MOORPARK : Changes Studied in Law Review Process

Hoping to avoid sometimes embarrassing lapses in the city’s review of proposed ordinances, the Moorpark City Council tonight will consider a new procedure guaranteeing proper scrutiny of local laws before they are adopted.

“We wanted to tighten up the process, so it’s very clear to everyone that’s involved in the process what the steps are, so it always follows the same steps,” Mayor Paul Lawrason said. “It’s easy in preparing one of those to leave something out or not get it reviewed by the lawyer before they bring it to us.”

Council members have been left shaking their heads in amazement at times over the past year when told that proposed laws on the brink of adoption had not been given a full review by staff members.

“We want to become more efficient in conducting our business,” Councilman Bernardo Perez said. “Too many times in the past, and possibly in our haste to initiate action, we weren’t as ready as we thought for certain items, primarily ordinances.”

The new procedure ensures that every proposed ordinance receives a full review by staff members, the city manager and city attorney before finding its way to the council dais.

The council will consider the policy at its meeting beginning at 7 p.m. at Moorpark City Hall, 799 Moorpark Ave.