commissioners or City staff concerning a matter on the agenda are included as supplemental material to the agendized item. These
written communications are accessible to the public through the City's website and kept in packet archives. You are hereby admonished not to
include any personal or private information in written communications to the City that you do not wish to make public; doing so shall constitute
a waiver of any privacy rights you may have on the information provided to the City.
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File #Type Status File Created Final Action Title
14-0433 Study
Session
Conducted 9/15/2014 12/16/2014 Subject: Study session for Stevens Creek Boulevard to McClellan Road Creek Corridor Master Plan
on recommended alternatives to proceed with an EIR
14-0332 Study
Session
Conducted 7/14/2014 10/7/2014 Subject: Study Session on the Final Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for the proposed General
Plan Amendment, Housing Element Update, and associated Rezoning
14-0330 Public
Hearings
Item
Heard
7/14/2014 9/10/2014 Subject: Environmental Impact Report for General Plan Amendments, Housing Element Update
and Associated Rezoning
14-0260 Study
Session
Conducted 6/12/2014 7/15/2014 Subject: Study Session to provide an update on the Climate Action Plan (CAP) process and review
greenhouse gas reduction measures to be considered for analysis in the City’s Initial
Study/Negative Declaration. Proposed measures focus on options to reduce community-wide
emissions in the energy, transportation, water, and solid waste sectors
14-0259 Public
Hearings
Item
Heard
6/12/2014 7/9/2014 Subject: Climate Action Plan Description: Climate Action Plan Study Session to provide direction on
a preferred project
14-0258 Study
Session
Conducted 6/12/2014 7/7/2014 Subject: Study Session to discuss proposed changes to Municipal Code Chapter 14.18, Protected
Trees Description: Application No(s): MCA-213-01 (EA-2013-02) Applicant(s): City of Cupertino
Location: Citywide
14-0133 Study
Session
Conducted 5/19/2014 7/7/2014 Subject: Civic Center Master Plan Study Session
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IMPORTANT NOTICE: Please be advised that pursuant to Cupertino Municipal Code 2.08.100 written communications sent to the Cupertino
City Council, Commissioners or City staff concerning a matter on the agenda are included as supplemental material to the agendized item. These
written communications are accessible to the public through the City's website and kept in packet archives. You are hereby admonished not to
include any personal or private information in written communications to the City that you do not wish to make public; doing so shall constitute
a waiver of any privacy rights you may have on the information provided to the City.
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File #Type Status File Created Final Action Title
15-1050 Study Session Conducted 8/20/2015 11/17/2015 Subject: Study Session on the Civic Center Master Plan - Financing Alternatives and
Affordability Analysis
15-1096 Study Session Conducted 9/16/2015 10/20/2015 Subject: Study Session on potential Ballot Measures regarding Civic Center Master Plan
and Vallco Shopping District Special Area
15-0920 Study Session Conducted 6/2/2015 6/30/2015 Subject: Study Session on policy for processing General Plan Amendment applications
15-0833 Study Session Conducted 4/21/2015 6/2/2015 Subject: Study Session on Santa Clara County Potential Transportation Tax Measure for
2016 - Envision Silicon Valley
14-0590 Study Session Conducted 12/12/2014 5/12/2015 Subject: Study session regarding the Proposed Fiscal Year 2015-2016 Budget
15-0808 Consent Calendar Approved 3/31/2015 4/21/2015 Subject: Provide formal direction regarding the Stevens Creek Boulevard to McClellan
Ranch Road Corridor Master Plan in regards to scoping an Environmental Impact Report
in conjunction with new facts associated with camp transportation using the Blackberry
Farm swim and picnic facility
14-0596 Study Session Conducted 12/16/2014 3/3/2015 Subject: Work Program study session
14-0598 Study Session Conducted 12/16/2014 2/3/2015 Subject: Study session for the Stevens Creek Boulevard to McClellan Road Creek
Corridor Master Plan (SCC Master Plan) and recommend alternatives to proceed with an
Environmental Impact Analysis. (Re-noticed from January 21, 2015)
14-0607 Postponements and
Orders of the Day
Authorized 1/7/2015 1/20/2015 Subject: Cancel the Adjourned Special Meeting scheduled for January 21 regarding
Council deliberation and to provide staff direction on the Study Session for Stevens
Creek Boulevard to McClellan Road Creek Corridor Master Plan and recommended
alternatives to proceed with an EIR and direct staff to re-notice the meeting for
February 3 at 6:45 p.m.
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IMPORTANT NOTICE: Please be advised that pursuant to Cupertino Municipal Code 2.08.100 written communications sent to the Cupertino
City Council, Commissioners or City staff concerning a matter on the agenda are included as supplemental material to the agendized item. These
written communications are accessible to the public through the City's website and kept in packet archives. You are hereby admonished not to
include any personal or private information in written communications to the City that you do not wish to make public; doing so shall constitute
a waiver of any privacy rights you may have on the information provided to the City.
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File #Type Status File Created Final Action Title
16-2198 Study
Session
Conducted 11/28/2016 12/6/2016 Subject: Aircraft Noise Study Session
16-2103 Study
Session
Conducted 10/17/2016 12/6/2016 Subject: Study Session on Wireless Facilities within the Public Right of Way
15-1163 Study
Session
Conducted 10/12/2015 10/18/2016 Subject: Study Session regarding Sustainable Strategies for Recycling and Waste Management
15-1171 Study
Session
Conducted 10/15/2015 5/17/2016 Subject: Study session regarding the Proposed Fiscal Year 2016-2017 Budget
14-0597 Study
Session
Conducted 12/16/2014 3/15/2016 Subject: Work Program study session
16-1458 Study
Session
Conducted 2/1/2016 3/1/2016 Subject: Study session on options for increasing business license taxes
15-1270 Study
Session
Conducted 12/7/2015 1/19/2016 Subject: Study Session to consider entering into a Memorandum of Understanding with the Rotary
Club of Cupertino to renovate the Stocklmeir home and surrounding property to utilize as a non-
profit center for Cupertino
15-1282 Study
Session
Conducted 12/15/2015 1/19/2016 Subject: Study session regarding Economic Development Strategic Plan (EDSP) draft background
report
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IMPORTANT NOTICE: Please be advised that pursuant to Cupertino Municipal Code 2.08.100 written communications sent to the Cupertino
City Council, Commissioners or City staff concerning a matter on the agenda are included as supplemental material to the agendized item. These
written communications are accessible to the public through the City's website and kept in packet archives. You are hereby admonished not to
include any personal or private information in written communications to the City that you do not wish to make public; doing so shall constitute
a waiver of any privacy rights you may have on the information provided to the City.
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File #Type Status File Created Final Action Title
17-3263 Study
Session
Conducted 11/13/2017 11/27/2017 Subject: State of California’s 2017 Legislative Housing bills
17-2662 Study
Session
Continued 5/23/2017 6/6/2017 Subject: Study Session Regarding the Amended Proposed Fiscal Year 2017-2018 Capital
Improvement Program (CIP) Budget
17-2371 Study
Session
Conducted 2/14/2017 5/16/2017 Subject: Study session regarding the Proposed Fiscal Year 2017-2018 Budget
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IMPORTANT NOTICE: Please be advised that pursuant to Cupertino Municipal Code 2.08.100 written communications sent to the Cupertino
City Council, Commissioners or City staff concerning a matter on the agenda are included as supplemental material to the agendized item. These
written communications are accessible to the public through the City's website and kept in packet archives. You are hereby admonished not to
include any personal or private information in written communications to the City that you do not wish to make public; doing so shall constitute
a waiver of any privacy rights you may have on the information provided to the City.
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File #Type Status File Created Final Action Title
18-4663 Ordinances and
Action Items
Approved 11/29/2018 12/18/2018 Subject: Schedule a study session to review, clarify, and discuss the Code of Ethics
and Conduct for Elected and Appointed Officials adopted by Council on November
20, 2018
18-4133 Study Session Conducted 6/29/2018 11/5/2018 Subject: Study Session regarding the Citywide Building Condition and Use
Assessment
18-3976 Study Session Agenda Ready 5/8/2018 10/16/2018 Subject: Study Session on homelessness
18-4081 Study Session Conducted 6/12/2018 8/21/2018 Subject: Study session regarding the annexation process and options for Lehigh
Permanente Quarry.
18-4240 Study Session Conducted 7/30/2018 8/21/2018 Subject: Study Session on the potential formation of a Santa Clara County Regional
Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA) subregion
18-4253 Old Business Agenda Ready 8/2/2018 Subject: Consolidation of Commissions
18-4236 New Business Agenda Ready 7/30/2018 8/9/2018 Subject: Study Session on the potential formation of a Santa Clara County Regional
Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA) sub-region
18-4084 Study Session Conducted 6/12/2018 7/31/2018 Subject: Study session to explore consolidation of Senior Citizen, Library, and Safety
issues into Parks & Recreation Commission
18-4174 Study Session Agenda Ready 7/12/2018 Subject: Study session to explore consolidation of Senior Citizen, Library, and Safety
issues into Parks & Recreation Commission.
18-4189 Study Session Agenda Ready 7/19/2018 7/24/2018 Subject: Study session to explore consolidation of Senior Citizen, Library, and Safety
issues into Parks & Recreation Commission.
18-4116 Study Session Conducted 6/21/2018 7/3/2018 Subject: Study session on proposed restructuring of Cupertino's business license tax
18-4080 Study Session Conducted 6/12/2018 7/3/2018 Subject: Study Session promoting school safety and preventing gun violence
18-4036 Consent Calendar Approved 5/29/2018 7/3/2018 Subject: Approve the June 11 (Study Session) City Council minutes
18-4035 Consent Calendar Approved as
Amended
5/29/2018 6/19/2018 Subject: Approve the June 4 (Study Session) City Council minutes
18-3972 Study Session Conducted 5/8/2018 6/5/2018 Subject: Study session on potential revenue measures related to business license
tax and storm drain fee.
