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RESOLUTION NO. 4 61 5
A RESOLUTION OF THE,CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
AUBURN, WASHINGTON, AMENDING THE CITY
COUNCiL RULES OF PROCEDURE AS ADOPTED BY
ORDINANCE NO. 5802 AND AMENDED BY RESOLUTION ,
NOS. 4282, 4429, AND 4467
WHEREAS, on February 2, 2004, the Auburn City Council adopted Ordinance
No. 5802 approving the Rules of Procedure of the City Council; and
WHEREAS, Ordinance No. 5802 also provided that future amendments or
modifications to the Council Rules of Procedure could be accomplished by
Resolution properly introduced and passed by the City Council; and
WHEREAS, on December 12, 2007, and December 15, 2008, and April 6,
2009, the City Council passed, Resolution Numbers 4282 and 4429, 4467
respectively, which Resolutions adopted certain modifications to the Council Rules of
Procedure; and WHEREAS, the Council Committee on Commiftees has recommended
additional modifications to the Rules of Procedure.
NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF AUBURN,
WASHINGTON, IN A REGULAR MEETING DULY ASSEMBLED, HEREWITH
FtESOLVES AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1. The Rules of Procedure of the Cify Council, as adopted by
Ordinance No. 5802 on February 2, 2004; amended by Resolution 4282 on
December 12, 2007, Resolution 4429 on December 15, 2008, and Resolution No.
Resolution No. 4615
June 30, 2010
Page 1 of 2
4467 on April 6, 2009, are hereby amended as set forth in Exhibit "A", attached
hereto and:incorporated herein. Section 2. The Mayor is hereby authorized to implement such adminisfrative
procedures as may be necessary to carry out the directives of this legislation.
Secfion 3. This Resolution shall take effect and be in full force and effect
upon passage and signature hereon.
DATED and SIGNED this ~day of , 2010.
UBU
~
ETER B. LEWIS, MAYOR
ATTEST:
Danielle E. Daskam, City Clerk
APP VED O F RM:
Daniel B. ` ity Attorney
Resolution No: 4615
June 30; 2010
Page 2 of 2 . '
CITY OF *
~ WASHINGTON
. RULES OF PROCEDURE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF AUBURN, WASHINGTON
TABLE OF CONTENTS.
SECTION 1 - AUTHORITY 2
SECTION 2- COUNCIL MEETINGS 2
SECTION 3- ORDER OF BUSINESS OF REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING AGENDA 4
SECTION 4- COUNCILMEMBER ATTENDANCE AT MEETINGS 8
SECTION 5- PRESIDING OFFICER - DUTIES 9
SECTION 6 - COUNCILMEMBERS 10
SECTION 7 - DEBATES 10
SECTION 8- PARLIAMENTARY PROCEDURES AND MOTIONS 11
SECTION 9 - VOTING 13
SECTION 10 - COMMENTS, CONCERNS AND TESTIMONY TO COUNCIL 14
SECTION 11 - PUBUC HEARINGS AND APPEALS 14
SECTION 12 - DEPUTY MAYOR SELECTION PROCESS 15
S.ECTION 13 - COUNCIL POSITION VACANCY 16
SECTION 14 - COUNCIL MEETING STAFFING 16
SECTION 15 - COUNCIL RELATIONS WITH STAFF 16
SECTION 16 - COUNCIL COMMITTEES AND CITIZEN ADVISORY BOARDS 17
SECTION 17 - COUNGL REPRESENTATION & INTERNAL COMMUNICATION 20
SECTION 18 - TRAVEL AUTHORIZATION 23
SECTION 19 - CONFIDENTIALITY 23
SECTION 20 - ENFORCEMENT OF RULES OF PROCEDURE 23
RULES OF PROCEDURE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF
THE COTY OF AIJBURN, WASHINGTON
SECTION 1 - AUTHORITY
The Auburn City Council hereby esfablishes the following rules for the conduct of
Council meetings, proceedings and business: These rules shall be in effect upon
adoption by resolution of Council and until such time as they are amended or new rules
_ are adopted in the manner provided by these rules.
SECTION 2 - COUNCIL MEETINGS
A11 meetings of the City Council shall be open to the public and all persons shall be
permitted to attend any meeting of this body, except as provided in RCW Chapter
42.30.
The City Clerk shall be responsible for preparing agendas for all City Council meetings
pursuant.to the authority of Section 2.03.100 of the City Code'.
The City Clerk shall cause to be prepared action minutes of all of the Council meetings,
which minutes shall contain an account of all official actions of the Council. Council
meetings shall be electronically recorded and retained for the period of time as provided
by State law.
2.1 Regular Meetings - In accordance with Sections 2.06.010 and 2.06.020 of the
City Code, the regular meetings of the City Council shall held on the first and
third 'Mondays of every month'at in the City Hall Council Chambers located at 25
West Main Street, Auburn, Washington. The regular meeting location may be
changed by a majority vote of the City Council.
Regular Council meetings will begin at the hour of 7:30 p.m.
A quorum shall constitute four or more Councilmembers for the transaction of
business.
~ 2.03.100 IVleeting coordination duties.
'fthe mayor or the mayor's designee shall be responsible for the preparation of agendas for the
meetings 'of the council and of the various boards, commissions and committees of the city, and for
including in those agendas the items and issues appropriate for consideration by the council and the
various boards, commissions and committees of the city. The mayor or the mayor's designee shall also
be responsible for publishing notices for meetings and for public hearings for the meetings of the council
and. the various boards, commissions and committees of the city, and for setting the dates and times for
saici pu6lic hearings, except in those instances when setting dates and times for public hearings is
required by statute to be done through council resolution. (Ord. 5761 § 1, 2003.)
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In the event that a scheduled Council meeting falls on a legal holiday, the
meeting shall be held at 7:30 p.m. on the first business day following the holiday.
