Burbank plans to press state officials on laws that prevent newly elected candidates from attending City Council closed sessions in the lead-up to them taking office, arguing the ban forces a steep learning curve that can hinder city business.
The City Council on Tuesday decided to reach out to the California attorney general for insight on the practice, and to lobby legislators for a remedy that would allow council-elects to observe closed meetings and be protected by attorney-client privilege.
The move comes roughly a month after City Atty. Amy Albano said newly elected Bob Frutos, who will be sworn in May 1, could not attend closed-session meetings in the interim because it would violate provisions of the Brown Act, which limits attendees to those with an official role, not interested members of the public.