HomeMy WebLinkAboutSpec 2025-03-03 Item 6 - Resolution - City Council Rules of Procedure RevisionCOUNCIL AGENDA SYNOPSIS
Initials
Meeting Date
Prepared by
Mayor's review
Council review
2/10/25
LH
2/24/25
LH
3/03/25
LH
ITEM INFORMATION
ITEM NO.
6
STAFF SPONSOR: LAUREL HUMPHREY
ORIGINAL AGENDA DATE: 2/10/25
AGENDA ITEM TITLE Resolution adopting revised City Council Rules of Procedure.
CATEGORY ® Discussion
Mtg Date 2/ 10/25
❑ Motion
Mtg Date
® Resolution
Mtg Date 2/24/25
❑ Ordinance
Altg Date
❑ Bid Award
Mtg Date
❑ Public Hearing
Mtg Date
❑ Other
Altg Date
SPONSOR ® Council ❑ Mayor ❑ Admin Svcs ❑ DCD ❑ Finance ❑ Fire ❑ P&R ❑ Police ❑ PTV
SPONSOR'S
SUMMARY
The proposed resolution adopts revisions to the Rules of Procedure, incorporating changes
previously discussed by the City Council in December 2024 and other staff proposals.
REVIEWED BY
❑ Trans&Infrastructure Svcs ❑ Community Svcs/Safety ® Finance & Governance ❑ Planning & Community Dev.
❑ LTAC ❑ Arts Comm.
❑ Parks Comm. ❑ Planning Comm.
DATE: 1/27/25 COMMITTEE CHAIR: PAPYAN
RECOMMENDATIONS:
SPONSOR/ADMIN.
COMMITTEE
COST IMPACT / FUND SOURCE
EXPENDITURE REQUIRED
$0
AMOUNT BUDGETED
$
APPROPRIATION REQUIRED
$
Fund Source:
Comments:
MTG. DATE
RECORD OF COUNCIL ACTION
2/10/25
Forwarded to next Special Meeting
2/24/25
Forwarded to next Reg Meeting
MTG. DATE
ATTACHMENTS
3/3/25
Draft Resolution
Draft Proposed Rules of Procedure (updated after the 2/24 Special Meeting)
165
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
TUKWILA, WASHINGTON, REPEALING RESOLUTION NO. 2093;
ADOPTING REVISED CITY COUNCIL RULES OFPROCEDURE.
WHEREAS, RCW 35A.11.020 gives the City Council of Code City the power to organize
and regulate its internal operations within the provisions of e RCW; and
WHEREAS, the City Council intends to periodi
procedures to align with state law, the current envi
update its 1 ting and other business
modern est practices;
NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF CITY OF TUKWILA, WASHINGTON,
HEREBY RESOLVES AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1. The revised Rules of Proced T' e . - Council, attached hereto as Exhibit A,
are hereby adopted.
Section 2. The Rules of ' edur- • - iewed on at least a biennial basis and updated
as necessary.
Section 3. Reso .n No. "3 -reby repealed.
PASSED BY TH Y COU IL OF THE CITY OF TUKWILA, WASHINGTON, at a Regular
Meeting thereof this
ATTEST/AUTHENTICATED:
Andy Youn-Barnett, CMC, City Clerk Tosh Sharp, Council President
APPROVED AS TO FORM BY:
Filed with the City Clerk:
Passed by the City Council:
Resolution Number:
Office of the City Attorney
Attachment: Exhibit A, "Rules of Procedure of the Tukwila City Council"
2025 Legislation: Council Rules of Procedure
Version: 01 /21 /2025
Staff: L. Humphrey
Page 1 of 1
166
Exhibit A
Rules of Procedure of the Tukwila City Council
Introduction
The Rules of Procedure set forth herein are adopted for the sole benefit of the members
of the City Council to assist in the orderly conduct of Council business. These Rules of
Procedure do not grant rights or privileges to members of the public or third parties.
