Title
Consider approving Resolution No. 2026-048, establishing Rules of Procedure for the City Council; and take appropriate action.
Body
REQUESTOR:
City Council
BACKGROUND:
Rules of procedure provide a formal framework for how the City Council conducts its business, ensuring that meetings are organized, efficient, and transparent. They establish consistent guidelines for agenda preparation, discussion, debate, voting, and public participation, helping to prevent confusion or procedural disputes. By clearly defining roles, responsibilities, and processes, the rules promote fairness, accountability, and legal compliance in decision-making. Additionally, they help the Council maintain order during meetings, facilitate effective deliberation, and provide the public with a predictable and accessible process for observing and participating in local government.
At the direction of the City Council, the City's prior legal counsel drafted a comprehensive set of Rules of Procedure for Council review at the July 15, 2025, City Council meeting. Following the initial review, the draft Rules of Procedure were discussed in detail and revised based on Council input during subsequent meetings on October 8 and November 4, 2025. These discussions allowed the Council to provide feedback, clarify procedural expectations, and ensure the final rules reflected both legal requirements and the operational preferences of the Council, promoting efficiency, transparency, and consistency in municipal governance.
DISCUSSION:
The current City Attorney has reviewed the proposed Rules of Procedure and incorporated amendments, including:
* Amending the allowable time limit for items to come back before the City Council after a vote is made from 12 months to 30 days
* Allowing for discussion after a motion and a second is made
* Allowing one or more of an agenda item's sponsors to remove an item
* Requiring participation in annual training
* Minor amendments to form and content
Adoption of ...
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