Issue 8.16
Part 1
Having found myself within the walls of City Hall I thought it best to confirm what I thought to be, the legal description of a council persons duties; Demands and Limits; Public Expectations that are to guide the conduct of all of those placed in a position of trust. I am of course referring not only to each Council Person; But, if I may be permitted to simply state, The Stars of City Government; The Mayor , City Manager, Who sit at the TOP of City Administrative Echelon . Those upon whose shoulders rest the responsibilities of not only long term planning; Recently outlined by the Mayors State of the City Address ;But, I believe more importantly, by statute, Are charged to oversee the daily operation of the city.
My fellow citizens so that WE may all have a better understanding of the Power and Authority of those elected or appointed to direct the matters of the City I will present portions of the St. George City Code. I will begin with Title 1 Administration—-Chapter 1 Official City Code.
1-1-1: TITLE: Upon the adoption by the city council, this city code is hereby declared to be and shall hereafter constitute the official city code of the city of St. George. This city code of ordinances shall be known and cited as the St. George City Code and is hereby published by authority of the city council and shall be supplemented to incorporate the most recent legislation of the city as provided in section 1-1-3 of this chapter.
Chapter 6 MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL. 1-6-1: LEGISLATIVE AND GOVERNING BODY:
The mayor and city council shall be the legislative and governing body of this city and privileges and authority conferred by law upon the city, and SHALL perform all duties required of them by this code or other as such shall have, exercise and discharge all the rights, powers, laws of the city.
1-6-3: POWER AND DUTIES: A. General Duties: The council shall perform such other duties as are or may be prescribed by the statutes of this state or by the provisions of this code, and shall perform such other acts and take such other measures, not inconsistent with law, as may be necessary for the efficient government of the city.
1-6-4: MAYOR: A. General Duties: The mayor SHALL perform all duties which are or may be prescribed by law, or the provisions of this code, and SHALL SEE THAT THE LAWS ARE FAITHFULLY EXECUTED.
- Presiding Officer; Voting: It shall be the duty of the mayor to preside at all meetings of the council, but he shall not vote, except in case of a tie vote of the council or in the appointment or dismissal of a City Manager.
- Mayor Pro Tem: In case of the temporary absence of the mayor from the city, or in case of his temporary inability to perform the duties of his office, it SHALL be his duty to communicate such fact to the members of the council; whereupon. It SHALL become the duty of the council to elect some member of the governing body to act as mayor pro tem, and during such time that council member is so acting in the capacity of mayor pro tem, he shall have power to exercise all the functions and duties of the mayor.
- General, Specific Duties:
- The Mayor Shall:
- Keep the peace and enforce the laws of the city.
- Remit fines and forfeitures;
- Report remittances under subsection F1b of this section to the council at its next regular session;
- Perform all duties prescribed by law, resolution or ordinance;
- Ensure that all the laws, ordinances and resolutions are faithfully executed and observed;
- Report to the council condition of the city and recommend for council consideration any measures that the mayor considers to be in the best interest of the city;
- When necessary, call on the residents of the city over age of twenty one (21) years to assist in enforcing the laws of the state and ordinances of the municipality;
- Appoint, with the advice and consent of the council, persons to fill municipal offices or vacancies on commissions or committees of the municipality; and
- Report to the council any release granted under subsection F2b of this section. Subsection F1h does not apply to the appointment of a manager under section 1-7-2 of this title.
- The Mayor May:
- At any reasonable time, examine and inspect the official books, papers, records or documents of the city or of any officer, employee or agent of the city; and
- Release any person imprisoned for violation of any municipal ordinance.
- May Limit Use of Water: In the event of scarcity of water, the mayor may, by proclamation, limit the use of water for any purpose other than domestic purposes to such extent as may be required for the public good in the judgment of the council.
- Revision of Ordinances: The mayor may appoint by and with the advice and consent of the council, one or more competent persons to prepare and submit to the council for the adoption or rejection, a revision of the ordinances of the city, and for the government of the city, and the compensation of such revisers shall be determined and fixed by the council and paid out of the treasury.
My friends, I have provide an overview of City Ordinances that I hope lend a feeling of transparency as it relates to the Power and Authority given by statute to the Mayor and City Council members. Clearly specific duties rest heavily upon the Mayor’s shoulders. While it may sound overwhelming relief is available in the form of Boards and Commissions and City Departments in which the Mayor may invite Council Members to attend proceedings and/or interact with employees.
SENIOR SAMPLER READERS, due to the length of this article I have found it necessary to impart the desired information to you in parts. Part II of this article will be placed in next week’s issue. Thank You. ED BACA