title
RESCIND APRIL 28, 1986, COUNCIL ACTION SETTING INTERPRETER LANGUAGE ON CITY AGENDAS AND DELEGATE AUTHORITY TO THE CITY CLERK TO UPDATE PUBLIC ACCESS LANGUAGE ON CITY AGENDAS
recommended action
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends Council approve a motion:
1. Rescinding the action taken by Council at the April 28, 1986, Council meeting which specified that the City of Stockton does not furnish interpreters at public meetings; and
2. Delegating authority to the City Clerk to make changes to the public access language on future City agendas as needed and consistent with the law.
body
Summary
On April 28, 1986, the Council approved specific language to be placed on meeting agendas which notified the public that the city did not provide interpreters and if one was needed, it was the responsibility of the individual needing the interpreter.
Currently, the city is adding interpreter services for public meetings which requires a change to the existing language. However, the language cannot be updated without Council action given the lack of flexibility in the prior direction. The City Clerk now requests that the Council rescind the action taken in 1986 and delegate the authority to make changes to the language as needed.
DISCUSSION
Background
The City Council approved by motion specific language to be published on all City meeting agendas and forms distributed to the public. This approval occurred April 28, 1986, and the language is as follows.
“All proceedings before the City Council and Boards and Commissions are conducted in English. The City of Stockton does not furnish interpreters and, if one is needed, it shall be the responsibility of the person needing one.”
This language is out of date and prevents the inclusion of amended language consistent with the provision of meeting interpreters.
Present Situation
The City is adding interpreter services, and the 1986 Council action setting agenda language prevents updates that enable the City Clerk’s Office to communicate the provision of those services. Rescinding the action and delegating authority to the City Clerk to update public access language on City agendas will enable the City to provide the most current information for our citizens regarding available language services.
FINANCIAL SUMMARY
There is no financial impact to make this change.