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Discussion of Council's policy on the use of Council Committees. Mayor Herkner stated he had requested discussion of this item in view of the recent publicity in the press questioning Council policy on the appointment of Council mem- bers to Committees to investigate Council matters and then make reports and recomm- dations. He stated this had been historically the procedure of the Council, whereby the Mayor appointed members to specified standing Committees at the beginning of his term of office, and in addition to appoint "ad hoc" Committees of the Council for action to handle non-recurring matters needing immediate attention, for investi- gation and report back to Council as a whole, with recommendations resulting from their studies. He stated he felt Council Committees had performed excellently and resulted in reducing by a considerable amount, the time needed in Council meetings for con- siderations of items requiring background study, field trips, etc. This did not result in the detriment of the public because all such reports and recommendations are made direct to Council for discussion at the regular meetings. Mayor Herkner asked that Council members indicate whether it was desirable to continue with this practice. Councilman Keckley referred to an article containing adverse and incorrect informa- tion which had appeared in the San Jose Mercury which he felt was tied to this discussion also. On direct point of use of Council Committees, he expressed the opinion that it was the only effective way Council could efficiently handle the tre- mendous amount of business needing Council action in a City of this size, and refuted statement indicating this was not proper. Councilman Rosselli indicated his support of policy used by Council for appointment of Council Committees such as now set up for "key committees" although not favoring appointment of too many to cause a burden when it was possible to refer matters to Staff for investigation and reports to Council. Councilman Bury expressed his opinions on value of Council Committees for making reports and recommendations to Council for total Counci 1 action. He suggested possibility, however, of key committees becoming unnecessary after initial purpose effected, such as suggesting it might be time for dissolving the Marina Committee since its formation during development period of the Marina, and that it would appear recommendations could now be referred to Staff for report to Council. He referred to Council's Committees as being in technique similar to that of Con- gressional Committees, and other governmental agencies use of Committees. He suggested perhaps more public notice of a Committee meeting could be given thereby indicating any persons interested in subject matter being discussed could attend. Councilman Granger asked that City's Charter be checked concerning limitations on this subject. Mayor Herkner stated it was concensus of Council that policy regard- ing use of Council Committees be maintained. sv 3 t 80.14B 'N)