(A) Town Councilmembers may use their title only when conducting official town business, for information purposes, or as an indication of background and expertise, carefully considering whether they are exceeding or appearing to exceed their authority.
(B) Once the Town Council has taken a position on an issue, all official town correspondence regarding that issue will reflect the Council's adopted position.
(C) In most instances, the Council will authorize the Mayor to send letters stating the town's official position to appropriate legislators.
(D) If a member of the Town Council, including the Mayor, appears before another governmental agency organization to give a statement on an issue affecting the town, the Councilmember should indicate the majority position adopted by the Council. If the Council is divided on an issue, the member should make no statement.
(E) Personal opinions and comments may be expressed only if the Councilmember clarifies that these statements do not reflect the official position of the Town Council.
(F) Any Councilmember, including the Mayor, who has been directed by Council action (either by Council vote or by direction) to represent the town at any meeting of an outside organization and who cannot attend the meeting, shall immediately notify the alternate attendee, who shall attend the meeting. If there is not an alternate or the alternate is not available to attend, the representative shall immediately notify the Mayor and, in the absence of the Mayor, the Vice Mayor, of the attendance conflict.
(G) If a Councilmember or the Mayor, appears on or is interviewed by any news media, whether radio, television, newspaper, newsletter, or other communication outlet, the Councilmember shall indicate the majority position adopted by Council. If a majority position has not been reached on the subject, the Councilmember shall indicate that no majority position has been adopted and the Councilmember may give a statement expressing his personal opinion, but only if he states that it is his own opinion and not the opinion of the town.
(Ord. 09-49, passed 4-7-2009; Am. Ord. 13-101, passed 10-1-2013; Am. Ord. 15-120, passed 12-15-2015)