Administrative
Report
N.4., File # 23-5686 Meeting Date: 3/14/2023
To: MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
From: MIKE WITZANSKY, CITY MANAGER
TITLE
DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION REGARDING CEREMONIAL ACTIVITIES FOR INCOMING
AND OUTGOING CITY COUNCILMEMBERS
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The City’s ceremonial activities for incoming and outgoing councilmembers have varied over the years. In most election years, a reception is held for the outgoing councilmembers prior to the start of the first regular meeting in April, when the new councilmembers are scheduled to be sworn-in and begin their council service. The reception typically occurs between 4:00 PM and 6:00 PM. Following the reception, at the start of the council meeting, the new councilmembers are sworn-in and a recess is called to allow for celebration and refreshments. After the recess, the new councilmembers take their seats and begin conducting city business. This tradition makes for a busy afternoon/evening, that often includes a number of critical agenda items.
Some cities, in the alternative, schedule a special meeting to conduct their ceremonial activities on a night that does not include regular city business. This provides for an evening that is focused on celebration and allows elected officials from other cities to more easily attend and participate in the recognition of the incoming and outgoing councilmembers. Staff is seeking direction on whether to plan for a special meeting night to conduct the ceremonial activities or schedule them to occur before and as part of the regular meeting on Tuesday, April 4th.
FISCAL IMPACT
Funding is available in the City’s operating budget for ceremonial activities for incoming and outgoing councilmembers. A special meeting dedicated to this purpose will not impact the cost of these activities.
APPROVED BY:
Mike Witzansky, City Manager