§ 2-54. Ordinances and contracts.

Rule 31. Introduction of ordinances.

For purposes of these rules, the "date of introduction" for a proposed ordinance is the date on which the council first votes on the proposed ordinance's subject matter. The council votes on the subject matter of a proposed ordinance when it votes on whether to adopt or make changes to the proposed ordinance.

Rule 32. Adoption, amendment, and repeal of ordinances.

(a)

Adoption of ordinances.

(1)

Proposed ordinances to be in writing. No proposed ordinance shall be adopted unless it has been reduced to writing and distributed to members before a vote on adoption is taken.

(2)

Adoption on date of introduction. To be approved on the date of introduction, a proposed ordinance or any action having the effect of an ordinance must receive affirmative votes equal to at least two-thirds ( 2/3 ) of the council's actual membership, excluding vacant seats.

(3)

Adoption after date of introduction. To be approved after the date of introduction, a proposed ordinance or any action having the effect of an ordinance must receive affirmative votes equal to at least a majority of all council members not excused from voting on the matter.

(b)

Amendment and repeal of ordinances. The same voting requirements that govern the adoption of proposed ordinances also apply to the amendment or repeal of an ordinance.

Rule 33. Adoption of the budget ordinance.

(a)

Special rules for the adoption or amendment of the budget ordinance. Notwithstanding any provision in the city charter, general law, or local act,

(1)

the council may adopt or amend the budget ordinance at a regular or special meeting of the council by a simple majority of those members present and voting, a quorum being present;

(2)

no action taken with respect to the adoption or amendment of the budget ordinance need be published or is subject to any other procedural requirement governing the adoption of ordinances or resolutions by the council; and

(3)

the adoption or amendment of the budget ordinance and the levy of taxes in the budget ordinance are not subject to the provisions of any city charter or local act concerning initiative or referendum.

(b)

Notice requirements for budget meetings. During the period beginning with the submission of the budget to the council and ending with the adoption of the budget ordinance, the council may hold any special meetings that may be necessary to complete its work on the budget ordinance. Except for the notice requirements of the open meetings law, which continue to apply, no provision of law concerning the call of special meetings applies during that period so long as

•

each member of the board has actual notice of each special meeting called for the purpose of considering the budget and

•

no business other than consideration of the budget is taken up.

(c)

No authority for closed sessions. This rule shall not be construed to authorize the council to hold closed sessions on any basis other than the grounds set out in Rule 5.

Rule 34. Approval of contracts and authorization of expenditures.

(a)

Contracts to be in writing. No contract shall be approved or ratified by the city council unless it has been reduced to writing at the time of the council's vote.

(b)

Approval of contracts. To be approved or ratified, a contract must receive affirmative votes equal to at least a majority of all council members not excused from voting on the contract.

(c)

Authorization of expenditure of public funds. The same vote necessary to approve or ratify a contract is required for the council to authorize the expenditure of public funds, except when the expenditure is authorized pursuant to Rule 33.

(Ord. No. 2018-54, § 1, 10-16-18)