SECTION 54954.2, GOVERNMENT CODE - AGENDA POSTING; ACTION ON OTHER MATTERS

1. At least 72 hours before a regular meeting, the legislative body of the local agency, or its designee, shall post an agenda containing a brief general description of each item of business to be transacted or discussed at the meeting, including items to be discussed in closed session. A brief general description of an item generally need not exceed 20 words. The agenda shall specify the time and location of the regular meeting and shall be posted in a location that is freely accessible to members of the public.

   No action or discussion shall be undertaken on any item not appearing on the posted agenda, except that members of a legislative body or its staff may briefly respond to statements made or questions posed by persons exercising their public testimony rights under Section 54954.3. In addition, on their own initiative or in response to questions posed by the public, a member of a legislative body or its staff may ask a question for clarification, make a brief announcement, or make a brief report on his or her own activities. Furthermore, a member of a legislative body, or the body itself, subject to rules or procedures of the legislative body, may provide a reference to staff or other resources for factual information, request staff to report back to the body at a subsequent meeting concerning any matter, or take action to direct staff to place a matter of business on a future agenda.

2. Notwithstanding subdivision (a), the legislative body may take action on items of business not appearing on the posted agenda under any of the conditions stated below. Prior to discussing any item pursuant to this subdivision, the legislative body shall publicly identify the item.
   1. Upon a determination by a majority vote of the legislative body that an emergency situation exists, as defined in Section 54956.5.

   2. Upon a determination by a two-thirds vote of the legislative body, or, if less than two-thirds of the members are present, a unanimous vote of those members present, that there is a need to take immediate action and that the need for action came to the attention of the local agency subsequent to the agenda being posted as specified in subdivision (a).

   3. The item was posted pursuant to subdivision (a) for a prior meeting of the legislative body occurring not more than five calendar days prior to the date action is taken on the item, and at the prior meeting the item was continued to the meeting at which action is being taken.

SECTION 54954.3, GOVERNMENT CODE - OPPORTUNITY FOR PUBLIC TO ADDRESS LEGISLATIVE BODY; ADOPTION OF REGULATIONS

1. Every agenda for regular meetings shall provide an opportunity for members of the public to directly address the legislative body on any item of interest to the public, before or during the legislative body's consideration of the item, that is within the subject matter jurisdiction of the legislative body, provided that no action shall be taken on any item not appearing on the agenda unless the action is otherwise authorized by subdivision (b) of Section 54954.2. However, the agenda need not provide an opportunity for members of the public to address the legislative body on any item that has already been considered by a committee, composed exclusively of members of the legislative body, at a public meeting wherein all interested members of the public were afforded the opportunity to address the committee on the item, before or during the committee's consideration of the item, unless the item has been substantially changed since the committee heard the item, as determined by the legislative body. Every notice for a special meeting shall provide an opportunity for members of the public to directly address the legislative body concerning any item that has been described in the notice for the meeting before or during consideration of that item.

2. The legislative body of a local agency may adopt reasonable regulations to ensure that the intent of subdivision (a) is carried out, including, but not limited to, regulations limiting the total amount of time allocated for public testimony on particular issues and for each individual speaker.

3. The legislative body of a local agency shall not prohibit public criticism of the policies, procedures, programs, or services of the agency, or of the acts or omissions of the legislative body. Nothing in this subdivision shall confer any privilege or protection for expression beyond that otherwise provided by law.

SECTION 54954.5, GOVERNMENT CODE - CLOSED SESSION AGENDA DESCRIPTIONS

For purposes of describing closed session items pursuant to Section 54954.2, the agency may describe closed sessions as provided below. No legislative body or elected official shall be in violation of Section 54954.2 or 54956 if the closed session items were described in substantial compliance with this section. Substantial compliance is satisfied by including the information provided below, irrespective of its format.

1. With respect to a closed session held pursuant to Section 54956.7:
   LICENSE/PERMIT DETERMINATION
   Applicant(s): (Specify number of applicants)

2. With respect to every item of business to be discussed in closed session held pursuant to Section 54956.8:
   CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATOR
   Property: (Specify street address or if no street address, the parcel number or other unique reference, of the real property under negotiation) Negotiating parties: (Specify whether instruction to negotiator will concern price, terms of payment, or both)

