COUNCIL 101
Addressing the Council
Anyone wishing to speak on an item listed on the agenda, or to bring up an item not listed, should fill out a "Blue Appearance Card" and present it to the City Secretary before the meeting begins.
Items not listed on the agenda will be considered under "Citizen's Comments." Once the business portion of the meeting begins, only comments related to public hearings will be heard. All comments are limited to 5 minutes. Please refrain from "Personal Critisms."
If you have filled out a "Blue Appearance Card," your name will be called at the appropriate time when designated item is under consideration.
Tips for making successful presentations
- When speaking, state your name and address for the record.
Presentations should be clear and concise.- Groups and organizations are asked to designate one spokesperson whenever possible.
- Repetition of ideas expressed by other speakers should be avoided.
- Address your remarks to the whole Council, rather than a specific member.
Every effort will be made to ensure that citizens have ample opportunity to address the Council.
Council Actions
Motions: A Motion is an informal action of the City Council which authorizes or disapproves various proposed or suggested action on the part of the City Administration.
Resolutions: A Resolution is a formal written action of the City Council relating to ministerial, administrative or executive matters. The City Council proceeds by resolution on matters having reference to the ordinary and current affairs of the City. Resolutions require a single reading and become effective upon the passage and execution by the Mayor.
Ordinance: An Ordinance is a legislative enactment by the City Council. It must be in written form when introduced and by Charter requirement it is necessary that it be voted on at three separate meetings. Ordinances take effect ten (10) days after the date of publication, penal ordinances take effect immediately on it's publication. For your convience, you may now view the City Code of Ordinances online.
Minute Orders: Form letters documenting Council actions distributed after meetings to orginating departments and/or outside parties.
Types of Council Meetings
Regular Meetings: Held on the second and fourth Monday of each month in the Council Chambers located in the City Hall.
Special Meetings: Held as needed to provide the Council with an opportunity to review in depth a special issue or project. Formal action may be taken at these special meetings, which are open to the public.
Work Sessions: Held as needed by the Council in Council Chambers 20 minutes prior to the Council meetings. No formal action may be taken at this time. These sessions are open to the public.
Closed Sessions: (Executive Sessions) Held for the specific purpose of addressing a personnel or litigation matter. For reasons of confidentiality, these sessions are closed to the general public.
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