Frequently Asked Questions
What is the procedure for calling a special meeting of the City Council? Special meetings can be called by the Mayor, Council President, or by the request of a majority of Council Members. Public notice will be provided at least 24 hours in advance of the meeting. Can I contact Council Members directly about issues? Yes! You are welcome to contact individual Council Members directly via email or phone to express concerns or ask questions. Contact details for each Council Member are available on the city website. Does City Council have a summer session? Yes, during the summer months, City Council typically operates on a reduced schedule. Meetings may be held less frequently. Please refer to the city’s website or contact the Clerk’s office for specific dates during the summer session. What is a committee meeting? A committee meeting is a gathering of a smaller group of Council Members assigned to review and discuss specific issues in greater detail before presenting recommendations to the full City Council. These committees focus on areas such as finance, public safety, or public works. Members of Council chair these committees, leading discussions and guiding the review process. Committee meetings are open to the public unless otherwise specified and provide an opportunity for in-depth discussion before formal decisions are made at a regular Council meeting. What is the three-reading rule? A requirement that ordinances and resolutions be read on three separate days before final passage, unless suspended by a two-thirds Council vote. Certain measures, such as appropriations, tax levies, and petitioned improvements, take immediate effect. Emergency or urgent measures also bypass this rule but require justification and a two-thirds vote. Zoning changes, city boundary modifications, and elected officials’ compensation cannot be passed as emergency or urgent measures.
Citizen’s Guide to City Council
page 10
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