§ 2-604. Roles

(a) The mayor shall preside at meetings of the council, and shall be recognized as head of city government for all ceremonial purposes and by the governor for purposes of military law, but shall have no regular administrative duties. The mayor may participate in the discussion of all matters coming before the council. The mayor shall be entitled to vote as a member thereof on legislative or other matters, unless prohibited by law, and shall have no power of veto.

(b) The council shall elect from among the council members a mayor pro tempore who shall act as mayor during the absence or disability of the mayor. The council shall elect from among the council members a deputy mayor pro tempore who shall act as mayor pro tempore during the absence or disability of the mayor pro tempore.

(c) As head of city government for ceremonial purposes, the mayor may issue and present proclamations and recognitions, and attend other ceremonial functions on behalf of the city. Council members may initiate, through the mayor or by a majority vote of the council, similar items of recognition. Major community events sponsored by the city shall be a policy decision of the council.

(d) The mayor shall preserve order and decorum and shall require council members engaged in debate to limit discussion to the question under consideration.

(e) The mayor is the spokesperson for the council on all official positions taken unless absent, at which time the mayor pro tem or the deputy mayor pro tem will assume the role.

(f) The mayor will encourage all council members to participate in council discussion and make sure all positions are adequately presented before an item is brought to vote.

(g) The mayor may appoint a subcommittee made up of council members and staff to evaluate policy alternatives and to recommend policy direction to the full council. Subcommittee reports shall be made under the standard item for such reports at work sessions and regular meetings. Council deliberation on the subcommittee recommendations shall occur at regular sessions.

(Ord. No. 10-11-862, § 2(Exh. A), 11-15-2010)