To Start, a Little Chambers Music

The opening moments of city council meetings nationwide are fairly predictable. They include the Pledge of Allegiance, a roll call and perhaps a prayer. Some cities call for a moment of silence.

But two councils in Orange County known for fractious meetings have tried adding a moment of music to the mix. And even that’s being debated.

Consider the dueling members of the Irvine City Council, Larry Agran and Christina L. Shea, who often disagree on issues -- even music.

Agran began inviting local singers to meetings five years ago when he was mayor. The pre-meeting entertainment, which follows a moment of silence, relaxes everyone before what can be an intense session, he said.

“This is about sorting out our differences and pulling together,” he said. “I’ll take 10 minutes of inspiring local talent over another 10 minutes of contentious, extensive debate any time.”

Shea said she thought it was a waste of time. “The City Council’s job isn’t to promote performers,” said Shea, who served as mayor from 1996 to 2000. “Let’s get business done and move on.”

Beginning council meetings with a musical number is rare. Brian Heaton, spokesman for the League of California Cities, based in Sacramento, said he had never witnessed such a performance.

In January, Mission Viejo’s City Council welcomed its first performers, the Capistrano Valley High School Camerata Singers. Mayor Lance MacLean said the performances helped “soften personal feelings.”

“My goal is to bring more harmony and less contention to the council,” he said. “Let’s be tough on the issues and tender on the people.”

Meetings have been tense at times since November 2003, when longtime City Manager Dan Joseph left his post in a settlement that included his dropping plans to sue the city on allegations of defamation, breach of contract and other issues.

About 16 months later, Councilwoman Gail Reavis filed a claim against the city and three council members alleging harassment and emotional distress.

So far in Mission Viejo, the young singers have come recommended by their schools. Officials considered auditions, but decided that having “300 people standing in line at City Hall to sing a song” might not be a good idea, said Karen Wylie, a city spokeswoman.

Music isn’t the only way to inspire harmonious meetings.

Members of Brea’s City Council take personality tests and compare results. Council members meet annually with a facilitator to discuss ways to better communicate with one another, Mayor Roy Moore said.

Moore said he was willing to consider a musical approach “as long as they let me sing.”

He wouldn’t be the first public official to sing at a meeting. Assemblyman Todd Spitzer (R-Orange) was known for his musical theatrics as an Orange County supervisor.

He sang a few times at board meetings and plenty of times for fundraisers, once as an Elvis impersonator. Spitzer has yet to sing on the Assembly floor. But, he said, “I’m sure I will.”

In Irvine, officials who want to belt out a tune are more than welcome. When recommendations are scarce or a performer backs out, the city clerk’s office has turned to one of Irvine’s own. Michele Lovenduski, a senior management analyst for the city, has become a regular hit.

But not everyone is star quality.

Mayor Beth Krom recalled a group of Boy Scouts who were looking to earn merit badges by singing a patriotic song before one Irvine council meeting. “They didn’t know the words. They didn’t sing on key. It was no joke,” Krom said. “If it weren’t so painful to watch and so painful to listen to, it would’ve been amusing.”

In those situations, Krom said jokingly, “we just clap and thank them and make sure they’re taken off the list.” She still wonders if they got their badges.

As mayor, she has the authority to decide the fate of the musical presentations. She plans to let the show go on.

“I think there is a certain tone we’re trying to set,” she said, adding that there were limits. “I’m not sure having clowns and jugglers performing are exactly that tone.”