HomeMy WebLinkAbout77-16 RESOLUTION113 West Mountain
Street Fayetteville,
AR 72701
(479) 575-8323
Resolution: 77-16
File Number: 2016-0125
AMEND THE RULES OF ORDER AND PROCEDURE:
A RESOLUTION TO AMEND THE RULES OF ORDER AND PROCEDURE OF THE FAYETTEVILLE
CITY COUNCIL A. 7. d. TO AUTHORIZE THE CITY COUNCIL TO ALLOW A
REPRESENTATIVE OF THE PUBLIC OPPOSING THE ORDINANCE OR RESOLUTION TO USE AN
ELECTRONIC VISUAL AID PRESENTATION ON THE ISSUE
WHEREAS, if a City Council member and/or a representative of a group of citizens opposing such
ordinance or resolution desires to present an electronic visual aid, a Motion to Suspend the Rules must
be passed (requiring six affirmative votes regardless of the number of City Council members attending
the meeting); and
WHEREAS, a simple majority of the City Council members attending and voting at the meeting should
be enough to authorize a single representative of a group of citizens opposing the ordinance or resolution
to present a short electronic visual aid on the issue.
WHEREAS, a City Council member should have the same right as City staff to present an electronic
visual aid on an agenda item.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
FAYETTEVILLE, ARKANSAS:
Section 1. That the City Council of the City of Fayetteville, Arkansas hereby amends Rule A. 7.
d. (1) by amending its last sentence to read:
"City staff, City Council members and applicants may use electronic visual aids in the City Council meeting
as part of the presentation of the agenda item."
Section 2. That the City Council of the City of Fayetteville, Arkansas hereby amends Rule A. 7.
d. (2) by amending its second sentence to read as follows:
Page 1 Printed on 416116
File Number: 2016-0125
Resolution: 77-16
"A simple majority of the City Council members, present and voting, may authorize a representative of
a Fayetteville citizens' group opposing the ordinance or resolution to present an electronic visual aid not to
exceed five minutes, but no other electronic visual aid presentations will be allowed; however, the public
may submit photos, petitions, etc. to be distributed to the City Council."
PASSED and APPROVED on 4/5/2016
Attest:
Sondra E. Smith, City Clerk
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Page 2 Printed on 416116
City of Fayetteville, Arkansas 113 West Mountain Street
Fayetteville, AR 72701
—� (479) 575-8323
Text File
File Number: 2016-0125
Agenda Date: 4/5/2016 Version: 1 Status: Passed
In Control: City Council Meeting File Type: Resolution
Agenda Number: C. 8
AMEND THE RULES OF ORDER AND PROCEDURE:
A RESOLUTION TO AMEND THE RULES OF ORDER AND PROCEDURE OF THE
FAYETTEVILLE CITY COUNCIL A. 7. d. TO AUTHORIZE THE CITY COUNCIL TO ALLOW A
REPRESENTATIVE OF THE PUBLIC OPPOSING THE ORDINANCE OR RESOLUTION TO USE
AN ELECTRONIC VISUAL AID PRESENTATION ON THE ISSUE
WHEREAS, if a City Council member and/or a representative of a group of citizens opposing such
ordinance or resolution desires to present an electronic visual aid, a Motion to Suspend the Rules must
be passed (requiring six affirmative votes regardless of the number of City Council members attending
the meeting); and
WHEREAS, a simple majority of the City Council members attending and voting at the meeting should
be enough to authorize a single representative of a group of citizens opposing the ordinance or
resolution to present a short electronic visual aid on the issue.
WHEREAS, a City Council member should have the same right as City staff to present an electronic
visual aid on an agenda item.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
FAYETTEVILLE, ARKANSAS:
Section 1. That the City Council of the City of Fayetteville, Arkansas hereby amends Rule A. 7. d. (1)
by amending its last sentence to read:
"City staff, City Council members and applicants may use electronic visual aids in the City Council
meeting as part of the presentation of the agenda item."
