(a)
The
municipal government provided by the city is a type A general law
city. Pursuant to the City’s Code of Ordinances, and subject
to by the State Constitution, the statutes of this state, all powers
of the City of Lavon, hereinafter referred to as the “city,”
shall be vested in an elected council, hereinafter referred to as
the “city council” or “council,” which shall
enact local legislation, adopt budgets, determine policies, and appoint
city officials as noted in the City’s Code of Ordinances or
state law, including the city administrator, who in turn, shall be
held responsible to the city council for the execution of the laws
and the administration of the government of the city. All powers of
the city shall be exercised in the manner prescribed by city ordinance,
the state constitution, or by the statutes of the state.
(b)
The
city council is the governing body for the city. Therefore, it must
bear the initial responsibility for the integrity of governance. The
council shall determine its own rules of order and business. The council
is responsible for its own development, its responsibilities, its
own discipline, and its own performance. The development of this policy
is designed to ensure effective and efficient governance.
(c)
This
policy addresses mayor and council relations, council and staff relations,
council and city attorney, engineer and municipal judge relations,
council and media relations, roles and meetings. By adopting this
policy, we, as members of the city council, acknowledge our responsibility
to each other, to our professional staff and to the public. This policy
will be reviewed and adopted on an annual basis.
(Ordinance 2018-11-01 adopted 11/6/18)
(a)
The
city will provide for the health, welfare and safety for our citizens,
neighbors and employees with a commitment to communicate and serve
all with respect, dignity and courtesy, focusing on superior customer
service. We will listen to our citizens and guests; address their
needs; and provide a safe and appealing place to work, play and call
home.
(b)
In
order to ensure proper discharge of duties for the improvement of
democratic local government, members of the city council will display
behavior that demonstrates independent, impartial review of all matters
addressed by them, and be duly responsible to the citizens of the
city and each other in their relationships.
(Ordinance 2018-11-01 adopted 11/6/18)
(a)
On
major policy issues, the city administrator shall provide briefing
material to the council in advance of council consideration of the
policy alternatives.
(b)
All
councilmembers should have the same information with which to make
decisions. When one councilmember has an information request, the
response will be shared with all members of the council so that each
member may be equally informed.
(c)
Staff
should provide city council with information on agenda items as far
in advance of the meeting as possible. Staff should avoid giving information
at the meeting on issues that will be considered during the meeting.
In order to provide the council with timely information, city council
members are encouraged to submit their questions on agenda items to
the city administrator as far in advance of the meeting as possible
so that staff can be prepared to respond at the council meeting.
(d)
The
city administrator shall provide operational updates to the city council
informing them of the progress on projects, items of concern, city
events, financial, and legal issues currently pending before the city.
(Ordinance 2018-11-01 adopted 11/6/18)
(a)
The
mayor shall preside at meetings of the council, and shall be recognized
as head of city government as provided in state law. The mayor may
participate in the discussion of all matters coming before the council.
The mayor shall be entitled to vote as established by state law.
(b)
As
established by state law, the council shall elect from among the councilmembers
a mayor pro tempore who shall act as mayor during the absence or disability
of the mayor.
(c)
As
head of city government for ceremonial purposes, the mayor may issue
and present proclamations and recognitions, and attend other ceremonial
functions on behalf of the city. Councilmembers may initiate, through
the mayor or by a majority vote of the council, similar items of recognition.
Major community events sponsored by the city shall be a policy decision
of the council.
(d)
The
mayor shall preserve order and decorum and shall require councilmembers
engaged in debate to limit discussion to the question under consideration.
(e)
The
mayor is the spokesperson for the council on all official positions
taken unless absent, at which time the mayor pro tempore will assume
the role.
(f)
The
mayor will encourage all councilmembers to participate in council
discussion and allow all positions to be adequately presented before
an item is brought to vote.
(g)
The
mayor and council may appoint a subcommittee made up councilmembers
and staff to evaluate policy alternatives and to recommend policy
direction to the full council. Council deliberation on the subcommittee
recommendations shall occur at regular sessions.
(Ordinance 2018-11-01 adopted 11/6/18)
(a)
Regular meetings.
The council shall meet regularly at
such times as prescribed by ordinance, but no less frequently than
once each month unless postponed or canceled for valid reason(s).
Regular meetings will be open to the public in accordance with the
Texas Open Meetings Act.
(b)
Special meetings.
