BOARD OF ADMINISTRATION  
Action Minutes  
Federated City Employees' Retirement System and Federated City  
Employees' Health Care Trust  
Thursday, March 19, 2026  
8:30 AM  
City Hall, Wing Rooms 118-120  
200 E. Santa Clara St., San Jose, CA 95113  
HYBRID MEETING  
PHYSICAL LOCATION:  
City Hall, Wing Rooms 118-120, 200 E. Santa Clara St. San Jose, Ca 95113  
ZOOM INFORMATION:  
zoom.us  
Dial In: +1 408 638 0968 US (San Jose)  
Meeting ID: 925 1528 5789  
BOARD MEMBERS  
Spencer Horowitz, Chair (Term Expires 11/30/28)  
Matthew Faulkner, Vice Chair Term Expires 11/30/27)  
Deborah Abbott, Trustee (Term Expires 11/30/26)  
Anurag Chandra, Trustee (Term Expires 11/30/26)  
Brian Chi, Trustee (Term Expires 11/30/29)  
Mark Linder, Trustee (Term Expires 11/30/28) -- 2 Westwood Road Santa Cruz, CA 95060  
Nathan Nakagawa, Trustee (Term Expires 11/30/27)  
Pam Foley, City Council Liaison to the Board  
Maytak Chin, General and Fiduciary Counsel  
John Flynn, CEO, Office of Retirement Services  
_______________________________________________________________  
The Board of Administration of the Federated City Employees Retirement  
System and Health Care Trust met on Thursday, March 19, 2026, at City Hall,  
Wing Rooms 118-120, 200 E. Santa Clara St., San Jose, CA 95113 and via Zoom  
at 8:30 a.m. Chair Horowitz called the meeting to order at 8:29 a.m. followed by  
roll call.  
Board Members Present: Spencer Horowitz, Matthew Faulkner, Deborah Abbott,  
Anurag Chandra, Brian Chi, and Nathan Nakagawa.  
Trustee Mark Linder arrived at 8:30 a.m.  
Board Members Present via Zoom utilizing the Traditional Brown Act  
teleconferencing rules: Mark Linder. Counsel Maldonado questioned Trustee  
Linder on whether he met the qualifications to teleconference under the Brown  
Act, and Trustee Linder responded in the affirmative.  
Retirement Staff Present: John Flynn, Prabhu Palani, Barbara Hayman, Amanda  
Hiew, Gabriela Romero, Edith Orosco, Sherrell Aledo, Ryan Reynado, Jay Kwon,  
Dhinesh Ganapathiappan, Christina Wang, Jennifer You, David Aung, Harrison  
Pierce, Ron Kumar, and Cynthia Ayala.  
Retirement Staff Present via Zoom: Veronica Solorio, Benjie Chua-Foy, Shilpi  
Dwivedi, Ellen Lee, Nam Cao, and Arun Nallasivan.  
Also Present: Pam Foley, Vice Mayor and City Council Liaison; Chris  
Maldonado, General and Fiduciary Counsel; and Colin Kowalski, Meketa  
Investment Group.  
Also Present via Zoom: Cyril Espanol, With Intelligence-Journalist; Julie Becker,  
Aon; Tyler Czinege, Neuberger Berman; Roberto L. Pena, Public Member; Faith  
Dagneau, Public Member; and Nate Weinstein, Public Member.  
ADA ALERT  
In accordance with the requirements of AB 2449, the Board of Administration (“Board”) will  
generally, upon request, provide appropriate aids and services leading to effective  
communication for individuals with disabilities so they can participate equally in the Board’s  
meetings, including qualified sign language interpreters, documents in Braille, and other ways  
of making information and communications accessible to people who have speech, hearing,  
vision or other disabilities. Anyone who requires an auxiliary aid or service for effective  
communication to participate in a Board meeting should contact the designated contact in  
Office of Retirement Services as far in advance of the scheduled meeting as possible. The Board  
strongly encourages individuals with disabilities to endeavor to submit requests for reasonable  
accommodation no later than five (5) business days before the scheduled meeting, as the Board  
may not be able to grant requests for reasonable accommodations without sufficient advance  
notice. The Board strongly encourages individuals with disabilities to submit their written  
requests via email or regular mail to facilitate tracking and response; however, if the submission  
of a written request constitutes a hardship, individuals may call the Office of Retirement  
Services to submit an oral request. The designated contact in the Office of Retirement Services  
will endeavor to respond to each request within three (3) business days of receipt of the request.  
