Glossary of City Council Terminology Please reference this comprehensive guide to help understand frequently used terms.
Abstain
Choosing not to vote on a matter due to a conflict of interest or other reason.
Adjournment
The formal conclusion of a Council meeting.
A list of items to be discussed or acted upon during a Council or Committee meeting.
Agenda
The foundational document that outlines the structure, powers, and functions of the municipal government. A meeting where the entire Council discusses an issue informally before taking formal action.
Charter
Committee of the Whole
A situation where a Council member’s personal interests could improperly influence their decisions.
Conflict of Interest
A group of routine items approved collectively without discussion unless a Council member requests separate consideration.
Consent Agenda
Codified Ordinances
A collection of the city’s enacted ordinances organized by subject matter.
A closed meeting session that is not open to the public, usually for discussing confidential or legal matters.
Executive Session
First Reading
The initial presentation of an ordinance to the Council for consideration.
Minutes
The official written record of what occurred during a Council meeting.
Motion
A formal proposal put forward for debate or decision in a Council meeting.
Ordinance
A law or regulation enacted by the City Council.
A scheduled opportunity for residents to express opinions on a particular issue before the Council makes a decision. The minimum number of members required to be present for the Council to conduct official business. A formal statement or decision adopted by the City Council that does not have the force of law.
Public Hearing
Quorum
Resolution
Robert’s Rules of Order
A widely used set of procedural rules that guide the conduct of Council meetings.
A voting method where each Council member’s vote is recorded individually. In Beachwood, roll call votes are conducted in alphabetical order.
Roll Call Vote
Second
A statement of support for a motion, allowing it to proceed to discussion or a vote.
Second Reading
A subsequent presentation of an ordinance, often requiring a vote for adoption.
A requirement that ordinances and resolutions be read on three separate days before final passage, unless suspended by a two-thirds Council vote. (See FAQ) An ordinance or resolution that is declared necessary for the immediate preservation of public peace, health, safety, or welfare, allowing it to take effect immediately.
*Three-Reading Rule
Urgent Measure
City of Beachwood, Ohio
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