Section 2. That the City Council of the City of Fayetteville, Arkansas hereby amends Rule A. 7. d. (2)
by amending its second sentence to read as follows:
"A simple majority of the City Council members, present and voting, may authorize a representative of
a Fayetteville citizens' group opposing the ordinance or resolution to present an electronic visual aid not
to exceed five minutes, but no other electronic visual aid presentations will be allowed; however, the
public may submit photos, petitions, etc. to be distributed to the City Council."
City of Fayetteville, Arkansas Page 1 Printed on 4/6/2016
Legistar ID No.: 2016-0125
AGENDA REQUEST FORM
FOR: Council Meeting of APR 1 L 5, 2016
FROM:
City Council Member Alan Long
ORDINANCE OR RESOLUTION TITLE AND SUBJECT:
A RESOLUTION TO AMEND THE RULES OF ORDER AND PROCEDURE OF THE
FAYETTEVILLE CITY COUNCIL A. 7. d. TO AUTHORIZE THE CITY COUNCIL TO ALLOW
A REPRESENTATIVE OF THE PUBLIC OPPOSING THE ORDINANCE OR RESOLUTION
TO USE AN ELECTRONIC VISUAL AID PRESENTATION ON THE ISSUE
APPROVED FOR AGENDA:
4dilcil Member Alan Long Date
City Attorney Kit Williams Date
(as to form)
2016-0125
Legistar ID No.:
AGENDA REQUEST FORM
FOR: Council Meeting of APR 1 L 5, 2016
FROM:
City Council Member Alan Long
ORDINANCE OR RESOLUTION TITLE AND SUBJECT:
A RESOLUTION TO AMEND THE RULES OF ORDER AND PROCEDURE OF THE
FAYETTEVILLE CITY COUNCIL A. 7. d. TO AUTHORIZE THE CITY COUNCIL TO ALLOW
A REPRESENTATIVE OF THE PUBLIC OPPOSING THE ORDINANCE OR RESOLUTION
TO USE AN ELECTRONIC VISUAL AID PRESENTATION ON THE ISSUE
APPROVED FOR AGENDA:
4dilcil Member Alan Long Date
City Attorney Kit Williams Date
(as to form)
Williams, Kit
From: Longward4@gmail.com <longward4@gmail.com>
Sent: Monday, February 22, 2016 7:00 PM
To: Williams, Kit
Subject: Re: Res to Amend Rules of Order & Procedure
Thanks for working on that. Actually, I want it to effectually read that any council member can present at a council
meeting without a vote (basically making us equal to staff in our meetings). Also, if a council member wishes to have
someone present for them, only a simple majority vote will be required (no suspension of the rules).
I'm not going to be there tomorrow due to my father having surgery, but I can do it during the next cycle.
Sincerely,
Alan T Long
City Council Member -Ward 4
City of Fayetteville, AR
On Feb 22, 2016, at 4:12 PM, Williams, Kit <kwilliams@fayetteville-ar.gov> wrote:
Alan,
Here is a proposed change to the Rules to make it easier for an alderman or representative of a citizens' group
opposing the passage of an ordinance (rezoning) or resolution to present an electronic video aid (PowerPoint). Please
let me know if this is what you had in mind.
Kit Williams
Fayetteville City Attorney
479.575.8313
<image001.jpg> <image002.png>
From: Mulford, Patti
Sent: Monday, February 22, 2016 3:43 PM
To: Williams, Kit <kwilliams@fayetteville ar.>;ov>
Subject: Res to Amend Rules of Order & Procedure
Patti Mulford
Paralegal
City Attorney's Office
T 479 575.8313
<Res Rules of Order and Procedure.docx>
12 L1 L) ! fi * ✓K..J aii1Pnrfl d, -r
��. of the Fayetteville City Council
.�_
Revised on April 15, 2014
Resolution 82-14
Page -2 -of 10
7. Presentation of Agenda Items
a. A ends items not included within the Tentative Agenda packet.
(1) Staff a !ender items. If the City staff requests to "walk-on" an agenda item for the City
Council Agenda during the City Council Agenda Session, the memo from the City staff
shall begin with a clear and compelling reason why this proposed agenda item could not
have been included within the Tentative Agenda and cannot wait for City Council
consideration at a later City Council meeting. Any member of the City Council including
the Mayor can then place this item on the Final Agenda.