Special meetings may be held on any
day of the week to consider items that require action prior to the
next regularly scheduled meeting and may be called upon the request
of the mayor or city administrator. Special meetings will be open
to the public in accordance with the Texas Open Meetings Act.
(c)
Work sessions.
Work sessions will be held as needed
and used to allow the city council to discuss policy or budgetary
items. Work sessions will be open to the public in accordance with
the Texas Open Meetings Act.
(d)
Executive sessions.
The city council may meet in executive
session in compliance with the Texas Open Meetings Act. A final action,
decision or vote on a matter deliberated in an executive session will
be made in an open meeting for which proper notice is provided. All
discussions in executive session shall remain confidential. Executive
sessions are not open to the public in accordance with the Texas Open
Meetings Act.
(e)
Public notice.
The agenda for all regular meetings,
special meetings, work sessions, and executive sessions and the notice
listing items to be considered shall be posted in accordance with
the Texas Open Meetings Act, at least 72 hours prior to the posted
meeting.
(f)
Attendance.
Councilmembers are expected to attend all
meetings and stay in attendance during each meeting. No member shall
leave a meeting without advising the presiding officer.
(g)
Punctuality and recess.
Members of the city council
shall arrive at meetings at or before the scheduled time for the meeting
to begin. At the beginning of each meeting, the chair shall announce
those members absent and shall announce the arrival time of any member
arriving after the beginning of any meeting. The chair may at any
time, upon their own motion, or upon the request of a councilmember,
declare a recess in the meeting. The time limit of the recess shall
be strictly followed.
(h)
Conflict of interest.
A councilmember prevented from
voting due to a conflict of interest shall leave the bench during
the debate, shall not vote on the matter, and shall otherwise comply
with the state law and the city ordinances concerning conflicts of
interest. Any councilmember filing a conflict of interest affidavit
on an executive session item shall not confer with staff, the city
attorney, councilmembers or the mayor regarding that matter.
(i)
City council members.
(1)
During city council meetings and work sessions, councilmembers shall
assist in preserving order and decorum and shall neither by conversation
or otherwise delay or interrupt the proceedings nor refuse to obey
the rules of the city council.
(2)
A councilmember shall confine discussion to the question under debate,
avoid the discussion of personalities and the use of inappropriate
language, and refrain from personal attacks or from publicly criticizing
a council colleague, citizen, an individual employee or operational
issue. Criticism is differentiated from questioning facts or the opinion
of staff.
(3)
When there is more than one speaker from the floor on the same subject,
councilmembers shall delay their comments until after all speakers
on the subject have been heard.
(4)
The chair shall state all questions submitted for a vote and announce
the result.
(5)
The professional staff is expected to provide its best recommendations
on issues, provide information about alternatives to staff recommendations
as appropriate, as well as pros and cons for recommendations and alternatives.
Staff recognizes the role of council as policy makers for the city
and understands that council must consider a variety of opinions and
community values in their decision-making in addition to staff recommendations.
(j)
Administrative staff.
(1)
Members of the administrative staff and employees of the city shall
observe the same rules and decorum applicable to members of the city
council.
(2)
Although the presiding officer has the authority to preserve decorum
in meetings, the city administrator also is responsible for the orderly
conduct and decorum of all city employees under the city administrator’s
direction and control.
(3)
The city administrator shall take such disciplinary action as may
be necessary to ensure that decorum is preserved at all times by city
employees in meetings.
(4)
All persons addressing the city council, including the city administrator
shall be recognized by the presiding officer and shall limit remarks
to the matter under discussion.
(5)
All remarks and questions addressed to the city council shall be
addressed to the city council as a whole and not to any individual
member.
(k)
Citizens and visitors.
(1)
Citizens and visitors are welcome and encouraged to attend all public
meetings of the city and will be admitted to the chamber or meeting
room up to the fire safety capacity of the room.
(2)
Everyone attending the meeting will refrain from private conversations
and silence mobile devices while the city council is in session.
(3)
Citizens and visitors attending city council meetings and work sessions
shall observe the same rules of propriety, decorum and good conduct
applicable to members of the city council. Any person making personal,
impertinent, profane or slanderous remarks or who becomes boisterous
while addressing the city council or while attending the meeting or
work session, shall be removed from the room if so directed by the
presiding officer. The person shall be barred from further audience
before the city council during that session. If the presiding officer
fails to act, any member of the council may move to require enforcement
of the rules, and the affirmative vote of a majority of the council
shall require the presiding officer to act.