18-4004 Study Session Conducted 5/17/2018 6/4/2018 Subject: Study Session regarding Vallco Specific Plan
17-3364 Study Session Conducted 11/30/2017 5/15/2018 Subject: Budget Study Session regarding the Proposed Fiscal Year 2018-19 Budget,
including CIP
18-3895 Study Session Conducted 4/18/2018 5/1/2018 Subject: City of Cupertino Below Market Rate (BMR) Housing Program Study
Session
17-3365 Study Session Conducted 11/30/2017 2/20/2018 Subject: Study Session on the fiscal year 2018-2019 City Work Program
17-3428 Study Session Conducted 12/12/2017 2/6/2018 Subject: Study Session regarding short-term rental compliance
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IMPORTANT NOTICE: Please be advised that pursuant to Cupertino Municipal Code 2.08.100 written communications sent to the Cupertino
City Council, Commissioners or City staff concerning a matter on the agenda are included as supplemental material to the agendized item. These
written communications are accessible to the public through the City's website and kept in packet archives. You are hereby admonished not to
include any personal or private information in written communications to the City that you do not wish to make public; doing so shall constitute
a waiver of any privacy rights you may have on the information provided to the City.
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File #Type Status File Created Final Action Title
19-6707 Study Session Agenda
Ready
12/4/2019 12/10/2019 Subject: Study Session on the General Plan Annual Review/Implementation Plan and
consider General Plan Policies and Strategies that could benefit from clarification.
Postponed from the November 12, 2019 meeting.
19-6504 Study Session Agenda
Ready
11/7/2019 12/2/2019 Subject: Study Session regarding the proposed policy document for the City of
Cupertino Code of Ethics/Ethics Protocol
19-6592 New Business Agenda
Ready
11/19/2019 11/25/2019 Subject: Study Session regarding the proposed policy document for the City of
Cupertino Ethics Protocol for Elected and Appointed Officials
19-6553 Old Business Agenda
Ready
11/18/2019 Subject: Discuss November 19th City Council Study Session on building electrification
policy and reach codes adoption process
19-6525 Postponements
and Orders of the
Day
Agenda
Ready
11/13/2019 11/19/2019 Subject: Continue Item No. 15 Adoption of the 2019 California Energy and Green
Building Standards Codes with local amendments to a future meeting date and item will
be renoticed. These topics will be discussed in the study session.
19-6524 Public Hearings Postponed 11/13/2019 11/19/2019 Subject: Adoption of the 2019 California Energy and Green Building Standards Codes
with local amendments has been continued to a future meeting date and item will be
renoticed. These topics will be discussed in the study session.
19-6276 Study Session Conducted 10/3/2019 11/19/2019 Subject: Study session regarding policy options to reduce the use of natural gas and
increase electrification of Cupertino’s building stock via local amendments to the 2019
California Energy & Green Building Standards Codes (Reach Codes).
19-6507 Study Session Agenda
Ready
11/7/2019 11/12/2019 Subject: Study Session on the General Plan Annual Review/Implementation Plan and
consider General Plan Policies and Strategies that could benefit from clarification.
19-6404 Study Session Agenda
Ready
10/29/2019 11/12/2019 Subject: Study Session regarding amendments being proposed to City standards for
parkland dedication and fees (Chapter 13.08 - Park Land Dedication Fee, Chapter 14.05
- Park Maintenance Fee, and Chapter 18.24 - Dedications and Reservations) and the
2014 Certified General Plan Amendment, Housing Element Update, and Associated
Rezoning Draft EIR
19-6502 Postponements
and Orders of the
Day
Agenda
Ready
11/7/2019 11/14/2019 Subject: Study Session regarding the proposed policy document for the City of
Cupertino Ethics Protocol for Elected and Appointed Officials
19-6342 Study Session Agenda
Ready
10/15/2019 Subject: Study Session related to Bird-Safe Development policies and guidelines.
Application No(s): MCA-2019-004; Applicant(s): City of Cupertino; Location: citywide
19-6341 Study Session Agenda
Ready
10/15/2019 Subject: Study Session related to Dark Sky policies and/or standards. Application No(s):
MCA-2019-003; Applicant(s): City of Cupertino; Location: citywide
19-6300 Study Session Agenda
Ready
10/8/2019 Subject: Study Session on the General Plan Annual Review/Implementation Plan
19-6259 Study Session Postponed 9/30/2019 10/17/2019 Subject: Study Session and presentation of proposed Municipal Code Amendments to
Chapter 19 to incorporate "Bird Safe" policies or guidelines. Application No(s): MCA-
2019-00X; Applicant(s): City of Cupertino; Location: citywide
19-6258 Study Session Postponed 9/30/2019 10/17/2019 Subject: Study session related to Dark Sky policies and/or standards. Application No(s):
MCA-2019-003; Applicant(s): City of Cupertino; Location: citywide
19-6207 Study Session Continued 9/19/2019 10/1/2019 Subject: Study Session regarding status of the Objective Standards Update to General
Plan and Zoning Ordinance FY-2019-2020 Work Program Item (Application No.: CP-
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File #Type Status File Created Final Action Title
2019-03; Applicant: City of Cupertino; Location: City-wide), provide direction to staff
(continued from 9/18/19).
19-5995 Ordinances and
Action Items
Agenda
Ready
8/8/2019 9/18/2019 Subject: Study Session regarding status of the Objective Standards Update to General
Plan and Zoning Ordinance FY-2019-2020 Work Program Item (Application No.: CP-
2019-03; Applicant: City of Cupertino; Location: City-wide), provide direction to staff.
19-6143 Study Session Agenda
Ready
9/5/2019 9/10/2019 Subject: Study Session on the General Plan Annual Review/Implementation Plan
19-5231 Study Session Conducted 3/25/2019 9/3/2019 Subject: Study Session regarding Below Market Rate (BMR) Residential Housing
Mitigation and Commercial Linkage Fees for the Cupertino BMR Housing Program.
Application No(s).: CP-2019-01; Applicant(s): City of Cupertino; Location: Citywide
19-5822 Study Session Conducted 7/18/2019 8/20/2019 Subject: Study session to discuss how the 2016 Bicycle Transportation Plan and 2018
Pedestrian Transportation Plan Projects have been brought to Council for consideration,
how currently funded projects are being scheduled for completion, and
recommendation of project information and impacts staff is to consider and describe for
future funding requests
19-5820 Study Session Conducted 7/17/2019 8/6/2019 Subject: Study Session regarding Application and Review Procedures for Projects
Proposed Pursuant to Senate Bill 35. (Application No(s): CP-2019-04; Applicant(s): City
of Cupertino; Location: Citywide)
19-5701 Study Session Conducted 6/24/2019 8/6/2019 Subject: Study session regarding policy options to prevent youth access to tobacco
products, including flavored tobacco products, and to reduce the density of tobacco
retailers.
19-5838 Old Business Agenda
Ready
7/23/2019 7/30/2019 Subject: Study Session regarding Application and Review Procedures for Projects
Proposed Pursuant to Senate Bill 35. (Application No(s): CP-2019-04; Applicant(s): City
of Cupertino; Location: citywide) Continued from the July 23rd cancelled Planning
Commission meeting.
19-5692 Old Business Continued 6/20/2019 7/23/2019 Subject: Study Session regarding Application and Review Procedures for Projects
Proposed Pursuant to Senate Bill 35. (Application No(s): CP-2019-04; Applicant(s): City
of Cupertino; Location: citywide)
18-4769 Study Session Conducted 12/20/2018 7/16/2019 Subject: Study session regarding improving communications with and effectiveness of
advisory commissions and committees
19-5705 Study Session Conducted 6/24/2019 7/16/2019 Subject: Study session and demonstration regarding options for unofficial transcription
of City Council and commission/committee minutes
19-5639 Ceremonial Matters
& Presentations
Agenda
Ready
6/10/2019 7/16/2019 Subject: Study Session on Small Cell Facilities within the Public Right of Way
19-5731 Public Hearings Agenda
Ready
7/1/2019 7/9/2019 Subject: Study Session regarding status of Objective Standards Update to General Plan
and Zoning Ordinance. FY-2019-2020 Work Program Item (Application No.: CP-2019-03;
Applicant: City of Cupertino; Location: City-wide) Continuation of discussion from the
June 25, 2019 study session
19-5631 Study Session Agenda
Ready
6/5/2019 Subject: Study Session regarding status of Objective Standards Update to General Plan
and Zoning Ordinance. FY-2019-2020 Work Program Item (Application No.: CP-2019-03;
Applicant: City of Cupertino; Location: City-wide)
19-5580 Study Session Conducted 5/23/2019 6/18/2019 Subject: Study Session regarding Vallco Shopping District Special Area Initial General
Plan Amendments. Application No(s).:CP-2019-02; Apploicant(s): City of Cupertino;
Location: Vallco Shopping District Area
19-5402 Old Business Agenda
Ready
4/30/2019 5/14/2019 Subject: Study session to create a list of objective standards topics as suggested by the
Planning Commission and the public.
19-5464 Study Session Conducted 5/6/2019 5/13/2019 Subject: Study Session on the FY 2019 - 2024 Proposed Capital Improvement Program
with Funding Options
18-4307 Study Session Conducted 8/28/2018 5/13/2019 Subject: Study Session regarding the Proposed Fiscal Year 2019 - 2020 Budget
19-5154 Study Session Conducted 3/12/2019 5/7/2019 Subject: Study Session for an application by AT&T to locate a personal wireless service
facility consisting of 16 panel antennas mounted on an 80 foot tall treepole, a base
equipment station, and an emergency power generator at the Cupertino Sports Center
located at 21111 Stevens Creek Boulevard.
19-5047 Study Session Continued 2/21/2019 4/30/2019 Subject: Study Session on the FY 2019 - 2029 Proposed Capital Improvement Program
with Funding Options
19-5005 Study Session Conducted 2/12/2019 4/16/2019 Subject: Study Session regarding Economic Development Strategic Plan (EDSP) Review
and Implementation Action Items related to possible amendments to the Municipal
Code related to Mobile Vendors, allowing Incubator/Co-working uses in General
Commercial zoning districts, and an Innovation District Vision Plan in the Bubb Road
Special Area
19-4911 Study Session Conducted 1/23/2019 4/2/2019 Subject: Study Session regarding short-term rental (e.g. Airbnb) regulations
19-5261 Study Session Agenda
Ready
3/27/2019 4/2/2019 Subject: Presentation and study session on City’s updated financial forecast and capital
financing options.
