Title
Consider a memorandum/resolution readopting the Governing Standards and Expectations with amendments.
Body
DATE: July 21, 2026
TO: Kent Cagle, Interim City Manager
FROM: Holli Clements, City Attorney
SUBJECT: Readopt Governing Standards and Expectations with amendments
BACKGROUND AND FINDINGS:
The Governing Standards and Expectations were originally adopted by resolution in June 2018 and have been revised annually since then. The intent is for the Governing Standards to serve as a single-source reference containing the Council’s rules, protocols, and expectations for itself, committee members, staff, and the public. The City Council begins review of the Governing Standards after the election each year and adopts an updated version by the end of July each year.
On June 16, 2026, City Council directed that the following changes be brought back for consideration:
• Section 1-50(a)(15): Add a separate section for citizens comments on non-agenda items to regular meeting agendas
• Section 1-80(d): Add provision to allow the public to participate remotely
• Section 2-60(d): Update the date for which city facilities may not be used for Councilmember-sponsored meetings to July 1 of odd-numbered years through election day
• Section 3-10(f): Update the date for Council appointments to committees and subcommittees to every December
• Section 3-20(e): Add Board of Adjustment to the list of Boards and Commissions that have appointment subcommittees
• Section 7-20: Update the date for annual review of the Governing Standards to December/January
On June 7, 2026, City Council directed that the following changes be brought back for consideration:
• Section 1-30(a): Regular meeting start time starting at 5 p.m.
• Section 1-30(c): Add invocation and pledge to Special City Council meetings.
• Sections 1-50(a)(7), 1-50(a)(10), & 1-90(c): Staff presentations not required for consent agenda items.
• Sections 1-50(a)(9) & 1-80(d)(2): Remove requirement to submit participation form prior to meeting start.
• Section 1-70: Councilmember limited to 2 opportunities to speak on any agenda item for 2 minutes each during work sessions and regular/special meetings. No additional time shall be granted.
• Section 1-110: Designated contact for councilmember requests for information and requirement that responses be sent to all councilmembers when appropriate.
• Section 2-30: Council members should not attend meetings between City Manager or Executive Directors and staff members.
• Section 2-90: Establish a procedure for Council investigations.
• Section 3-40: Establish quarterly meeting between City Council and the Planning and Zoning Commission.
THE ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED:
The City Council may:
1) Readopt the Governing Standards and Expectations as amended; or
2) Readopt the Governing Standards and Expectations with different amendments.
Which alternative is recommended? Why?
It is recommended that City Council readopt the Governing Standards and Expectations as amended.
CONFORMITY TO CITY POLICY:
The City Charter provides that the City Council may enact rules or procedures for all meetings of the City Council. The Governing Standards and Expectations provide for annual review of the document.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
What is the amount of the revenue/expenditure in the current fiscal year? For future years?
There is no expenditure related to this item.
Is this a one-time or recurring revenue/expenditure?
N/A
Is this revenue/expenditure budgeted?
N/A
If not, where will the money come from?
N/A
Is there a sufficient amount in the budgeted line-item for this revenue/expenditure?
N/A
RECOMMENDATION:
That City Council readopt amended Governing Standards.
DEPARTMENTAL CLEARANCES:
N/A
ATTACHED SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS:
Amended Governing Standards and Expectations
Presentation