Failure of the City Council to adhere to these rules shall not result in any liability to the
City, its officers, agents, and employees, nor shall failure to adhere to these rules result
in invalidation of any Council act.
I. City Council Powers and Duties
A. City Council Authority
1. As the legislative branch of city government, City Council is responsible
for passing laws, setting the municipal bud• establishing policy, and other
responsibilities defined by state law.
2. Decisions are made as a collective and no 1 idual member has any
extraordinary powers beyond tho f otl memb- , except as described
in Section I.B.
3. Members of the Council shrefrain becoming directly involved in the
administrative affairs of t 'ncl g intervening in staff decision -
making, scheduling or dire g • d executing priorities without the
prior knowledge a ' 'rova he City Council as a whole.
4. The City Counc .s n• policy ection over judicial matters and members
may not interfe cesses or decisions.
B. Council Pre r Pro Tempore
1. At th- t Reg _ ing in January of each year, members of the City
Coun hall ele• rom their number a Council President who shall hold
office at - pl - ure of the Council. The general practice is to elect
presidents i stating order by seniority, which is determined by the:
a. Greatest consecutive number of years served;
b. Greatest consecutive number of years plus months or years served
prior to the current term(s);
c. Number of votes when elected.
2. If the Councilmember who is next in line is unable to serve as Council
President, they will notify the City Council in writing by the last Regular
Meeting of the previous year. If this opt -out request is approved by the City
Council, service will fall to the next Councilmember in the order of seniority.
The Councilmember whose opt -out was accepted by the City Council will
remain at the top of the rotation with the opportunity to serve as Council
President the following year.
167
3. In the absence of the Mayor, the Council President shall become the Mayor
Pro Tempore and perform the duties of the Mayor except that the Council
President shall not have the power to appoint or remove any officer or to
veto any ordinance.
4. If a vacancy occurs in the office of Council President, the City Council, at
their next Regular Meeting, shall select a new Council President to serve
the remainder of the year.
5. If a vacancy occurs in the office of the Mayor, the City Council, at their next
Regular Meeting, shall elect from their number a Mayor who shall serve until
a Mayor is elected and certified at the next municipal election.
C. Working Relationship with City Administration
1. Councilmembers should approach work with a collaborative spirit,
assuming that city staff also want a successful outcome toward what is best
for the City of Tukwila.
2. Councilmembers should communica e with staff in a respectful tone that
acknowledges their professionalis xperience, -d expertise.
3. If a Councilmember has a concer
member says in any setting, they wil
City Administrator.
4. The City Council expects th
that questions are
aff behavior or something a staff
ress that concern to the Mayor and
p'l ntations be clear and concise, and
ctly and efficiently.
D. Individuai Reque ion Staff Assistance
1. Individual reque - 3• for staff time in the form of questions,
assista or' oduct should generally be directed to the Legislative
Anal .City A• is or, and/or Department Head. This helps ensure
that a rely, effe ive response can be provided, provides transparency
and allo a r' est to be evaluated for impacts pursuant to subsection
D.2 below.
ITe-q-u-ests-for staff time in the form of assistance or a work product should
be made through appropriate channels, which are determined based upon
the nature of the request.
2. Requests for staff time are either minimal, with limited impact, or
significant, meaning requiring one or more hours to complete and/or
requiring the creation of a new work product, thereby affecting schedules,
work assignments, or staffing levels.
3. No Councilmember shall request or direct staff to initiate any significant
action, project or study without the consent of a majority of the Council
obtained during a Committee of the Whole or Regular or Special Meeting.
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4. The City Council should consider existing City priorities, budget and staffing
levels when deliberating such a request. If approved by the full Council, the
request will be noted on an appropriate committee work plan.
5. Regardless of the level of staff assistance, written information provided by
staff should be distributed to all Councilmembers.
E. Consequences
1. The Council has power under state law to impose punishment on its
members, short of removal of office, for violation of state law or these
Council rules.