The Mayor shall be seated at the center of the dais, and the Deputy Mayor shall
be seated to the Mayor's immediate left. When the Deputy Mayor is acting as
the Presiding Officer, in the absence ofi the Mayor; the Deputy Mayor shall be
seated in the center of the dais. The seating arrangement for the other members
of the Council shall be as directed by the Committee on Committees.
[See ACC 2.06.010 (Ord. 3916 § 1, 1983; 1957 code § 1.04.010); ACC 2.46.020 (Ord.
3759 § 1, 1982; 1957 code § 1.04:020); ACC 2.06.030 (1957 code § 1.04.060); ACC
2.06.080 (1957 code § 1.04.090).]
2.2 Special Meetings - In accordance with Section 2.06.040 of the City Code and
Section 35A.12.110 RCW, a special meeting of the C,ity Council may be called by
the Mayor or any three members of.the Council by written notice delivered to
each member of the Council at least 24 hours before the time specified for the
proposed meeting; provided, however, that no ordinance or resolution shall be
passed, or contract let or entered into, or bill' for the payment of money allowed,
at any special meeting unless public notice of such meeting has been given by
such notice fo the local press, radio and television as will be reasonably
calculated to inform the city's inhabitants of the meeting. [See ACC 2.06.040 (1957 code § 1.04.070).]
2.3 Emergency Meetings - Emergency meetings may be called by.the Mayor, in
accordance with Section 42.30.070 RCW, when by reason of fire, flood,
earthquake, or other emergency, there is a need for expedited action by the City
Council to meet the emergency, in which case, the meeting site notice
requirements otherwise applicable shall not apply.
2.4 Executive Sessions - A Council meeting that is closed except to the Council,
the Mayor, City Attomey and authorized staff members and/or consultants
authorized by the Mayor. The public is restricted from attendance.
Executive sessions may be held during Regular and Special meetings of the City
Council and during Council Committee meetings, and will be announced by the
Mayor or Chair. Executive session subjects are limited to considering such
matters as permitted by State law.
[See former ACC 2.06.070 (1957 code § 1.04.080).]
2.5 Cancellation of Meetings - Meetings may be canceled by a majority vote of the
Council and proper notice given by the City Clerk.
Page 3 ALJBLJRN 'k MORE THAN YOU IMAGINED
SECTION 3- ORDER OF'BUSINESS OF REGULAR COUNCIL MEETIIVG
AGENDA
All items to be included on the Council's agenda for consideration should be submitted
to the City Clerk, in full by 12:00 Noon on the Tuesday preceding each regular Council
fmeeting. The City Clerk shall then prepare a proposed agenda according to the order of
business, for approval by the Mayor, or his/her designee. A final agenda will then be
prepared by the City Clerk and distribufed to Councilmembers as the official agenda for
the meeting. The agenda format of the Regular City Council meeting shall be as follows:
3.1 Call to order..
The Mayor shall call the meeting to order.
3.2 Roll call.
The_ City Clerk will call the roll. Councilmembers may request to be excused from
a meeting by requesting #he same of the Mayor in advance of the meeting: The
reason for the requesf shall be given at the time of the request.
3.3 Flag salute.
The Mayor, Councilmembers and, at times, invited guests will lead the flag
salute.
3.4 Announcements, Proclamations and Presentations
A proclamation is defined as an official announcement made by the Mayor or the
City Council regarding a non-controversial event, activity or special interest group
- which has a major city-wide impact.
3.5. Appointments
Appointing individuals to various committees; boards and commissions.
Confirmation of appointrrents, where confirmation is called for, may be preceded
by discussion in executive session, where appropriate.
3.6 Agenda modifications
Changes to the Council's published agenda are announced at this time.
Page 4 AUBLTRN * MORE THAN YOU IMAGINED
3.7 Public Hearings and Appeals
Individuals may comment, on public hearing and appeal items, provided thaf
when an appeal is a closed record appeal, the matter shall be considered based
on information, evidence and documents in the record. Argument on the appeal
shall cefer only to matters, information, documents and evidence presented at the
underlying hearing from which the appeal is taken, and no new information,
evidence or documenfs may be added, and argument on the appeal may only
deal with information, evidence and docurnents in the record. The Mayor will
state the public hearing and/or appeal procedures before each hearing.
3.8 Audience Participation
Members of the audience may comment on items relating to any matter related
to City business under the Audience Participation period. Comments are limited
to three (3) minutes per person, and a tofal of ffteen (45) minutes per topic.
Groups who have a designated speaker may have a total of ten (10) minutes to
speak. Public comments:sign-up forms will be available at the City Clerk's desk
at each meeting for use of those citizens wishing to address the Council..The
City Clerk shall serve as timekeeper. The ,Presiding Officer may make
exceptions to the audience participation time restrictions when warranted, in the
discretion of the 'Presiding, Officer.
Citizens may also speak on individual agenda items on the printed agenda at the
time they are considered by the Council as requested by the Mayor.
3.9 Correspondence
3.10 Council Committee Reports
Council Committee Chairs report on action and activities of their respective
CounCil Commitfees: In givinq Committee Reports, the Chair or ather committee
member qiving the Report is encoutaqed to defer detailed reportinq reqardinq
resolutions and ordinances that are.on the current Council aqenda. Then, durinq
discussion on a motion, the Chair or other committee member is encouraqed to
give a description of the intention, or process of consideration of the ordinance or
resolution.
3.11 Councilmember Reports
Councilmembers may report on significant activities since the last. regular
meeting. Councilmember reports are to include only information coming from
appointed positions. Councilmember reports are to be directed to fellow
Councilmembers. '
3.12 Consent Agenda
Page 5 AjJBjJRN* MORE THAN YOU IMAGINED
Approval of the Consent Agenda, including items considered to be routine and
. non-controversial, may be approved by one motion. Jtems on the Consent
Agenda include but are not limited to the following. Any Councilmember may
remove any item from the Consent Agenda for separate discussion and action.