Depending on the request, the designated contact in the Office of Retirement Services may ask  
to schedule a time to discuss the request (which may occur virtually) to determine the most  
appropriate auxiliary aid or service, before the request is resolved.  
ADA Designated Contact Information  
Attention: Deputy Director/Chief Operations Officer, Office of Retirement Services  
Address: 1737 N First St #600, San Jose, CA 95112  
Email: #Retire_Admin@sanjoseca.gov  
Phone: 408-794-1000 (ORS Main Line)  
THE LEVINE ACT  
The Levine Act requires a Party in a Proceeding before the City of San José that involves any  
action related to their contract, license, permit, or use entitlement to disclose any campaign  
contributions to City elected or appointed officials totaling more than $500 within the 12 months  
prior to the City decision. A Participant to a Proceeding may voluntarily report a campaign  
contribution on the form located on the Levine Act webpage.  
AGENDA  
CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL  
SB 707 REMOTE APPEARANCE(S)  
Take action on request(s) for remote appearance.  
i.  
CEREMONIAL ITEM  
a.  
Discussion and action on the Resolution Recognizing Prabhu Palani for His Service  
as Chief Investment Officer to the San José Federated Employees' Retirement  
System and approval of Resolution No. 9130.  
This item was heard after item 5d.  
Chair Horowitz presented the commendation to CIO Palani and thanked him  
for his service. Chair Horowitz, Vice-Chair Faulkner, and Trustee Abbott added  
comments and thanked CIO Palani for his excellent work and for his service as  
Chief Investment Officer to the San José Federated Employees' Retirement  
System.  
A motion was made to adopt the commendation for CIO Palani and the  
approval of Resolution No. 9130.  
Approved. (M.S.C. Chandra/Abbott 7-0-0). The motion passed unanimously by  
roll call vote.  
Roberto L. Pena, a member of the public, made public comments.  
ORDERS OF THE DAY  
•
Orders of the Day was heard immediately after roll call attendance.  
ORDERS OF THE DAY:  
• For Consent Calendar Item 1.3c: Yvonne D. Garcia has rescinded her Deferred  
Vested application.  
WAIVE SUNSHINE:  
• None.  
PUBLIC/RETIREE/GENERAL COMMENTS – Subject to Government Code  
Section 54954.3  
•
•
Public/Retiree/General Comments was heard after the Consent Calendar.  
There was no public comments.  
Members of the public may comment on items not included on the agenda,  
provided that the matter is within the subject matter jurisdiction of the Board.  
CLOSED SESSION  
CLOSED SESSION AGENDA ITEMS WILL BE HEARD AT 8:30 A.M.  
CLOSED SESSION NEW BUSINESS  
I.  
Closed session was heard after the Public/Retiree/General Comments.  
The Board entered into Closed Session at 8:33 a.m.  
A.  
CLOSED SESSION: CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATORS  
PURSUANT TO GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 54957.6(a).  
There was no reportable action for this item from Closed Session.  
The Board came out of Closed Session at 8:45 a.m.  
OPEN SESSION - will reconvene following Closed Session, estimated to be 8:50 a.m.  
Open Session re-convened at 8:45 a.m.  
CONSENT CALENDAR  
1.  
The Consent Calendar was heard after the Orders of the Day.  
A motion was made to approve the Consent Calendar.  
Approved. (M.S.C. Chandra/Nakagawa 7-0-0). The motion passed unanimously  
by roll call vote.  
Approval for a Service-Connected Disability  
1.1  
a.  
Tuan Nguyen, Electrician II, Department of Transportation, Request for a  
Service-Connected Disability Retirement, effective November 20, 2025; 5.45*  
years of service. (Disability Committee Recommendation: Approval)  
Approval of Service Retirements  
1.2  
a.  
Ronald D. Black, Senior Construction Inspector, Public Works Department,  
effective April 11, 2026; 19.39* years of service.  
b.  
c.  
d.  
e.  
f.  