(4)
Unauthorized remarks from the audience, stamping of feet, whistles,
yells and similar demonstrations shall not be permitted by the presiding
officer, who may direct the removal of offenders from the room. In
case the presiding officer shall fail to act, any member of the council
may move to require enforcement of the rules and the affirmative vote
of the majority of the council shall require the presiding officer
to act.
(5)
No placards, banners, or signs will be permitted in the city council
chamber or in any other room in which the council is meeting. Exhibits,
displays and visual aids used in connection with presentations, however,
are permitted.
(l)
Agenda.
(1)
The mayor and/or city administrator shall set the agenda. Any councilmember
may request an item be placed on a future agenda. The requested agenda
item shall be included on an agenda no later than the second regularly
scheduled meeting (approximately 30 days) after receiving the request
unless otherwise agreed upon by the city council.
(2)
The “consent agenda” consists of operational items and
previously discussed items that do not require deliberation by the
council.
(3)
Any councilmember may remove an item from the consent agenda for
separate discussion and consideration of action.
(4)
Any item may be deferred or postponed to a later date by the Mayor
if there is no objection. If a member of city council objects, a majority
vote of council is required to defer or postpone the item.
(5)
The chair shall announce the removal of an item from the consent
agenda prior to requesting a motion.
(m)
Speakers.
(1)
A person wishing to address the city council must provide their name
and residence address.
(2)
Speakers must address their comments to the presiding officer rather
than to individual councilmembers or staff. Speakers may not address
the audience collectively or individuals in the audience.
(3)
If speaking on an agenda item, speakers must keep their remarks specific
to the item being considered by the city council.
(4)
If the speaker is addressing the city council under the “public
comments” section, the speaker may address any item not slated
for discussion on the agenda.
(5)
The presiding officer may provide deference to city residents in
recognizing speakers and allowing comments.
(6)
All speakers will be asked to keep comments to a reasonable amount
of time as determined by the chair, usually less than three (3) minutes,
depending on the number of speakers waiting to address the city council.
A majority vote of city council can force the chair to end the speaker’s
comments or allow additional time.
(7)
For called public hearings, the applicant will be allowed a specific
amount of time to make a presentation.
(8)
In accordance with the Texas Open Meetings Act, the city council
will not discuss or consider any item addressed during the public
comment section. Councilmembers shall limit their response to public
comment to a statement of specific factual information given in response
to the inquiry or comment, a recitation of existing policy in response
to the inquiry or comment. Any deliberation of or decision about the
subject of the public inquiry or comment shall be limited to a proposal
to place the subject on the agenda for a subsequent meeting.
(9)
Whenever it is necessary for a speaker to use an interpreter to translate
comments to the city council, the time required for the translation
will not be counted against the designated time allotted for the speaker
to address the city council.
(n)
Motions.
(1)
The city council may discuss an Agenda item prior to a motion being
made. This allows a motion to be crafted that will incorporate the
issues discussed.
(2)
A motion made and seconded will be considered the main motion. Any
councilmember may make a motion to amend a motion. The amendment must
receive a second before it may be discussed and must be voted on prior
to voting on the main motion.
(3)
A motion may be withdrawn or modified by its mover without asking
permission until the motion is voted upon. If the mover modified the
motion, the councilmember who seconded the motion may withdraw the
second.
(4)
A motion to reconsider any action of the city council must be made
no later than prior to the conclusion of the next regularly scheduled
meeting of the city council. Such a motion may only be made by a councilmember
who voted with the prevailing side. The motion to reconsider may be
seconded by any member. No question shall be twice reconsidered except
by unanimous vote of the city council, except that action relating
to any contract may be reconsidered at any time before the final execution
thereof.
(A)
If a motion to reconsider is made at the same meeting at which the
matter was acted upon, the motion may be heard and voted upon and
the original action on the matter is set aside. Deliberation may then
resume on the matter at that same meeting.
(B)
If a motion to reconsider is made at the next meeting after the matter
was acted upon, the motion to reconsider may be heard and voted upon
and the original action on the matter is not set aside. Deliberation
may not resume on the matter, but it shall be placed on the next available
agenda for deliberation.
(C)
If a motion to reconsider a zoning ordinance is made after the closing
of the public hearing and action on the ordinance, the motion to reconsider
may be heard and voted upon and the original action on the matter
is not set aside. Deliberation may not resume on the matter until
proper notice of a public hearing in accordance with state law is
provided.