19-5227 New Business Agenda
Ready
3/22/2019 Subject: Presentation and study session on City’s updated financial forecast and capital
financing options.
19-5004 Study Session Conducted 2/12/2019 2/19/2019 Subject: Study Session on new budget process
IMPORTANT NOTICE: Please be advised that pursuant to Cupertino Municipal Code 2.08.100 written communications sent to the Cupertino
City Council, Commissioners or City staff concerning a matter on the agenda are included as supplemental material to the agendized item. These
written communications are accessible to the public through the City's website and kept in packet archives. You are hereby admonished not to
include any personal or private information in written communications to the City that you do not wish to make public; doing so shall constitute
a waiver of any privacy rights you may have on the information provided to the City.
Search:study session 2020 All Types file # text attachments other info Advanced search >>>
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File #Type Status File Created Final Action Title
20-8307 Study
Session
Agenda
Ready
10/14/2020 12/1/2020 Subject: Study Session on Climate Action Plan 2.0 initial draft goals and vision statement
20-8179 Study
Session
Agenda
Ready
9/9/2020 10/6/2020 Subject: Study session to receive input on services to be provided in a new 10-year franchise
agreement
20-8046 Study
Session
Agenda
Ready
8/3/2020 9/22/2020 Subject: Study Session and presentation on the transition from Level of Service (LOS) to Vehicle
Miles Traveled (VMT) for determination of transportation impacts under CEQA, a change required
by Senate Bill (SB) 743.
20-7438 Study
Session
Conducted 8/10/2020 9/15/2020 Subject: Study Session on Proposed Revisions to the Permitting Guidelines for Small Cell Facilities
within the Public Right-of-Way
20-7898 Study
Session
Conducted 7/20/2020 9/15/2020 Subject: Study session regarding policy options to reduce secondhand smoke exposure in
Cupertino
20-7102 Study
Session
Conducted 2/23/2020 7/7/2020 Subject: Study Session regarding General Plan Amendment Authorization Procedure adopted by
the City Council in September 2015 by Resolution No. 15-078 (see Attachment A) (“GPA
Authorization Procedure”).
20-7716 Study
Session
Agenda
Ready
6/15/2020 6/23/2020 Subject: Study Session to provide an update on the Accessory Dwelling Unit implementation
19-6648 Study
Session
Agenda
Ready
11/25/2019 6/2/2020 Subject: Study Session on the Capital Improvement Program (CIP): Review of Funded FY19-20
Projects Recommended to Defer One-Year and Projects Proposed for FY20-21
20-7311 Study
Session
Conducted 4/13/2020 5/19/2020 Subject: Study Session regarding the Proposed Fiscal Year 2010 - 2021 Budget
19-5039 Study
Session
Agenda
Ready
2/20/2019 5/19/2020 Subject: Study Session regarding Plan Bay Area 2050 and Regional Housing Needs Allocations
(RHNA) (including impact of Jobs-Housing Balance and Jobs-Housing Fit to RHNA)
20-7092 Study
Session
Agenda
Ready
2/20/2020 5/5/2020 Subject: Study Session on Small Cell Facilities within the Public Right of Way
20-7093 Study
Session
Conducted 2/20/2020 4/7/2020 Subject: Joint study session with the City Council and Planning Commission on state housing law:
Housing Accountability Act, SB 330, and Density Bonus Law.
20-7127 Study
Session
Agenda
Ready
2/26/2020 3/10/2020 Subject: Study Session regarding common terms and documents related to the CEQA process
19-6304 Old
Business
Agenda
Ready
10/8/2019 1/28/2020 Subject: Study Session on the General Plan Annual Review/Implementation Plan and to consider
General Plan Policies and Strategies that could benefit from clarification.
19-6303 Old
Business
Agenda
Ready
10/8/2019 1/14/2020 Subject: Study Session on the General Plan Annual Review/Implementation Plan and consider
General Plan policies and strategies that could benefit from clarification
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IMPORTANT NOTICE: Please be advised that pursuant to Cupertino Municipal Code 2.08.100 written communications sent to the Cupertino
City Council, Commissioners or City staff concerning a matter on the agenda are included as supplemental material to the agendized item. These
written communications are accessible to the public through the City's website and kept in packet archives. You are hereby admonished not to
include any personal or private information in written communications to the City that you do not wish to make public; doing so shall constitute
a waiver of any privacy rights you may have on the information provided to the City.
Search:study session 2021 All Types file # text attachments other info Advanced search >>>
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File #Type Status File Created Final Action Title
21-10210 New
Business
Agenda
Ready
12/3/2021 Subject: Receive Budget Format Review and Opengov Study Session
21-10084 New
Business
Agenda
Ready
10/29/2021 Subject: Budget Form Review and OpenGov Study Session
21-9873 New
Business
Agenda
Ready
9/15/2021 Subject: Budget Format Review Summary and OpenGov Study Session
21-9544 Study
Session
Agenda
Ready
6/25/2021 9/21/2021 Subject: Study Session to provide an update on the Pre-Approved Accessory Dwelling Unit
Program and Accessory Dwelling Unit implementation
21-9761 Study
Session
Agenda
Ready
8/19/2021 Subject: Study Session to provide an update on the Pre-Approved Accessory Dwelling Unit
Program and Accessory Dwelling Unit implementation.
21-9382 Study
Session
Agenda
Ready
5/19/2021 6/4/2021 Subject: Study Session II on Fiscal Year (FY) 21-22 Proposed Budget
21-9142 Study
Session
Agenda
Ready
4/19/2021 5/18/2021 Subject: Initial Study Session on Fiscal Year (FY) 21-22 Proposed Budget.
21-9233 Study
Session
Agenda
Ready
5/5/2021 5/11/2021 Subject: Special joint study session meeting with City Council, Planning Commission, and Housing
Commission on the Housing Element update.
21-9033 Study
Session
Agenda
Ready
3/16/2021 5/4/2021 Subject: Study Session on the Capital Improvement Programs (CIP): Review of Projects Proposed
for Fiscal Year (FY) 21/22.
21-9144 Study
Session
Agenda
Ready
4/19/2021 4/27/2021 Subject: Special joint study session meeting with City Council, Planning Commission, and Housing
Commission on the Housing Element update.
21-8728 Study
Session
Agenda
Ready
1/21/2021 4/20/2021 Subject: Study Session on the City of Cupertino's Permitting Guidelines for Small Cell Facilities
within the Public Right-of-Way.
21-8747 Study
Session
Agenda
Ready
1/27/2021 2/16/2021 Subject: Study Session to compare standards for mixed-use developments and high density
residential guidelines with other cities.
20-6960 Study
Session
Agenda
Ready
1/29/2020 1/26/2021 Subject: Study Session to compare standards for mixed-use developments and high density
residential guidelines with other cities
20-8322 Study
Session
Agenda
Ready
10/21/2020 1/19/2021 Subject: Study Session on Lehigh Southwest Cement Company/Permanente Quarry and Stevens
Creek Quarry regarding Reclamation Plan Amendment and Use Permit Applications to County of
Santa Clara.
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IMPORTANT NOTICE: Please be advised that pursuant to Cupertino Municipal Code 2.08.100 written communications sent to the Cupertino
City Council, Commissioners or City staff concerning a matter on the agenda are included as supplemental material to the agendized item. These
written communications are accessible to the public through the City's website and kept in packet archives. You are hereby admonished not to
include any personal or private information in written communications to the City that you do not wish to make public; doing so shall constitute
a waiver of any privacy rights you may have on the information provided to the City.
Search:study session 2022 All Types file # text attachments other info Advanced search >>>
Search Legislation Help
File #Type Status File Created Final Action Title
22-11369 Study
Session
Agenda
Ready
8/16/2022 9/20/2022 Subject: Study Session to consider potential Municipal Code Amendments to allow properties in
Single Family Residential Districts to subdivide properties into two and/or develop properties with
up to two units ministerially pursuant to CA Senate Bill 9
22-10837 Study
Session
Conducted 4/27/2022 6/21/2022 Subject: Public Review Draft Climate Action Plan 2.0 Study Session
22-10947 Study
Session
Agenda
Ready
5/12/2022 6/7/2022 Subject: Study Session and Consideration of Design Professional Services Agreement between
the City of Cupertino and Dialog Design LLP for the City Hall Annex at 10455 Torre Ave
22-10973 Study
Session
Agenda
Ready
5/18/2022 Subject: The fourth study session on the Housing Element Update focusing on the establishment
of a housing sites selection inventory and strategies to promote the development of new
housing.
22-10963 Study
Session
Conducted 5/18/2022 5/19/2022 Subject: Initial Study Session on Fiscal Year (FY) 2022-23 Proposed Budget (Continued from May
17, 2022)
22-10945 Study
Session
Agenda
Ready
5/11/2022 5/17/2022 Subject: Consider a Study Session on the Capital Improvements Program (CIP,) including review
of the five-year CIP (Fiscal Year (FY) 22-27) and new proposed projects for FY 22-23; Consider
the supplemental information for Capital Improvements Program (CIP) Study Session (Continued
from May 3, 2022)
22-10458 Study
Session
Continued 2/7/2022 5/17/2022 Subject: Initial Study Session on Fiscal Year (FY) 2022-23 Proposed Budget
22-10583 Study
Session
Agenda
Ready
3/8/2022 5/3/2022 Subject: Consider a Study Session on the Capital Improvements Program (CIP,) including review
of the five-year CIP (Fiscal Year (FY) 22-27) and new proposed projects for FY 22-23
22-10725 New
Business
Agenda
Ready
4/7/2022 Subject: Third study session on the Housing Element update focusing on the establishment of a
housing sites selection inventory and strategies to promote the development of new housing.
