TITLE
Consider a memorandum/resolution amending the City of Killeen Governing Standards and Expectations directing the City Manager to develop an invocation procedure.
SUMMARY
DATE: January 15, 2019
TO: Ronald L. Olson, City Manager
FROM: Kathy Davis, City Attorney
SUBJECT: Amend Governing Standards and Expectations
BACKGROUND AND FINDINGS:
The City Council has followed an informal prayer policy for many years. In light of current United States Supreme Court guidance, the City Council reviewed its current policy and reached a consensus that a formal policy and practice is needed.
The City of Killeen’s Governing Standards and Expectations contains a section through which the City Council gives policy directives to the City Manager. At its January 8, 2019 workshop, the City Council passed a Motion of Direction for the City Manager to bring back an amendment to the Governing Standards directing the City Manager to develop a constitutional prayer procedure. It is recommended that the Governing Standards be amended to include section 4-140: “Directive to Develop Invocation Procedure.”
It is further recommended that section 1-50 “Order of Business” be amended to reference sec. 4-140.
THE ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED:
The Council’s alternatives are to: (1) adopt the proposed amendment to the City of Killeen Governing Standards and Expectations directing the City Manager to adopt a constitutional invocation policy; (2) adopt a policy implementing a moment of silence; (3) remove the invocation from Council Meetings; or (4) continue with the current practice.
Which alternative is recommended? Why?
It is recommended that the City Council adopt the proposed amendment to the City of Killeen Governing Standards and Expectations, as that action is compliant with the City Council's motion of direction.
CONFORMITY TO CITY POLICY:
The City of Killeen Charter allows for the City Council to enact rules or procedure for all meetings of the City Council.
FINA...
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