3. With respect to every item of business to be discussed in closed session pursuant to Section 54956.9:
   CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL-EXISTING LITIGATION
   (Subdivision (a) of Section 54956.9)
   Name of case: (Specify by reference to claimant's name, names of parties, case or claim numbers)
   or
   Case name unspecified: (Specify whether disclosure would jeopardize service of process or existing settlement negotiations)
   CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL-ANTICIPATED LITIGATION
   Significant exposure to litigation pursuant to subdivision (b) of Section 54956.9: (Specify number of potential cases)
   (In addition to the information noticed above, the agency may be required to provide additional information on the agenda or in an oral statement prior to the closed session pursuant to subparagraphs (B) to (E), inclusive, of paragraph (3) subdivision (b) of Section 54956.9)
   Initiation of litigation pursuant to subdivision (c) of Section 54956.9: (Specify number of potential cases)

4. With respect to every item of business to be discussed in closed session pursuant to Section 54956.95:
   LIABILITY CLAIMS
   Claimant: (Specify name unless unspecified pursuant to Section 54961) Agency claimed against: (Specify name)

5. With respect to every item of business to be discussed in closed session pursuant to Section 54957:
   THREAT TO PUBLIC SERVICES OR FACILITIES
   Consultation with: (Specify name of law enforcement agency and title of officer)
   PUBLIC EMPLOYEE APPOINTMENT
   Title: (Specify description of position to be filled)
   PUBLIC EMPLOYMENT
   Title: (Specify description of position to be filled)
   PUBLIC EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE EVALUATION
   Title: (Specify position title of employee being reviewed)
   PUBLIC EMPLOYEE DISCIPLINE/DISMISSAL/RELEASE
   (No additional information is required in connection with a closed session to consider discipline, dismissal, or release of a public employee. Discipline includes potential reduction of compensation.)
   

6. With respect to every item of business to be discussed in closed session pursuant to Section 54957.6:
   CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATOR
   Agency negotiator: (Specify name)
   Employee organization: (Specify name of organization representing employee or employees in question)
   or
   Unrepresented employee: (Specify position title of unrepresented employee who is the subject of the negotiations)

7. With respect to closed sessions called pursuant to Section 54957.8:
   CASE REVIEW/PLANNING
   (No additional information is required in connection with a closed session to consider case review or planning.)

8. With respect to every item of business to be discussed in closed session pursuant to Sections 1461, 32106, and 32155 of the Health and Safety Code or Sections 37606 and 37624.3 of the Government Code:
   REPORT INVOLVING TRADE SECRET
   Discussion will concern: (Specify whether discussion will concern proposed new service, program, or facility)
   Estimated date of public disclosure: (Specify month and year)
   HEARINGS
   Subject matter: (Specify whether testimony/deliberation will concern staff privileges, report of medical audit committee, or report of quality assurance committee)

SECTION 54955, GOVERNMENT CODE - ADJOURNMENT; ADJOURNED MEETINGS

The legislative body of a local agency may adjourn any regular, adjourned regular, special or adjourned special meeting to a time and place specified in the order of adjournment. Less than a quorum may so adjourn from time to time. If all members are absent from any regular or adjourned regular meeting the clerk or secretary of the legislative body may declare the meeting adjourned to a stated time and place and he shall cause a written notice of the adjournment to be given in the same manner as provided in Section 54956 for special meetings, unless such notice is waived as provided for special meetings. A copy of the order or notice of adjournment shall be conspicuously posted on or near the door of the place where the regular, adjourned regular, special or adjourned special meeting was held within 24 hours after the time of the adjournment. When a regular or adjourned regular meeting is adjourned as provided in this section, the resulting adjourned regular meeting is a regular meeting for all purposes. When an order of adjournment of any fails to state the hour at which the adjourned meeting is to be held, it shall be held at the hour specified for regular meetings by ordinance, resolution, by-law, or other rule.

SECTION 54955.1, GOVERNMENT CODE - CONTINUANCE

Any hearing being held, or noticed or ordered to be held, by a legislative body of a local agency at any meeting may by order or notice of continuance be continued or recontinued to any subsequent meeting of the legislative body in the same manner and to the same extent set forth in Section 54955 for the adjournment of meetings; provided, that if the hearing is continued to a time less than 24 hours after the time specified in the order or notice of hearing, a copy of the order or notice of continuance of hearing shall be posted immediately following the meeting at which the order or declaration of continuance was adopted or made.