2. If a Councilmember violates state law or these rules, the Presiding Officer
shall call such member to order, in which case such member shall be silent
except to explain or continue in order.
3. If the Presiding Officer violates state law . ' .e rules, or fails to call an out
of order member to order, then any oth em• •f the Council may, under
a point of order, call the Presiding 0 er or such . 'er member to order, in
which case the Presiding Officer . . uch ' ' tuber, a he case may be, shall
be silent except to explain or cont - ' •rder.
4. Additional consequences
reprimand, censure, expul
occurring, removal of
positions or co
duties. Expulsi
the affirmative
of expuls
II. City Council
A. Regular Me
1. The City Co. shall meet regularly on the first and third Mondays of each
month, excep those designated as City holidays, at 7:00 p.m. unless an
alternative starting time is set and notice is provided to the public.
2. Regular Meetings will be held at Tukwila City Hall, 6200 Southcenter
Boulevard, unless otherwise publicly noticed.
3. During Regular Meetings the City Council may take formal actions including,
but not limited to, adopting ordinances or passing motions or resolutions.
B. Committee of the Whole Meetings
1. The City Council shall meet as a Committee of the Whole on the second
and fourth Mondays of each month, except those designated as City
inc ► - a verbal admonition, written
eeting at which the conduct is
e • -r from the Council committee chair
rships, or removal of intergovernmental
or in the Council's presence shall require
of the entire Council, specifying in the order
3 2/25/25
169
holidays, at 7:00 p.m. unless an alternate starting time is set and notice is
provided to the public.
2. The Committee of the Whole shall meet at Tukwila City Hall, 6200
Southcenter Boulevard, unless otherwise publicly noticed.
3. Meetings of the Committee of the Whole shall be held primarily to consider
current issues, discuss policy matters in detail, and coordinate the work of
the City Council. The Committee of the Whole will have no power to take
final actions including, but not limited to, adopting ordinances or passing
motions or resolutions.
C. Special Meetings
Special meetings may be called by the Mayor, Council President, or any
three Councilmembers by delivering written 'ce personally, by mail, by
fax, or by electronic mail to each member he Council at least 24 hours
before the time specified for the propo ing and with public notice
made pursuant to RCW 42.30.080.
D. Executive Sessions
1. The City Council may hold an Exe ession during a Regular Meeting,
Special Meeting, or Comm' -e of th ole to consider certain matters of
confidential concern as set ' : C .30.110.
2. Before convening a ecuti T' -ssio , the Presiding Officer must publicly
announce the pu - d the ime upon which the Executive Session will
be concluded. ve .sion may be extended to a later time by
public announc- •y - esiding Officer.
3. Council ► .. m ► keep confidential all written materials and verbal
infor ion prove. d d ng Executive Sessions. This prohibition continues
to app , ter an i ividual no longer serves on the City Council.
E. Retreats and • essions
1. The entire Co ncil may meet periodically in a retreat or work session setting
as deemed appropriate by the Council President or a quorum of the Council,
respectively.
2. No final action will be taken at a retreat or work session.
3. Retreat and work session meetings are open to the public and subject to
the requirements of RCW 42.30.
F. Attendance
1. Councilmembers are expected to maintain reliable attendance at all types
of meetings described above.
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170
2. Pursuant to RCW 35A.12.060, a City Council position shall be forfeited if
the Councilmember fails to attend three consecutive Regular Meetings
without being excused by the Council.
3. A Councilmember wishing to be excused from a Regular Meeting will
provide advance notice to the Council President or Legislative Analyst, who
will in turn notify the other members of the City Council in advance of the
meeting.
G. Councilmember Remote Attendance at Meetings
1. In the event of an emergency as declared by the City, State and/or Federal
government, the City Council may arrange for electronic participation at a
Regular Meeting, Committee of the Whole, Special Meeting, Executive
Session, retreat, standing committee meeting, r work session.
a. During a fully -remote meeting, Coun mbers may attend by phone
or other electronic means that participants to hear one
another.
b.
