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.