SECTION 54956, GOVERNMENT CODE - SPECIAL MEETINGS; CALL; NOTICE

A special meeting may be called at any time by the presiding officer of the legislative body of a local agency, or by a majority of the members of the legislative body, by delivering personally or by mail written notice to each member of the legislative body and to each local newspaper of general circulation, radio or television station requesting notice in writing. The notice shall be delivered personally or by mail and shall be received at least 24 hours before the time of the meeting as specified in the notice. The call and notice shall specify the time and place of the special meeting and the business to be transacted or discussed. No other business shall be considered at these meetings by the legislative body. The written notice may be dispensed with as to any member who at or prior to the time the meeting convenes files with the clerk or secretary of the legislative body a written waiver of notice. The waiver may be given by telegram. The written notice may also be dispensed with as to any member who is actually present at the meeting at the time it convenes.

The call and notice shall be posted at least 24 hours prior to the special meeting in a location that is freely accessible to members of the public.

SECTION 54956.5, GOVERNMENT CODE - EMERGENCY MEETINGS IN EMERGENCY SITUATIONS

In the case of an emergency situation involving matters upon which prompt action is necessary due to the disruption or threatened disruption of public facilities, a legislative body may hold an emergency meeting without complying with either the 24-hour notice requirement or the 24-hour posting requirement of Section 54956 or both of the notice and posting requirements.

For purposes of this section, "emergency situation" means any of the following:

1. Work stoppage or other activity which severely impairs public health, safety, or both, as determined by a majority of the members of the legislative body.

2. Crippling disaster which severely impairs public health, safety, or both, as determined by a majority of the members of the legislative body.

However, each local newspaper of general circulation and radio or television station which has requested notice of special meetings pursuant to Section 54956 shall be notified by the presiding officer of the legislative body, or designee thereof, one hour prior to the emergency meeting by telephone and all telephone numbers provided in the most recent request of such newspaper or station for notification of special meetings shall be exhausted. In the event that telephone services are not functioning, the notice requirements of this section shall be deemed waived, and the legislative body, or designee of the legislative body, shall notify those newspapers, radio stations, or television stations of the fact of the holding of the emergency meeting, the purpose of the meeting, and any action taken at the meeting as soon after the meeting as possible.

Notwithstanding Section 54957, the legislative body shall not meet in closed session during a meeting called pursuant to this section.

All special meeting requirements, as prescribed in Section 54956 shall be applicable to a meeting called pursuant to this section, with the exception of the 24-hour notice requirement.

The minutes of a meeting called pursuant to this section, a list of persons who the presiding officer of the legislative body, or designee of the legislative body, notified or attempted to notify, a copy of the rollcall vote, and any actions taken at the meeting shall be posted for a minimum of 10 days in a public place as soon after the meeting as possible.

SECTION 54957, GOVERNMENT CODE - CLOSED SESSIONS; THREAT TO PUBLIC SERVICES; PERSONNEL MATTERS; EXCLUSION OF WITNESSES

Nothing contained in this chapter shall be construed to prevent the legislative body of a local agency from holding closed sessions with the Attorney General, district attorney, sheriff, or chief of police, or their respective deputies, on matters posing a threat to the security of public buildings or a threat to the public's right of access to public services or public facilities, or from holding closed sessions during a regular or special meeting to consider the appointment, employment, evaluation of performance, discipline, or dismissal of a public employee or to hear complaints or charges brought against the employee by another person or employee unless the employee requests a public session.

As a condition to holding a closed session on specific complaints or charges brought against an employee by another person or employee, the employee shall be given written notice of his or her right to have the complaints or charges heard in an open session rather than a closed session, which notice shall be delivered to the employee personally or by mail at least 24 hours before the time for holding the session. If notice is not given, any disciplinary or other action taken by the legislative body against the employee based on the specific complaints or charges in the closed session shall be null and void.

The legislative body also may exclude from the public or closed meeting, during the examination of a witness, any or all other witnesses in the matter being investigated by the legislative body.

For the purposes of this section, the term "employee" shall include an officer or an independent contractor who functions as an officer or an employee but shall not include any elected officials, member of a legislative body or other independent contractors. Nothing in this section shall limit local officials' ability to hold closed session meetings pursuant to Sections 1461, 32106, and 32155 of the Health and Safety Code or Sections 37606 and 37624.3 of the Government Code. Closed sessions held pursuant to this section shall not include discussion or action on proposed compensation except for a reduction of compensation that results from the imposition of discipline.

SECTION 54957.1, GOVERNMENT CODE - CLOSED SESSIONS; PUBLIC REPORT OF ACTION TAKEN

1. The legislative body of any local agency shall publicly report any action taken in closed session and the vote or abstention of every member present thereon, as follows:
   1. Approval of an agreement concluding real estate negotiations pursuant to Section 54956.8 shall be reported after the agreement is final, as specified below:
      1. If its own approval renders the agreement final, the body shall report that approval and the substance of the agreement in open session at the public meeting during which the closed session is held.