Fully -remote meetings are o
be conducted such that th
occurring, subject to the requir
2. In times of non-emergenc
value of in -person attenda
However, remote a
present, wheth
following provi
a. Cou
C
b.
c.
d.
e.
publicd arrangements must
an hear the meeting while it is
nts of RCW 42.30.
cil prefers and recognizes the
gs as integral to public service.
Councilmember not physically able to be
of a meeting, is allowed subject to the
may attend remotely a maximum of five Regular or
Whole meetings per calendar year; provided the
by majority vote, allow a Councilmember to attend
a•. '.nal m tings remotely in excess of five per year due to medical
or of . •rs beyond the individual's control.
A Counc ember planning to attend a meeting remotely should notify
the Legislative Analyst and/or Council President no later than two
hours prior to the meeting start time or 15 minutes prior to an
emergency meeting.
A Councilmember attending remotely will be marked present, counted
toward a quorum, and can vote just as if physically present.
If a Councilmember's virtual connection should become lost during the
meeting, the meeting should continue unless quorum is no longer met.
A Councilmember's loss of a virtual connection will not be counted
toward the maximum limit described in Section 2.a.
Councilmembers are expected to follow current pandemic quarantine
procedures as recommended by Public Health — Seattle & King
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County. Remote attendance for this purpose will not be counted
toward the maximum limit described in Section 2.a.
III. Legislative Process
A. City Council Business
1. Matters to be considered by the Council shall be placed on a standing
committee, Committee of the Whole, or Regular Meeting agenda and
include items required by law to be presented to Council, items requested
by a majority of the Council, staff -initiated items in accordance with the
City's strategic priorities and work plan, and items referred from previous
meetings.
2. As a general practice, legislative actions to come before the City Council for
a decision should appear first before a ding committee, then the
Committee of the Whole, then a Regular ing. Informational items not
requiring a decision may be scheduled h re flexibility as the situation
requires.
3. Items may be placed directly on ag a of a Committee of the Whole
or a Regular Meeting when the s are approved by the Council
President, and the items are routine o the event of an emergency.
B. Legislative Actions
1. Ordinances are le
such as land u
safety issues.
Washington Stat
Many or
be incorporated
the City easily ac
ordinanc
e ite sed to regulate matters of local concern,
I co I, local law enforcement and health and
ust comply with the terms of the U.S. and
stitutions and the general laws of the City and State.
assified as "codifiable," meaning the ordinance will
ukwila Municipal Code, which makes the laws of
ssible by subject matter. Examples of non-codifiable
the annual property tax levy and adoption of the budget.
Public eme cy ordinances may take effect immediately upon final
passage if passed by an affirmative vote of 5 Councilmembers.
2. Resolutions are legislative items that are advisory or policy -oriented in
nature. Resolutions may be used to offer support for ballot measures, set
hearing dates for a street vacation or update fee schedules. Resolutions
are not a part of the Tukwila Municipal Code. Resolutions are signed by the
Council President but are sometimes signed jointly with the Mayor, or
prepared for signature by all Councilmembers, particularly when ceremonial
or honorary in nature.
3. Motions are generally short statements to direct that a specific course of
action be taken on behalf of the City.
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4. All proposed ordinances and resolutions shall be reviewed by the City
Attorney -all dbear the Attono�scer cati n tha they are in correct form
before final pa -sago.
C. Meeting Agendas
1. The City Clerk shall be responsible for preparing agendas for Regular,
Special, and Committee of the Whole meetings, and presented in a timely
manner to the Council President or designee for approval. After the
proposed agenda has been approved, the City Clerk shall publish the final
agenda in accordance with the provisions of RCW 42.30.