A. Approval of minutes.
B. Fixing dates for public hearings and appeals.
C. Approval of claims and vouchers, bid awards and contracts. ,
D. Approval of surplus property.
E. Other items designated by the City Council.
3.13 Unfinished Business
Unfinished business of a general nature.
3.14 New Business
Business, other than ordinances and resolutions, that. has not been previously
beforethe Cify Council.
3.15 Ordinances
All ordinances shall be in writing, and the titles thereof shall be read aloud by the
City Attorney prior to a vote being called on their adoption, provided that any
councilmember may upon request, have a full reading of the text of a proposed
ordinance prior to the vote on its adoption. It shall not require a second to the
request foc a full reading ofan ordinance. It is further provided, however, that the
requirement for a reading of the title of the proposed ordinance, or a full reading
of the text of the proposed ordinance may be waived upon a motion duly made,
seconded and approved by a majority of the councilmembers in attendance at.
the council meeting.
- AfCer a motion to adopt an ordinance has been made and seconded, the
. Councilmember making the motion is encoura eq d to -give a very brief description
of the issues involved with the ordinance, without simply repeatinq the ordinance
title as read bv the Cifv Attornev and may choose to comment on anv results of
Committee action regarding the issue.
Discussion and debate by the City Council on ordinances will be held prior to the
vote on an ordinance. Councilmembers shall decide whether or not to amend the
ordinance, or direct staff to further review the proposed ordinance.
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AUBURN 'k MORE THAN YOU IMAGINED
An ordinance shall be adopted by a majority vote of a quorum of the City Council,
Provided that adoption of any ordinance that grants or revokes a franchise or
license shall require the affirmative vote of at least a majority of the whole
membership of the Council, and Provided thaf public emergency ordinances
require a vote of a majority plus one of the whole Council membership. A public
emergency ordinance is one designated to protect public health and safety,
public property, or public peace.
3.16 Resolutions
All resolutions shall be in writing, and the titles thereof shall be read aloud by the
Gity Attomey prior to a vote being called on their passage, provided that any councilmember may upon request, have a full reading of the text of a proposed
resolution prior to the vote on its passage. It shall not require a second to the
request for a full reading of a resolution. It is further provided, however, that the
requirement for a reading of the title of the proposed resolution, or a full reading
of the text of the proposed r'esolution may be waived upon a motion duly made,
seconded and approved by a.majority of the councilmembers in attendance af
the council meeting.
After a motion to pass a resolution has been made and seconded, the
Councitmember making the motion is encouraqed to qive a very brief description
of the issues involved with the resolution without simply repeatinq the resolution
title as read bv the City Attorney, and the councilmember may choose to
comment on anv results of Committee action regardinq the issue.
Discussion and debate by the City Council on resolutions will be held prior to the
vote on a resolution. Councilmembers shall decide whether or not to amend the
resolution, or direct staff to further review the proposed resolution.
A resolution :shall be passed by a majority vote of a quorum of the Council,
Provid'ed that passage of any resolution for the payment of money shall require
tFie affirmative vote of at leasf a majority of the whole membership of the Council.
3.17 Adjournment
~
Recess - The foregoing agenda. may be interrupted for a stated time as called by
the Presiding Officer to recess for any reason, including executive sessions.
[See former ACC 2.06.110 (Ord. 5687 § 1, 2002; Ord. 4166 § 2, 1986); ACC 2.06.120
(1957 code § 1.04.120.); ACC 2.06.140 (1957 code § 1_04.140.); ACC 2.06.170 (1957
- code § 1.04.190.); ACC 2.06.180 (Ord. 5635 § 2, 2002; 1957 code § 1.04.200).]
Page 7 AUBURN * MORE THAN YOU IMAGINED
SECTION 4- COUNCILMEIVIBER ATTENDANCE AT MEETINGS
4.1 Councilmembers shall attend Regular Council meetings. Councilmembers will
inform the Mayor or the City Clerk if they are unable to attend any Regular
Council meeting, or if they knowingly will be late to any meeting. If a
Councilmember has informed the Mayor or City Clerk that he or she is unable to
attend such meeting _
,
of,the Fease., stian he refeFeR9ed +►,e .,,oo+;nn min4cothe minutes for that
meeting will show the Councilmember as having an excused absence for that
meeting. Provided that.excessive or prolonged absences shall be addressed by
the City.Council on a case by case basis.
[See ACC 2.06.050 and RCW 35A.12.060]
42 Councilmembers shall attend the meetings of the Council Committees to which
they are assigned, including meetings of the Council Committee of the Whole to
which all Councilmembers are assigned. Councilmembers will inform the Chair
of such Council Committees or the City Clerk if they are unable to attend any
meetings of such Council Committees, or shall so inform the Chair or City Clerk if
they knowingly will be late to _any such Council Committee meeting. If a
Councilmember has informed the Chair or City Clerk that he or she is unable to
attend such Committee meeting
,
,
the minutes for that meeting will show the Councilmember as having an excused
absence for that meeting. Provided that excessive or prolonqed absences shall
be addressed by the Citv Council on a case bv case basis.
4.3 Councilmembers shall attend the Special Meetings of the City Council.
-Councilmembers, will inform the Mayor or the City Clerk if they are unable to
attend any such meetings, or shall so inform the Mayor or City Clerk if they
. knowingly will be late to any such Special meeting: If a Councilmember has
informed the Mayor or City Clerk that he or she is unable to attend such Special
meeting
mcetinn h~+ heen ~nher7~ ~Iorl ~~iF+inh re~c nn nr ~ nocr~l Ae~nrinfinn i+~F +Fe
~ ~-••n_-~. _-----r----•
reaseR sh.,~l be rcferonnerl in +tie ,,,eo+;.,,. .,,;.,,,+o , the minutes for that meeting
will show the Councilmember as having an excused absence for that meeting.