21-10165 Study
Session
Conducted 11/17/2021 3/1/2022 Subject: Consider a Study Session on the proposed ordinance language and phasing for a Single-
Use Plastics Ordinance
22-10474 Study
Session
Agenda
Ready
2/8/2022 Subject: Housing Element Update study session focusing on the establishment of a housing sites
inventory (Continued from January 25th Planning Commission meeting)
22-10325 Study
Session
Agenda
Ready
1/5/2022 2/1/2022 Subject: Study session to discuss the awarded PDA Planning Grant funds from the Association of
Bay Area Governments/Metropolitan Transportation Commission (ABAG/MTC) for the Heart of the
City Specific Plan Update in conjunction with the Housing Element Update
21-10292 Study
Session
Agenda
Ready
12/15/2021 Subject: Housing Element Update study session focusing on the establishment of a housing sites
inventory
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From:Lisa Warren
To:City Clerk
Cc:City Council
Subject:Comment for January 25 2025 Special Meeting of City Council -- Need Definition/Glossary included in City Council
Procedure Manual
Date:Tuesday, January 24, 2023 9:46:35 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you
recognize the sender and know the content is safe.
City Clerk's office,
Please include this communication in items submitted for January 25, 2023
Special City Council Meeting related to Item 1 of the continued Study
Session from January 17, 2023
Previously sent this email to City Manager and City Attorney.
I have now included City Council here.
Thank you.
Lisa Warren
----- Forwarded Message -----
From: Lisa Warren <la-warren@att.net>
To: Pamela Wu <pamelaw@cupertino.org>; Christopher Jensen <chrisj@cupertino.org>
Sent: Tuesday, January 24, 2023 at 06:42:30 PM PST
Subject: Need Definition/Glossary included in City Council Procedure Manual
City Manager Wu and City Attorney Jensen,
It has become clear to me that a document being designed to be a Manual for City
Council Procedures, should include a Glossary of Terms to define things clearly.
In the effort to be as transparent as possible, there should be a consistency of
currently understood descriptions/definitions and those moving forward. In other
words, do not change the definition of a term that the city and it's residents are
already familiar with, and understand. However, DO define repeatedly used terms,
along with any new terms that warrant definition.
For starters only, a newly adopted Manual should define 'Types (categories)' that
agenda Items are listed under.
The meeting type (ex. Regular vs. Special) can be defined also (and is already
defined somewhere in city docs), but it is the 'Type' of item that is really important in
this moment.
Examples of 'Type' of item currently labeled in published, official, Agendas:
Ceremonial Matters & Presentations
Reports by Council and Staff
Consent
Public Hearings
Study Session
Ordinance and Action Items
Second Reading of Ordinances
Closed Session
Open Session
'Other' - include any 'type' used, but not listed above
Please consider the following info as example only. Also realize that this
would be much easier to explain in a spoken conversation than an email
message. I am trying to illstrate why defining terms in a glossary is well
worth considering.
There was a recent response by Staff to a resident's email that was confusing and
contextually incorrect, as terms were not used accurately. Special Session and Study
Session are not interchangeable. Special Session is not currently a term that is
publicly used. The two terms Special Meeting and Study Session refer to different
things and accurate definitions should be included in any City Council Procedural
Manual along with other 'terms' used in the current draft manual.
It is likely that email messages/replies, public comments, staff reports, etc.
periodically have glitches using close, but not correct, terminology. It can happen from
any angle. It becomes a problem when it is not corrected, especially when errors are
public record.
[ Special Meeting and Regular Meeting are Meeting types while Study Session is a Item type)
within a meeting ]
This is my summary of what a correction would have been in the instance I am
referring to. I am open to correcting it if appropriate.
Both Aug 29 and Aug 30 "Special Meetings" were scheduled during Aug 16 mtg.
when it was decided to 'continue' Aug 16 Regular Meeting Item #24 so there
would be proper time to discuss HE sites, and address a time crunch to do so.
Item #24 of Aug 16 Regular Meeting was under the 'Type' Ordinances and
Action Items, so the continued item was correctly noticed and listed on the Aug
29 and 30 Special Meetings agendas under the same 'type'. The Items were
under the heading type "Ordinances and Action Items" NOT 'Study
Session'
The minutes for August 16, 2022 CC Regular meeting include this :
"Council unanimously consented to continue this item (#24) to a Special
City Council Meeting on August 29, 2022 and August 30, 2022, as
necessary."
I truly hope that council/staff can agree that as a manual is being created,
it must include complete and correct definitions for the 'Types' of agenda
'Items' as well as other terminology that is key to the document.
Thank you.
Lisa Warren
PS: A Study Session on Cupertino meeting agendas has been, and understood to
be, for presentations, discussions, clarifying questions, suggestions, and more casual
'collaboration'. NOT for ultimate decision making/voting.
From:Peggy Griffin
To:City Council
Cc:City Clerk
Subject:2023-01-25 City Council Agenda Item1 - Council Procedures Manual
Date:Wednesday, January 25, 2023 11:35:44 AM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you
recognize the sender and know the content is safe.
Dear Mayor Wei, Vice Mayor Mohan and Councilmembers,
I’ve sent many emails regarding my concerns on specific sections of this City Council Procedures
Manual. I do believe establishing rules in writing is a good thing if they do not hinder a person’s
rights or the ability of both the government and the people to have a transparent exchange of
information.
In response to this DRAFT2 of the manual, PLEASE make these key changes (NOTE sections refer to
the DRAFT2, not the clean version):
1. DO NOT adopt this procedure manual at today’s Study Session! Direct staff to make
whatever changes and have it presented to the public at a regularly scheduled City Council
meeting. This was the Jan. 17, 2023 motion you all voted on. Passing it today, at a Study
Session, will add to the mistrust that I building.
2. SECTION 4.4 Appointment – Last sentence – Leave the wording as “Former Councilmembers
are not eligible for appointment…”.
a. The proposed change to “serving on” is a direct attempt to remove Commissioner
Scharf from the Planning Commission in order to pack the commission. The
combination of this action with the purging of the Environmental Review Committee
and the Design Review Committee into the Planning Commission is a move to prepare
the Planning Commission to make the desired decisions on some upcoming projects.
The optics do not look well!
b. Also, new Councils have always allowed commissioners to serve out their terms! Don’t
change that!
3. SECTION 6.6 – Councilmember Access to Information – Do a compromise-REWORD IT!
DELETE the last sentence restricting a councilmembers ability to do a Public Records Act
request. If a councilmember feels they need to do this, something is wrong with the system.
SUGGESTED REWORDING OF LAST SENTENCE:
a. “If a councilmember feels they are not being given the requested information in a
timely manner, before resorting to a Public Records Act request, they should meet with
the Mayor, City Manager and City Attorney to discuss the situation.”
b. This allows the staff to address the problem first BUT also does not restrict the
councilmembers ability under the California Constitution.
c. This is a compromise!
4. SECTION 7.1 Future Agenda Items – DELETE the last sentence allowing a majority of
Councilmembers to remove future agenda items.
a. Compromise! Reword it to allow whoever put the item on the agenda to remove it if
it’s no longer needed.
5. SECTION 8.4 Order of Business –
a. DEFINE what goes in the different sections by adding a Glossary. Particularly, define
what’s in the following sections:
i. CONSENT CALENDAR
ii. PUBLIC HEARINGS
iii. ACTION CALENDAR
b. DEFINE what can and can’t be done in a STUDY SESSION.
c. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS – change the sentence below the list of items to say
“Additional speakers… WILL (not may) be given time…at the end of the agenda.”
i. You want people to participate. If they take the time to attend to speak, let
them speak!
6. SECTION 8.5 Consent Calendar – Define exactly what can be placed under Consent.
7. SECTION 8.5.1 Adding Item to Consent Calendar – DELETE the 2nd sentence that allows “any
item to be placed on the Consent Calendar” during the meeting.
a. This is asking for trouble if the public has gone out of their way to attend a meeting to
speak on that item and it then suddenly, they no longer can have that item discussed in
public – it is restricting information.
8. SECTION 8.5.2 Removing Item from Consent Calendar – DELETE this section. If the use of
Consent Calendar is not abused, this normally is not a problem. Packing an agenda then
stuffing all the items under Consent IS a problem so the combination of defining what can and
cannot be placed under Consent will help reduce the need to pull items.
a. Compromise! IF you absolutely need to restrict this, allow BOTH the Public and
Councilmembers the ability to pull in advance of the meeting BUT also allow
Councilmembers to pull any item during the meeting.
9. SECTION 8.6 Public Comment – Allow any number of people to combine their time up to a
maximum of 10 minutes. Define how it’s done for 2 people, 3 people, 4 people, 5 people up
to 10 minutes.
a. This allows people who do not speak in public or are not fluent the opportunity to
express their opinions.
We’ve heard the Council will strive to “work together”. Prove it! These rules apply to everyone.
Please make it fair for everyone!
Sincerely,
Peggy Griffin
From:Donna austin
To:City Clerk; Hung Wei; Sheila Mohan
Subject:Item 1 on the agenda, Procedures Manuel
Date:Wednesday, January 25, 2023 3:11:33 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you
recognize the sender and know the content is safe.
From: Donna austin <primadona1@comcast.net>
Date: January 25, 2023 at 3:02:36 PM PST
To: Donna <primadona1@comcast.net>
Subject: Procedures Manuel
To Mayor Hung Wei, Vice Mayor Sheila Mohan the city council:
The procedures Manuel in the agenda for tonight city council meeting is extremely important
to promote efficient and transparent meetings
I've read the Manuel and changes that promote transparency and open and efficient
government. These changes are proposed from the grand jury and the audit committee and I
support them.
There has always been a consent calendar with items thoroughly studied and discussed
before. I believe no items are slipped in that are new and important! Better Cupertino has used
the method of calling for public records and discussing an item over and over to hinder getting
the job done.
.Our housing element that the state required didn't get done with all the plethora of record
requests and more public input over the same issues.
This new public Manuel will regulate procedures and make meetings more efficient. A San
Jose Mercury News article said Cupertino was the WORST run city. Let's get to BEST. the
procedure Manuel and the revisions are paramount to good governing. I encourage our city
council to vote for efficiency!
Donna Austin
Primadona1@comcast. net
408 499 9031
22283 N DeAnza Circle
Cupertino, CA 95014
Sent from my iPhone
From:Liang Chao
To:City Clerk
Subject:Fw: Mayor"s budget and initiative
Date:Wednesday, January 25, 2023 3:02:18 PM
Please enter this into the written communication of the 1/25 council meeting for agenda 1.