2. The order of a Regular Meeting agenda shall be:
a. CaII to Order
b. Pledge of Allegiance
c. Roll Call
d. Land Acknowledgement
e. Public Comments — Includin• .mment on both on and not on
the meeting agenda.
f. Appointments and Proclamati
g.
Presentations — Ite -rtinen the City but not relating to other
agenda business, inc • ion • of guests, special awards, or
speakers externto th
h. Consent A. ' .a Ite that are routine or non -controversial in
nature ap • ved clu by the Council President, Committee of
the Whole, _ • by unanimous Committee action. Any
Co ' 1 b. ay request to remove an item from the Consent
nda a •la nder New Business for further discussion.
is Heari s — May be required by City, State, or Federal law or
dire. • by - Council. Examples include but are not limited to Local
Impro t Districts, zoning changes, biennial budget, annexation,
moratoria, and quasi-judicial decisions.
j. Unfinished Business — Items of a general nature, including resolutions
and ordinances previously before a standing committee, the
Committee of the Whole or entire Council.
k. New Business — Items of a general nature, including resolutions and
ordinances not previously before a standing committee, the Committee
of the Whole or entire Council.
I. Reports — Brief summaries up to 5 minutes of significant City -related
activities from the Mayor, City Council, and City Administrator.
m. Miscellaneous — Significant City -related items that may need further
Council discussion, action, or City Administration follow-up.
n. Executive Session
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o. Adjournment
3. The order of a Committee of a Whole meeting agenda shall be:
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.
g.
Call to Order
Pledge of Allegiance
Land Acknowledgment
Public Comments — including comment on items both on and not on
the meeting agenda.
Presentations
Public Hearings
Special Issues — Items referred from Council committees, referred at
a previous Council meeting, or approved for discussion by the Council
President.
h. Reports
i. Miscellaneous
j. Executive Session
k. Adjournment or Adjournme
4. The order of a Special Meeting age
Meetings based on what
may not take action on anyt
IV. Meeting Conduct
A. Presiding Officer
1. All Regula -•d
by the
2. If nei
Special
by a major
cial Meeting
follows the same order of Regular
e addressed. The City Council
on a Special Meeting agenda.
Meetings of the City Council shall be presided over
ayor's absence, by the Mayor Pro Tempore.
nor the Mayor Pro Tempore is present at a Regular or
e Presiding Officer for that meeting shall be appointed
e of those Councilmembers present, provided there is a
quorum, and e appointment of a Councilmember as Mayor Pro Tempore
shall not abridge their right to vote on matters before the Council.
3. All Committee of the Whole meetings shall be presided over by the Council
President. The Council President may ask another Councilmember to fill in
in the event of a temporary absence. If the Council President will be absent
for an extended period of time (at least three meetings), the Council will
elect a Councilmember to serve in that capacity until the Council President
returns.
4. The Presiding Officer shall preserve strict order and decorum, state all
questions coming before the Council, provide opportunity for discussion on
each item on the table, and announce the decision of the Council on all
174
8 2/25/25
subjects. Procedural decisions made by the Presiding Officer may be
overruled by a majority vote of the Council.
B. Parliamentary Procedure
Questions of parliamentary procedure not covered by these Rules of
Procedure shall be governed by Robert's Rules of Order, Newly Revised
(latest edition).
C. Quorum
1. At all meetings of the City Council, four members shall constitute a quorum
for the transaction of business.
2. Confirmations of appointments by the Mayor, budget transfers, personnel
levels, and formal motions, resolutions, ordinances, and amendments
thereto shall require the affirmative votes of f Councilmembers.
D. Seating
Members of the City Council will be Ted at Council dais in order of
seniority, except that the Council sident will seated in the center
during Committee of the Whole etin nd has the option to sit toat the
right of the Mayor during Regular ecial Meetings.
E. General Meeting Decorum
1. While the City Council is in embers must preserve order and
decorum and a me ► shal er delay nor interrupt the proceedings or
the peace of the ' •unc nor • upt any member that has the floor.