(5)
If any two councilmembers request that discussion cease during a
work session, the mayor shall poll the council to obtain a consensus
to continue or cease discussion.
(o)
Suspension of rules.
Any provision of these rules not
governed by the city code, state or federal law may be temporarily
suspended by a majority vote of the members of the city council present.
The vote on any such suspension shall be taken by yeas and nays and
entered upon the record.
(p)
Amendment of rules.
These rules may be amended or new
rules adopted, by a majority vote of the members of the city council.
(q)
Failure to comply.
A failure to comply with these rules
does not invalidate any otherwise lawful act of the council.
(r)
Tabling.
an item under consideration may be tabled until
a later point in the meeting.
(s)
Postponement.
an item may be postponed until a future
meeting, a specific future date, or until a specific outside action
occurs. Items may also be postponed indefinitely, which means the
item is dead and cannot be brought back before city council unless
there is a change.
(Ordinance 2018-11-01 adopted 11/6/18)
Representative government is only successful when the citizens
are kept informed and educated about the issues facing their municipality;
consequently, it is imperative that the media play an important role
in the council-media relations. It is through an informed public that
progress is ensured and good government remains sensitive to its constituents.
These guidelines are designed to help ensure positive relationships
with print, radio, and television reporters. The mayor, city council
and the city administrator recognize that the news media provide an
important link between the council and the public. It is the council’s
desire to establish a professional working relationship to help maintain
a well-informed and educated citizenry.
(1)
The
city administrator or designee is the city’s official representative
to the media.
(2)
The
mayor or city council by a majority vote may designate an alternative
media representative.
(Ordinance 2018-11-01 adopted 11/6/18)
(a)
Purpose.
(1)
The city, in an ongoing effort to effectively communicate with the
public, uses social media as a way to deliver information and provide
a venue for involvement and interaction concerning city business,
activities and issues. Social media is defined as social networking
sites such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram as well as blogging
sites.
(2)
This policy sets guidelines for the establishment, operation and
management of various social media to ensure timely, accurate and
appropriate use of those outlets to deliver clear, concise and consistent
messages on behalf of the city. This policy establishes guidelines
for the use of social media. The city administrator or designee shall
approve what social media outlets may be suitable for use by the city
and its departments.
(b)
Creation and maintenance of city social media sites.
(1)
City social media sites.
City social media sites may
contain information that represents, or may create the appearance
of representing the city’s position on policy issues and/or
the positions of its leadership. No city council members or employees
may create or maintain a social media site that purports or appears
to be a city social media site without the approval of the council
or city administrator respectively. Only designated city employees
will be allowed to post or distribute information on the city’s
social media sites.
(2)
City representative vs. private accounts.
Representative
accounts may be established by the city administrator or designee
on behalf of the city. Departments wishing to establish a representative
account must receive express written permission from the city administrator.
All departmental accounts must be linked to the city’s social
media account and individual employees are not authorized to have
representative accounts in their official capacities. The city administrator
shall be provided administrative access to any representative account
and only authorized content shall be shared through representative
accounts.
(c)
Posting Using a city representative account.
When posting
on social media sites, council/board members and employees shall at
all times conduct themselves as representatives of the city and shall
follow these guiding principles.
(1)
City policies, rules, regulations and code of conduct apply. Use
of a city e-mail address and/or communicating in an official capacity
will constitute conducting city business.
(2)
Maintain transparency by using your real name and title and be clear
about your role in regard to the subject. Do not post on the city’s
or council’s behalf without the express authorization of the
city administrator or council.
(3)
If writing on behalf of the city, write and post about your area
of expertise, especially as it is related to the city and your assignments.
When writing about a topic for which you are not the city’s
expert, make it clear to readers or direct them to city hall.
(4)
Keep postings factual and accurate. If a mistake is made, admit to
it and post a correction as soon as possible.
(5)
Avoid jargon or slang.
(6)
Use correct grammar and spelling.
(7)
Reply to comments in a timely manner, when a response is appropriate.
Maintain respectful and meaningful responses.
(8)
Understand that postings are widely accessible, not retractable and
may be retained or referenced for a long period of time. Content should
be carefully considered. Remember your personal and professional lives
overlap in your online activity.
(9)
Ensure social media content does not violate another person’s
privacy. Refrain from remarks that may discriminate or harass on the
basis of race, creed, color, age, religion, gender, national origin
or physical and mental disability.