Liang Chao
Vice Mayor
City Council
LiangChao@cupertino.org
408-777-3192
From: Liang Chao <LiangChao@cupertino.org>
Sent: Wednesday, January 25, 2023 3:01 PM
To: Pamela Wu <PamelaW@cupertino.org>; Christopher Jensen <ChristopherJ@cupertino.org>
Cc: Debra Nascimento <DebraN@cupertino.org>
Subject: Re: Mayor's budget and initiative
But the adopted resolution did not address these questions I have.... that is why I am asking
these questions.
Liang Chao
Vice Mayor
City Council
LiangChao@cupertino.org
408-777-3192
From: Pamela Wu <PamelaW@cupertino.org>
Sent: Wednesday, January 25, 2023 1:42 PM
To: Liang Chao <LiangChao@cupertino.org>; Christopher Jensen <ChristopherJ@cupertino.org>
Cc: Debra Nascimento <DebraN@cupertino.org>
Subject: RE: Mayor's budget and initiative
Thank you for the clarification. Going forward, staff’s recommendation on Mayor’s fund utilization is
to follow the steps laid out in the adopted resolution.
Pamela
Pamela Wu
City Manager
City Manager's Office
PamelaW@cupertino.org
(408)777-1322
From: Liang Chao <LiangChao@cupertino.org>
Sent: Wednesday, January 25, 2023 11:54 AM
To: Pamela Wu <PamelaW@cupertino.org>; Christopher Jensen <ChristopherJ@cupertino.org>
Cc: Debra Nascimento <DebraN@cupertino.org>
Subject: Re: Mayor's budget and initiative
No.
My concerns have to do with how the Mayor will direct the staff this year in 2023 and going forward.
Please clarify.
Thanks.
Liang Chao
Council Member
City Council
LiangChao@cupertino.org
408-777-3192
From: Pamela Wu <PamelaW@cupertino.org>
Sent: Wednesday, January 25, 2023 8:25 AM
To: Liang Chao <LiangChao@cupertino.org>; Christopher Jensen <ChristopherJ@cupertino.org>
Cc: Debra Nascimento <DebraN@cupertino.org>
Subject: RE: Mayor's budget and initiative
Councilmember Chao, as much as I appreciate your effort to provide a more specific approach to
your questions below, your concerns are largely related to the Lawrence-Mitty event which I was not
part of.
Pamela
Pamela Wu
City Manager
City Manager's Office
PamelaW@cupertino.org
(408)777-1322
From: Liang Chao <LiangChao@cupertino.org>
Sent: Tuesday, January 24, 2023 7:17 PM
To: Pamela Wu <PamelaW@cupertino.org>; Christopher Jensen <ChristopherJ@cupertino.org>
Cc: Debra Nascimento <DebraN@cupertino.org>
Subject: Re: Mayor's budget and initiative
But I need answers on most of the questions.
Let me reframe my question without referring to Lawrence-Mitty Park.
Question 1: Is it the operational duty of the city staff to conduct the opening ceremony of a
city park?
Question 2: If the Mayor used the Mayor initiative fund for an event, does the Mayor have the
authority to direct city staff in exercising his right to utilize the Mayor's fund?
Question 3: The Mayor has no more authority to direct the city staff than any individual
council member. But the Mayor is allocated the Mayor's fund. Are we expecting the Mayor to
utilize zero city staff time when utilizing the Mayor's fund?
Question 4: Some of Mayor's Initiatives might take little staff time or might already coincide
with city operation and can be supported as a part of the city operation. Some of Mayor's
initiative might take more significant staff time. Where such line should be drawn or who draw
such a line? The Council or the City Manager?
I am truly confused with this issue and really need some clarification.
Thanks!
Liang Chao
Council Member
City Council
LiangChao@cupertino.org
408-777-3192
From: Pamela Wu <PamelaW@cupertino.org>
Sent: Saturday, January 21, 2023 11:43 AM
To: Liang Chao <LiangChao@cupertino.org>; Christopher Jensen <ChristopherJ@cupertino.org>
Cc: Debra Nascimento <DebraN@cupertino.org>
Subject: RE: Mayor's budget and initiative
Councilmember Chao, I am sorry that I will not be able to provide a response to most of your
questions below as I was not involved with the Lawrence-Mitty ribbon cutting event. However,
there is adopted policy governing how Mayor’s fund should have been utilized that is included in the
proposed Council policy. I believe the adopted policy can clarify some of your questions. For easier
access, please see the resolution attached.
Pamela
Pamela Wu
City Manager
City Manager's Office
PamelaW@cupertino.org
(408)777-1322
From: Liang Chao <LiangChao@cupertino.org>
Sent: Wednesday, January 18, 2023 2:20 PM
To: Pamela Wu <PamelaW@cupertino.org>; Christopher Jensen <ChristopherJ@cupertino.org>
Subject: Mayor's budget and initiative
I would like some clarification on the Mayor's authority to direct staff in relation to so-called
"Mayor's Initiative".
The Civil Grand Jury report on Cupertino somehow indicated that the former Mayor directed
staff to help organize the opening ceremony of the Mitty-Lawrence Park. I was quite surprised.
The development of the Mitty-Lawrence Park is on our work program, which the entire
Council approved.
Question 1: Is it the operational duty of the city staff to conduct the opening ceremony of a
city park? Why does the city staff could even reject the Mayor's request to help organize the
opening ceremony?
Question 2: I suppose the Mayor used his Mayor initiative fund for the opening ceremony of
Mitty-Lawrence Park. If that is the case, does the Mayor have the authority to direct city staff
in exercising his right to utilize the Mayor's fund?
Question 3: The Mayor has no more authority to direct the city staff than any individual
council member. But the Mayor is allocated the Mayor's fund. Are we expecting the Mayor to
utilize zero city staff time when utilizing the Mayor's fund?
Question 4: Some of Mayor's Initiatives might take little staff time or might already coincide
with city operation and can be supported as a part of the city operation. Some of Mayor's
initiative might take more significant staff time. Where such line should be drawn or who draw
such a line? The Council or the City Manager?
I am truly confused with this issue and really need some clarification.
Thanks!
Liang
Liang Chao
Vice Mayor
City Council
LiangChao@cupertino.org
408-777-3192
From:Tessa Parish
To:Christopher Jensen; City Clerk; Pamela Wu; City Council
Subject:Addition to comments
Date:Wednesday, January 25, 2023 2:55:21 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you
recognize the sender and know the content is safe.
if the council does decide to pass the item about former council members, not serving please
specify that it does not affect sitting commissioners in the resolution for clarity--
Tessa Parish
DRE#01158499
RHM Realty
www.ParishRealEstateGroup.com
408.396.8377
From:Liang Chao
To:City Clerk
Subject:Fwd: Do not circumvent CMC 12.7 (free access to information) and the Brown Act (sunshine law)
Date:Wednesday, January 25, 2023 2:35:10 PM
Please enter this as a written communication for the 1/25 council meeting for agenda item 1.
Thanks!
Liang Chao
Council Member
City Council
LiangChao@cupertino.org
408-777-3192
From: Liang Chao <LiangChao@cupertino.org>
Sent: Wednesday, January 18, 2023 1:16 PM
To: Pamela Wu <PamelaW@cupertino.org>; Christopher Jensen
<ChristopherJ@cupertino.org>
Subject: Do not circumvent CMC 12.7 (free access to information) and the Brown Act
(sunshine law)
(Fixed some typo and added link from a previous email titled "Do no circumvent CMC 12.7")
If any city staff does not understand why the City Councilmembers need free access to
information in order to perform their duties, I would encourage the City Manager to refer
them to CMC 12.7:
CMC 12.7.020
"The intent of this chapter is to address and clarify the relationship between the
City Council, individual Council members, and city staff by:
A. Maintaining control and direction of the City by the City Council as a
whole;
B. Insuring that City Council members have free access to the flow of any
information relative to the operation of the City and insuring that such information is
communicated by staff in full and with candor to the Council;
C. Ensuring that the Council decision making process benefits from the
unencumbered input and advice from the professional staff free from undue
influence in staff decision making, formation of staff recommendations,
scheduling of work, and executing department priorities without intervention by
individual Council members;
D. Allowing city staff to execute priorities given by management and the City
Council and protecting city staff from undue influence from individual Council
members." (CMC 12.7.020)
CMC 12.7 clarifies the access to information by individual Councilmembers as well as the City
Council.
CMC 12.7.034 Information
“Individual Council members as well as the City Council as a whole, have
complete freedom of access to any information requested of staff (except
information which is otherwise protected by law from disclosure) and will
receive the full cooperation and candor of City staff in being provided with any
requested information”
CMC 12.7 also states what happens when the information requested might impact the
workload in city operations:
CMC 2.17.043 Timely Response.
“City staff will make every effort to respond in a timely and professional manner
to all requests made by individual council members for information or assistance,
provided that, in the judgment of the City Manager, the request is not of a
magnitude either in terms of work load or policy, which would require that it
more appropriately be assigned to staff through the collective direction of the
City Council. “ (CMC 12.7)
It is important that the Council Procedures do not circumvent the established Cupertino
Municipal Code (CMC). Rather the Council Procedures could provide more details on how to
implement the code. For example,
Suggestion: City Manager put requests which require significant workload on
Council agenda so the entire Council can decide with public input
This method complies with the current CMC 12.7 and complies with the intent of the section
"Maintaining control and direction of the City by the City Council as a whole" and "Insuring that City
Council members have free access to the flow of any information".
This statement in the proposed Council Procedures Manual "No Councilmember shall circumvent
the City Manager’s direction regarding a request for information by seeking information through a
Public Records Act request" gives the impression that the City Manager has the authority in
deciding what information the City Council has access to. That conflicts with the intent clearly
stated in CMC 12.7.
That statement above is also in conflict with the intent stated in the California Brown Act, the well-
known open meeting or sunshine law:
Government Code 54950
"The people of this State do not yield their sovereignty to the agencies
which serve them. The people, in delegating authority, do not give
their public servants the right to decide what is good for the
people to know and what is not good for them to know. The people
insist on remaining informed so that they may retain control over the
instruments they have created."
