Citizen's Guide to City Council (Lakewood, Ohio)

A CITIZEN'S GUIDE TO LAKEWOOD CITY COUNCIL

"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful,
committed citizens can change the world.
Indeed it's the only thing that ever has."
Margaret Mead, 1901-1978
American Anthropologist

MEETINGS OF CITY COUNCIL
7:30 p.m. the first and third Mondays of each month
City Hall Auditorium § 12650 Detroit Avenue § Lakewood, Ohio 44107

Web site: http://www.ci.lakewood.oh.us/citygovern_council.html
E-MAIL: CityCouncil@Lakewoodoh.net
Legislative Information Line: 216-529-6055

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LEGISLATIVE PROCEDURE
Legislative action of Council is undertaken by resolution or ordinance. Non-legislative action of Council is by motion.

Introduction of Legislation Legislation may be introduced by the Administration or any Council member at a regular or special meeting of Council. Proposed legislation is placed on the docket or agenda of the City Council meeting. Copies of the docket are distributed to each Council member and the Mayor; additional copies are on reserve in the Council office and the public library. Legislation can only contain one subject, clearly expressed by its title.

Legislative Readings Ordinances require three readings at Council meetings unless a vote of at least two thirds of Council suspends this rule. Resolutions require only one reading at a Council meeting.

Public Hearings of Legislation The procedure for public hearings of legislation is determined by the council Rules of Order. The Public hearing of legislation can be held separately or in conjunction with a regular or special Council meeting. The public hearing of a resolution is conducted at the time of its introduction. The public hearing of an ordinance is conducted after it has been introduced at first reading. Public commentary is usually welcomed at the second and third reading, and during committee hearings.

Council Committee Reports Proposed ordinances are often referred to committee for further review and public comment. Committee chairs report back to the full Council on matters referred to them.

Voting on Legislation Following the public hearing and discussion by Council, Council may adopt the legislation with or without amendments, reject it or table it. Every City Council member present votes or requests to be excused from voting on proposed legislation. All non-emergency legislation requires four "yes" votes to pass.

Motions A motion is used to determine policy and procedural matters, conduct elections among and make appointments of Council members.

Amendments Council may, by motion, amend legislation in committee, and on the floor of Council meetings.

Resolutions A resolution is used for any legislation of a temporary, informal or ceremonial nature where practicable. Resolutions are effective upon passage.

Ordinances An ordinance is used for legislation of a general or permanent nature. Ordinances take effect 40 days following passage.

Emergency Odinances or Resolutions An emergency ordinance or emergency resolution is a piece of legislation which includes an emergency clause. The emergency clause waives the 40-day period prior to the legislation taking effect. Emergency legislation requires a two-thirds majority to pass.

Introduction of Legislation	Legislation may be introduced by the Administration or any Council member at a regular or special meeting of Council. Proposed legislation is placed on the docket or agenda of the City Council meeting. Copies of the docket are distributed to each Council member and the Mayor; additional copies are on reserve in the Council office and the public library. Legislation can only contain one subject, clearly expressed by its title.

Legislative Readings	Ordinances require three readings at Council meetings unless a vote of at least two thirds of Council suspends this rule. Resolutions require only one reading at a Council meeting.

Public Hearings of Legislation	The procedure for public hearings of legislation is determined by the council Rules of Order. The Public hearing of legislation can be held separately or in conjunction with a regular or special Council meeting. The public hearing of a resolution is conducted at the time of its introduction. The public hearing of an ordinance is conducted after it has been introduced at first reading. Public commentary is usually welcomed at the second and third reading, and during committee hearings.

Council Committee Reports	Proposed ordinances are often referred to committee for further review and public comment. Committee chairs report back to the full Council on matters referred to them.

Voting on Legislation	Following the public hearing and discussion by Council, Council may adopt the legislation with or without amendments, reject it or table it. Every City Council member present votes or requests to be excused from voting on proposed legislation. All non-emergency legislation requires four "yes" votes to pass.

Motions	A motion is used to determine policy and procedural matters, conduct elections among and make appointments of Council members.

Amendments	Council may, by motion, amend legislation in committee, and on the floor of Council meetings.

Resolutions	A resolution is used for any legislation of a temporary, informal or ceremonial nature where practicable. Resolutions are effective upon passage.

Ordinances	An ordinance is used for legislation of a general or permanent nature. Ordinances take effect 40 days following passage.

Emergency Odinances or Resolutions	An emergency ordinance or emergency resolution is a piece of legislation which includes an emergency clause. The emergency clause waives the 40-day period prior to the legislation taking effect. Emergency legislation requires a two-thirds majority to pass.