Provided that excessive or prolonged absences shall be addressed by the CitY
Council on a case by case basis:
4.4 Attendance at Council Committee meetings and Special meetings will not be
considered "regular meetings" for the purposes of RCW 35A.12.060, applicable
to Regular City Council meetings. However, in addition to the application of
RCW 35A.12.060 to Regular City Council meetings, unexcused absences from
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any F°^uiF°d m°°+m^^°, Regular or Special meetings, or Committee meetings,
shall constitute a violation of these Rules of Procedure.
SECTION 5- PRESIDING OFFICER - DUTIES
5.1 Conduct of Meetings
The Presiding Officer at all meetings of #he Council shall be the Mayor and in the
absence.of the Mayor, the Deputy Mayor will act in that capacity. If both the
Mayor and 'Deputy Mayor are absenf and a quorum is present, the Council shall
elect one of its members to serVe as Presiding Officer until the retum of the
Mayor or Deputy Mayor.
[See formerACC 2.06.090 (1957 code § 1.04.100).]
5.2 The.Presiding Officer:
A. Shall preserve order and decorum at all meetings of the Council and
cause the removal of any person from any meeting for disorderly conduct;
6. Shall observe and enforce all rules adopted by the Council;
C. Shall decide all questions on order; in accordance with these rules,
subject to appeal by any Councilmember;
D. Shall recognize Councilmembers in the order in which they request the
floor, giving every councilmember who wishes an opportunity to speak,
provided that the mover of a motion shall be permitted to debate it first,
and provided that the Presiding Officer may also allow discussion of an
issue prior to the stating of a motion when such discussion would facilitate
wording of a motion;
E. May affix approximate time limit for each agenda item;
F. When matters on the agenda are placed, or are able to be placed under
more than one classifcation or category, as defined by the Order of
Business, and the matters involve or are closely related to other subject
matter, then the Presiding Officer may, in the Presiding Officer's
- discretion, present such matters before the Council, for discussion,
considerand vote, at a differenf place in the agenda without the necessity
of any vote thereon, notwithstanding their initial different placement on tFie .
written agenda.
[See former ACC 2.06.100 (1957 code § 1.04.170.); ACC 2.06.190 (1957 code § 1.04.210).]
Page 9 AUBLJRN *MORE THAN YOU IMAGINED
1
SECTiON 6 - COUNCILMEMBERS
6.1 Remarks. - Councilmembers desiring to speak shall address the presiding
officer, and when recognized, shall confine him/herself to the question under
debate.
6.2 Questioninq. - Any member of the Council, including the Presiding Officer, shall
have the right to question any individual, including members of the staff, on
matters germane to the issue properly before the Council for discussion. Under,
no circumstances shall such questioning be conducted in a manner to the extent
that such would constitute a cross-examination of or an attempt to ridicule or
degrade the individual being interrogated.
6.3 Obliqation to the Public Agencv. - Notwithstandinq the riQht of Councilmembers
to_ express their independent opinions and exercise their freedom of speech,
Councilmembers should act. in a wav that `reflects positivelv on the reputation of
the Citv and of the community. Councilmerribers shall also interact with other
members of the City Council and Citv staff in ways that promote effective local.
. aovernment.
6.4 Councilmembers are expected to participate in training offered bv individuals, aaencies, entities and organizations including but not limited _to the Association
of Washinqton Cities and the State of Washinqton, so as to afford the
Councilmembers the opportunity to better understand their roles as Citv
Gouncilmembers.
6.5 Councilmembers are encouraQed to participate in assignments to reqional, state
and national committees, aqencies and orqanizations to better reqresent the
. interests of the Citv of Auburn.
[See former ACC 2.06.130 (1957 code § 1.04.130).]
SECTION 7 - DEBATES
7.1 ~eakinq fo the Motion. - No member of the Council, including the Presiding .
Officer, shall speak more than finrice on the same rnotion except by consent of
the majority of the Councilmembers present at the time the motion is before the
Council.
7.2 Interruption. - No member of the Council, including the Presiding Officer, shall
interrupt or argue with any other member while such member has the floor, other
than the Presiding Officers duty to preserve order'during meetings as provided in
Section 5.2a of these rules.
Page 10 AUBURN* MOItE THAN YOU IMAGINED
7.3 Courtesv. -All speakers, including members of the Council, which includes the
Presiding Officer, in the discussion, comments, or debate of any matter or issue
shall address their remarks to the Presiding Officer, be courteous in their
language and deportment, and shall not engage in or, discuss or comment on
personalities, or indulge in derogatory remarks or insinuations in respect to any
other member of the Council, or any member of the_ staff or the pubic, but shall at
all times confine their remarks to those facts wh_ich are germane and relevant to
the question or matter under discussion.
7.4 TransQression. - If a member, of the Council shall transgress these rules on
debates, the Presiding Officer shall call such member to order, in which case
such member siiall be silent except to expla'in or continue in order. lf the
Presiding Officer shall transgress these rules on debate or fail to call such
member to order, any other member of the Council may, under a point of order,
call the Presiding Officer or such other member to order, in which case the
Presiding Officer or such memberY as the case may be, shall be silent except to
explain or continue in order.
7.5 Challenpe to Ruling. - Any member of the Council, including the Presiding
. Officer, shall have the right to.challenge any action or ruling of the Presiding
Officer, or member, as the case may be, in which case the decision of the
majority of the members of the Council present, including the Presiding Officer,
shall govern.
[See former ACC 2.06.130 (1957 code § 1.04.130).]
SECTION 8- PARLIAMENTARY PROCEDURES AND MOTIOIVS
8.1 All City Council meeting discussions shall be governed by ROBERTS RULES OF
ORDER, NEWLY REV/SED (latest edition).
8.2 Ifi a motion does not receive a second, it dies. Matters that do not constitute a
motion include nominations, withdrawal of motion by the person making the
motion; request for a roll call vote, and point of order or privilege; therefore a
second is not needed.
8.3 A motion that receives a tie vote is deemed to have failed, provided that except
whete prohibited by law, the Mayor, as Presiding Official, shall be allowed to vote
to break a tie vote.
8.4 When making motions, Councilmembers shall be clear and concise and not
include arguments for the motion within the motion.
