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firstamendment

A&A: When a public official works remotely from a religious institution

firstamendment June 13, 2009

When a public official works remotely from a religious institution Q: May a local water district, subject to the Brown Act, allowed a director to participate telephonically where the remote site (in this case Palmyra, NY) is a facility which is part of the Mormon Church.  In this case the remote site is the Visitors Center of Hill Cumorah, which displays religious symbols, shows films of the history of the LDS, holds meetings not open

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Labor negotiations and the Brown Act

firstamendment June 13, 2009

Labor negotiations and the Brown Act Q: Our public school board evaluated the principal and voted to give him a raise, in a closed session, which I understand is legal since the evaluation is confidential. Should the vote on the bonus remain secret? I asked to know the breakdown of which board members voted which way on the bonus. Is that information protected against public disclosure? I did not ask the amount of the bonus,

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A&A: Rules for public comment at council meetings

firstamendment June 13, 2009

Rules for public comment at council meetings Q: I was at a public meeting and was recognized by the chair. This was during the Public Input of the agenda. I rose and began to question a board member. I was unable to complete my questions as the chair gaveled me down each time I tried to speak. I finally asked, “Are you denying me my right to speak?” He replied, “Yes!” and banged the gavel.

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A&A: Ad hoc committees under the Brown Act

firstamendment June 13, 2009

Ad hoc committees under the Brown Act Q: Our city council is creating a council “ad hoc” subcommittee derived of two of its members over the issue of economic revitalization. An “ad hoc” council subcommittee is by definition one that does not have to allow the public to attend its meetings. In our city, these “ad hoc” council subcommittees often have special meetings with target groups and in essence end up being propaganda machines or

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A&A: Cure and correct Brown Act violations

firstamendment June 13, 2009

Cure and correct Brown Act violations Q:  Members of my neighborhood were prevented access to meetings that we think should be open.  The county board of supervisors passed a resolution to create a technical advisory committee (TAC) to manage a new large-scale commercial solid waste transfer station in this area. This committee is made up of staff members at the city and county level and they have already decided on potential site locations, etc, and

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