2. Meeting partici
remarks t
4. A Counci
when recog
us on the meeting agenda and confine
or matter under discussion.
uld first call upon Chairs and members of standing
k on items referred from committees.
desiring to speak shall address the Presiding Officer and
d shall confine their remarks to the question under debate.
5. Councilmembers should aim to keep their initial round of comments to no
more than 5 minutes, and staff or presenter responses to questions will not
count against that time.
6. Councilmembers shall not be interrupted unless it is to be called to order.
7. No Councilmember shall speak a second time on the same item until each
Councilmember has been given an opportunity to speak.
8. Councilmembers should speak respectfully to one another, to staff, and to
members of the public.
9. Councilmembers should be attentive to speakers, minimizing distractions
and refraining from side conversations.
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10. Councilmembers should keep remarks brief, relevant, and nonduplicative.
11. Toward the goal of effective and efficient meetings, Councilmembers should
arrive prepared, having reviewed materials in advance of the meeting.
Clarifying questions may be directed to City Administration in advance of
the meeting to allow for staff preparation.
12. To prevent Councilmembers from stepping out of the room and missing key
information, repeating questions that they missed, or asking staff to repeat
information, the Presiding Officer should call for a five-minute recess at
approximately 90 minute intervals and between agenda items where
possible.
F. Motions, Debate, and Voting at Regular or Sp
1. Prior to discussion of an action item, a Co
which must be seconded by another
table, except those motions descri
not require a second.
2. Motions are generally encouraged
seconded by a Committ -mber
discussed in standing com
3. Motions not requiri
request for a rol
4. After a motion
may disc
will vo
5. Coun
staff prio
al Meetings
ember must make a motion,
unci ber, to place it on the
in subpar. •h 3 below, which do
made by a Committee Chair and
those action items previously
lude nominations, withdrawal of a motion,
int of order.
d seconded (if required), Councilmembers
ions on the issue prior to the vote, including why they
e motion.
y request a presentation or ask clarifying questions of
ing debate.
6. If a resolutio ordinance, the City Clerk may read the item by title only or,
if requested by any Councilmember, the document may be read in its
entirety.
7. A motion may be withdrawn by the maker of the motion at any time.
8. A motion to amend is defined as amending a motion that is on the floor and
has been seconded, by inserting or adding, striking out, striking out and
inserting, or substituting.
9. A motion to call for the question shall close debate on the main motion and
is nondebatable. This motion requires a second and fails without a two-
thirds majority. Debate is reopened if the motion fails.
10. Motions shall be entertained in the order of precedence outlined in the
current edition of Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised (latest edition).
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11. The Regular or Special Meeting Consent Agenda is adopted by a single
motion.
12. When the discussion is concluded, the Presiding Officer shall repeat the
motion prior to voting.
13. Unless otherwise provided for by statute, ordinance, or resolution, votes will
be taken by voice, unless a roll call vote is requested by the Presiding
Officer or any Councilmember. Voting normally shall be by seniority;
however, this procedure may be changed by the Presiding Officer.
14. Each member present must vote on all questions before the Council and
may abstain only by reason of conflict of interest.
15. Silence of a Councilmember during a voice vote shall be recorded as an
affirmative vote except where such a Counc -mber abstains because of
a stated conflict of interest.
16. No vote may be cast by proxy.
17. The City Council votes on the mo
will state the results of the vote.
the Presiding Officer
18. In case of a tie vote on a otion,motion fails subject to conditions
outlined in RCW 35A.12.1
19. In cases where ther- eempposition, or on questions of little
importance, the � g icer may seek approval by unanimous
consent.
20. When the Coun ncurs ith an item that does not require a formal
motion, - • in• officer will summarize the Council's consensus at the
conc on of th- sc ion.
G. Questions
All questio ' der shall be decided by the Presiding Officer with the right
of appeal to t - majority of Councilmembers present.