(2) City Counci[ Member agenda items. City Council Members should also strive to
include any agenda item a Council Member wishes the City Council to consider be
included within the Tentative Agenda. If that is not possible, the City Council Member
should explain during the Agenda Session why the proposed agenda item should be
included in the Final Agenda rather than postponed to the next meeting. Any member of
the City Council including the Mayor can then place this item on the Final Agenda."
b. Agenda Additions. A new item which is requested to be added to the agenda at a City
Council meeting should only be considered if it requires immediate City Council consideration
and if the normal agenda setting process is not practical. The City Council may only place
such new item on the City Council meeting's agenda by suspending the rules by two-thirds
vote. Such agenda addition shall be heard prior to the Consent Agenda.
c. Consent Agenda Consent Agenda items shall be read by the Mayor and voted upon as a
group without discussion by the City Council. If an Alderman wishes to comment upon or
discuss a Consent Agenda item that item shall be removed and considered immediately after
the Consent Agenda has been voted upon.
d. Old Business and New Business.
(1) Presentations by Staff and &lm!! ants. Agenda items shall be introduced by the Mayor
arid, if an ordinance, read by the City Attorney, City staff shall then present a report. An
agenda applicant (city contractor, rezoning or development applicant, etc.) may present
its proposal only during this presentation period, but may be recalled by an alderman later
to answer questions, Staff and applicants may use electronic visual aids in a City Council
meeting as part of their presentation.
(2) Public Comments. Public comment shall be allowed for all members of the audience on
all items of old and new business and subjects of public hearings. No electronic visual
aid presentations shall be allowed, but the public may submit photos, petitions, etc. to be
distributed to the City Council. If a member of the public wishes for the City Clerk to
distribute materials to the City Council before its meeting, such materials should be
supplied to the City Clerk's Office no later than 9:00 A.M. on the day of the City Council
meeting. Any member of the public shall first state his or her name and address,
followed by a concise statement of the person's position on the question under
discussion. Repetitive comments should be avoided; this applies to comments made
previously either to the City Council or to the Planning Commission when those Planning
Commission minutes have been provided to the Aldermen. All remarks shall be
addressed to the Mayor or the City Council as a whole and not to any particular member
of the City Council. No person other than the Aldermen and the person having the floor
Rules of Order and Procedure
of the Fayetteville City Council
Revised on April 5, 2016
Resolution 77-16
Page - 1 - of 10
RULES OF ORDER AND PROCEDURE
OF THE FAYETTEVILLE CITY COUNCIL
A. CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS
1. Regular Meetings
The City Council shall meet in regular session on the first and third Tuesday of each month at
5:30 P.M. When a holiday or general election occurs on any such Tuesday, the regular meeting
shall be held on the following Thursday at the same hour unless otherwise provided for by
motion. The regular meeting time may be rescheduled by the City Council in special
circumstances, but when so done the change must be made far enough in advance to allow normal
public notification.
2. Location
The place of City Council meetings shall be in the City Council Chambers in the City
Administration Building unless another place has been previously set by the City Council.
3. Special Meetings
Special meetings may be called by three or more Aldermen or by the Mayor. Notification of a
special meeting, including specific items to be considered, shall be at least two hours prior to the
meeting. Such notification shall be by personal service to each member or by telephone,
specifying time and place of meeting.
4. Executive Session
An executive session may be requested by any member of the City Council or the Mayor. A
majority vote by the City Council is required to convene in executive session. Executive sessions
will be permitted only for the purpose of considering the employment, appointment, promotion,
demotion, disciplining, or resignation of any public officer or employee.
5. Quorum
A majority of the City Council shall be necessary to constitute a quorum to do business. The
concurring vote of a majority of those attending a meeting shall be sufficient to pass procedural
motions except a Motion to Suspend the Rules which requires six affirmative votes. Ordinances
and Resolutions require five affirmative votes to pass.