8.5 After a motion has been made and, seconded; the Councilmembers may discuss
their opinions on the issue prior fo the vote.
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8.6 If any Councilmember wishes to abstain, from a vote on the motion pursuant to
the provisions of Section 9 hereof, that Councilmember shall so advise the City
Council, and shall remove and absent himself/herself from the deliberations and
considerations of the motion, and shall have no further participation in the matter.
Such advice shall be given prior to any discussion or participation on the subject
matter or as soon thereafter as the Councilmember perceives a need to abstain,
ptovided that, prior to the time that a Councilmember gives advice of an intent to
abstain from an issue, the Councilmember shall confer with the City Attomey to
- determine if the basis for the Councilmember's intended abstention conforms to
the requirements of Section 9. If the intended abstention can be anticipated in
advance, the conference with the City Attorney should occur prior to the meeting
af which the subject matter would be coming before the City Council. If that
cannot be done, the Councilmember should advise the City Council that he/she
has an "abstention question" that he/she would want to review with the City
Attorney, in which case, a brief recess would be afforded the Councilmember for
that purpose.
8.7 A motion may be withdrawn by the maker of the motion at any time without the '
consent of the CounciL
, 8.8 A motion to table is nondebatable and shall preclude all amendments or debates
of the issue under consideration. A motion to table is to be used in instances
where circumstances or situations arise which necessitate the interruption of the
Councilmembers' consideration of the matter then before them. A motion to table,
if passed, shall cause the subject matter to be tabled until the interrupting
circumstances or situations have been resolved, or until a time certain, if
specified in the motion to table. To remove an item from the table in advance of
the time certain requires a finro-thirds' majority vote.
8.9 A motion to postpone to a certain time is debatable, is amendable and may be
reconsidered at the same meeting. The question being postponed must be
considered at a lafer time at the same meeting, or to a time certain at a future
Regular or Special City Council meeting.
8.10 A motion to postpone indefinitely is debatable, is not amendable, and may be
reconsidered at the same meeting only if it received an affirmative vote.
8.11 A motion to call.for the question shall close debate on the main motion and is not
debatable. This motion must receive a second and fails without a two-thirds' vote;
debate is reopened if the motion fails.
8.12 A motion to amend is defined as amending a motion that is on the floor and has
been seconded, by inserting or adding, striking out, striking out and inserting, or
substituting.
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8.13 Motions that cannot be amended include: Motion to adjourn, lay on the table, roll
call vote, point of order, reconsideration and take from the table. A motion to
amend an amendment is not in order.
8:14 Amendments are voted on first, then the main motion as amended (if the
amendment received an affirmative vote).
8.15 Debate of the motion only occurs after the motion has been moved and
seconded.
8.16 The Mayor, City Attorney or City Clerk should repeat the motion prior to voting.
8.17 The City Clerk will take a roll call vote, if requested by the Mayor, a
Councilmember, or as required by law.
,
8.18 When a question has been decided, any Councilmember who voted in the
majority may move for reconsideration. In order to afford Councilmembers who
voted in the majority the potential basis for a motion for reconsideration,
Councilmembers who voted in the majority may inquire' of Councilmembers who
voted with the minority as to the reasons for their minority vote, if not stated
during debate prior to the vote.
8.19 The City Attomey shall act as the CounciPs parliamentarian and shall decide aU
questions of interpretations of these rules which may arise at a Council meeting.
8.20 These rules may be amended, or new rules adopted, by a majority vote of the full
Council.
[See former ACC 2.06.160 (1957 code § 1.04.180.); ACC 2.06.170 (1957 code § 1.04.190.);
ACC 2.06.200 (1957 code § 1.04.220.); ACC 2.06.210 (1957 code § 1.04.230).]
SECTION 9 - VOTING
9.1 Voice vote - A generalized verbal indication by the Council as a whole of "yea or
nay" vote on a matter, the oufcome of which vote shall be recorded in the official
minutes of the Council. S'ilence of a Councilmember during a voice vote shatl be
recorded as a vote with the prevailing side, except where such a Councilmember
abstains because of a stated conflict of interest or appearance of fairness.
9.2 Roll call vote - A roll call vote may be requested by the. Mayor or by any
Councilmember.
9.3 Abstentions - It is the responsibility of each Councilmember to vote when
requested on a matter before the full Council. However, a Councilmember may
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abstain from discussion and voting on a question because of a stated conflict of
interest or appearance of faimess.
9.4 Votes by._ Mavor - Excepf where prohibited by law, the Mayor, as Presiding
Official, sfiall be allowed to vote to break a tie vote.
[See former ACC 2.06.150 (4957 code § 1.04.150).]
SECTION 10 - COMMENTS, CONCERNS AND TESTIMONY TO
COUNCIL10.1 Persons addressing the Council, who are not specifically scheduled on the
agenda, will be requested to step up to the podium, give their name and address
for the record, and. limit their remarks to three (3) minutes, in addition to filling out
the speaker sign-in sheet available at the City Clerk's desk. All remarks will be
addressed to the Council as a whole. The City Clerk shall serve as timekeeper.
The Presiding Officer may make exceptions fo the time restrictions of persons
addressing the Council when warranted, in the discretion of the Presiding Officer.
10.2 Any person making personal, impertinent or slanderous remarks while
addressing the Council shall be barred from further audience participation by the
Presiding Officer, unless permission to continue is granted by a majority vote of
the Council.
[See former ACC 2.06.130 (1957 code § 1.04.130).]
SECTION 11 - PUBLIC HEARINGS AND APPEALS
11.1 Quasi judicial hearings require a decision be made by the Council using a certain
process, which may include a record of evidence considered and specific
findings made. The following procedure shall apply:
A. The Department Director of the department (most) affected by the subject
matter of the hearing, or said Director's designee, will present the City's
position and findings. Staff will be available to respond to Council
questions.
