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closed session, the Brown Act allows an agency to cure the issue through subsequent public action, as is the case with the October 17th and November 7th agenda items on this matter. Mr. Fialho commented that good people with integrity make mistakes on occasion. In the case where he facilitated the discussion in Closed Session, unknowingly violating the Brown Act when it came to the Councilmember compensation discussion matter, he noted other possible cures are for the City Council not to approve the proposed increase or to continue the matter indefinitely in that the November 7th meeting is the last regularly scheduled meeting for the current Council to adopt an ordinance that would take effect for the term of the Council beginning in December 2006. In response to Council question, Mr. Fialho noted the recommendation is to adjust Councilmembers salaries to $700 per month and for the Mayor to $800 per month. Current Council salary is $500 per month and the Mayor's salary is $600 per month. Also recommended is establishment of a car allowance at $200 per month. Adjustment in stipends would not take affect until the new Council is seated. Mayor Hosterman commented that the Pleasanton City Council salaries have not been adjusted since 1990. Additionally, she commented it is allowable for the Council to raise their stipends by an additional couple hundred dollars than what they are asking for tonight under California statute. Councilmember Sullivan clarified with the City Attorney that the Brown Act provides for a remedy and/or cure by having public discussion the issue. He added in Pleasanton's case, the Council is holding two public meetings to discuss the matter. Council clarified that discussion regarding the violation did not take place before the discussion on October 17th. Mayor Hosterman opened the item for publiC comment. Judy Symcox read a prepared statement that expressed her concerns with secrecy regarding this issue and the premature voting as she interprets it and with the amounts of the recommended adjustment. She indicated her opposition to a permanent car allowance and feels the reimbursement method for actual mileage is much better. This matter should be voted down and more discussion held. Jack Hovingh expressed concern with the process. To the extent that the Council wants a raise, they should go to the citizens and put the matter on the ballot. There should be some punitive damages for the people who violated the Brown Act. He expressed concern with ethics and stated he would hope that if the Council wants a raise, that they put the question to the voters. Kay Ayala addressed the City Council expressing distress as to the remedies for violating the Brown Act. She stated that the Council cannot move forward on this item and cure this by holding a public hearing. It is not the raise in question; it is how this matter got to the Council and the denials that it was previously discussed. She stated she feels the next Council must be the ones to address this issue. She stressed the need for a community of character. City Council Minutes 8 November 7, 2006