Chapter 2.08
CITY COUNCIL – GENERAL PROVISIONS*
Sections:
2.08.010 Quorum – Absence of members.
2.08.020 Election of mayor pro tempore – Duties.
2.08.030 Committees established – Duties.
2.08.050 Reports of committees.
2.08.060 Questions before council – Procedure.
2.08.070 Questions before council – Permission to speak.
2.08.080 Questions before council – Mayoral duties.
2.08.090 Questions before council – Decision by majority.
*For statutory provisions regarding the rules and necessary quorum for a council meeting, see RCW 35.23.208 and 35.23.270; for statutory provisions regarding selection and duties of the mayor pro tempore, see RCW 35.23.191; for statutory provisions regarding enumerated powers of the city council, see RCW 35.23.010 through 35.23.580.
2.08.010 Quorum – Absence of members.
At all meetings of the city council, a majority of the councilmen shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business, but a lesser number may adjourn from time to time and may compel the attendance of an absent member by declaring his office vacant if he absents himself for three consecutive regular meetings of the city council, unless by permission of the city council. [Ord. 398 §2, 1966].
2.08.020 Election of mayor pro tempore – Duties.
The city council, at its first meeting after each general municipal election, and thereafter when a vacancy occurs, shall elect from among its number a mayor pro tempore, who shall hold office at the pleasure of the council in case of the absence, death or disability of the mayor, perform the duties of mayor, except that he shall not have the power to appoint or remove any officer or to veto any ordinance. The appointment of the councilman as mayor pro tempore shall not in any way abridge his rights to vote upon all questions coming before the council. [Ord. 399 §2, 1966].
2.08.030 Committees established – Duties.
A. There shall be five standing committees of the council, consisting of three members each, which shall be appointed by the mayor, as follows:
1. Budget, finance, and major acquisitions committee;
2. Streets, property, and facilities committee;
3. Personnel committee;
4. Water and sewer committee;
5. Policy and administration committee.
B. Budget, Finance, and Major Acquisitions Committee. Duties shall be to consider, propose, oversee, and report with regard to all matters involving the annual budget, quarterly revenues and expenditures, salaries, and major acquisitions.
C. Streets, Property, and Facilities Committee. Duties shall be to consider, propose, oversee and report with regard to all city of Palouse streets, sidewalks, parks, cemetery, and pool operations, and all matters involving property, equipment, and building maintenance matters.
D. Personnel Committee. Duties shall be to consider, propose, oversee and report with regard to all matters involving employee-related issues for all staff including public works, police, joint fire board, and administrative. All personnel matters shall be referred to and considered by the personnel committee.
E. Water and Sewer Committee. Duties shall be to propose, oversee and report with regard to city of Palouse water and sewer. All matters involving city water and sewer shall be referred to and considered by the water and sewer committee.
F. Policy and Administration Committee. Duties shall be to propose, oversee and report with regard to matters involving the Palouse Municipal Code, Palouse ordinances, and city of Palouse policies. All general and miscellaneous matters and ordinances shall be referred to the policy and administration committee. [Ord. 989 §1, 2020; Ord. 720 §1, 2000; 1919 Comp. §53, Rule II].
2.08.040 Order of business.
The order of business shall be as follows:
A. Call to order;
B. Roll call;
C. Approval of minutes;
D. Public works report;
E. Police department report;
F. Building department report (quarterly);
G. Old business;
H. New business;
I. Committee reports and requests;
J. Mayor’s report;
K. Allow payment of bills; and
L. Adjourn. [Ord. 720 §3, 2000; 1919 Comp. §53, Rule 8].
2.08.050 Reports of committees.
Reports of committees may be oral or written. All written reports shall be signed by the chairman of the committee. [Ord. 720 §3, 2000; 1919 Comp. §53, Rule 8].
2.08.060 Questions before council – Procedure.
No questions shall be stated unless first moved and seconded nor be open for consideration unless so stated by the chair. When a question is before the council, no motion shall be received except to lay on the table the previous question, to postpone, to refer or to amend. They shall have precedence in the order in which they are arranged. [1919 Comp. §53, Rule 1].
2.08.070 Questions before council – Permission to speak.
When a member intends to speak on a question he shall first obtain permission of the chairman, shall confine his remarks to the question and avoid personalities. The mayor shall determine who is entitled to the floor in case of dispute. [1919 Comp. §53, Rule 2].
2.08.080 Questions before council – Mayoral duties.
The mayor, while presiding, shall state every question coming before the council, and before putting the question to the council shall say: “Are you ready for the question?” Should the council assent, the vote shall be taken; provided, that in the passage of an ordinance, the mayor shall require the ayes and nays to be taken and the vote recorded. The mayor shall declare the result of the vote on any question. [1919 Comp. §53, Rule 3].
2.08.090 Questions before council – Decision by majority.
All questions coming before the council, unless otherwise provided, shall be decided by a majority of the members present. [1919 Comp. §53, Rule 4].