H. Adjournments
1. All meetings of the Council shall adjourn no later than 10:00 p.m., unless
extended by majority approval of the Councilmembers present. Items not
acted on by the 10:00 p.m. deadline shall be deferred to the next respective
Council meeting as Unfinished Business, unless Council, by a majority vote
or consensus of members present, determines otherwise.
2. Any Committee of the Whole, Regular, adjourned Regular, Special, or
adjourned Special Meeting may be adjourned in the manner as set forth in
RCW 42.30.090.
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V. Public Participation
A. Public Hearings: The following procedures shall apply to public hearings,
except public hearings subject to Tukwila Municipal Code Chapters 18.104 through
18.116, which shall be subject to the procedures specified therein.
1. The Presiding Officer will formally open the public hearing.
2. City staff will provide a report summarizing and providing context to the
issue at hand.
3. Proponents, opponents, and all other individuals who wish to speak to the
matter may address the City Council for up to 5 minutes each.
4. City Councilmembers may ask further clarifying questions of proponents,
opponents, other commenters, or staff.
5. Speakers are asked to sign in on forms ed by the City Clerk or, for
those participating remotely, via email i dva of the meeting start time.
6. If a large number of people wish to ak to the is the Council may limit
the total amount of comment tim , -dic. $ to the ublic Hearing.
7. Once the Presiding Officer closes
will be accepted, and the i • - is ope
8. Any hearing being held or
continued in the mar - - as
B. Public Comment
1. Time is set asi
members of the to ad
not incl e . -nda.
2. Publi
the Cit
to condu
Councilme
blic hearing, no further comments
r Councilmember discussion.
e eld by the City Council may be
CW 42.30.100.
tee of the Whole and Regular Meeting for
ss the Council about items both included and
to a ow members of the community to provide input to
should not interfere with the ability of the City Council
iness. It is just one of many ways to engage with
3. The Presiding Officer will open the public comment period by explaining
how to sign up as well as how any necessary follow-up may occur.
4. Speakers will be limited to commenting once per item during the meeting.
5. Speakers are asked to sign in on forms provided by the City Clerk.
6. Speakers must wait to be recognized by the Presiding Officer.
7. Speakers are requested to first state their name for the record.
8. The total time for public comment should not generally exceed 30 minutes.
If six or fewer people have signed up to speak, comments will be limited to
5 minutes or less. If more than six people have signed up, comments will
be limited to 3 minutes or less. Additional time may be granted by a majority
of the Council. Speakers should limit their remarks to 5 minutes or Icss,
12 2/25/25
178
i ?v g�= ditional time by the Presiding Offic r r jority
Council.
9. All remarks should be addressed to the Council as a whole and not to
individual Councilmembers, City staff, or members of the audience.
10. No speaker may donate speaking time to another individual.
11. If a large number of people wish to speak to a particular issue, the Council
may limit the total amount of comment time dedicated to that issue.
12. Comments should not be taken on items subject to quasi-judicial
consideration unless it is during a specified public hearing.
13. Written comments may be submitted to the City Clerk or designee for
distribution to the City Council. If seven copies are not provided by the
submitter, copies will be distributed to the City`ouncil by the next day.
14. The Council has the right to invite anyone,
public comment period, which is done
or majority vote.
15. In general, Councilmembers s
res•ondin• to or sharin• o
re
eak at times other than the
sus, unanimous consent
in from 'ngaging in dialogue,
commenters„ but may briefly
1-7,16. Councilmembers ould al staff to give answers to public
commenters on t
18.17. The Presi
follow-up may o
C. Disruption
1. Disru
limited
g:
nk each speaker in turn, reiterating how
opriate.
meeting are prohibited and include but are not
a. Failu . .pecker to comply with the allotted public comment time.
b. Outburs from members of the public who have not been recognized
by the Presiding Officer.
c. Interfering with other individuals desiring to provide public comment.
d. Behavior that intentionally disrupts or impedes attendance or
participation at a meeting.