(10)
Refrain from posting social media content that is proprietary, copyrighted,
attorney-client privileged, subject to state or federal privacy laws,
or information subject to the Texas Public Information Act.
(11)
Do not comment on anything related to legal matters, litigation or
any parties with whom the city may be in litigation or contemplated
litigation without the express authorization of the city attorney.
(13)
Refrain from posting sexual content, links to sexual content or the
encouragement of illegal activity.
(14)
To protect your own privacy and the privacy of others, please do
not include any personal information including your Social Security
Number, phone numbers or email address in your comments. Rather, refer
individuals to the city’s website or main contact information.
(d)
Posting for personal use.
(1)
A personal use account is an account used by council/board members
or employees in which they may express their personal opinions, but
the page should clearly represent that it is an employee or council
or Board member’s personal page and posts should be clearly
identified as personal opinions and not the opinion or position of
the city.
(2)
When using social media, employees should keep in mind that even
private activity can impact employment or appointment with the city.
Council/board members and employees using a private account are encouraged
to follow these guiding principles.
(A)
The department’s code of conduct applies to both on and off
duty activity.
(B)
Employees should also consult and follow their department’s
social media policy and refrain from posting confidential or secure
information on a personal social media account.
(C)
If you choose to identify yourself as a representative or employee
of the city, you must make clear that any opinions posted are personal
and not representative of the city’s policies or position.
(D)
Do not use or give out your city e-mail address from a private account.
(E)
Do not post on the city’s, your department or the council’s
behalf.
(F)
Understand that postings are widely accessible and may be retained
or referenced for a long period of time. Content should be carefully
considered. Remember your personal and professional lives can overlap
in your online activity.
(G)
Ensure social media content posted, shared, commented upon, “favorited”
or “liked” by you does not violate another person’s
privacy. Refrain from remarks which may discriminate or harass on
the basis of race, creed, color, age, religion, gender, national origin
or physical and mental disability.
(H)
Refrain from posting social media content which is proprietary, copyrighted,
attorney-client privileged, subject to state or federal privacy laws,
or information excepted from disclosure under the Texas Public Information
Act.
(I)
Do not comment on anything related to legal matters, litigation or
any parties with whom you are aware the city may be in litigation
or contemplated litigation.
(J)
Refrain from the encouragement of illegal activity.
(3)
Nothing in this policy should be read to infringe on a council/board
member’s or employee’s personal expression of First Amendment
Rights when engaging on social media as a private person.
(Ordinance 2018-11-01 adopted 11/6/18; Ordinance 2019-02-03 adopted 2/19/19)
The mayor and council are responsible for establishing a vision
for the city and planning for its future.
(1)
The
mayor, city council and the city administrator shall strive to annually
hold a planning session wherein they set priorities, goals and objectives.
The goals and objectives shall address short term and long-term needs,
including financial, of the city.
(2)
Policy
direction shall be consistent with the strategic goals and objectives.
Sufficient time and consideration should be given to policy alternatives
to ensure that decisions are made consistent with the long-term vision
and budgetary measures.
(Ordinance 2018-11-01 adopted 11/6/18)
(a)
The
city council’s role is to establish city policies and priorities.
The council appoints a city administrator to assist in implementing
those policies and undertake the administration of the organization.
The city administrator is appointed by the city council to enforce
its laws, to direct the daily operations of city government, to prepare
and monitor the annual budget, and to implement the policies and programs
initiated by the city council. The city administrator is responsible
to the city council, rather than to individual councilmembers, and
directs and coordinates the various departments. The city administrator
is responsible for appointing all department directors, except as
provided by city ordinance, and authorizing all other personnel positions.
The city council authorizes positions through the budget process;
based upon that authorization, the city administrator makes the appointments.
Because the primary role of the city council is to set policy and
direction for the city, the city council members will allow the city
staff to do their work and handle day-to-day operations accordingly.
(b)
The
city council shall direct comments, correspondence and concerns about
city operations to the city administrator’s office. Citizens
concerns, comments and correspondence regarding city operations received
by councilmembers shall be forwarded to the city administrator for
appropriate staff action and a timely response. Councilmembers will
consult and inform the city staff regarding requests relating to city
services and will refrain from unilaterally making commitments involving
financial or staff resources.
