City of Alexandria, Virginia
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MEMORANDUM
DATE: MAY 7, 2014
TO: THE HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF CITY COUNCIL
FROM: RASHAD M. YOUNG, CITY MANAGER/s/
DOCKET TITLE:
TITLE
Introduction and First Reading. Consideration. Passage on First Reading of an Ordinance to Amend Section 2-1-41 for Start Time of City Council Meetings.
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ISSUE: Consideration of the revised rules of procedure, order of business and schedule of council meetings.
RECOMMENDATION:
(1) Pass the proposed ordinance on first reading on Tuesday, May 13; and
(2) Set the ordinance for public hearing on Saturday, May 17, for second reading and final passage; and
(3) On May 17, adopt the revised resolution for rules of procedure, order of business, and schedule of Council meetings.
BACKGROUND: At the request of City Council, City staff has suggested a revised approach to conducting legislative meetings to improve the policy making process. The purpose of the suggested process revision is to improve the efficiency of Council meetings and to permit more time for Council to engage in substantive discussion of key policy issues of the City. There is also the intent to reduce late night decision making which can be affected by fatigue.
DISCUSSION: The revised structure reserves the first legislative meeting of the month for conducting the routine business of Council (ie. proclamations, appointments, consent calendar items, oral reports, etc.). The second legislative meeting of each month is held for policy discussion and debate. The presentation of policy issues to Council has been adjusted to establish a routine method for staff presentations of policy matters to Council. The template elucidates key questions and policy points for Council consideration and will permit Council to effectively and efficiently perform their policy making responsibilities.
Other substantive...
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