TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
FROM: Cristal McDonald, City Clerk
PREPARED BY: Cristal McDonald, City Clerk
SUBJECT:
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City Council Meeting Schedules
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RECOMMENDATION
recommendation
Review and adopt the proposed 2026 City Council meeting schedule; and
Discuss City Council meeting times for future consideration, OR
Take action the City Council deems appropriate.
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PRIOR ACTION/VOTE
On July 20, 2021, the City Council authorized a summer legislative recess, resulting in the cancellation of the August 17, 2021, and September 7, 2021, City Council regular meetings
(Vote: 4-1).
On April 5, 2022, the City Council authorized a summer legislative recess, resulting in the cancellation of the July 5, 2022, and July 19, 2022, City Council regular meetings (Vote: 5-0).
On April 4, 2023, the City Council authorized a summer legislative recess, resulting in the cancellation of the July 4, 2023, and July 18, 2023, City Council regular meetings (Vote: 5-0).
On January 16, 2024, the City Council adopted the 2024 City Council Meeting Schedule, resulting in the cancellation of the May 21, 2024, July 16, 2024, and August 6, 2024, City Council regular meetings (Vote: 5-0).
On December 17, 2024, the City Council adopted the 2025 City Council Meeting Schedule, resulting in the cancellation of the January 7, 2025, May 20, 2025, and August 5, 2025, City Council regular meetings (Vote: 5-0).
CITY COUNCIL GOAL
Maintain a high performing organization that values fiscal sustainability, transparency, accountability and organizational efficiency.
DISCUSSION
California Government Code Section 36805 requires that the city council hold regular meetings at least once a month at times fixed by ordinance or resolution. Under the Murrieta Municipal Code (MMC), and Resolution No. 19-4178, including amendments, thereafter, sets the day and time for regular City Council meetings on the first and third Tuesdays of each month beginning at 6:00 p.m. Closed Sessions shall begin no earlier than 4:00 p.m., under normal circumstances. Additionally, when a workshop is held prior to a City Council regular meeting, the intent is to begin no earlier than 4:00 p.m.
Under the direction of the City Manager, City Council agenda packets are prepared by the City Clerk (MMC ?2.12.020). The City Manager, as the administrative head, may cancel City Council meetings as needed for the efficient management of the City of Murrieta's affairs. Additionally, the City Council, as a body, has the authority to cancel meetings.
In recent years, the City Council has proactively canceled meetings, known as "going dark," during summer months, to accommodate conflicting City business, and during winter break. This enables the City Council and City staff to plan appropriately, allowing for time off during the summer and holidays. Although, due to volume of City business, while in session, several workshops in 2025 were required to be held earlier than 4:00 p.m.
Considerations
Proposed 2026 City Council Calendar
* January 6, 2026 (Winter Break) Although the City Council meets in December, the proposed City Council meeting calendar lists January 6, 2026, as "DARK" due to a proposed City Hall closure to the public during the winter holidays. Staff often use the closure to take holiday time off, which makes it difficult for staff to submit and review agenda reports in accordance with deadlines for the January 6, 2026, City Council regular meeting. Agenda Reports are due approximately one month before the designated City Council meeting, as they require review from various departments. City Hall staffing levels are minimal during this time, and the recommendation to cancel the January 6, 2026, City Council regular meeting would allow for the full functionality of staff for the January 20, 2026, City Council regular meeting.
* May 19, 2026 (ICSC) The 2026 International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC) conference is scheduled to take place from May 18 to 20, 2026. ICSC is dedicated to advancing the industry by promoting and elevating marketplaces and commercial spaces as vital components of communities and economies. Various Executive Management Staff (City Managers, Department Directors, and Economic Development staff) and City Council Members are expected to attend this conference. It is recommended to cancel the May 19, 2026, City Council regular meeting to allow sufficient time for staff and the City Council to attend the event.
* July 21, 2026 & August 4, 2026 (Summer Recess/2026 General Municipal Election/National Night Out) It is a standard practice for jurisdictions to conduct a legislative recess over the summer months. While the City Council meeting will not take place during this time, City Council Members will remain engaged with their constituents and have more opportunities to participate in local community summer events and activities taking place. There are no anticipated impacts to City business due to the summer recess.
In addition, the regularly scheduled City Council meeting of July 21, 2026, coincides with the official nomination period for the November 2026 General Municipal Election (July 13, 2026 - August 7, 2025). During this statutory period, the City Clerk Department, which prepares City Council agendas, is also responsible for issuing and processing nomination papers, responding to candidate inquiries, and administering the numerous legal and procedural requirements associated with candidate filings.
Canceling for summer recess will ensure that adequate staff resources are available to support the nomination process and that prospective candidates are afforded full and timely access to election services. This action also minimizes scheduling conflicts for incumbents and members of the public who may be actively participating in the nomination process. Accordingly, cancellation is proposed to promote the orderly administration of the election and to safeguard compliance with statutory election deadlines.
Lastly, during the month of August, the first Tuesday is designated as National Night Out, a community event that supports the partnership between the community and the Police Department. The City Council and City staff often attend this event.
To anticipate the needs of both the City Council and City administrative staff, City staff recommend adopting the proposed City Council meeting calendar for 2026. By approving the schedule, the City Manager can confirm that agenda items are planned within the proposed timeline. Additionally, special meetings can be scheduled for specific topics during the dark periods if necessary.
City Council Meeting Times
Over time, various factors, such as community participation, alignment with other City operations, and City Council Member availability, may prompt a review of whether the current meeting start time continues to best serve the City Council and the public. Based on the trend of our meeting starting times and other jurisdictions that have adjusted to earlier meeting times in recognition of community needs, and technological trends, this is an opportunity for the City Council to discuss and provide direction, if any, on if City staff should return to a future meeting with timing options.
FISCAL IMPACT
None.
ATTACHMENTS
1. 2026 Proposed City Council Meeting Calendar