Robert G. Canario, Communications Installer, Public Works Department,  
effective March 28, 2026; 18.82* years of service.  
May W. Cheung, Information Systems Analyst, Office of Retirement Services,  
effective March 28, 2026; 20.76* years of service.  
Sarabjit K. Dhaliwal, Senior Office Specialist, Information Technology  
Department, effective March 28, 2026; 24.82* years of service.  
Ana Maria Fabela, Library Clerk, Library Department, effective March 28,  
2026; 19.19* years of service.  
Lucia L. Farnham-Hudson, Librarian II, Library Department, effective March 28,  
2026; 24.71* years of service.  
g.  
h.  
i.  
Lilybeth L. Gonzales, Senior Permit Specialist, Fire Department, effective March  
28, 2026; 26.54* years of service.  
Malgorzata Laskowska, Senior Deputy City Attorney, City Attorney’s Office,  
effective March 28, 2026; 27.59* years of service.  
Mike Monterosso, Maintenance Worker II, Department of Transportation,  
effective March 28, 2026; 26.82* years of service.  
j.  
Margaret L. Morrow, Staff Specialist, Department of Transportation, effective  
March 31, 2026; 21.32* years of service.  
k.  
l.  
Nadia N. Naum-Stoian, Associate Engineer, Fire Department, effective March  
28, 2026; 26.22* years of service.  
Valerie M. Osmond, Deputy Director, Environmental Services Department,  
effective April 11, 2026; 30.21* years of service.  
m.  
n.  
Ramo Pinjic, Analyst II, Housing Department, effective March 28, 2026; 25.69*  
years of service.  
Joseph E. Selkregg, Instrument Control Technician IV, Environmental Services  
Department, effective March 28, 2026; 26.82* years of service.  
Deferred Vested  
1.3  
a.  
Rebecca M. Dishotsky, Mayor Executive Officer, City Clerk’s Office (Mayor’s  
Office), effective March 12, 2026; 8.04* years of service.  
b.  
c.  
d.  
Denelle Fedor, Council Policy & Legal Advisor City Clerk Office, effective  
March 5, 2026; 13.17* years of service.  
Yvonne D. Garcia, Office Specialist II, Environmental Services Department,  
effective March 28, 2026; 9.20* years of service.  
Robert D. Merkamp, Planner I, Planning, Building and Code Enforcement,  
effective April 11, 2026; 27.01* years of service. (With Reciprocity - 2.19 CSJ +  
24.81 PERS = 27.01 YOS)  
e.  
f.  
Melinda J. Montgomery, Airport Operations Supervisor, Airport Department,  
effective March 29, 2026; 5.05* years of service.  
Anthony Porta, Background Investigator, Police Department, effective March 31,  
2026; 8.22* years of service.  
Approval of Board Minutes  
Approval of the Board Minutes of February 19, 2026.  
1.4  
a.  
Approval of Return of Contributions  
Voluntary | Involuntary  
1.5  
a.  
Communications and Information Reports  
1.6  
a.  
Report of the Monthly Board Expenses for January 2026. Receive and file.  
b.  
Approval of the Q4 2025 travel and attendance report for the Federated City  
Employee’s Retirement System.  
Approval of Travel and Reimbursements  
1.7  
a.  
b.  
Anurag Chandra, Trustee  
·
2026 Public Funds Roundtable, Los Angeles, CA, April 27 - 29, 2026.  
John Flynn, CEO  
·
·
CALAPRS Virtual Human Resources Round Table, February 27, 2026.  
PRISM 2026 Conference, San Diego, CA, May 17 - 20, 2026.  
DEATH AND SURVIVORSHIP NOTIFICATIONS (Moment of Silence)  
2.  
This item was heard after Closed Session.  
Chair Horowitz asked for a moment of silence for those who served and passed  
away.  
a.  
b.  
c.  
d.  
e.  
Notification of the death of Lucille F. Friedland, Community Coordinator, retired  
August 27, 2017, died December 17, 2025. No survivorship benefits.  
Notification of the death of Myra R. Gerardo, Office Specialist, retired February  
28, 2015, died January 16, 2026. No survivorship benefits.  
Notification of the death of Gloria Gill, Staff Technician, retired January 26, 2008,  
died December 17, 2025. Survivorship benefits to Daljit Gill, spouse.  
