2382-13 Council Rules-Agenda Ordinance.pdf

LEGISLATIVE HISTORY This Ordinance amends the previous version of the Rules of the Council regarding its Agenda and the Order of Business at regular Council Meetings to make them consistent with the actual recent practice of the Council and Clerk and the intended practice going forward with respect to the preparation and publication of its meeting agendas and the conduct of its meetings, including any meetings of the Council sitting as the Township’s ABC Board. On the whole, the intent is to focus on the business of the Council, its ordinances and resolutions, to discuss and vote upon them in expeditious fashion as a courtesy to those interested members of the public who have seen them posted on the Agenda and have come to the meeting out of particular interest in them, or any of them, and wish to get back to their homes and private matters without undue delay. Such focus and order of business also serve as a courtesy and cost savings to those Township Department Directors and professionals, and private professionals, whether working for the Township or on behalf of a citizen/resident/business owner, who must attend a Council meeting, or ABC Board meeting, to assist the Township’s elected and appointed officials, or a citizen/resident/business owner who is paying for their presence and professional services, often on the basis of time spent. The legislative purpose is to provide information to the public which is likely to be useful to their understanding of the Council business matters to be discussed and acted upon at the Council meeting, while at the same time respecting their time and that of those who must attend a Council meeting as part of their employment responsibilities, whether public or private.