B. The proponent spokesperson shall speak first and be allowed (10)
minutes. Council may ask questions:
C. The opponent spokesperson shall be allowed ten (10) minutes for
presentation and Council may ask questions.
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LTBURN'k MOIZE THAN YOU IMAGINED
D. Each side shall then be allowed five (5) minutes for rebuttal, with the
proponent spokesperson speaking first, followed by the opponent
spokesperson.
E. The City Clerk shall serve as timekeeper during these hearings.
F. After each proponent and opponent spokesperson have used their
speaking time, Council may ask further questions of the speakers, who
shall be entitled to respond but limit their response to the question asked.
11.2 Public hearings where a general audience is in attendance to present arguments
for or against a public issue:
A. The Department Director or designee shall present the issue to the
Council and respond to questions.
6. A person may speak for three (3), minutes. No one may speak for a
second time until everyone who wishes to speak has had an opportunity to
speak. The Presiding Offcer may make exceptions to the time restrictions
of persons speaking at a public hearing when warranted, in the discretion
of the Presiding Officer,
C. The City Clerk shall serve as timekeeper during these hearings.
D. After the speaker has used their allotted time, Council may ask questions
of the speaker and the speaker may respond, but may not engage in
further debate.
E. The hearing will then be closed to public participation and open for
discussion among Councilmembers.
F The Presiding Officer may exercise changes in the procedures at a
particular meeting or hearing, but the decision to do so may be overruled
by a majority vote of the Council.
SECTION 12 - DEPIJTY MAYOR SELECTION PROCESS
12.1 Biennially at the first meeting of a new Council, or periodically, the members
thereof, by majority vote,. shall designate one of their members as Deputy Mayor
for such period as the Council may specify. The Deputy Mayor shall serve in the
absence or temporary disabilify of the Mayor.
12.2 In the event of extended excused absences or disability of a Councilmember, the
remaining members by majority vote may appoint a Councilmember Pro
Tempore to serve during the a6sence or disability.
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$URN. =k MORE THAN YOU IMAGINED
[See former ACC 2.06.090 (1957 code § 1.04.100)]
SECTION 13 - COUNCIL POSITION VACANCY
13.1 In the event that an unexpired Council position becomes vacant, the City Council
has ninety (90) days from the occurrence of the vacancy to appoint, by majority
vote of a quorum of the Counc'il, a qualified person to fill the vacancy pursuanf to
State law. The Council may make such appointment at its next regular meeting;
or at a special meeting called for that purpose. If the Council does not appoint a
person within the ninety (90) day period, the Mayor may make the appointment
from among the persons nominated by members of the Council.
SECTION 14 - COUNCIL MEETIIVG STAFFING
14.1 Department Directors shall attend all meetings of the Council unless excused.
14.2 The City Attorney shall attend all meetings of the Council unless. excused, and
shall upon request, give an opinion, either written or oral, on legal questions. The ,
City Attorney shall acf as the CounciPs parliamentarian. The Assistant City
Attorney shall attend meetings when the City Attorney has been excused.
[See former ACC 2.06.060 (1957 code § 1.04.160).]
SECTIOYV 15 - COUNCIL RELATIONS WITGi STAFF
15.1 There will be mutual respect from both City staff and Councilmembers of their
respective roles and responsibilities when, and if, expressing criticism in a public
meeting.
15.2 City staff will acknowledge the Council as policy makers, and the
Councilmembers will acknowledge City staff as administering the CounciPs
policies.
15.3 All written informational material requested . of City staff by any individual
Councilmembers -shall be submitted to (or made available to) all
Councilmembers, unless directed otherwise by the individual, receiving
Councilmember(s), or unless other reasons preclude such distribution, in which
case.the reasons shall'be communicated to the Councilmembers by the Mayor or
designee. Page 16 AUBURN'k MORE THAN YOU IMAGINED
15.4 Councilmembers shall not attempt to coerce or infiuence City staff in the
selection of personnel, the awarding of contracts, the selection of consultants,
the processing of development applications or the granting of City licenses or
permits.
15.5 Councilmembers shall not attempt to change or interfere with the operating rules
and practices of any City department. -
15.6 No Councilmember shall direct the Mayor to. initiate any action or prepare any
report that is significant in nature, or initiate any project or sfudy without the
consent of a majority of the CounciL
15.7 Individual requests for information can be made directly to Department Directors
unless otherwise determined by the Mayor. If the request would create a change
in work assignments or City sfaffing levels, the request must be made through
the Mayor.
15.8 Councilmembers shall treat City staff with courtesy and respect.
15.9 Any written communication with staff shall also include the Mayor as a recipient.
SECTION 16 - COUNCIL COMMITTEES AND CITIZEN ADVISORY
BOARDS
16.1 The Standing Committees of the City Council of the City of Aubum are as follows:
A. PUBLIC WORKS:
Makes recommendations to the City Council as a whole on policies
relating to water and sanitary sewer utilities, storm drainage, streets and
policy matters involving construction, engineering, right-of-way use, street
vacation and equipment maintenance and operations. This Committee
will coordinate equipment rental and utility matters with the Finance
Committee.
B. FINANCE:
In addition to the normal monitoring of the financial expenditures of the
approved budget, this Committee will make recommendations to the City
Council as a whole on policies relating to human resources, municipal
court, legal, information services, and City ceal property transactions
including sale, lease, acquisition, and donations. This committee will
coordinate property transactions with- other appropriate Council
Committees.
C. PLANNING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT:
Page 17 AUBURN *MORE THAN YOU IMAGINED
Makes recommendations to the City Council as a whole on policies
relating to land use planning and zoning, code enforcement, annexation,
building permits, human services, parks and recreation, arts, museum,
senior center, Mary Olson Farm, communications, economic development,
community services, theater, and King County Library liaison.
D. MUNICIPAL SERVICES:
Makes recommendations to the City Council as a whole on policies
relating to police, animal control, and maintenance of all public buildings, .
emergency planning, cable N, telecommunications, solid waste, airport,
golf course, and cemetery.
