Public criticizes Malibu City Council over late start; council reports no reportable closed-session action

An unidentified member of the public told the Malibu City Council on July 11 that the special meeting, posted for 9 a.m., did not begin until after 10 a.m. and urged an investigation into the delay and council conduct.

The commenter said the city clerk refused to explain the delay and referenced a downtown hearing, "Fernandez versus the city of Malibu," as a possible reason the meeting started late. The speaker criticized council behavior around the Brown Act, saying Council member Conrad had called the Brown Act the "Pink Act," and said, "People don't know what you guys are up to, and it's not good form." The speaker also called for the resignation of "Bruce."

Council members and staff responded during the meeting. An individual identified in the record as Chris said, "while the pledge of allegiance was being stated, the public speaker gave me the middle finger," and said the speaker films council members. Kelsey, speaking for staff, said, "The agenda for this meeting was properly posted more than 24 hours in advance, for 9AM," and acknowledged the meeting started late while noting staff and Zoom access were available before 9 a.m. so the public could confirm the delay.

Earlier in the meeting, the council approved the agenda by voice vote after a motion and second; the motion carried with no opposition. The council then recessed to closed session. In a brief closed-session report the council said, "At approximately 10AM, the city council met an open session and then recessed a closed session for the items listed on the posted agenda. All 5 council members were present and no reportable action was taken."

The meeting concluded without a formal public resolution of the concerns raised by the speaker. The council did not state any next steps in the public record regarding investigation of the late start or the other allegations raised during public comment.