Milpitas Council Meetings: In response to the growing interest in civic engagement, particularly expressed by San José Spotlight readers, we present a comprehensive guide on how Milpitas residents can actively participate in and stay informed about their city’s public meetings. As part of our expansion into Santa Clara County, this guide aims to empower individuals with the knowledge to navigate local governance effectively.
The Milpitas City Council conducts regular meetings on the first and third Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. The city adheres to the Brown Act, ensuring transparency and accessibility. The agenda, posted at least three days before the meeting, provides detailed information.
Residents have several options to tune in:
- In Person: Attend at Milpitas City Hall, 455 E. Calaveras Blvd.
- Zoom: Access the meeting through the Zoom link provided on the agenda.
- YouTube and Facebook: Watch the live stream on the city’s YouTube channel and Facebook page.
- City Web Streaming: Utilize the Civic Clerk portal for live broadcasts or access audio and video recordings of past meetings.
For language translation assistance, Milpitas offers support in Spanish, Tagalog, and Vietnamese. Contact details for translation services are provided on the city’s website
Submission options for comments:
- In Person: Complete a speaker card and hand it to the clerk.
- In Writing: Email comments to cityclerk@milpitas.gov by noon on the meeting day.
Note: Public comment on Zoom is temporarily disabled due to concerns about hate speech and disruptive comments unrelated to city business.
Milpitas’ council meetings follow a structured order, influenced by state law, city charter, convention, and “Robert’s Rules of Order.” Regular meetings typically commence around 7 p.m., depending on closed sessions held before the public meeting.
Key elements of a council meeting include:
- Call to Order and Roll Call: Initiates the meeting, followed by a roll call of members present.
- Closed Session: Addresses non-public topics, such as contract negotiations or litigation.
- Pledge of Allegiance and Ceremonial Matters: Includes declarations of events and celebrations.
- Announcements and Adjustments: Councilmembers make relevant announcements and adjust the agenda if needed.
- Consent Calendar: A single vote approves non-controversial items, with the option to discuss or pull specific items.
- Public Hearings: Discuss items of broad public interest, often starting with presentations from city officials.
- Council Discussion and Voting: After public comments, councilmembers discuss and vote on the item.
The Milpitas City Council comprises five members elected citywide. As of 2023, Mayor Carmen Montano leads the council, serving a two-year term until 2024.
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Councilmembers include:
- Evelyn Chua: In office since 2020, eligible for reelection in 2024.
- Anthony Phan: Serving since 2016, terms out in 2024, not immediately eligible for reelection.
- Hon Lien: In office since 2022, eligible for reelection in 2026.
- Garry Barbadillo: In office since 2022, eligible for reelection in 2026.
The Vice Mayor, currently Evelyn Chua, is appointed every two years.
Milpitas operates under a council-manager system. The City Manager, Ned Thomas (appointed in 2023), implements policies approved by the council. The City Attorney, Michael Mutalipassi, provides legal guidance, and the City Clerk, Suzanne Guzzetta (appointed in 2022), maintains meeting minutes.
This guide equips Milpitas residents with the tools to actively participate in local governance, fostering an informed and engaged community. Stay tuned, stay involved!
Our Reader’s Queries
Who is permitted to attend a City Council meeting in California?
According to Section 303 of the City Charter, all City Council meetings, whether regular or special, must be open to the public. This means that anyone can attend these meetings, except for closed sessions.
Who is the current mayor of Milpitas California?
Milpitas, CA’s Mayor Carmen Montano is a respected leader in the community. Her dedication to improving the lives of her constituents is evident in her tireless efforts to promote economic growth, enhance public safety, and provide access to quality education. Mayor Montano’s commitment to transparency and accountability has earned her the trust and respect of the people she serves. Her vision for a vibrant and inclusive Milpitas is inspiring, and her leadership is helping to make that vision a reality.
Are Minneapolis City Council meetings open to the public?
In Minnesota, the Open Meeting Law mandates that government meetings should be accessible to the public. This means that the public has the right to attend and observe these meetings.
Where are LA City Council meetings held?
The Los Angeles City Council convenes at the John Ferraro Council Chamber, Room 340, City Hall, 200 N. Spring St. (entrance on Main St.) every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday at 10:00 am. This is the official schedule for the council’s meetings, and it is important to note the location and time to ensure attendance.