6. Public Notification
The City will go further than legally required in order to inform citizens of the items to be
considered by the City Council. The means used may include press releases or advertisements in
a local newspaper, special notice to citizens who have shown a direct interest in matters to be
considered, Government Channel announcements and presentation, and agenda copies available
at City Council meetings.
7. Presentation of Agenda Items
a. Agenda items not included within the Tentative Agentlai packet.
Rules of Order and Procedure
of the Fayetteville City Council
Revised on April 5, 2016
Resolution 77-16
Page -2-of10
(1) Staff agenda items. If the City staff requests to "walk-on" an agenda item for the City
Council Agenda during the City Council Agenda Session, the memo from the City staff
shall begin with a clear and compelling reason why this proposed agenda item could not
have been included within the Tentative Agenda and cannot wait for City Council
consideration at a later City Council meeting. Any member of the City Council including
the Mayor can then place this item on the Final Agenda.
(2) City Council Member agenda items. City Council Members should also strive to
include any agenda item a Council Member wishes the City Council to consider be
included within the Tentative Agenda. If that is not possible, the City Council Member
should explain during the Agenda Session why the proposed agenda item should be
included in the Final Agenda rather than postponed to the next meeting. Any member of
the City Council including the Mayor can then place this item on the Final Agenda."
b. Agenda Additions. A new item which is requested to be added to the agenda at a City
Council meeting should only be considered if it requires immediate City Council consideration
and if the normal agenda setting process is not practical. The City Council may only place
such new item on the City Council meeting's agenda by suspending the rules by two-thirds
vote. Such agenda addition shall be heard prior to the Consent Agenda.
c. Consent Agenda. Consent Agenda items shall be read by the Mayor and voted upon as a
group without discussion by the City Council. If an Alderman wishes to comment upon or
discuss a Consent Agenda item that item shall be removed and considered immediately after
the Consent Agenda has been voted upon.
d. Old Business and New Business.
(1) Presentations by Staff and Applicants. Agenda items shall be introduced by the Mayor
and, if an ordinance, read by the City Attorney. City staff shall then present a report. An
agenda applicant (city contractor, rezoning or development applicant, etc.) may present
its proposal only during this presentation period, but may be recalled by an alderman later
to answer questions. City staff, City Council members and applicants may use electronic
visual aids in the City Council meeting as part of the presentation of the agenda item.
(2) Public Comments. Public comment shall be allowed for all members of the audience on
all items of old and new business and subjects of public hearings. A simple majority of
the City Council members, present and voting, may authorize a representative of a
Fayetteville citizens' group opposing the ordinance or resolution to present an electronic
visual aid not to exceed five minutes, but no other electronic visual aid presentations will
be allowed; however, the public may submit photos, petitions, etc. to be distributed to the
City Council. If a member of the public wishes for the City Clerk to distribute materials
to the City Council before its meeting, such materials should be supplied to the City
Clerk's Office no later than 9:00 A.M. on the day of the City Council meeting. Any
member of the public shall first state his or her name and address, followed by a concise
statement of the person's position on the question under discussion. Repetitive
comments should be avoided; this applies to comments made previously either to the City
Council or to the Planning Commission when those Planning Commission minutes have
been provided to the Aldermen. All remarks shall be addressed to the Mayor or the City
Council as a whole and not to any particular member of the City Council. No person
other than the Aldermen and the person having the floor shall be permitted to enter into
any discussions without permission of the Mayor. No questions shall be directed to an
Alderman or city staff member except through the Mayor.
Rules of Order and Procedure
of the Fayetteville City Council
Revised on April 5, 2016
Resolution 77-16
Page-3-of10
e. Courtesy and Respect. All members of the public, all city staff and elected officials shall
accord the utmost courtesy and respect to each other at all times. All shall refrain from rude or
derogatory remarks, reflections as to integrity, abusive comments and statements about
motives or personalities. Any member of the public who violates these standards shall be
ruled out of order by the Mayor, must immediately cease speaking and shall leave the podium.
8. Smoking Prohibited
There will be no smoking allowed in the City Council Chambers during City Council meetings.