E. COMMUNITY CENTER COMMITTEE
Makes recommendations to the City Council as a whole on policies
relating to development and ongoing use of the Community Center and
Teen Center facilities at Les Gove Community Campus.
F. DOWNTOWN REDEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
Makes recommendations to the City Council as a whole on policies
relating to development in the Downtown Urban Core, Farmers Market,
downtown development agreements and operating policies.
G rnnnnnirrEE nni CnnnnnrrT~GCCOUNCIL OPERATIONS COMMITTEE:
There is created and established a Council ~'~R#ee e;
Gemm+#teesOperations Committee for the city council, the appointment,
duties and functions thereof to be as follows:
1. Appointment. Membership of the Council G^Fnittee en
(`nmmi#oaoOperations Committee shall consist of three Councilmembers
having the- longest tenure on the Cify Council: Longest tenure is to be
calculated as the total length of consecutive service as a Councilmember.
The Councilmember with the longest tenure shall automatically be the
Chair 'of the Council Operations Committee. In
the eyent e€ two or more members have equal tenure, the Chair and
members of the Council 02erations Committee
shall be selected on the basis of the largest number ofi votes received at
the most recent general election(s) in which the Councilmembers were
respectively elected. It is provided, however, that Councilmembers whose
term of office will expire prior to or during the first meeting of a new City
Council and who have not been re-elected or appointed to another term of
office extending beyond the first meeting of a new City Council shall not
Page 18 AUBURN * MORE THAN YOU IMAGINED
serve on the new Council ComFnoRee G^^n^nh*'eeeOperations
Committee or be allowed to vote on the approvai of the membership of the
new committees.
2. Powers and Functions. The function of the Council
G^mme#°°s.0perations Committee is to supervise the formation and
' membership of all standing committees of the City Council. The Council
r^mn^: e° g°°cOperations Committee shall, subject to the
approval of a majority of the entire City Council, designate all of the
standing committees of the City Council. In addition, the Council
Operations Committee shall, biennially at the
first meeting of a new City Council, or periodically, submit a list of the
proposed members of all standing committees of the City Council for
approval by a majority vote of the entire City Council. The Council
Operations Committee shall also recommend
the Chair for each, standing committee of the Cify Council, which
recommendations shall also be subject to approval by a majority vote of
the entire City Council. The membership of all standing committees of the City Council shall consist ezclusively of Councilmembers. Each chair of
any standing committee of the City Council shall, in the absence of a
. quorum at a meeting of his/her particular standing committee, have the
authority to appoint a non-member of the standing committee, from the
City Council to thaf standing committee for that meeting to create a
quorum for that meeting, or in the chair's absence the vice-chairman shall
be able to appoint another Councilmember #o that particular committee in
the absence of a quorum. The function of the Council G^mm***°°
G ^m m;**°°°Operations Committee is also to propose amendments to the
Rules of Procedure of the City Council to the full City Council, and to
address issues relating to the whole City Council and make
recommendations for action by the full City Council relative to such issues.
The Council Operations Gommittee shall also
evaluate and recommend to the whole City Council any actions,
responses or sanctions for violations by Councilmembers of these Rules
of Procedure, which recommendation shall be considered, voted and/ or
acted upon by the City Council in the normal course.
3. Meeting Dates. The Council Oqerations
Committee shall meet biennially upon the seating of each new City
Council or more often as needed.
[See former ACC 2.06.220 (Ord. 4319 2, 3, 1989; Ord. 3937 § 1, 1984; Ord. 3606 §
1, 1981; Ord. 2786 § 1, 1974; Ord. 2745 § 1, 1973; 1957 code § 1.040240).]
16.2 The Mayor or a majority of the City Council may establish such ad hoc
committees as may be appropriate to consider special matters that require
special approach or emphasis. Such ad hoc committees may be established and
Page 19 ALJBURN * MORE THAN YOU IMAGINED
matters referred to them at study sessions, without the requirement that such
establishment or referral take place at a regular City Council meeting. The Mayor
shall appoint Council representatives to intergovernmental councils, boards and
committees, including such ad hoc committees.
16.3 Ad hoc council committees shall consider all matters referred to them. The chair
of such ad hoc committee shall report to the City Council the findings of the
committee. Committees may refer items to the Council with no committee
recommendation. 16.4 Advisory Boards, Committees and Commissions established by ordinance,
consisting of citizens appointed pursuant to the establishing Ordinance and
serving in #he capacity and for the purposes indicated in the Ordinance, shall act
as an advisory committee to the City Council.
16.5 Committee Chairpersons shall have broad discretion in . conducting their
meetings. They will generally follow Roberts Rules of Order, Newlv Revised.
16.6 Gommittee Chairpersons, or a majority of the members of the Committee, mav
allow audience particiRation that is related to the agenda item beinq discussed bv
the Committee, and 'audience participation regardinq subjects fallinq within the
areas of responsibility of the Committee may come from anv non-member of the
Committee, including members of the Citv Council who are in attendance.
16.7 Committee Chairpersons shall approve all agenda items and mav, at their
discretion remove or add agenda items durinq the course of the meetinq.
16.8.. Prior to publication of the agenda in which minutes are to be approved bv the
Committee, the Committee Chairperson, orthe person who will be presiding over
the meeting, shall review the draft minutes of Committee meetinqs.
SECTION 17 - COUNCIL REPRESENTATION & IIVTERNAL
COMIVilJNICATIC?N
17.1 If a Councilmember appears on behalf of the City before another govemmental
agency, a community organization, or through the media, for the purpose of
commenting on an issue„ the Councilmember needs to state the majority position
of the City Council, if known, on such issue. Personal opinions and comments
which differ from those of the Councif majority may be expressed if the
Councilmember clarifies that these statements do not represent the City
Council's position.
17.2 Councilmembers need to have other Councilmember's concurrence before
represenfing another Councilmember's view or position with the media, another
governmenf agency or community organization.
