CC Min 1993-10-25 - Laserfiche WebLink

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5. BOARD, COMMISSION AND COMMITTEE REPORTS None. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 6. PUBLIC HEARINGS None. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 7. MATTERS OF COUNCIL INTEREST A. Advisory letter regarding City Council investigative authority. Action at discretion of the City Council. (702-15, 301-08) REPORT: COUNCIL INVESTIGATIVE POWERS, CITY ATTORNEY, OCTOBER 21, 1993 City Attorney Schricker summarized his advisory letter to Council which outlined the Council's formal investigative powers and appropriate procedures, and described the matter under consideration involving Councilmembers Sanfilipo and Steinfeld and their allegations. Mr. Schricker recommended that consideration of this matter be limited to the five Councilmembers not involved; and, secondly, the remaining Councilmembers should determine what would be the purpose of such an investigation. Mr. Schricker advised that the Council's jurisdiction was based on municipal concerns, policy, legislation, and conduct of own Councilmembers; and any investigation must be based on a municipal reason. Mr. Schricker advised he cited examples and discussed the nature of offenses in his advisory letter but did not suggest any wrongdoing. Mr. Schricker described the independent investigative powers of the Police Chief. Councilman Greenalch, author of the suggestion for an independent inquiry, stated he did not believe there was a municipal reason for a formal investigation at this time. Councilman Greenalch suggested that this matter be referred to a committee for review of the following: 1) Did Councilwoman Steinfeld, knowingly or willingly, let her office be used by someone else; and 2) did Councilman Sanfilipo present fraudulent documents. Councilman Greenalch implored his colleagues to take the high road, and within the Chambers where they meet, effect a reconciliation and move forward. Councilman Greenalch reminded everyone that it is immaterial to Council deliberations what a Councilmember's spouse does or says. Councilwoman La Berge also stated she believed that there had been no municipal wrongdoing and asked that this matter be referred to the Council Personnel Committee. City Attorney Schricker advised that the committee be reduced to two members to avoid a quorum and possible violation of the Brown Act, as only five members of the Council would be involved in this deliberation. Regular Meeting Minutes October 25, 1993 MINUTE BOOK NO. 52 Page 4 Page No. 24