9. Cell Phones and Pagers
Cell phones must be turned off or put in silent mode and not used within the City Council
Chambers during City Council meetings. Pagers must be turned off or put in silent mode within
the City Council Chambers during City Council meetings. These restrictions also apply during
Agenda Sessions in Room 326.
B. DUTIES AND PRIVILEGES OF ALDERMEN AT CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS
1. Seating
Members shall occupy the respective seats in the City Council Chambers assigned by position
number. The Mayor (or Assistant Mayor in the Mayor's absence) shall be seated near the center
of the Aldermen's table.
2. Conduct
During City Council meetings, City Aldermen shall preserve order and decorum and shall neither
by conversation or otherwise delay or interrupt the proceedings. Neither shall they refuse to obey
the orders of the Mayor or the rules of the City Council.
Every member of the City Council desiring to speak shall address the chair and, upon recognition
by the Mayor, shall confine herself or himself to the question under debate and shall avoid all
personalities and indecorous language. A City Council member once recognized shall not be
interrupted while speaking unless called to order by the Mayor, unless a point of order is raised
by another member or unless the member chooses to yield to questions from another member.
If a member is called to order while he or she is speaking, the member shall cease speaking
immediately until the question of order is determined. If ruled to be not in order, the member
shall remain silent or shall alter his or her remark so as to comply with the rules of the City
Council.
All members of the City Council shall accord the utmost courtesy to each other, to city
employees, and to members of the public appearing before the City Council, and shall refrain at
all times from rude or derogatory remarks, reflections as to integrity, abusive comments and
statements as to motives and personalities. City Council members shall confine their questions as
to the particular matters before the City Council and in debate shall confine their remarks to the
issues before the City Council.
Rules of Order and Procedure
of the Fayetteville City Council
Revised on April 5, 2016
Resolution 77-16
Page -4 -of 10
3. Financial Interest
No member of the City Council with a direct or indirect financial interest in any items before the
City Council shall participate in the discussion of or voting on such matter.
4. Voting
Every member present when a question is put to a vote shall vote either "yes" or "no", except
that a member may abstain from voting if he or she has not participated in the preceding
discussion of the question and if that member has previously stated the reason for the abstention.
Except for a question necessary to clarify the meaning of the motion, resolution or ordinance
being voted upon, no questions or comments by members of the City Council including the
Mayor shall be made during the voting on the pending motion, resolution or ordinance. The
Aldermen will vote at City Council meetings in the order of their position number, but with a
progressively different position voting first at each meeting.
5. Roll Call
Upon every vote the affirmative and negative votes shall be called and shall be recorded on every
motion, resolution and ordinance; however, items which may be approved by motion, or contracts
and leases which can be approved by resolution, may be grouped together and approved
simultaneously with one roll call, under a "Consent Agenda.
C. MAYOR & VICE MAYOR
1. Mayor
a. General Power to Preside and Vote
The Mayor is the presiding officer and ex officio president of the City Council. The Mayor
may vote to establish a quorum or to pass an ordinance, resolution or motion if the Mayor's
vote is needed for passage. The Mayor does not have the right to vote for an Emergency
Clause on an ordinance. An Emergency Clause requires six affirmative votes by aldermen to
pass.
b. Mayor's Veto Power
The Mayor has the power to veto any ordinance, resolution or order, or part thereof, adopted
by the City Council within five (5) days (Sundays excluded) of the City Council vote. Before
the next City Council meeting, the Mayor shall file in the City Clerk's office a written
statement of reasons for the veto. At the first City Council meeting following the veto, the
City Council can override the veto by two-thirds majority (6 affirmative votes).
2. Vice Mayor
The City Council shall at the time of organizing, in public session, elect one of its members as
Vice Mayor. Any Alderman may nominate himself or herself or any other member of the City
Council for Vice Mayor, and no second of a nomination is required. Each Alderman shall vote
by naming his or her choice by voice vote if there is more than one nominee for a position. A
majority vote of the City Council shall be required for election. In the absence of the Mayor, the
Vice Mayor shall preside at the City Council meeting.