Page 20 AjJBURN * MORE THAN YOU IMAGINED
17.3 Councilmembers shall not knowingly communicate_with an opposing party or with
an opposing attomey in connection with any pending or threatened litigation in
which the City is a party or in connection with any disputed claim involving the
City without the prior approval of the City Attomey, unless the Councilmember is
individually a party to the litigation or is involved in the disputed claim separate
from the Councilmember°s role as a City official.
17.4 Communication among Councilmembers shall conform to the followinq
parameters:
A. To assure that communication on aqenda items occurs to the qreatest
extent possible at the public meetings, and to avoitl even the perception
that email is being used as "sequential meetinqs," Councilmembers should
refrain from emailing Councilmembers about such aqenda items.
Councilmembers should be prepared to communicate about matters that
are on upcominq Committee aqendas or Council agendas at the public
meetings. If Councilmembers wish to share information with other
councilmembers about matters thaf are on upcoming aqendas, the
councilmembers should forward that information to the Mavor for
distribution in the committee or council meetinq packets.
B. Councilmembers may communicate via email to otherCouncilmembers,
includinq to a quorum of a Council cornmittee or the full City Council about
matters within the scope of the Committee's authority or related to Citv
business but not yet scheduled on upcoming Cammittee or Council
aqendas to indicate a desire that certain items be included on upcoming
meeting aqendas; provided that Councilmembers shall never ask for
responses from the other Councilmembers in that communication.
C. Email communication among Councilmembers relatinq to Citv operations
should also include the Mavor as a recipientladdressee.
D. Councilmembers may email the Mayor about Citv business without
limitations or restrictions.
17.5 Internet & Electronic Resources/Equipment Use.
A. Policy. It is the policv of the City Council that Internet and electronic
resources equipment use shall conform to and be consistent with the
requirements of City af Auburn Administrative Policy and Procedure 500-
03 "Internet & Electronic Resources/Equipment Use - Elected Officials"
adopted hereby and incorporated herein by this reference.
It is imROrtant to note that all letters, memoranda, and interactive comquter
communication involving City Councilmembers and members of advisory
Page 21
BURN'k MCQRE THAN YOU IMAGINED
boards and commissions, the subiect of which relates to the conduct of
government or the performance of any qovernmental function, with
exceptions stated bv the Public Records Act (RCW 42.56), are public
records.
B. Electronic Corrimunications.
(1) Informal messaqes with no refention value and that do not relate to
the functional responsibility of the recipient or sender as a public
official, such as meetina notices, reminders, telephone messaqes
and informal notes, do not constitute a public record. Users should .
delete these messages once their administrative purpose is served.
(2) All other messages that relate to the functional responsibility of the
recipient or sender as a public official constitute a public record.
Such records are subject ta public inspection and copyinq.
(3) Electronic communications that are intended to be shared amonq a
quorum of the City Councif or Council Committee, whether
concurrently or serially, must be considered in light of the Open
Public Meetings Act. If the intended purpose of the electronic
communication is to have a discussion that should be held at an
open meetinq, the electronic discussion shall not occur. Further, the
use of electronic communication to form a collective decision of the Council shall not occur. (4) Electronic communication should be used cautiouslv when seekinq
legal advice or to discuss matters of pendinq litiqation or other
confidential Citv business. In qeneral, electronic communication is
discoverable . in litiqation, and even deleted electronic
communication is not necessarily removed from the svstem.
Confidential electronic communications should not be shared with
individuals other.than the intended recipients, or the attornev-client
privileqe protectinq the document from disclosure mav be waived.
(5) Efectronic communication between Cauncilmembers and between
Councilmembers and staff shall not be transmitted #o the public or
news media without the filinq of a public disclosure reguest with the
City Clerk.
(6) As a cautionarv note, if an elected public official uses his or her
personal. home computer to send electronic communications
dealing with Citv business, the electronic communications and
electronic records may be subject to discoverv demands and public
disclosure requesfs. That possibility amplifies the need for caution
in how one uses electronic communication for Citv business.
Page 22
AUBURN * MORE THAN YOU IMAGINED
SECTIOtV 18 - TRAVEL Al1THORIZATIOIV
18.1 In accordance with. the City of Auburn travel policy, approvals or expenditure of
travel related costs and/or approval of specific travel events or activities by
Councilmembets beyond the authority provided in the travel policy shall be as.
follows; the requesting Councilmember shall submit his/her request to expend
travel related costs and/or request for authorization for specific travel purposes to
the Mayor to be included on an upcoming Council meeting agenda in advance of
the date(s) of such expenditure or travel. The City Council may pursuant to a
motion, approve the request by a majority vote of a quorum of the City Council at
the meeting in which the matter'is considered.
SECTION 19 - CONFIDENTIALITY ,
19.1 Councilmembers shall keep confidential all written materials and verbal
information provided to them during Executive Sessions, to ensuce that the City's
position is not compromised. Confidentiality also includes information provided to
Councilmembers oufside of Executive Sessions when the information is
considered by the exempt from disclosure under exemptions set forth in the
Revised Code of Washington.
SECTION 20 - ENFORCEMENT OF RULES OF PROCEDIJRE
20.1 Councilmembers shall conform their conduct to the requirements, standards and
expectations set forth in these Rules of Procedure. In addition to and
notwithstand.ing. whatever other enforcement mechanisms may exist for legal,
ethical or practical obligations on Councilmember performance or conduct,
violations of these Rules of Procedure by Councilmembers may be enforced by
action of the City Council through sanctions such as votes of censure or letters of
reprimand, and such other action as may be permitted by law:
- ~ City Council Rules of Procedure:
Adopted: February 2,.2004
Ortlinance No. 5802
Amended by Resolution No. 4282, December 17, 2007
Amended by Resolution No. 4429,.0ecember 15, 2008
Amended by Resolution No., 4467, April 6, 2009
Amended by Resolution No. 4615, Julv 6, 2010
Page 23 AUBURN * MORE THAN YOU IMAGINED