(A) Purpose. It is hereby declared to be the purpose of this section to ensure representation of the people of the city.
(B) Restriction.
(1) Members of the Common Council are required to attend a minimum of ten meetings in a six-month period beginning January 1 and ending June 30, and beginning July 1 and ending December 31, of each year they serve, or be subject to dismissal, pending a vote of the Council.
(2) Members of the Common Council are subject to dismissal, after being absent for four consecutive meetings, pending a vote of the Council.
(C) Penalties for violation.
(1) Violation of division (B)(1) above. Attendance must be reviewed for each of the Council members. Any member who does not attend at least ten meetings during the six-month period must endure a vote by the Council to retain his or her seat. A two-thirds vote among those in attendance is necessary to expel a member of the Council.
(2) Violation of division (B)(2) above. On the date of the fourth consecutive absence of any Council member, the Council has the option to vote on the retention of the member. A two-thirds vote among those in attendance is required to expel a member of the Council.
(D) Exceptions.
(1) Exceptions for both types of violation can be made at the discretion of the Council.
(2) Common reasons for an exception may be: medically related absences; Council members’ health condition; absences related to taking care of a loved one who has been diagnosed with a serious health condition; and/or absences related to settling the estate of a family member who has passed away and can be documented.
(E) Vacancies. Vacancies are to be filled in the same manner, as they would be if a member of the Common Council were to resign.
(Ord. 7-2006, passed 6-27-2006)