O-2020-3796 Amending the City Council Rules of Procedure and Ethics Policy, in reference to face masks

Browse Search

Section 1 GENERAL Parliamentary law and the rules of procedure derived from such law are essential to all deliberative organizations so that they may consider all matters before them in an effective and efficient manner and produce results that are legal and binding. Moreover, such procedural safeguards ensure due process during deliberations among members of the organization while at the same time protecting the rights of both the group and each member. Accordingly, these rules of procedure establish guidelines to be followed by all persons attending City Council meetings, including members of the City Council, administrative staff, news media, citizens, and visitors. Section 2 AUTHORITY The City Charter of La Porte, Texas, provides in Article II. City Council, Section 2.07 that the such times as may be prescribed by its rules but not less frequently a Thus, these rules of procedure are established. In the event of any conflict between the City Charter and these rules of procedure, the City Charter shall prevail. The parliamentary reference for the City Council is the most recent edition of Order Newly Revised (RONR). When any issue concerning procedure arises that is not covered by the Rules of Procedure, the City Charter, or state law, the Council will refer to RONR, which shall determine such procedural issue. Section 3 MEETINGS The City Council shall follow both the letter and the spirit of Chapter 551 of the Texas Government Code (the Texas Open Meetings Act). 3.01. Regular Meetings. (A)Time. The City Council will generally hold regular meetings on the second and fourth Monday of each month, at 6:00 p.m. (B)Place. All regular, special, and workshop meetings of the City Council shall be held in the Council Chambers, City Hall, 604 West Fairmont Parkway, in the City of La Porte, Texas, unless otherwise directed by City Council, or required by law. 3.02. Special Meetings. The Mayor on his/her own motion or at the request of the City Manager shall call special meetings of the City Council whenever in their opinion the public business may require it, or at the express written request of any three (3) members of the City Council. Such written request shall be filed with the City Secretary, and shall contain the agenda item requested for the special meeting. Whenever a special meeting shall be called, notice shall be given. 3.03. Agenda. The Mayor, the City Manager, the City Secretary, or the City Attorney, or any three (3) members of the City Council by written request, may place an item on a City Council agenda. The written request shall include a clear description of the proposed action by the Council (in the form of a proposed motion), or shall clearly state the item is for discussion purposes only, shall be of sufficient detail to allow staff to contribute background information on the topic, and shall be filed with the City Secretary by 5:00 p.m., Thursday, two weeks prior to the Monday night City 2