Similarly, the Council (elected by the people), in delegating authority to the City
Manager, do not give their public servants the right to decide what is good for
the people to know and what is not good for them to know.
I hope that Cupertino does not create a precedence in violating the public trust.
Thank you.
Liang
Liang Chao
Vice Mayor
City Council
LiangChao@cupertino.org
408-777-3192
From:Lisa Warren
To:City Clerk; City Council
Subject:Comments for Item 1 of CC Special Meeting Jan 25, 2023 ATTACHED
Date:Wednesday, January 25, 2023 2:31:18 PM
Attachments:Lisa COMMENTS for CC spcl mtg Jan 25 2023 Item 1 CC Procedure Manual.docx
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Please see attached document for my comments on this item
Lisa Warren
Section Edit / Comment
Reason
1.0 Introduction
Support Council Member Chao’s
suggestion to add a section :
“Principle. The City Council maintains
control as the governing body. This
manual ensures free and fair access to
the flow of any information relative to
the operation of the City and free and
fair access to public meetings.”
2.1 Selection of Mayor
and Vice Mayor
Consider deleting the sentence:
“The Mayor and Vice Mayor shall not
serve consecutive terms; provided,
however, this provision shall not
prevent the Vice Mayor from
succeeding the office of Mayor”
2.2 Removal of Mayor or Vice
Mayor
Support Chao and Mohan to add to
section.
“Removal for cause shall mean
removal of a Councilmember because
of such member’s (a) willful and
continued failure substantially to
perform their duties, (b) conviction
for, or guilty plea to, a felony or a
crime involving moral turpitude, or (c)
abuse of illegal drugs or other
controlled substances or habitual
intoxication. The removal should
proceed with a formal warning, which
states with proven evidence of the
member’s failure to perform their
duties and proposed corrective
measures.”
ALSO
ADD language to clarity that if Mayor
or Vice Mayor is removed from
‘office’, they will remain on City
Council.
At least provides some definition to
‘cause’ for removal.
Clarification that elected council
members will remail on City
Council was verbalized and needs
to be included in this manual.
3.1 Appointment
Support Moore’s revision.
“The Mayor shall appoint
Councilmembers to standing
committees and all Councilmembers
may nominate any Councilmember to
ad hoc committees and
subcommittees established by the City
Council, with consideration of
Councilmember preference, equitable
distribution, seniority, experience, and
benefit to the committee, subject to
ratification by the Council at its next
regular meeting. It will be the
responsibility of the committees and
subcommittees to inform and submit
recommendations to the Council.”
The community will be better
served with this language
4.2 Attendance at Council
Meetings (commissions and
committees)
Support Moore’s revision.
“At least one commission member,
preferably the Chair or Vice Chair,
must attend City Council meetings
when the commission has an item of
interest on the Council agenda, so as
to be available to answer Council
questions.”
Fellow commission/committee
members have chosen these
members to represent them.
4.4 Appointment (commissions
and committees)
DELETE last sentence.
“Former Councilmembers are not
eligible for appointment to any
commission or committee within four
years of having served on the City
Council.”
IF not deleted – then
Do NOT change draft language in the
sentence from ‘for appointment to’ to
‘service on’.
Also -
SUPPORT Moore’s revision to add to
the 4.4 (continued on next page)
The existence of the drafted
sentence is inappropriate for
numerous reasons.
The public has named some
already.
It is way out of line to eliminate
the ability of any interested and
engaged resident to be forbidden
from applying for, or serving on a
commission or committee, or to
be unjustly removed from a
commission or committee that
they are currently serving on.
“Commissioners and committee
members shall not be employees of
the City or companies which the City
contracts with, or employees of
subcontracted companies.”
AND would revise ‘employees’ to read
‘employees, principles and board
members’.
Opening for ‘undue influence’ from
‘outside interest’.
‘Ex Parte’ issues.
4.6 Undue Influence on
Commissioners.
At a minimum, SUPPORT Moore’s
input to DELETE the last sentence.
“Individual Councilmembers and
commissioners shall have the right to
attend meetings of commissions and
other Cupertino governmental bodies
but shall refrain from speaking or
becoming involved in deliberations.”
No one should be required to
refraining from speaking or
becoming involved. Full
transparency of what capacity a
person is speaking as should be
expected.
Freedom of speech.
5.1 Attendance
Add to second sentence to include ‘on
time’.
“Councilmembers shall make a good
faith effort to attend, on time, all such
meetings.”
Consider Support of Moore’s revision
to add : “Council attendance will be
noted in the agenda of the next
regular meeting and thereafter for
that calendar year, if three or more
meetings are missed.”
5.2 Correspondence
Support Moore’s revision to add
“Official correspondence from any
member of Council shall be provided
to all members of Council.”
Need for transparency and
inclusion.
5.4 Response to Public
Question: How does the public follow
up on their own behalf ?
This is important to answer.
5.7 Council Training
Agree with Fruen’s comment which is
already addressed in Staff
Recommendation.
6.4 Individual Councilmembers
Influence on Staff Decisions
Prohibited.
Revise to ADD language that indicates
Staff be required to report violations
6.6 Councilmember Access to
Information.
Support Moore’s revision to delete
“No Councilmember shall circumvent
the City Manager’s direction regarding
a request for information by seeking
information through a Public Records
Act request.”
Do NOT support Wei’s revision
Restricts rights.
7.1 Future Agenda Items
Support Multiple Councilmembers
(Moore, Mohan) Revision to Delete.
“Any item may be removed for the
future agenda items list by a majority
vote of the City Council.”
7.4 Staff Reports
Correct numbering of list
and
Add item to list: “History and
Background (if applicable)
7.6 Supplemental Materials Is there a need to add timing for
Special Meetings that can be
scheduled for any day of the week?
ALSO Support Chao’s comment to add
paragraph
“Questions and all staff‐prepared
responses will be forwarded to all
Councilmembers as well as put up on
the special web page created for
public review of Council agenda
questions and staff responses. Staff
will include the name of the (cont)
Councilmember posing the questions
in the ‘subject’ field of the e‐mail
response. Written copies of all
Councilmember agenda questions and
staff responses will be at Council
places at the meeting; additionally
copies will be made available in the
Council Chambers for members of the
public.”
8.5.1 (now 8.4.1) Consent
Calendar
Do NOT agree with last sentence.
“Items may be removed from the
consent calendar only by a member of
the City Council. “
Adopt Moore’s revision, and if not,
then Adopt Wei’s comment
Suppressing public comment.
Does not fall under title of Adding
Ran out of time…
AGENDA item 2
To: 'City Council' <CityC...@cupertino.org>
Cc: 'City Clerk' <City...@cupertino.org>
Subject: 2023-01-25 City Council Study Session Item2 - Consolidation/elimination of Commissions and
Committees
Please include this email and the corresponding attachment as part of Written Communication for the 1 -
25-2023 City Council Study Session, Agenda Item #2 Consolidation/elimination of
commissions/committees.
Dear City Council and Staff,
I understand the desire to reduce the amount of staff time needed to support Commissions and
Committees but I think there must be a sweet spot where you can accomplish this without losing much
needed functionality.
In reading the 1-17-2023 Staff Report and the 1-25-2023 Supplemental Staff Report, I had trouble
visualizing exactly what was being done so I, with the help of a friend, created the attached document that
summarizes what the Staff Report says using lists.
In doing so, I am concerned about the following:
1. All sub-committees – agree, delete them all. The 7 that are no longer active have completed
their tasks and done a wonderful job! The others can be absorbed by various departments.
2. Environmental Review Committee – This committee has a critical job to protect the current and
future people who live and work in Cupertino by reviewing all discretionary projects (that aren’t
exempt) for evaluation under CEQA. The members of this committee were actually trained so
they were familiar with the issues.
1. As more commercial sites get converted or add residential they need to be evaluated to
insure the health and safety of future residents are adequately protected. This applies to
old gas station sites, old dry cleaner sites and sites nearby them.
2. Environmental reviews can take time and they should not be stuffed into a packed
agenda that encourages the items to be passed “on consent” or rushed! They need to be
reviewed thoroughly by committee members that are familiar with the material, who have
other items on the agenda to focus on.
3. If it takes 80 hours annually so be it, if it will protect the current and future health and
safety of construction workers and members of the public. It also protects the city against
future lawsuits from health issues that arise due to exposure to contaminants.
4. REQUEST: Keep the Environmental Review Committee and make sure the new
members are trained regarding CEQA.
3. Design Review Committee - The Staff Report is misleading. On page 1 in the bulleted list, it
says the Planning Commission will include “functions that were previously designated for Design
Review Committee and Environmental Review Committee” but then on Page 5 Paragraph 2 it
says “…assigned to the Planning Commission or to Council as appropriate.”
1. Which is it? What exact functions fall under the Planning Commission and which fall
under the Council?
2. This is vague and makes it sound like it can be arbitrarily “adjusted” to one or the other
based on a desired vote.
3. The functions of commissions need to be clear – not wishy washy.
4. REQUEST: If you’re going to consolidate the DRC, give all the functionality to the
Planning Commission.
4. Legislative Review Committee – It uses 400 hours of staff time annually. This is critical
work. The city needs to keep up with the continually changing laws and proposed laws impacting
our city and its residents/businesses. The city needs to be pro-active and the way to do that is to
have a committee focused on just this! Cupertino needs to actively stay engaged.
1. The 1-17-2023 Staff Report (page 5, paragraph 2) says it’s functionality “…would be
addressed by the Council as necessary” BUT the Council is trying to reduce it’s
hours. It’s priority is not this!
2. The “as necessary” will default to nothing being done.
3. REQUEST: Keep the Legislative Review Committee.
5. Economic Development Committee – The 1-17-2023 Staff Report says it will be assigned to
Council “as necessary”. The reason this is a codified committee is because for YEARS its
meetings were going on without a lot of public visibility. It was a privileged meeting between city
staff and the Chamber. They were given information before the public had access to it!
1. Please do not go back to this less than transparent way of handling these meetings.
2. REQUEST: Keep the Economic Development Committee. If you don’t, have the
meetings be part of a REGULAR city council meeting so it’s available to the public.
