RPLG @ MCMXF19The Renne Public Law Group (RPLG) presented a session, “But We’re Legislators, Not Judges: City Council Fair Process Requirements,” during the 2019 League of California Cities Mayors & Council Members Executive Forum on Wednesday, June 19. During the session, attendees had the opportunity to explore fair process issues with Partner Teresa Stricker, Of Counsel Randy Riddle, RPLG.Solutions Principal Bill Lindsay, Santa Rosa Mayor Tom Schwedhelm, Santa Rosa City Manager Sean McGlynn, and the League’s East Bay Division Regional Public Affairs Manager Samantha Caygill.

“RPLG has a long history of collaborating with the League as a Platinum Partner,” said Ms. Stricker, who currently serves on the League’s Fair Political Practices Commission Committee. “We look forward to continuing to support local government and share expertise with cities throughout California.”

The panel explored circumstances under which special fair process principles apply, such as when a city council hears an appeal from the planning commission or conducts other “quasi-judicial” hearings. Attendees learned about fair process issues such as bias, ex parte communications, and evidentiary principles, and learned how to avoid litigation, invalidation of city council’s actions, and the award of attorney’s fees against the city. The panel took the form of a mock city council meeting to highlight how these principles operate in the real world.

RPLG practices throughout California, advising and advocating for public agencies, nonprofit entities, individuals and private entities in need of effective, responsive and creative legal solutions.