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 city council may be fully carried out.
B. Interpretation: 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. Where any provision of a code imposes greater restrictions upon the subject matter than the general provision imposed by this code, the provision imposing the greater restriction or regulation shall be deemed to be controlling.
C. Additional Interpretations:
1. Computation Of Time: Whenever a notice is required to be given or an act to be done in a certain length of time before any proceeding shall be had, the day on which such notice is given or such act is done shall not be counted in computing the time but the day on which such proceeding is to be held shall be counted.
2. Delegation Of Authority: Whenever a provision appears requiring the head of a department or some other city officer to do some act or perform some duty, it is to be construed to also authorize the head of the department or other officer to designate, delegate and authorize subordinates to perform the required act or perform the duty unless the terms of the provision or section specify otherwise.
3. 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.
4. Joint Authority: All words giving a joint authority to three (3) or more persons or officers shall be construed as giving such authority to a majority of such persons or officers.
5. May/Shall: The word "may" is permissive; the word "shall" is mandatory.
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. Officers Generally: Whenever any officer is referred to by title, such as "finance officer", "chief of police", etc., such reference shall be construed as if followed by the words "of the city of Mitchell".
9. Tense: Words used in the past or present tense include the future as well as the past and present. (2005 Code)