In enacting this chapter, the City Council finds and declares that state law recognizes that these are limited circumstances in which the protection of confidentiality of intergovernmental communications is considered more important than the right of the people to be informed. Specifically, maintaining the confidentiality of communications between the city and its attorney and management staff promotes the candor necessary to receiving the best advice in matters in which such advice is sought. Furthermore the purpose behind closed sessions of the City Council authorized by the Ralph M. Brown Act is thwarted unless communications made pursuant to the act remain confidential. A breach of the confidentiality of such communications interferes with effective governmental operation and the protection of legitimate privacy interests of the city and its employees.
(Ord. 438, passed 10-18-1994)