Notification of the death of Margit Lappin, Analyst II, retired May 1, 1999, died  
January 23, 2026. No survivorship benefits.  
Notification of the death of Patrick Magill, Senior Construction Inspector, retired  
January14, 2005, died December 30, 2025. Survivorship benefits to Mala Magill,  
spouse.  
f.  
Notification of the death of Thomas Nanson, Assistant Master Fire Mechanic,  
retired August 11, 2007, died January 29, 2026. Survivorship benefits to Lauretta  
Nanson, spouse.  
g.  
Notification of the death of Artemio B. Roxas, Plant Mechanics, retired  
September 24, 2005, died January 20, 2026. Survivorship benefits to Aida Roxas,  
spouse.  
h.  
i.  
Notification of the death of Ramona Sierras-Hodge, Senior Office Specialist,  
retired March 22, 2008, died February 7, 2026. No survivorship benefits.  
Notification of the death of James Tackitt, Painter, retired March 15, 2003, died  
February 19, 2026. Survivorship benefits to Cheryl Tackitt, spouse.  
j.  
Notification of the death of Stella Tice, Senior Records Clerk, retired July 7,  
1990, died February 6, 2026. No survivorship benefits.  
k.  
Notification of the death of Kruti Vyas, Associate Engineer, active, died January 4,  
2026. No survivorship benefits.  
INVESTMENTS  
3.  
a.  
Oral update from the CIO of Retirement Services, Prabhu Palani.  
This item was heard after item 5b.  
CIO Palani thanked beneficiaries, trustees (past and present), city liaisons  
Foley and Casey, the investment and administrative teams, Roberto L. Peña,  
CEO Flynn, former Mayor Liccardo, Mayor Mahan, the ORS leadership and  
staff, and partners Verus, Meketa Investment Group, and Cheiron for their  
support during his tenure as Chief Investment Officer of ORS.  
The Board took a break from 10:10 a.m. to 10:20 a.m.  
b.  
Presentation of Calendar 3rd Quarter 2025 Private Equity report by Neuberger  
Berman.  
This item was heard after the break.  
This item was presented.  
No action was taken for this item.  
c.  
d.  
e.  
f.  
Presentation of Calendar 3rd Quarter 2025 Private Markets report by Meketa  
Investment Group.  
This item was presented.  
No action was taken for this item.  
Presentation of Calendar 4th Quarter 2025 Performance report for Pension Plan by  
Meketa Investment Group.  
This item was presented.  
No action was taken for this item.  
Presentation of Calendar 4th Quarter 2025 Performance report for Health Care  
Trust by Meketa Investment Group.  
This item was presented.  
No action was taken for this item.  
Discussion and action regarding the prefunding of the City’s retirement contribution.  
This item was presented.  
A motion was made to approve the prefunding of the City’s retirement  
contribution.  
Approved. (M.S.C. Faulkner/Abbott 6-0-0). The motion passed unanimously by  
roll call vote.  
Trustee Chi recused himself from this item.  
OLD BUSINESS-DEFERRED/CONTINUED ITEMS-NONE  
NEW BUSINESS  
4.  
5.  
a.  
Oral update from the CEO of Retirement Services, John Flynn.  
CEO Flynn updated the Board.  
b.  
Oral update from the City Council Liaison to the Board.  
This item was heard after the Ceremonial Item.  
Vice Mayor and Councilmember Foley updated the Board on pending matters  
before the City Council that were relevant to the Board. She also thanked CIO  
Palani for his service and wished him well in his retirement.  
c.  
Discussion and action to approve and for the Chair to execute the employment  
contract negotiated by designated labor negotiators for the new Chief Investment  
Officer.  
This item was heard after item 5a.  
This item was presented.  
A motion was made to approve for the Chair to execute the employment  
contract negotiated by designated labor negotiators for the new Chief  
Investment Officer.  
Approved. (M.S.C. Chandra/Abbott 7-0-0). The motion passed unanimously by  
roll call vote.  
d.  
Discussion and action on approval of the Strategic Plan - Workshop and  
Presentation by Aon.  
This item was presented.  