From:Peggy Griffin
To:City Council
Cc:City Clerk
Subject:REVISED...2023-01-25 City Council Agenda Item1 - Council Procedures Manual
Date:Wednesday, January 25, 2023 2:12:10 PM
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recognize the sender and know the content is safe.
REVISED TO ADD: Removal of limit on the public to a max of 10 minutes total.
Dear Mayor Wei, Vice Mayor Mohan and Councilmembers,
I’ve sent many emails regarding my concerns on specific sections of this City Council Procedures
Manual. I do believe establishing rules in writing is a good thing if they do not hinder a person’s
rights or the ability of both the government and the people to have a transparent exchange of
information.
In response to this DRAFT2 of the manual, PLEASE make these key changes (NOTE sections refer to
the DRAFT2, not the clean version):
1. DO NOT adopt this procedure manual at today’s Study Session! Direct staff to make
whatever changes and have it presented to the public at a regularly scheduled City Council
meeting. This was the Jan. 17, 2023 motion you all voted on. Passing it today, at a Study
Session, will add to the mistrust that I building.
2. SECTION 4.4 Appointment – Last sentence – Leave the wording as “Former Councilmembers
are not eligible for appointment…”.
a. The proposed change to “serving on” is a direct attempt to remove Commissioner
Scharf from the Planning Commission in order to pack the commission. The
combination of this action with the purging of the Environmental Review Committee
and the Design Review Committee into the Planning Commission is a move to prepare
the Planning Commission to make the desired decisions on some upcoming projects.
The optics do not look well!
b. Also, new Councils have always allowed commissioners to serve out their terms! Don’t
change that!
3. SECTION 6.6 – Councilmember Access to Information – Do a compromise-REWORD IT!
DELETE the last sentence restricting a councilmembers ability to do a Public Records Act
request. If a councilmember feels they need to do this, something is wrong with the system.
SUGGESTED REWORDING OF LAST SENTENCE:
a. “If a councilmember feels they are not being given the requested information in a
timely manner, before resorting to a Public Records Act request, they should meet with
the Mayor, City Manager and City Attorney to discuss the situation.”
b. This allows the staff to address the problem first BUT also does not restrict the
councilmembers ability under the California Constitution.
c. This is a compromise!
4. SECTION 7.1 Future Agenda Items – DELETE the last sentence allowing a majority of
Councilmembers to remove future agenda items.
a. Compromise! Reword it to allow whoever put the item on the agenda to remove it if
it’s no longer needed.
5. SECTION 8.4 Order of Business –
a. DEFINE what goes in the different sections by adding a Glossary. Particularly, define
what’s in the following sections:
i. CONSENT CALENDAR
ii. PUBLIC HEARINGS
iii. ACTION CALENDAR
b. DEFINE what can and can’t be done in a STUDY SESSION.
c. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS – change the sentence below the list of items to say
“Additional speakers… WILL (not may) be given time…at the end of the agenda.”
i. You want people to participate. If they take the time to attend to speak, let
them speak!
6. SECTION 8.5 Consent Calendar – Define exactly what can be placed under Consent.
7. SECTION 8.5.1 Adding Item to Consent Calendar – DELETE the 2nd sentence that allows “any
item to be placed on the Consent Calendar” during the meeting.
a. This is asking for trouble if the public has gone out of their way to attend a meeting to
speak on that item and it then suddenly, they no longer can have that item discussed in
public – it is restricting information.
8. SECTION 8.5.2 Removing Item from Consent Calendar – DELETE this section. If the use of
Consent Calendar is not abused, this normally is not a problem. Packing an agenda then
stuffing all the items under Consent IS a problem so the combination of defining what can and
cannot be placed under Consent will help reduce the need to pull items.
a. Compromise! IF you absolutely need to restrict this, allow BOTH the Public and
Councilmembers the ability to pull in advance of the meeting BUT also allow
Councilmembers to pull any item during the meeting.
9. SECTION 8.6 Public Comment – Allow any number of people to combine their time up to a
maximum of 10 minutes. Define how it’s done for 2 people, 3 people, 4 people, 5 people up
to 10 minutes.
a. This allows people who do not speak in public or are not fluent the opportunity to
express their opinions.
10. SECTION 8.6 Public Comment – REMOVE the maximum 10 minute time limit for any one
person to comment during a meeting.
We’ve heard the Council will strive to “work together”. Prove it! These rules apply to everyone.
Please make it fair for everyone!
Sincerely,
Peggy Griffin
From:Tessa Parish
To:Christopher Jensen; Pamela Wu; City Clerk; City Council
Subject:Comments & Suggestions for Special Meeting 1/25
Date:Wednesday, January 25, 2023 1:39:04 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you
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Dear City Manager, City Attorney & Council,
Regarding the CCCCPM Draft scheduled for 1/25 @ 4pm
Madam City Clerk, please add to public comments.
2.2 Removal of Mayor and Vice Mayor:
Please consider replacing the "from office" to "from the role" or "from the
office of the Mayor" Some could argue that removal from office is removal
from City Council.
Please consider the following to be added right after due cause:
I would like to suggest the following: Due Cause is defined as repeated
violations of known policies, repeated negligence of duty, crimes or felonies
for which they can be convicted. Mayor or Vice Mayor in violation of such
offenses will have been made aware of such violations and warned at least
twice, after the first violation put on probation and if repeated would be given
72 hours notice of removal. In the case of a felony no warning would be
necessary.
4.4 Appointment
" Former Councilmembers are not eligible for appointment to any
commission or committee within four years of having served on the City
Council."
I believe that a member of the public that has previously served is better
qualified to serve in a commission or committee. In addition to being better
qualified, there are times when few apply to commissions or few are
available for committees, to limit who serves on these very important
commissions/committees would not serve the city well.
I believe the city is better served without this limitation. If there is another
problem that is being addressed perhaps it could be addressed more
specifically. For example: if there is evidence that the commissioner is not
serving for the good of the people or violating policies, rules or duties, then
that could be addressed separately.
Anyone of the public should have the right to serve on a public
commission or committee. This seems to be an irregular solution.
6.6 Councilmember access to information
I believe this violates the rights of ANY individual to obtain information:
"No Councilmember shall circumvent the City Manager’s direction regarding a
request for information by seeking information through a Public Records Act
request."
Instead I suggest the following:
If there are special request from a Council member, committee member
necessary for a timely research and the Council member/committee
member is not being given the information within the time necessary to
perform a job for a scheduled event or for a timely process, the council
member can write a "Job endangerment report" to the City Manager alerting
him/her of the situation and giving him/her time to obtain said information. If
the information is STILL not being provided in a timely manner and the
Council member feels it necessary to resort to Public Records Act request in
order to do their job in the time necessary, they will have the right to do so
and will be protected under the Public Record Act request. All while in
communication with the City Manager.
(I feel this would protect both the staff and Council as both are just trying to
do their job)
7. 7.1
This verbiage could be used to silence the minority and a duly added item to
the agenda.
"Any item may be removed for the future agenda items list by a majority vote of the
City Council."
Suggest:
Any item may be removed for the future agenda items list by a majority vote of the
City Council unless it was an item voted on by the 2 Council members and
fully addressed so as to avoid silencing the minority, if need be open it to
public comment for a decision if the item seems to be frivolous.
8.5
Again this would/could be used to silence the minority of an elected official.
"In addition, any item may be placed on the consent calendar by a majority
vote of the City Council."
I believe ANY council member has the right and duty to pull an item from the
Consent calendar if there are pending actions, missing information or items
not yet addressed to the satisfaction of the member. Please don't forget
these are elected officials that are acting on behalf of the public. What if
they were contacted by members of the public to address the item more
specifically? If the council thinks the item frivolous, the again, it can be
addressed more specifically.
____________
re: " Items may be removed from the consent calendar only by a member of
the City Council."
This takes away the right of the public to hear more on an item. While the
public should have requested more routine questions prior to the meeting, if
the public feels it necessary to pull an item for transparency and more
deliberation, this would severely limit it.
Suggest:
Items may be removed from the consent calendar only by a member of the
City Council and public, but the Mayor or Majority of the Council could
choose to delegate the item for the next meeting, if time is insufficient time
to address the item and with the approval of the public. (in this way we do
not remove public rights to hearing-if they cannot return at a later time)
Lastly I'd like to suggest that you define a study session and add to
the procedure manual the following:
Study Session: No action will be taken during a "study session" since
it is assumed that after deliberations the public would have to be duly
notified of final proposal in a public hearing through regular Meeting
and process wherein the public are able to comment and their
concerns addressed.
You all have a very important role in making the city function but
please don't forget it is for the people. We all have to have our rights
and boundaries. Let's keep them ALL clear.
Tessa Parish
From:Liang Chao
To:City Clerk
Subject:Fwd: Colleagues memo - from Palo Alto Council procedures
Date:Wednesday, January 25, 2023 12:07:09 PM
Please add this to written communication of the 1/25 council meeting.
Thanks!
Liang Chao
Council Member
City Council
LiangChao@cupertino.org
408-777-3192
From: Liang Chao <LiangChao@cupertino.org>
Sent: Friday, January 20, 2023 11:39 AM
To: Pamela Wu <PamelaW@cupertino.org>; Christopher Jensen
<ChristopherJ@cupertino.org>
Subject: Re: Colleagues memo - from Palo Alto Council procedures
Please add this Colleagues memo to my list. I did not have time to go through every item on
Wednesday.
This would allow a substantive discussion on whether an item should be put on a future
agenda, which might require some staff time.
But writing the memo and putting it on a Council agenda would take little staff time to allow
such a discussion to take place.
Please remove the item to allow three councilmembers to remove an item, which goes against
the CMC, which allow two councilmembers to put an item on the agenda. Such an item shuts
down the minority without allowing the public a chance to chime in and without allowing the
council to have a substantive discussion on what exactly is proposed at all.
Thanks.
Liang Chao
Vice Mayor
City Council
LiangChao@cupertino.org
408-777-3192
From: Liang Chao <LiangChao@cupertino.org>
Sent: Tuesday, January 17, 2023 11:53 AM
To: Pamela Wu <PamelaW@cupertino.org>; Christopher Jensen <ChristopherJ@cupertino.org>
Subject: Colleagues memo - from Palo Alto Council procedures
Here is another good practice to consider from Palo Alto's council procedures: Colleagues
Memo
Any two Councilmembers could co-author a Colleagues memo, which is often a one-page
description of a problem and a proposed solution or policy direction or consideration.
