Regular City Council meetings are held on the first and third Tuesdays of each month at 6:00 pm (except City holidays) in the City Council Chambers at City Hall, One Civic Center Drive. All regular and special meetings are now offered in a hybrid format, allowing the public to participate in person, via Zoom, or by phone.

All City Council meetings are open to the public, except for Closed Session discussions on certain property acquisition, legal matters, or personnel issues as allowed by State law. Only listed items can be discussed in Closed Session.

Public Participation Including Hybrid Options (Commission meetings follow similar protocol but do not offer hybrid options)

Each meeting agenda includes time for public comments. You may speak in person or remotely via Zoom or phone. In-person speakers will be called first, followed by Zoom/phone speakers. To speak in person, fill out a Public Comment Card and give it to the City Clerk. To join the meeting via Zoom, follow the instructions provided on the agenda and stay muted until called and use the “Raise Hand” feature to indicate you wish to speak. Staff will call in-person and Zoom speakers in the order received, as best as possible. Speakers have 3 minutes each. Public comment is limited to 20 minutes; remaining speakers will be given the opportunity to speak at the end of the meeting.

The public may comment on Consent Calendar items at the time of their introduction. Consent Calendar items are routine matters enacted by one motion, generally without separate discussion unless a member of the City Council or staff requests that an item be removed for separate consideration.

During Public Hearings, the public can provide comments. Public Hearing notices are published in the La Cañada Outlook newspaper or other adjudicated publications and/or posted, generally 10 days before the hearing. City staff will start by presenting a report and answering questions. The Mayor will then invite the appellant and the applicant/project proponent to speak first, followed by public comments. Then the appellant and applicant/project proponent will be given a chance to rebut/address any questions and comments raised. Once public testimony concludes, the Mayor will close the hearing, and no further public comments will be allowed.

To speak on Ordinances and Other Business agenda items, approach the podium when the item is addressed and wait to be recognized. One opportunity per item is allowed. Groups are encouraged to appoint a spokesperson. Please avoid repeating points already made.

Give any supporting materials to the City Clerk before speaking. Materials submitted during a Public Hearing become part of the public record and will not be returned.

Disruption Procedures

If a technical disruption prevents remote public participation, the presiding officer will recess the meeting while staff work to restore access. Notice will be posted online and, if possible, announced in person.

If remote access is not restored within one hour, the Council will vote whether to continue the meeting, confirming good faith efforts to restore access and weighing the public interest as required by law.

If a disruption affects a Councilmember participating remotely, the presiding officer will check for quorum. If quorum is lost, the meeting is recessed until quorum or connectivity is restored. These procedures apply equally to disruptions affecting the public, Councilmembers, or anyone participating remotely as a reasonable accommodation.

Tips for Participating in City Council Meetings

  • To speak on an item, go to the podium after the staff report. State your name when recognized and give your comments. Providing your name is optional.
  • Direct comments to the City Council, not to the public or staff.
  • Conduct yourself in a professional, courteous manner and refrain from applauding, shouting, or talking while speakers are addressing the City Council.
  • Refrain from bringing food and drinks into the City Council Chambers (water is allowed).

City Council Meeting Information, Livestreaming & Broadcasts

City Council meeting agendas are published at least 72 hours before regular meetings and 24 hours before special meetings, as required by State law. Each agenda includes unique Zoom and phone information for joining and participating remotely. They are available on the City’s website on Friday afternoons prior to the meetings, and hard copies are available at City Hall. Meeting minutes are posted online after Council approval.

Regular and Special City Council meetings are streamed live on the City’s Website and available to the public on demand thereafter. Regular and special meetings are broadcast live on Charter Cable television Channel 3. City Council meetings are also rebroadcast on Charter Cable on Thursdays at 6:00 pm and Saturdays at 9:00 am until the next regular meeting.

Closed Session discussions are not broadcast or streamed online.

For more information regarding City Council meetings, please contact the City Clerk at (818) 790-8880.

Government Access Channel

The City has an agreement with Spectrum Cable to provide a channel for public information. Residents with Charter Spectrum can tune into Channel 3 or 16 to access the City’s Government access channel.

A rotating bulletin board displays essential updates throughout the day, including public safety alerts, upcoming meetings, and road closures. During emergencies, residents are encouraged to watch for critical information.

Regular City Council meetings are broadcast live and re-aired twice a week until the next meeting, and various public information videos are shown on a set schedule.

Social Media Policy

The City’s Social Media Policy outlines guidelines for using social media platforms, such as Facebook and Twitter, to share information about City events and activities with residents. T The City has an overriding interest and expectation in deciding what is “spoken” on behalf of the City on City social media sites as established in the Policy.