A motion was made to accept the three statements as presented in the  
Federated Retirement Plan Mission Statement on slide 10 of the Strategic Plan  
- Workshop presentation by Aon.  
Approved. (M.S.C. Linder/Chandra 7-0-0). The motion passed unanimously by  
roll call vote.  
A second motion was made to approve the Strategic Planning Themes on slide  
16 of the Strategic Plan - Workshop presentation by Aon.  
Approved. (M.S.C. Linder/Nakagawa 7-0-0). The motion passed unanimously by  
roll call vote.  
e.  
Discussion and action on adoption of updated City Policy Manual #1.8.1 - Use of  
City and Personal Vehicles Policy with Revised Date of February 27, 2026, for  
ORS Operations, approved by City on February 27, 2026.  
This item was heard after item 3f.  
This item was presented together with items 5f, 5g, and 5h, but voted  
separately.  
A motion was made to adopt the updated City Policy Manual #1.8.1 - Use of  
City and Personal Vehicles Policy with Revised Date of February 27, 2026, for  
ORS Operations, approved by City on February 27, 2026.  
Approved. (M.S.C. Chandra/Abbott 7-0-0). The motion passed unanimously by  
roll call vote.  
f.  
Discussion and action on adoption of updated City Policy Manual #4.2.2 - Military  
Leave Policy with Revised Date of February 27, 2026, for ORS Operations,  
approved by City on February 27, 2026.  
This item was heard together with items 5e, 5g, and 5h, but voted separately.  
This item was presented.  
A motion was made to adopt the updated City Policy Manual #4.2.2 - Military  
Leave Policy with Revised Date of February 27, 2026, for ORS Operations,  
approved by City on February 27, 2026.  
Approved. (M.S.C. Chandra/Abbott 7-0-0). The motion passed unanimously by  
roll call vote.  
g.  
Discussion and action on adoption of updated City Policy Manual #5.1.5 - Food  
and Beverage Expenditure (Non-Travel) Policy with Revised Date of March 3,  
2026, for ORS Operations, approved by City on March 3, 2026.  
This item was heard together with items 5e, 5f, and 5h, but voted separately.  
This item was presented.  
A motion was made to adopt the of updated City Policy Manual #5.1.5 - Food  
and Beverage Expenditure (Non-Travel) Policy with Revised Date of March 3,  
2026, for ORS Operations, approved by City on March 3, 2026.  
Approved. (M.S.C. Chandra/Abbott 7-0-0). The motion passed unanimously by  
roll call vote.  
h.  
Discussion and action on adoption of updated City Policy Manual #5.1.2 -  
Procurement Card (P-Card) Policy with Revised Date of February 18, 2026, for  
ORS Operations, approved by City on February 18, 2026.  
This item was heard together with items 5e, 5f, and 5g, but voted separately.  
This item was presented.  
A motion was made to adopt the updated City Policy Manual #5.1.2 -  
Procurement Card (P-Card) Policy with Revised Date of February 18, 2026, for  
ORS Operations, approved by City on February 18, 2026.  
Approved. (M.S.C. Faulkner/Abbott 7-0-0). The motion passed unanimously by  
roll call vote.  
COMMITTEE MINUTES, REPORTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS  
Investment Committee (Chandra, Faulkner, Abbott)  
6.  
6.1  
Last Meeting: March 12, 2026 Next Meeting: April 28, 2026  
a.  
Oral update from the Chair of the Investment Committee.  
Chair Chandra updated the Board on matters discussed at the previous  
meeting.  
b.  
Minutes of the Federated Investment Committee meeting from December 16, 2025.  
Receive and file.  
The Minutes were received and filed.  
Audit/Risk Committee (Linder, Horowitz, Chi)  
6.2  
Last Meeting: February 19, 2026 Next Meeting: May 21, 2026  
a.  
Oral update from the Chair of the Audit/Risk Committee.  
·
Approval of the Q4 2025 travel and attendance report for the Federated  
City Employee’s Retirement System.  
·
·
·
Nomination and Election of Audit Committee Vice Chairs.  
Introduction of Audit Consultant - Baker Tilly.  
Discussion and action on the Risk Assessment Overview and Timeline by  
Baker Tilly.  
·
·
·
Discussion of MGO’s FY2025 Observation #1 - Completeness and  
Accuracy of Participant Census Data.  