      2. If final approval rests with the other party to the negotiations, the local agency shall disclose the fact of that approval and the substance of the agreement upon inquiry by any person, as soon as the other party or its agent has informed the local agency of its approval.

   2. Approval given to its legal counsel to defend, or seek or refrain from seeking appellate review or relief, or to enter as an amicus curiae in any form of litigation as the result of a consultation under Section 54956.9 shall be reported in open session at the public meeting during which the closed session is held. The report shall identify, if known, the adverse party or parties and the substance of the litigation. In the case of approval given to initiate or intervene in an action, the announcement need not identify the action, the defendants, or other particulars, but shall specify that the direction to initiate or intervene in an action has been given and that the action, the defendants, and the other particulars shall, once formally commenced, be disclosed to any person upon inquiry, unless to do so would jeopardize the agency's ability to effectuate service of process on one or more unserved parties, or that to do so would jeopardize its ability to conclude existing settlement negotiations to its advantage.

   3. Approval given to its legal counsel of a settlement of pending litigation, as defined in Section 54956.9, at any stage prior to or during a judicial or quasi-judicial proceeding shall be reported after the settlement is final, as specified below:
      1. If the legislative body accepts a settlement offer signed by the opposing party, the body shall report its acceptance and identify the substance of the agreement in open session at the public meeting during which the closed session is held.

      2. If final approval rests with some other party to the litigation or with the court, then as soon as the settlement becomes final, and upon inquiry by any person, the local agency shall disclose the fact of that approval, and identify the substance of the agreement.

   4. Disposition reached as to claims discussed in closed session pursuant to Section 54956.95 shall be reported as soon as reached in a manner that identifies the name of the claimant, the name of the local agency claimed against, the substance of the claim, and any monetary amount approved for payment and agreed upon by the claimant.

   5. Action taken to appoint, employ, dismiss, accept the resignation of, or otherwise affect the employment status of a public employee in closed session pursuant to Section 54957 shall be reported at the public meeting during which the closed session is held. Any report required by this paragraph shall identify the title of the position. The general requirement of this paragraph notwithstanding, the report of a dismissal or of the nonrenewal of an employment contract shall be deferred until the first public meeting following the exhaustion of administrative remedies, if any.

   6. Approval of an agreement concluding labor negotiations with represented employees pursuant to Section 54957.6 shall be reported after the agreement is final and has been accepted or ratified by the other party. The report shall identify the item approved and the other party or parties to the negotiation.

2. Reports that are required to be made pursuant to this section may be made orally or in writing. The legislative body shall provide to any person who has submitted a written request to the legislative body within 24 hours of the posting of the agenda, or to any person who has made a standing request for all documentation as part of a request for notice of meetings pursuant to Section 54954.1 or 54956, if the requester is present at the time the closed session ends, copies of any contracts, settlement agreements, or other documents that were finally approved or adopted in the closed session. If the action taken results in one or more substantive amendments to the related documents requiring retyping, the documents need not be released until the retyping is completed during normal business hours, provided that the presiding officer of the legislative body or his or her designee orally summarizes the substance of the amendments for the benefit of the document requester or any other person present and requesting the information.

3. The documentation referred to in paragraph (b) shall be available to any person on the next business day following the meeting in which the action referred to is taken or, in the case of substantial amendments, when any necessary retyping is complete.

4. Nothing in this section shall be construed to require that the legislative body approve actions not otherwise subject to legislative body approval.

5. No action for injury to a reputational, liberty, or other personal interest may be commenced by or on behalf of any employee or former employee with respect to whom a disclosure is made by a legislative body in an effort to comply with this section.

SECTION 54957.9, GOVERNMENT CODE - DISORDERLY CONDUCT OF GENERAL PUBLIC DURING MEETING; CLEARING OF ROOM

In the event that any meeting is willfully interrupted by a group or groups of persons so as to render the orderly conduct of such meeting unfeasible and order cannot be restored by the removal of individuals who are willfully interrupting the meeting, the members of the legislative body conducting the meeting may order the meeting room cleared and continue in session. Only matters appearing on the agenda may be considered in such a session. Representatives of the press or other news media, except those participating in the disturbance, shall be allowed to attend any session held pursuant to this section. Nothing in this section shall prohibit the legislative body from establishing a procedure for readmitting an individual or individuals not responsible for willfully disturbing the orderly conduct of the meeting.