Despite the State’s decision to suspend key provisions of the Ralph M. Brown Act, California’s long standing open meeting law, the City of Duarte will continue to comply to assure continued transparency in the conduct of the meetings of the City Council and all City Commissions and committees to which the Brown Act applies.
“The City of Duarte is committed to open government and will continue to comply with the Brown Act, said Mayor, John Fasana.
Enacted in 1953, the Brown Act, guarantees the public’s right to attend and participate in meetings of legislative bodies.
On June 27, 2012, as part of the State Budget Act, five provisions of the Brown Act were suspended to avoid having to reimburse local agencies for the state mandate. Suspended for fiscal years 2012-2013, 2013-2014 and 2014-2015, were the requirements to:
Prepare and post at least 72 hours in advance of a meeting an agenda that contains a brief description of each item of business to be transacted or discussed at the meeting.
Include on the agenda a brief general description of all items to be discussed in closed session.
Disclosure of each item to be discussed in closed session in an open meeting prior to any closed session.
Report in open session prior to adjournment of the actions and votes taken in closed session regarding certain subject matters.
Provide copies to the public of certain closed session documents.
In a resolution adopted unanimously by the Duarte City Council on August 14, the Council reaffirmed its commitment to providing continued transparency when conducting its business, in adherence with the City’s mission statement: “With integrity and transparency, the City of Duarte provides exemplary public services in a caring and fiscally responsible manner with a commitment to our community’s future.”
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