Discussion and action on the status of the outstanding Internal Audit  
recommendations.  
Discussion on status of outstanding Penetration testing recommendations.  
Chair Linder updated the Board on matters discussed at the previous meeting.  
b.  
c.  
Minutes of the Joint Audit Committee meeting from October 30, 2025. Receive and  
file.  
The Minutes were received and filed.  
Discussion and action to accept 7 internal audit recommendations as “Complete” in  
the absence of an internal auditor.  
This item was presented.  
A motion was made to accept 7 internal audit recommendations as  
“Complete” in the absence of an internal auditor.  
Approved. (M.S.C. Chandra/Nakagawa 7-0-0). The motion passed unanimously  
by roll call vote.  
Governance Committee (Abbott, Nakagawa, Chi)  
6.3  
Last Meeting: March 18, 2026 Next Meeting: June 17, 2026  
a.  
Oral update from the Chair of the Governance Committee.  
Chair Abbott updated the Board on matters discussed at the previous meeting.  
FCERS Disability Committee (Faulkner, Linder, Nakagawa - Alt:Abbott)  
Last Meeting: February 10, 2026 Next Meeting: April 14, 2026  
6.4  
a.  
Oral update from the Chair of the Disability Committee.  
Chair Faulkner advised the Board that the committee's scheduled meeting on  
April 14, 2026 has been cancelled. He also thanked Sandra Castellano, Benefits  
Division Manager, and her team for their great work.  
Joint Personnel Committee (Chandra, Horowitz, Linder)  
Last Meeting: January 27, 2026 Next Meeting: April 1, 2026  
6.5  
a.  
7.  
Oral update from the Chair of the Joint Personnel Committee.  
Chair Chandra advised the Board that the committee's next meeting is on April  
1, 2026.  
EDUCATION & TRAINING  
The Education & Training was received and filed.  
a.  
b.  
c.  
d.  
Quarterly Trustee Education Opportunities Report.  
CALAPRS 2026 Program Calendar.  
CALAPRS Virtual Compliance Round Table, March 27, 2026.  
The 20th Edition of With Intelligence The Annual, Los Angeles, CA, April 20 - 22,  
2026.  
e.  
f.  
SACRS Spring Conference 2026, Olympic Valley, CA, May 12 - 15, 2026.  
NCPERS Trustee Educational Seminars (TEDS), Las Vegas, NV, May 16 - 17,  
2026.  
g.  
•
NCPERS The Annual Conference & Exhibition (ACE), Las Vegas, NV, May 17 -  
20, 2026.  
PROPOSED AGENDA ITEMS  
None.  
ADJOURNMENT  
•
•
The meeting adjourned at 11:41 a.m.  
Next FCERS Board Meeting: April 16, 2026  
*Estimated  
All public records relating to an open session item on this agenda, which are not exempt from  
disclosure pursuant to the California Public Records Act, that are distributed to a majority of the  
legislative body will be available for public inspection at the Office of Retirement Services, 1737  
N. First Street, Suite 600, San José CA 95112 at the same time that the public records are  
distributed or made available to the legislative body.  
Access the video or audio, the agenda, related reports, and supplemental materials for this  
meeting by visiting the Retirement Services website at http://sjrs.legistar.com/calendar.aspx. If  
you have any questions, please contact the Office of Retirement Services at (408) 794 - 1000.  
Supplemental agenda materials may be made available less than 72 hours before a regular  
meeting, provided that they are: (1) distributed to a majority of the legislative body and made  
available for public inspection at the Office of Retirement Services, 1737 N. First Street, Suite  
600, San José CA 95112, at the same time; and (2) posted on the Office of Retirement Services’  
website at http://sjrs.legistar.com/calendar.aspx in a manner that explains the document is  
related to an agenda item for an upcoming meeting.  
Minutes Recorded, Prepared and Respectfully Submitted by,  
_________________________________________  
SPENCER HOROWITZ, CHAIR  
BOARD OF ADMINISTRATION  
ATTEST:  
_________________________________________  
JOHN FLYNN, CEO  
OFFICE OF RETIREMENT SERVICES  
The Code of Conduct  
(https://www.sanjoseca.gov/home/showpublisheddocument/12901/63667000496  
6630000) is intended to promote open meetings that welcome debate of public  
policy issues being discussed by the City Council, their Committees, and City  
Boards and Commissions in an atmosphere of fairness, courtesy, and respect  
for differing points of view.  
