Staff Report.Code of Conduct
Reviewed by: Assistant Town Manager and Town Clerk
110 E. Main Street Los Gatos, CA 95030 ● (408) 354-6832
www.losgatosca.gov
TOWN OF LOS GATOS
COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
MEETING DATE: 10/04/2022 ITEM NO: 11
DATE: September 29, 2022
TO: Mayor and Town Council
FROM: Gabrielle Whelan, Town Attorney
SUBJECT: Adopt the Updated Town Council Code of Conduct Policy as Recommended
by the Policy Committee
RECOMMENDATION:
Adopt the Updated Town Council Code of Conduct Policy as Recommended by the Policy
Committee.
BACKGROUND:
At the Town Council Retreat meeting on September 17, 2022, the Council discussed among
other things the roles and responsibilities of the Mayor and individual Councilmembers as it
relates to external communications. At the conclusion of the retreat the Council requested that
the Council Policy Committee examine potential modifications to the Town Council Code of
Conduct.
At its September 27, 2022 meeting, the Council Policy Committee unanimously agreed to
forward a recommendation to the Town Council to approve proposed updates to the Town
Council Code of Conduct Policy (see Attachment 1).
DISCUSSION:
During discussions of roles and responsibilities for external communications, there was general
agreement around two primary themes for potential policy modification.
The first was that, prior to the Council adopting a policy stance based on the outcome of a
Council vote, individual Councilmembers should have the latitude to express their general
opinions on issues during the policy development phase of the deliberative process.
PAGE 2 OF 2 SUBJECT: Code of Conduct Policy Update DATE: September 29, 2022
DISCUSSION (continued):
The second was that once a majority vote has occurred resulting in the adoption of a policy
directive, the Mayor would be the primary contact for communicating those policies. In
addition, the Council discussed clarifying language around the ability for Councilmembers to
explain individual votes whether in the majority or minority.
Attachment 1 contains the draft (redlined) language for the Committees consideration.
CONCLUSION:
This action will clarify roles and responsibilities of the Mayor and individual Councilmembers as
it relates to external communications
COORDINATION:
The preparation of this report was coordinated with the Town Clerk, the Town Manager, and
the Town Attorney.
FISCAL IMPACT:
Amendments to the Town Council’s Code of Conduct will not have a fiscal impact.
ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT:
Amending the Town Council’s Code of Conduct is not a project defined under CEQA, and no
further action is required.
Attachments:
1. Draft Redline Town Council Code of Conduct