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 mayor and city 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. (2009 Code)
C. Computation Of Time: Except when otherwise provided, the time within which an act is required to be done shall be computed by excluding the first day and including the last day, unless the last day is Sunday or a holiday, in which case it shall also be excluded. (1991 Code § 1.04.070, as amended)
D. 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 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. (2009 Code)
E. Gender: Each gender includes the masculine, feminine and neuter genders.
F. Singular And Plural: The singular number includes the plural and the plural includes the singular.
G. Tenses: Words used in the present tense include the past and the future tenses and vice versa, unless manifestly inapplicable. (1991 Code § 1.04.040, as amended; amd. 2009 Code)
H. 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.
I. May/Shall, Must: The word "may" is permissive; the words "shall" and "must" are mandatory. (2009 Code)
J. 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 peculiar and appropriate meaning. (1991 Code § 1.04.030, as amended; amd. 2009 Code)
K. Officers And Employees: Whenever any officer, employee, department, board or commission is referred by title, such reference shall be construed as if followed by the words "of Wellsville City". (1991 Code § 1.04.020, as amended; amd. 2009 Code)
L. 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 ordinances is not meant to amend passage and effective dates of such original ordinances. (2009 Code)