1. Public Meeting Decorum:  
a) Persons in the audience will refrain from behavior which will disrupt the public  
meeting. This will include making loud noises, clapping, shouting, booing,  
hissing or engaging in any other activity in a manner that disturbs, disrupts or  
impedes the orderly conduct of the meeting.  
b) Persons in the audience will refrain from creating, provoking or participating  
in any type of disturbance involving unwelcome physical contact.  
c) Persons in the audience will refrain from using cellular phones and/or pagers  
while the meeting is in session.  
d) Appropriate attire, including shoes and shirts are required in the Council  
Chambers and Committee Rooms at all times.  
e) Persons in the audience will not place their feet on the seats in front of them.  
f) No food, drink (other than bottled water with a cap), or chewing gum will be  
allowed in the Council Chambers and Committee Rooms, except as otherwise  
pre-approved by City staff.  
g) All persons entering the Council Chambers and Committee Rooms, including  
their bags, purses, briefcases and similar belongings, may be subject to search  
for weapons and other dangerous materials.  
2. Signs, Objects or Symbolic Material:  
a) Objects and symbolic materials, such as signs or banners, will be allowed in  
the Council Chambers and Committee Rooms, with the following restrictions: §  
No objects will be larger than 2 feet by 3 feet.  
-No sticks, posts, poles or other such items will be attached to the signs or other  
symbolic materials.  
-The items cannot create a building maintenance problem or a fire or safety  
hazard.  
b) Persons with objects and symbolic materials such as signs must remain  
seated when displaying them and must not raise the items above shoulder level,  
obstruct the view or passage of other attendees, or  
otherwise disturb the business of the meeting.  
c) Objects that are deemed a threat to persons at the meeting or the facility  
infrastructure are not allowed. City staff is authorized to remove items and/or  
individuals from the Council Chambers and Committee Rooms if a threat exists  
or is perceived to exist. Prohibited items include, but are not limited to: firearms  
(including replicas and antiques), toy guns, explosive material, and ammunition;  
knives and other edged weapons; illegal drugs and drug paraphernalia; laser  
pointers, scissors, razors, scalpels, box cutting knives, and other cutting tools;  
letter openers, corkscrews, can openers with points, knitting needles, and  
hooks; hairspray, pepper spray, and aerosol containers; tools; glass containers;  
and large backpacks and suitcases that contain items unrelated to the meeting.  
3. Addressing the Council, Committee, Board or Commission:  
a) Persons wishing to speak on an agenda item or during open forum are  
requested to complete a speaker card and submit the card to the City Clerk or  
other administrative staff at the meeting.  
b) Meeting attendees are usually given two (2) minutes to speak on any  
discussion item and/or during open forum; the total amount of time allocated for  
public testimony for each public speaker or for an agenda item is in the  
discretion of the Chair of the meeting and may be limited when appropriate.  
(California Government Code Section 54954.3; Council Policy 0-37) Applicants  
and appellants in land use matters are usually given more time to speak.  
Speakers using a translator will be given twice the time allotted to ensure  
non-English speakers receive the same opportunity to directly address the  
Council, Committee, Board or Commission.  
c) Speakers should discuss only the agenda item when called to speak for that  
item, and only topics related to Retirement Board business when called to speak  
during open forum on the agenda.  
d) Speakers’ comments should be addressed to the full body. Requests to  
engage the Mayor, Council Members, Board Members, Commissioners or Staff in  
conversation will not be honored. Abusive language is inappropriate.  
e) Speakers will not bring to the podium any items other than a prepared written  
statement, writing materials, or objects that have been inspected by security  
staff.  
f) If an individual wishes to submit written information, he or she may give it to  
the City Clerk or other administrative staff at the meeting.  
g) Speakers and any other members of the public will not approach the dais at  
any time without prior consent from the Chair of the meeting.  
Failure to comply with this Code of Conduct which will disturb, disrupt or impede  
the orderly conduct of the meeting may result in removal from the meeting and/or  
possible arrest.