HomeMy WebLinkAboutStudy Session - Roles of the City CouncilRoles of the City Council
City of Palm Desert
January 2023
Role of the Mayor/Presiding Officer (PDMC 2.36.140)
Mayor/Presiding Officer
Other Duties
Explain to the public how the meeting will be conducted
Determining, based on the agenda, a schedule for breaks
May reasonably limit time for public comment
State questions coming before the City Council
Decide all questions of order
Typically offers commentary after all other members have had an opportunity
May move, second, and vote on all motions
Announce decisions on all subjects
Preserve order and decorum at all meetings
Sign ordinances and other documents approved by the City Council
W/Mayor Pro Tem, approve the issuance of proclamations/recognitions
Represent the City of Palm Desert at ceremonial events
Role of the Mayor Pro Tem
ProclamationsIn The Absence
Serves on a subcommittee with the
Mayor, to review and approve all
requests for proclamations and
other recognitions
In the absence of the Mayor, the
Mayor Pro Tem shall serve as the
Presiding Officer at City Council
meetings
Serves on a subcommittee with the
Mayor to review matters of interest
with the City Manager
Subcommittee to CM
Role of the Mayor & Mayor Pro Tem
Are there other norms, formal or
informal, expected of the Mayor &
Mayor Pro Tem?
Discussion:
Propriety of Conduct - City Council (PDMC 2.36.240)
"Members of the City Council must
preserve order and decorum and shall
not by conversation or otherwise delay
nor interrupt the proceedings of the
council in any way, nor disturb any other
member of the council while speaking,
nor refuse to obey the orders of the
council or presiding officer, except as
otherwise provided in this chapter."
Role of a Member of City Council - Best Practices
Represent and work for the common
good of the city
Refrain from taking action where
there may be a conflict of interest
Provide unbiased, fair, and equal
treatment to all persons and matters
Work with staff prior to meetings on
questions of clarification
Refrain from abusive conduct, personal
charges, or attacks upon others
Limit distractions and provide your
undivided attention at public hearings
and quasi-judicial proceedings
Role of the City Council Liaison
The City Council liaison facilitates communication
between the City Council and the advisory body. A
City Council Liaison is not a member or advocate
of the advisory body and does not give direction or
influence decisions but can assist and provide
information.
Attending Meetings as a Member of the Public
When attending a city meeting as a member of the
public, such as a commission or community input
meeting, where two other councilmembers are
attending in an official capacity the third
coucilmember should not communicate in any fashion
(verbal or non-verbal) with the other councilmembers,
except under limited circumstances (please contact
the city attorney for more guidance).
Role of the City Council & Liaison
Are there other norms, formal or
informal, expected of Councilmembers
and City Council Liaisons?
Discussion:
Questions