This matter is on for consideration of one revision to the Rules of Procedure of the Yakima City Council in the first sentence of Section C.2(c) regarding the procedure for calling a special meeting. The proposed revised sentence would read: “A special meeting may be called at any time by the presiding officer or by a majority of the members of the Council pursuant to RCW 42.30.080.” A copy of RCW 42.30.080 is attached. RCW 42.30.080 is in Chapter 42.30 RCW entitled Open Public Meetings Act.
The sentence in the Rules of Procedure of the Yakima City Council (revised July 17, 2018) in Section C.2(c) currently reads: “Special meetings may be called by the presiding officer or by any two members of the Council, as provided for in the City Charter.” That sentence reflects the language in another statute, RCW 35.18.170 on Council meetings which is contained in Chapter 35.18 RCW on the Council-Manager Plan and is similar to the City Charter. RCW 35.18.170 states in part: “The clerk shall call special meetings of the council upon request of the mayor or any two members.” The language of the two state statutes on the calling of a special meeting is inconsistent.
The Open Public Meetings Act provides in part in RCW 42.30.140: “If any provision of this chapter conflicts with the provisions of any other statute, the provisions of this chapter [the Open Public Meetings Act] shall control.” Staff recommends that the first sentence of Section C.2(c) regarding the calling of a special meeting be revised to be consistent with RCW 42.30.080. |