As long as the memo is submitted 3 days before the agenda is published, the memo is put on
the agenda for consideration. The Council can discuss and decide whether to put the matter on
a future agenda for the staff to look deeper or not take any action.
This might be a good way to propose a future agenda item.
Here is an example memo: https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/files/assets/public/agendas-
minutes-reports/reports/city-manager-reports-cmrs/year-archive/2021/id-12347.pdf
Here is Palo Alto's Council procedure:
https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/files/assets/public/city-clerk/city-charterprocedures/02-01-20-adopted-council-
protocols-and-procedures-manual.pdf
Liang
Liang Chao
Council Member
City Council
LiangChao@cupertino.org
408-777-3192
From:Liang Chao
To:City Clerk
Subject:Fw: Comments on the Council Procedures Manual
Date:Wednesday, January 25, 2023 3:27:01 PM
Please include the full comment in the attachment sent to the City Manager in the written
communication of the 1/25 council agenda for item 1.
I gave the rationale and source documents of the added languages and they are lost in the
redlined version on the agenda today.
Thanks.
Liang Chao
Vice Mayor
City Council
LiangChao@cupertino.org
408-777-3192
From: Liang Chao
Sent: Wednesday, January 18, 2023 5:32 PM
To: Pamela Wu <PamelaW@cupertino.org>; Christopher Jensen <ChristopherJ@cupertino.org>
Subject: Comments on the Council Procedures Manual
v1 - Liang’s Comment on Council Procedures Manual.pdf
I tried to be more specific and provide suggestions.
But it's taking a lot of time and I have not gone through the entire manual yet...
Here is the first cut.
Liang Chao
Vice Mayor
City Council
LiangChao@cupertino.org
408-777-3192
Liang’s Comment on Council Procedures Manual
Comment 1: Introduction 1
Comment 2: Removal for Cause 2
Comment 3: Warning before Removal with Cause 2
Comment 4: Formation and Appointment of Ad Hoc Committee 2
Comment 5: Improve the titles of Section 3 and 4: between Councilmember appointed to
committees and appointment of non-councilmembers to committee/commissions 3
Comment 6: Undue influence by former Councilmembers and former Commissioners 3
Comment 7: City Council to remove Commissioners, not the City Clerk 4
Comment 8: Commission Recommendations and Comments 4
Comment 9: All Council Members should make decisions with the same information from
Staff on agendized or soon-to-be agendized items 5
Comment 10: Respect the Role of Council Members as Policy Makers for the City 5
Comment 11: Define Study Session as an item without a formal not council action 5
—-----------
Comment 1: Introduction
1. Introduction
1.1 Purpose. The purpose of this Manual is to promote communication,
understanding, fairness, and trust among the members of the City Council,
City staff, and members of the public concerning their roles, responsibilities,
and expectations for management of the business of the City of Cupertino.
1.2 Values. Courtesy and respect for individual points of view should be practiced
at all times. All Councilmembers shall respect each other’s right to disagree. All
Councilmembers shall act with decorum and courtesy.
1.3 Brown Act. All actions of the City Council and City commissions, committees,
and subcommittees shall comply with the Ralph M. Brown Act.
[ADD] 1.2 Principal. The City Council maintains control as the governing body. This
manual ensures free and fair access to the flow of any information relative to the
operation of the City and free and fair access to public meetings.
[This principal should be 1.2 before “Value” and “Brown Act”)
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Comment 2: Removal for Cause
2.2 Removal of Mayor and Vice Mayor. The Mayor or Vice Mayor may be
removed from office, for cause, by a 4/5ths affirmative vote of the members.
[Comment] Under the current culture of cancellation, we have seen multiple cases where a
well-respected and competent person could be removed from a position over a social media
post due to differences in political ideologies. We have seen in-fighting in some City Council due
to political differences in order to gain the majority. It is important to clarify that the “Cause” for
removal must be related to the duty of the City Council.
[Comment] With the prevalence of social media, rumors and misinformation have been repeated
often to be perceived as truth. Any action of removal must provide a due process so that the
evidence could be verified through cross examinations.
The following definition of “Cause” is based on
https://www.lawinsider.com/dictionary/removal-for-cause.
[ADD]Removal for "Cause" shall mean removal of a council member because of such
member's (a) willful and continued failure substantially to perform their duties, (b)
conviction for, or guilty plea to, a felony or a crime involving moral turpitude, or (c) abuse of
illegal drugs or other controlled substances or habitual intoxication.
Comment 3: Warning before Removal with Cause
[ADD] The removal should precede with a formal warning, which states with proven
evidence of the member’s failure to perform their duties and proposed corrective measures.
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Comment 4: Formation and Appointment of Ad Hoc Committee
3.1 Appointment.The Mayor shall appoint Councilmembers to standing and ad
hoc committees and subcommittees established by the City Council, subject to
ratification by the Council at its next regular meeting.It will be the
responsibility of the committees and subcommittees to inform and submit
recommendations to the Council.
[Comment]: This opens the door for the Mayor to communicate with more than one
Councilmembers in order to make such appointments. And such discussion could include
substantive discussions. This also gives the Mayor authority over other Councilmembers,
which has no precedence in Cupertino.
Some suggestions below come from Palo Alto Council procedures.
[EDITED] 3.1 Creation and Appointment. The purpose and scope of each standing or ad hoc
committee should be stated when it is formed and re-stated when councilmembers are
appointed to the committee at a regular meeting.
●The City Manager shall prepare a report to Council about the anticipated time
commitment required for staff to assist the Ad Hoc Committee.
●Information: The scope, membership, time of creation and estimated number of
meetings for each Ad Hoc Committee shall be posted to the City Council website.
●Termination: A majority of the Council may vote to terminate any Ad Hoc Committee
following a written report by the committee.
●Ad Hoc Committees do not constitute legislative bodies and are not subject to the
requirements of the Brown Act. Standing committees, which has a continuing or
indefinite jurisdiction are subject to the Brown Act.
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Comment 5: Improve the titles of Section 3 and 4: between Councilmember
appointed to committees and appointment of non-councilmembers to
committee/commissions
3. Councilmember Committees and Subcommittees
4 Other City Commissions and Committees
[Comment]: Please specify what’s the difference between Section 3 and 4?
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Comment 6: Undue influence by former Councilmembers and former
Commissioners
4.4: …Former Councilmembers are not eligible for appointment to any commission or
committee within four years of having served on the City Council.
[Comment]In fact, as an appointed commissioner,a former Councilmember does not have
more access to information nor influence than any other commissioner as their conduct is
already regulated by the Commission Handbook.
Cupertino has seen undue influence by former Councilmembers and former Commissioners
through city staff since these former Councilmembers and Commissioners have established a
good relationship with some city staff members. They can call the city staff up to request
anything outside of the public's knowledge or through in-person communcations. The content
of such communication is not on the public record.
{ADDITION] The city staff should report communications from former Councilmembers and
former Commissioners on issues related to the City's business through phone calls or in-person
communications.
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Comment 7: City Council to remove Commissioners, not the City Clerk
4.5 Removal.The City Clerk shall remove commission or committee members for
failure to comply with attendance policies adopted in the Commission and
Committee Handbook. Council retains full discretion to review commission
and committee member performance and may take disciplinary action as
needed, including removal from the commission or committee.
[Comment]: The Council appoints commission members. The Council should be the body which
removes any commission member, not the City Clerk. The Clerk’s responsibility should be for
record keeping, as stated in the Muni Code. After the removal of the Commission, the Council
must taken action at a Council meeting to appoint a new member, even though alternate
members were identified earlier.
[EDIT]: 4.5 Removal.The City Clerk shall inform the City Council to consider the removal of
commission or committee members for failure to comply with attendance policies adopted in the
Commission and Committee Handbook.
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Comment 8: Commission Recommendations and Comments
[ADDITION] 4.7 On every item within the jurisdiction of a Commission, the staff liaison shall
work with the Commission Chair to schedule the item to receive inputs and seek
recommendations from the Commission, as time permits. The staff report at the Council meeting
shall include Commission inputs and recommendations. Rationale should be given when
Commission inputs are not available for an item within their jurisdiction.
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Comment 9: All Council Members should make decisions with the same
information from Staff on agendized or soon-to-be agendized items
[Comment]: Direct quotes from Palo Alto Council Procedures:
[ADDITION] “In order to facilitate open government, all Council Members should make decisions
with the same information from Staff on agendized or soon-to-be agendized items (i.e. items on
the tentative agenda or in a Council Committee)”
“Questions and all Staff-prepared responses will be forwarded to all Council Members as well as
put up on the special web page created for public review of Council agenda questions and Staff
responses. Staff will include the name of the Council Member posing the questions in the
“subject” field of the e-mail response.”
“Written copies of all Council Member agenda questions and Staff responses will be at Council
places at the meeting; additionally copies will be made available in the Council Chambers for
members of the public.”
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Comment 10: Respect the Role of Council Members as Policy Makers for
the City
[Comment]: Direct quotes from Palo Alto Council Procedures:
[ADDITION]: "Respect the Role of Council Members as Policy Makers for the City.
Staff is expected to provide its best professional recommendations on issues. Staff should not try to
determine Council support for particular positions or recommendations in order to craft
recommendations. The Council must be able to depend upon the staff to make independent
recommendations.Staff should provide information about alternatives to staff recommendations as
appropriate, as well as pros and cons for staff recommendations and alternatives"
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Comment 11: Define Study Session as an item without a formal not council
action
[Comment]: Direct quotes from Palo Alto Council Procedures
[ADDITION] "Study Sessions
Study Sessions are meetings during which the Council receives information about City business in
an informal setting. The informal study session setting is intended to encourage in-depth
discussion and detailed questioning and brainstorming by Council on issues of significant interest,
including City policy matters, zoning applications, and major public works projects. The Council may
discuss the material freely without following formal rules of parliamentary procedure. Staff may be
directed to bring matters back for future Council consideration as no action can be taken at a study
session. The Decorum rules still apply to the behavior of the Council and public."