Resolution No. 93-05 gwgi 45010 low!'Pt
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CITY OF TICARD, OREGON
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A RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING POLICY OF THE CITY COUNCIL REGARDING COUNCIL
THE
GENERAL PUBLIC, CITY COMMUNICATIONXNG BETWEEN
EANDENCITYCITY
STAFF COUNCIL (SUPERSEDES
RESOLUTION NO. 89-01)
WHEREAS, it has been deemed desirable to the City Council to establish
policies in written form regarding communication groundrules in
performing their duties as elected officials for the City of Tigard.
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NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Tigard City Council that:
Section 1: The City council hereby adopts the Council Groundrules
described in Exhibit '0is�* d-�toch=..3 here}-
PASSED. This
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ayor - i y of Tigard
ATTEST:
ity Recorder - City of gard
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RESOLUTION NO. 93- d-5
Page 1
Exhibit W
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Council Groundruies
Communications Between Councilors. My Ad,—„inistrator and Stall,
• Councilors are encouraged to maintain open communications with the City Administrator,
both as a group and individually in one-on-one sessions.
• Councilors are encouraged to direct inquiries through the City Administrator,giving as much
information as possible to ensure a thorough response.
• In the absence of the City Administrator, Councilors are encouraged to contact the
Department Head,realizing that the Department Head will discuss any such inquiries with
the City Administrator.
• Contacts below the Department Head are discouraged due to the possible disruption of work,
confusion on priorities, and limited scope of response.
• The agenda cycle calls for submittal of items 10 days in advance of a meeting. Ad:.ons acre
to be minimized,and handouts distributed at the start of meetings,except Executive Sessions.
• Staff will schedule items allowing tirne for staff research and the agenda cycle deadlines.
• Do not assume Staff is guilty until proven innocent.
• Surprises or'plops,'should be avoided,especially if they appear intended to embarrass or
discredit. Councilors and Staff should prepare in advance of public meetings and issues
presented in packets.
e Communications Among Councilors
• Add-on-Agenda items are not'plops,'but should be brought up at the start of the meeting
and generally considered only if continuing to a later agenda is not appropriate.
Councilors are encouraged to suggest agenda topics at the bench or to contact the City
Administrator about scheduling an item into the Tentative Agenda.
• Requests for legislative action of Council may be initiated by any individual Councilor during
a Council meeting. The City Administrator will respond to the request consistent with
resources and priorities,or refer to Council as a whole.
• Try to avoid behavior which tends to embarrass or discredit, even if unintentional.
Communications with Community/General Public
• Councilors and General Public are reminded of the Agenda cycle and cut-off dates.
Administrative staff is available to explain how public issues are handled and how citizen
input may be accomplished.
• "Official” communication should come through City Hall and be provided by the
Administrator. Direct submittals or inquiries to the Council or individual Councilors should
be referred to the Administrator, or Councilors may ask the Administrator to look into an
issue.
• Official "press releases" are encouraged, both to assure accurate reporting and to advise
Council and Staff of the official position communicated to the press. Press releases are
through the Mayor's Office.
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• Councilors are always Councilors in the eyes of the Administration, never simply private
citizens.
• Information that "affects"the Council should go to Council. The City Administrator is to
decide on"grey meas,"but too much information is preferable to too little.
• Budget cuts mean policy decisions. Budgets will not be cut"piece meal"or"across the board,"
but rather should be made in service or program areas,giving Staff full opportunity to provide
data clearly defining impact.
• If Councilors are contacted regarding labor relations during labor negotiations or conflict
resolution proceedings,then Councilors have no comment.
`' -'audio a ce io report and discuss any contact which might
• CuLawilois and we %iiy.�•'• p
affect labor relations with the entire Council in Executive Session.
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Council Groundrules -Page 2
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