Rules of Order and Procedure
of the Fayetteville City Council
Revised on April 5, 2016
Resolution 77-16
Page-5-of10
3. Privileges of the Vice Mayor
The Vice Mayor acting as the Mayor may move, second and debate from the chair and shall not
be deprived of the rights and privileges of being a member of the City Council by reason of her or
his acting as the Vice Mayor.
D. PROCEDURES AND PARLIAMENTARY RULES
1. Agenda
The City Council's agenda order shall be coordinated by the Mayor. All items for discussion or
action at the regular council meeting shall be included in a Tentative Agenda provided to
Aldermen prior to an Agenda Session where the Aldermen shall determine the final arrangement
of the Agenda. Any item the Mayor or an Alderman wishes to include on the Final Agenda that
was not included on the Tentative Agenda may only be added to the Final Agenda during the
Agenda Session. At the regular meeting of the City Council, the Council, by majority vote, may
rearrange the order of the Agenda. An item may be added to the Agenda at the City Council
meeting only by a Motion to Suspend the Rules.
2. Precedence of Motions
The City Council shall follow the precedence and classification of motions as given in the most
recent edition of the Arkansas Municipal League's `Procedural Rules for Arkansas Municipal
Officials.' In the event a matter is not covered by the `Procedural Rules for Arkansas Municipal
Officials,' the most recent edition of Robert's Rules of Order shall apply. On questions of appeal,
a majority of those present is required to overturn a ruling by the chair."
3. Motions to be Stated by the Chair/Withdrawal
When a motion is made and seconded, it shall be stated by the Mayor before debate. After being
stated by the Mayor, a motion may not be withdrawn by the mover without the consent of the
member seconding it and approval of the City Council.
4. Reconsideration
After the decision of any question, any member of the prevailing side may request a
reconsideration of any action at the same or the next succeeding meeting; provided, however, that
a resolution authorizing or relating to any contract may be reconsidered at any time before final
execution thereof. A motion to reconsider requires a simple majority for passage. After a motion
for reconsideration has once been acted on, no other motion for reconsideration thereof shall be
made without unanimous consent.
5. Readings
All ordinances shall be read aloud at three different meetings unless the City Council votes to
suspend the rules.
The following guidelines for reading ordinances are recommended:
Rules of Order and Procedure
of the Fayetteville City Council
Revised on April 5, 2016
Resolution 77-16
Page -6 -of 10
♦ After the ordinance's first reading, aldermen may briefly point out potential concerns or
benefits from the proposed ordinance, but should refrain from attempting to persuade each
other or arrive at a final consensus.
i Unless there is clearly no opposition or concern about the ordinance, it should be read and
open for public discussion during at least two City Council meetings.
• Complex ordinances that need further clarification or drafting work should be referred to the
Ordinance Review Committee.
6. Items Tabled Indefinitely
Any item tabled indefinitely may be taken from the table by majority vote of the City Council
during the calendar year in which it was tabled indefinitely. All items tabled indefinitely and
remaining on the table at the end of the calendar year shall be deemed denied and rejected for
appellate and all other purposes on December 31st and shall not be considered by the City Council
in the future unless brought forward as a new item.
E. INTERNAL BOARDS, COMMITTEES, COMMISSIONS AND APPOINTMENTS
1. Membership Of Internal Boards Committees, Commissions And Appointments
a. Standing City Council Committees.
The four standing committees of the City Council are: Nominating, Ordinance Review,
Streets, and Water and Sewer. Each committee shall have four aldermen members appointed
by the Mayor in January after every regular election. All Aldermen shall serve on two of
these four committees. Each committee shall elect a chairman and vice chairman during the
first committee meeting after the aldermen are appointed.
b. Other Committees (See also Section H. Citizens Committees)
Aldermen may volunteer or request to serve on any of the various other committees which
have Alderman slots. The Mayor may appoint Aldermen to the other committees pursuant to
their request.
c. Appeal Right To City Council
Any Alderman who is dissatisfied with his or her committee assignments can appeal to the
whole City Council who can determine by majority vote which Alderman will be appointed
to a specific committee.
d. Ad Hoc Committees.
