COLUSA, CA (MPG) — The City of Colusa has rejected a complaint that a July 22 workshop co-hosted with the Colusa County Chamber of Commerce violated California’s Ralph M. Brown Act.
In a letter to the city, Susan Meeker, a Reporter for the Pioneer Review, alleged the “Community Revitalization Workshop,” held at Rocco’s Banquet Room, amounted to a de facto City Council meeting because four members were present, enough to establish a quorum, and the City of Colusa was listed as one of the hosts of the meeting.
The agenda, distributed by the Chamber to select individuals, included discussion of the “Discover Colusa” brand, a refined strategic vision for committee and city officials, key program pillars, a branding kit concept, a business playbook, and an executive summary.
Meeker said no public agenda was posted, and the meeting was not noticed as a public event. She argued that this denied residents their right to attend and participate.
Her letter cited multiple city-funded economic development contracts over the years, including the 2020 Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy, website development for “Discover Colusa,” and consulting work in 2024–25 on a business toolkit.
Under the Brown Act, violations can lead to nullifying decisions made in closed meetings, civil actions, or requirements for public disclosure. Meeker requested the city publicly acknowledge the violation within 30 days, release all materials from the workshop, and implement protocols to prevent future infractions.
City Attorney Ryan Jones told the council that after reviewing the matter, he found no violation.
“That was not the city event. There was no action taken, no motion,” Jones said. “There are rules about a majority of the council members attending functions in the Brown Act. This is one of those exceptions.”
Jones compared the event to attending a League of California Cities conference or a Rotary Club meeting, saying such community meetings do not require a public agenda if no official action is taken.
Chamber CEO Jack Cunningham, in a separate written response to Meeker, said the workshop was part of a long-term revitalization initiative to support existing businesses, attract new investment, and position Colusa for economic growth.
Cunningham said that invitations went to all Colusa-based Chamber members, and outreach is ongoing to include more community members.
Two City Council members were asked to serve as ad hoc liaisons, with any future recommendations requiring council approval to follow open-meeting procedures.
“Early materials circulated are simply conversation starters to help spark ideas and creativity,” Cunningham wrote. “No final decisions have been made, and all efforts remain focused on building something meaningful for the entire community.”
The City Council took no action on the complaint.