Public Meetings:

City Council Meetings adhere to Robert’s Rules of Order... so what the heck is that? The rules are a time-tested way to be sure things are done fairly and objectively. Learn more about it here.

The City Council meets in formal, public session on the second and fourth Mondays at 7:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers of the City Building to act on matters referred to the Council from its committees.

Committee meetings are held on an as-needed basis on the day of council meetings between 6:30 - 7:30. The public is encouraged to attend committee meetings and is frequently invited to comment on issues during public hearings scheduled by the committees. Public testimony is welcome and of particular value when the issue is complex.

You Can Get Involved:

Proposals for legislative action from citizens may be introduced directly to the Council if sponsored by at least one Council member. Some ideas may be implemented without Council action - you may contact the City department directly for administrative action. Once before Council, be prepared to lobby effectively for your proposal. Testifying at public hearings, writing letters, and telephoning or visiting Council members are all part of lobbying.

How A Proposal Becomes an Ordinance:

Individuals, groups, organizations and City officials may propose legislation to any Council member for sponsorship.

Proposals are introduced to the Council and assigned to standing committees by the Council President. As part of their review process, the committees may consult other City departments, take public testimony, and request the Law Department to provide legal opinions and draft proposals into ordinance form.

The proposals are sent to the full Council for final action with the committee's recommendation to pass, amend, or reject.

In order for a proposal to be approved by the City Council, it must receive a simple majority of four votes.

If the Council votes to enact an ordinance, it must be presented to the Mayor who has ten days to sign approval, veto, or allow the ordinance to become effective without approval. Six Council votes are required to override the Mayor's veto.

Normally, an ordinance becomes effective thirty days after enactment. Any emergency ordinances passed by the Council requires five votes and take effect immediately.