Section
Council Rules
30.01 Authority
30.02 Policy-making body; preparation; decisions
30.03 Council meetings
30.04 Agenda and order of business
30.05 Council meeting procedures
30.06 Decorum and order
30.07 Censure, suspension and dismissal
30.08 Code of Ethics
30.09 Council relations with city staff
30.10 Committees
30.11 Confidentiality
30.12 Suspension or amendment of rules
COUNCIL RULES
(A) The Charter of the city, Ch. II, § 4, “Powers of the City”, states: “The City has all powers which the constitution, statutes, or common law of the United States or of this state expressly or implicitly grant or allow municipalities as fully as though this Charter specifically enumerated each of those powers.” Ch. IV, § 13, “Meetings”, specifies: “It [the Council] shall adopt rules for the governance of its members and proceedings.”
(B) The rules adopted in this subchapter shall be in effect upon their adoption by the Council and until such time as they are amended, added to, deleted or replaced in the manner provided by these rules.
(C) These rules apply equally to the Mayor and Council members.
(D) These rules are to be observed in addition to and may not be contradictory to the current City Charter.
(E) The consistent theme underlying these rules is “respect”. Demonstrating respect for each individual through words and actions is the touchstone that can help guide Council members to do the right thing in even the most difficult situations.
(Ord. 2007-01, passed 4-5-2007)
(A) The City Council is the policy-making body. The Council shall adopt administrative policy on media. Council members are expected to encourage and respect diversity among the viewpoints brought to the Council. Council decisions may not be unanimous, but once voted upon define the position of the entire Council. Council members who do not agree with the Council’s decisions are encouraged to not publicly undermine Council decisions.
(B) No member of the Council shall be authorized to speak or write on behalf of the Council unless authorized by a majority vote of the Council.
(C) Council decisions shall predominantly be policy decisions. The Council is encouraged to have a collective philosophy, embody beliefs, values, commitments and vision.
(D) The Mayor shall be the presiding officer and conduct all meetings, preserve order, enforce the rules and determine the order and length of discussion on any matter before the Council, subject to these rules. The Mayor Pro Tem shall preside in the absence of the Mayor. The presiding officer shall not be deprived of any of the rights and privileges of a Council member. In case of the absence of the Mayor and the Mayor Pro Tem, the City Recorder shall call the meeting to order and the Council shall elect a Chairperson for the meeting by majority vote.
(E) Council members shall diligently prepare for meetings and shall be ready to vote on the consent agenda during meetings. Meetings flow more smoothly and take less time when all Council members are well informed on issues including law, policy and general information. Council members will read all information prepared by city staff prior to meeting time.
(F) Council members have the right to endorse candidates for all Council seats or other elected offices. It is inappropriate for Council members to mention endorsements during Council meetings or other official city meetings.
(Ord. 2007-01, passed 4-5-2007)
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