Menlo Watch: City Council to review mayoral policy Menlo Watch: City Council to review mayoral policy (January 25, 2006)

By Rory Brown

Almanac Staff Writer

At the request of Menlo Park Councilman Andy Cohen, the City Council will review its mayoral policy at its meeting on Tuesday, January 24.

Mr. Cohen's request came at the end of the council's December 13 meeting -- a week after the policy was ignored by council members Nicholas Jellins, Lee Duboc and Mickie Winkler, who elected Mr. Jellins mayor.

Under the policy, Councilwoman Kelly Fergusson or Mr. Cohen should have been handed the gavel.

The policy, adopted in 1993, says council members who have served at least one year, but have not been mayor, should be first in line for the mayoral chair.

The same three council members also chose not to follow the policy in 2002, electing Mr. Jellins mayor over Councilman Chuck Kinney. That was the only other time the policy was ignored.

Before 2002, the policy was not disregarded by a council majority.

The council meets in the council chambers at the Civic Center between Alma and Laurel streets.
Budget workshops approaching

Community workshops will be held in February when Menlo Park residents can recommend how to cut city services and/or increase fees and taxes to help balance the city's budget.

Residents will break up into small groups called "mini-City Councils."

Workshops will be held at the following times and locations, with child care and translators available onsite:

** Thursday, February 9, from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. at Belle Haven School cafeteria, 414 Ivy Drive.

** Saturday, February 11, from 9 a.m. to noon at Burgess Recreation Center, 701 Laurel St.

** Wednesday, February 15, from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. at La Entrada School, Jensen Hall, 2200 Sharon Road.

Facilitators are needed to lead each group.

To learn more about the workshops, or to volunteer to be a workshop facilitator, call 330-6646, or e-mail: menloparkbudget@menlopark.org.

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