A. Liberal Construction: All general provisions, terms, phrases and expressions contained in this code shall be liberally construed in order that the true intent and meaning of the common council may be fully carried out.
B. Minimum Requirements: In the interpretation and application of any provision of this code, it shall be held to be the minimum requirements adopted for the promotion of the public health, safety and general welfare.
C. Gender: A word importing the masculine gender only shall extend and be applied to females and to firms, partnerships and corporations as well as to males.
D. May/Shall: The word "may" is permissive; the word "shall" is mandatory.
E. Nontechnical And Technical Words: Words and phrases shall be construed according to the common and approved usage of the language, but technical words and phrases and such others as may have acquired a peculiar and appropriate meaning in law shall be construed and understood according to such meaning.
F. Number: A word importing the singular number only may extend and be applied to several persons and things as well as to one person and thing.
G. Officers And Employees Generally: Whenever any officer or employee is referred to by title only, such reference shall be construed as if followed by the words "of the city of Menomonie".
H. Tense: Words used in the past or present tense include the future as well as the past and present.
I. Ordinance: The word "ordinance" contained in the ordinances of the city has been changed in the content of this code to "title", "chapter", "section" and/or "subsection" or words of like import for organizational and clarification purposes only. Such change to the city's ordinances is not meant to amend passage and effective dates of such original ordinances. (2009 Code)