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2023/08/24 - Walter's Blog: Council Procedures

Democracy on the Front Lines 
City Administrator’s Blog 
Walter Denton 
 

City Council Rules of Order and Procedure 

August 24, 2023 

City Council meetings can be disorienting for residents who do not normally attend. It can be difficult to know how decisions are made and when they can provide comments about items on the agenda. As a result, the City Council recently made several changes to be more transparent and make it easier for residents to know what is going on during meetings. 

At the beginning of each City Council and committee meeting, there will be an explanation on the video screen describing the format of the meeting and how residents can participate. The mayor or committee chair will also read a statement at the beginning of each meeting explaining the format. 

The City Council also developed a list of procedures to promote transparency and accountability in decision making. One of the hallmarks of the procedures is to adopt the Illinois Municipal League Civility Pledge, which states: 

In the interest of civility, I pledge to promote civility by listening, being respectful to others, acknowledging that we are striving to support and improve our community and understanding that we each may have different ideas for achieving that objective.  

Here are other highlights from the City Council Rules of Order and Procedure: 

  • Committee Meetings will be identified with a sign so the general public will know what committee meeting is in session. 
  • Only Committee members will sit behind the dais during each committee meeting. City Council members who are not on the committee will sit in the audience to eliminate confusion and ensure the general public understands who is actually on each committee. 
  • Civility and decorum are expected at all times. 
  • Public comment is encouraged. After the public comments portion of the agenda is closed, the City Council may ask City Staff to provide additional clarification related to issues raised during the public comment periods. Written questions shall be given it to the Deputy City Clerk, and a written response will be given. Residents may also leave their phone number or e-mail for question follow-up. 
  • There is a second opportunity at the end of City Council meetings for Public Comments where citizens may address City Council on any subject matter. 

The residents and businesses of O’Fallon are entitled to have fair, ethical, and accountable local government. These new procedures should help so that the City Council and Staff bring credit upon the organization and the community.