Ad hoc committees may be appointed either by the Mayor or by a majority vote of the City
Council to study special problems and projects of the City.
2. Notification and Attendance
All Aldermen, representatives of the news media who have requested notification, and other
persons who have shown a direct interest in matters to be considered at a committee meeting shall
be notified of City Council committee meetings.
Rules of Order and Procedure
of the Fayetteville City Council
Revised on April 5, 2016
Resolution 77-16
Page -7 -of 10
Committee meetings shall be held when possible at times that allow all members of the
committee to attend. In order for a committee to make an official recommendation to the City
Council, a majority of the committee members must agree on that recommendation. Aldermen
who are not members of a particular City Council committee may generally participate in the
meeting of that committee except for voting on committee recommendations, but the chairperson
may rule otherwise.
3. City Council Representation on Other Governmental Groups
When it is necessary to appoint an Alderman to an external board, commission or committee,
selection of that Alderman shall be made by a majority vote of the City Council. That selection
shall be made by nomination and vote in a public session. Any Alderman may nominate himself
or herself or (any other member of the City Council), and no second is required. Each Alderman
shall vote by naming his or her choice by voice vote if there is more than one nominee for a
position. A majority vote of the City Council shall be required for election.
F. MAYOR RELATIONSHIP
1. Definition of Authority
In exercising its legislative responsibilities, the City Council may approve policy which
represents broad statements of its intentions, approve plans and programs, and manage the
financial aspects of the city through its budgetary powers. The Mayor is empowered to hire
capable personnel within the approved wage and salary policy, to plan and establish schedules
and to train, supervise and terminate employees.
2. Definition of Responsibilities
The Mayor has the principal responsibility for directing the operations of the city government,
and for advising and assisting the City Council in its deliberations. In connection with this latter
responsibility, the City Council expects and requests the Mayor shall furnish the City Council
with whatever data, information and material it may need to properly carry out its functions in an
informed manner. The City Council also expects the Mayor to abide by the Code of Ethics of the
International Mayor's Association.
3. City Council/Mayor Cooperation
Efficient management of the city can exist only through mutual understanding and complete
cooperation between the City Council and the Mayor. The Mayor's performance cannot be of the
best unless the Mayor is given the latitude to exercise independent judgment in executing policies
of the City Council. The City Council acknowledges that obligation and gives the Mayor the
latitude of judgment and discretion, and expects faithful performance in carrying out the policies
of the City Council.
While open communication between the City Council and City personnel is encouraged, it shall
be understood that administrative authority for the management of the City rests with the Mayor.
Members of the City Council should refrain, as individuals, from giving specific direction or
instruction to City personnel pertaining to the discharge of assigned duties.
G. CODE OF ETHICS
1. General
Rules of Order and Procedure
of the Fayetteville City Council
Revised on April 5, 2016
Resolution 77-16
Page -8 -of 10
Members of the City Council and the Mayor occupy positions of public trust. All business
transactions of such officials dealing in any manner with public funds, either directly or
indirectly, must be subject to the scrutiny of public opinion both as to the legality and to the
propriety of such transactions.
2. Conflict of Interest
Members of the City Council and the Mayor shall refrain from making use of special knowledge
or information before it is made available to the general public; shall refrain from making or
influencing decisions involving business associates, customers, clients, competitors and
immediate family members and shall comply with all lawful actions, directives and orders of duly
constituted municipal officers as such may be issued in the normal and lawful discharge of the
duties of these municipal officers. Nothing herein, however, shall serve to deny the Members of
the City Council and the Mayor of the legal rights and privileges available to all Fayetteville
citizens.
3. Responsibility of All Citizens
Members of the City Council and the Mayor shall conduct themselves so as to bring credit upon
the city as a whole and so as to set an example of good ethical conduct for all citizens of the
community. The Members of the City Council and the Mayor shall bear in mind at all times their
responsibility to the entire electorate, shall refrain from actions benefiting special interest groups
at the expense of the city as a whole, and shall do everything in their power to ensure equal and
impartial law enforcement throughout the city without respect to race, creed, color, or the
economic or social position of individual citizens.
