Here Are the City Council’s Options on Monday’s Single Item Agenda About the Conflict in the Middle East

Here’s the text of the single item on Monday’s City Council meeting and a breakdown of the approaches listed on the agenda.

The meeting begins at 5 p.m. and will be held in the Convention Center.

“Discussion related to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East and consideration of a possible City position related thereto:

The City Council has requested background information to assist in determining whether and how to address the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. Among the alternative approaches for consideration after public comment, are the following:

1. Not take any official position on the ongoing conflict in the Middle East; or
2. Adopt a policy that the City will not take official positions on any non-local, political, or social issues; or
3. Adopt a Resolution taking an official position on the ongoing conflict in the Middle East; or
4. Take any other action determined by the City Council.

Here’s how each of these break down:

1. If it passes, the City would not take a position on the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas but would keep the door open for resolutions in the future on issues such as immigration and reproductive rights.
2. The City would no longer be able to take a stance on non-local political or social issues. “Non-local” could leave wiggle room for the City Council to introduce resolutions on social issues and political issues they deem have a local impact down the line.
3. This does not bind the City Council to a ceasefire resolution, a resolution supporting peace and tolerance on both sides in the Middle East covers this one as well as any number of other resolutions.
4. This one covers a lot. For example, the City Council could send a letter to Washington, D.C., supporting peace or a ceasefire, call for a day to honor all victims of the violence, etc.

The meeting will be conducted in Rooms 101 – 105 of the Center, which is located at 300 East Green Street.

The agenda for the special meeting can be viewed at Bit.ly/PasadenaSpecialMeeting.

Public comment during the meeting will be limited to the special meeting agenda and will only be accepted from those in attendance.

The City issued an advisory, noting that attendees must abide by the Pasadena City Council rules and regulations for City meetings. 

All attendees will be subject to a non-intrusive search upon entry, according to the statement.

The regulations include refraining from any conduct that disrupts the meeting. Signs and placards are permitted, provided they do not obstruct the view of another audience member and are 8.5×11 inches or smaller without a pole or stick.

Failure to comply with these regulations may result in removal from the venue and/or other lawful action. 

“We thank you for your cooperation in ensuring that our meetings are inclusive, respectful, and productive,” the Council said in the statement.

For more detailed information on the rules of conduct, please visit Bit.ly/PasadenaRulesOfConduct.