(c)
The
city council may inquire of the city administrator about the conduct
of any office, department or agency of the city and make investigations
as to municipal affairs, per the state law. In no manner, either directly
or indirectly, shall a councilmember become involved in, or attempt
to influence, personnel matters that are under the direction of the
city administrator. Nor shall the city council be involved in, or
influence, the purchase of any supplies beyond the requirements of
the city purchasing procedures. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any
member of the city council, may, prior to or during a meeting, make
inquiry to a department head on an agenda item posted for the next
council meeting. The councilmember will carbon copy (cc) the city
administrator on any email communication to a staff member.
(d)
Documents
provided to one councilmember shall also be distributed to all other
members of the council. The city administrator shall prepare and submit
to the council prior to the end of the fiscal year a complete report
on the finances and administrative activities of the city for the
preceding year. The city administrator shall keep the council advised
of the financial condition and future needs of the city and make such
recommendations that may seem desirable.
(e)
In
order to ensure proper presentation of agenda items by staff, questions
arising from councilmembers after receiving their information packet
should be, whenever possible, presented to the city administrator
or the administrator’s designated assistants for staff consideration
prior to the council meeting. This allows staff the time to address
the councilmembers’ concerns and provide all councilmembers
with the additional information.
(f)
Seeking
political support from staff is not appropriate. The city is a non-partisan
local government. Neither the city administrator nor any other person
in the employ of the city shall take part in securing or contributing
any money toward the nomination or election of any candidate for a
municipal office. In addition, some professionals have professional
codes of ethics, which preclude politically partisan activities or
activities that give the appearance of political partisanship.
(Ordinance 2018-11-01 adopted 11/6/18)
(a)
The
city attorney is appointed by the city council. The city attorney
is the legal advisor for the council, its committees, commissions
and boards, the city administrator, and all city officers and employees
with respect to any legal question involving an official duty or any
legal matter pertaining to the affairs of the city.
(b)
The
general legal responsibilities of the city attorney are to:
(1)
Provide legal assistance necessary for formulation and implementation
of legislative policies and projects;
(2)
Represent the city’s interest, as determined by the city council,
in litigation, administrative hearings, negotiations, and similar
proceedings;
(3)
Prepare or approve as to form ordinances, resolutions, contracts,
and other legal documents to best reflect and implement the purposes
and intentions of the city council; and
(4)
Keep city council and staff apprised of court rulings and legislation
affecting the legal interest of the city.
(c)
No
councilmember shall request or direct the city attorney to initiate
any action or prepare any report that is significant in nature, or
initiate any significant project or study without the consent of a
majority of the council. The city attorney shall determine whether
or not a matter is significant. The city administrator shall be informed
of any project, study, opinion or report prepared by the city attorney
as requested by the city council. The city administrator shall not
prevent councilmembers from communication with the city attorney.
(d)
It
is important to note that the city attorney does not represent individual
members of the council, boards, commissions or employees, but rather
the city as a whole.
(Ordinance 2018-11-01 adopted 11/6/18)
(a)
Staff
support and assistance may be provided to advisory boards, commissions,
and committees. Advisory bodies, however, do not have supervisory
authority over city employees. While staff may work closely with advisory
bodies, staff members remain responsible to their immediate supervisors
and, ultimately, the city administrator. The members of the commissions,
boards, or committees are responsible for the functions of the advisory
body. The chairperson is responsible for committee compliance with
the municipal code and/or bylaws. Staff members are to assist the
advisory boards to ensure appropriate compliance with ordinances,
state and local laws and regulations.
(b)
Staff
support includes: (1) preparation of an agenda; (2) preparation of
reports providing a brief background of the issues, a list of alternatives,
recommendations, and appropriate backup materials, if necessary; and
(3) preparation of minutes of advisory body meetings. Advisory body
members should have sufficient information to reach decisions based
upon a clear explanation of the issues. It is important to note that
city staff seeks to not influence boards, commissions and committees,
but provide objective information to help the boards, commissions
and committees in their decision making process. Staff should provide
information on options considered along with a summary of pros and
cons of each option. Any prior direction by city council on a particular
issue should be provided by staff to any board, commission or committee
considering the issue.
(c)
The
role of the city’s boards, commissions and committees is to
perform the specific functions established in state statues, city
ordinances, resolutions, or minute orders as applicable and to advise
the city council about the topics assigned.
(d)
All
instructions to boards, commissions and committees by the city council
shall be in writing.
(Ordinance 2018-11-01 adopted 11/6/18)