In an effort to allow the public full knowledge of financial and personal interests, the Members of
the City Council and the Mayor are expected to disclose annually all real estate holdings in
Fayetteville and the Fayetteville planning area, and any business or financial interest which could
affect or be affected by decisions of the City Council. Such disclosure should be made in writing
to the City Clerk in January of each year.
H. CITIZEN COMMITTEES
1. Authorization by the City Council
The City Council may authorize citizen advisory boards, committees and commissions to assist
the City Council in discharging its responsibilities more effectively. Authorization will be made
by majority vote of the City Council.
2. Selecting of Members
The Nominating Committee shall have the responsibility of coordinating the selection process of
members for the citizen advisory groups prior to the final City Council decision. The objectives
of the selection process shall be as follows: To provide a broad diversity of qualified individuals
for service on the appointed bodies; and to provide an opportunity for participation in city affairs
by interested citizens.
The selection process shall follow these procedures:
a. Periodic news releases and articles, generally at least two weeks in advance of appointments,
requesting interested individuals to notify the City Clerk's office of their interest in being
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considered for appointment. Application forms should be completed by each person who
expresses an interest in a position.
b. City Council members, city staff members and interested individuals and organizations who
know of qualified persons should encourage them to apply for appointment.
c. Cable television should be used to notify citizens of vacancies in citizen committees.
d. The City website, accessfayetteville.org, shall list vacancies in citizen committees.
e. Any person who has served two consecutive full terms on any City commission or board shall
not be eligible for reappointment to the same commission or board until one full term of
office has expired, unless there is an insufficient number of qualified applicants to fill all
vacancies. Service of a partial term shall not count against the two terms that are allowed.
Prior to any appointment, the City Clerk's office will circulate to the full City Council copies of
applications of the individuals on file for the appointive body. Aldermen may recommend
applicants or offer comments to the Nominating Committee prior to their scheduled meeting.
The Nominating Committee will narrow the list of prospective appointees to no more than two
individuals for each position. This decision will be made in an open meeting. The
recommendations will be submitted to the full City Council for final decision. The committee's
first choice may be indicated. Al! positions shall be decided by majority vote of the City Council.
In instances where there is more than one nominee for a position, either by Nominating
Committee recommendation or by other nominations, each Alderman shall vote by naming his or
her choice for that position. The City Council will act officially on all appointments in public
session.
I. Appointment of New Alderman
The City Council shall vote on the appointment of any replacement to fill a vacancy on the City Council.
The Council may meet in executive session, after taking applications, and decide if personal interviews
are necessary and set dates for interviews. After interviewing any or all candidates, the Council may
again meet in executive session on the matter. The City Council will then vote in an open public session
and the candidate with the majority of votes will be appointed the new alderman at the following meeting,
J. Orientation of New Aldermen
1. Orientation Meeting Scheduled. The City Council, Mayor, City Attorney, City Clerk/Treasurer
and appropriate City Staff shall meet with and conduct one or more orientation sessions with
newly elected Aldermen in December after each General Election or within one month after a
Special Election in which a new alderman is elected. Each newly elected alderman shall attend
the orientation session(s).
2. Content of Orientation. The City Council, Mayor and other members of the orientation group
shall explain:
a. Rights and duties of aldermen;
b. Organizational structure of city government;
c. Role of the Aldermen Committees;
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d. How to initiate Resolutions and Ordinances;
e. The purpose and procedure for the City Council Agenda session;
f. Reasons to approve or disapprove land use and development issues;
g. Council tours to view and discuss land proposed for rezoning or development;
h. City Council Rules of Order and Procedure;
i. Freedom of Information Act requirements.
3. Ongoing Orientation.
a. Within the first week of an alderman's term, the administration should provide an
administrative and human resources orientation to include issuing parking permits, fobs, and
other necessary equipment for the aldermen, as well as assistance for the completion of all
necessary state and federal documents.
b. Within the first quarter of an alderman's term, the administration should arrange for a budget
overview and tours of all major city facilities and functional areas.