The County Council shall have the power by resolution adopted by 2/3 majority of the seated members to authorize inquiries and investigations to be conducted by the entire body or by any of its committees in aid of its legislative powers.
The County Council shall have the power to issue subpoenas to compel the attendance of witnesses and the production of documents and other evidence at any meeting of County Council or any of its committees. All subpoenas shall be issued in the name of the County and shall be signed by President of County Council or the chair of the applicable committee.
The President of County Council, the chair of any of its committees or the County Council Clerk shall have the power to administer oaths to witnesses.
All inquiries and investigations conducted by County Council or any of its committees shall be open to the public unless otherwise provided by applicable law or unless a majority of County Council or its committee conducting the inquiry or investigation determines that an executive session is required.
Any witness or other person appearing before County Council or any of its committees may be represented by legal counsel. Any person whose actions or conduct is the subject of any inquiry or investigation shall be given the opportunity to appear before County Council or any of its committees with or without legal counsel to respond to charges or criticisms made during the inquiry or investigation.
The conduct of proceedings at County Councilmatic inquiries and investigations shall be subject to such rules as the majority of County Council members may prescribe. Any and all costs associated with any County Councilmatic inquiry or investigation shall be paid from the annual operating budget appropriation provided for County Council's per meeting stipends, expenses, total staff compensation and office expenses as provided for in the Charter.[1]
[1]
Editor's Note: The Charter is included at the beginning of this volume.