2. If an individual is disruptive, the Presiding Officer may terminate that
individual's comment period, request assistance to direct an individual to
their seat or, in extreme cases, request assistance in removing the individual
from the meeting room.
3. If a meeting has become disrupted to the point of a failure of resuming
business, the Presiding Officer should call for a motion to recess.
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4. If order cannot be restored, the City Council may order the meeting room
cleared and continue in session or may adjourn the meeting and reconvene
at another location selected by majority vote of the members pursuant to
RCW 42.30.050. Members of the press, except those participating in the
disturbance, are allowed to attend, and final disposition may be taken only
on matters appearing on the agenda.
VI. City Council Committees
A. Standing Committees
1. The City Council may choose to implement a framework of standing
Committees, comprising three Councilmembers each, to aid in the
transaction of its business.
2. The standing Committee titles, scopes of autr.rity, and schedule will be
adopted by resolution in January of each ye
3. The scopes of the standing Committees . .. .lanced in accordance with
the City's workload.
4. The Council President shall app the hair anmembership of each
Committee by the second Regula e of each year.
5. The standing Committees s .II consi nd make policy recommendations
to the City Council. Com ma times refer items to the entire
Council with no recommend
6. Each Committee hal -port to the Council the findings of the
committee.
7. Each Committe
will approv
can aut
w and approve the Committee agenda and
minutes before distribution. The Committee Chair
ation of a Committee meeting.
8. In the -nt a Co ittee member is unable to attend a meeting, another
Council ' •er attend in the absent member's place. If no replacement
can be foun. ► eeting may still take place with two members.
9. Public comment is typically not accepted at Council committee meetings, but
the Chair may make an exception in limited circumstances when an attendee
may offer a necessary perspective or subject matter expertise.
B. Ad Hoc Committees
The City Council may establish such ad hoc committees as may be
appropriate to consider special matters that do not readily fit the standing
committee structure or that require a special approach or emphasis.
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VII. Council Vacancies
A. Vacancy
A Council position becomes vacant upon the resignation, recall, forfeiture of
position, or death of a Councilmember. The remaining members of the
governing body shall appoint a qualified person to fill the vacant position.
B. Resignation
1. A resignation including an effective date must be submitted to the City
Council in writing.
2 The City Coi moil accepts a resignation by a motion and voto
C. Appointment
If a vacancy occurs in the office of Couim er, the Council will follow
the procedures outlined in RCW 35 .050. 11 the vacancy with the
most qualified person available u' an -lection i eld, the Council will
widely distribute and publish a not of • acancy, the procedure, and any
application form for applying. T . pplication forms will be used in
conjunction with an interviach c. • idate to aid the Council selection
of the new Councilmember.
VIII. Other Responsibilities
A. Public Records A
1. Each Councilme
that gover
2. Paper
recipie
subject t
ible for complying with RCW 42.56, laws
ds that relate to the functional responsibility of the
s a public official constitute a public record, which is
ection in accordance with RCW 42.56.
3. Councilmemshould send and receive messages related to City
business through the City's email system_
4. Emails and/or text messages transmitted through personal accounts and
devices are public records and must be retained accordingly.
5. Social media posts are a public record. Wherever possible, posting should
contain links directing users back to the City's official website for in-depth
information, forms, documents, or online services necessary to conduct
official City business.
6. Public records created or received by a Councilmember will be transferred
to the Legislative Analyst for retention by the City in accordance with
retention requirements under state law.
7. Public records that are duplicates of those in the possession of City staff,
such as meeting agendas, are not required to be retained.
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B. Open Public Meetings Act Compliance
1. Each Councilmember is responsible for complying with RCW 42.30, laws
that govern public meetings.
2. If a quorum of the City Council is anticipated at a community or regional
event or meeting, the Legislative Analyst or designee will evaluate the
circumstances to determine if a notice of attendance or Special Meeting is
needed.
3. For events not related to City business, four or more Councilmembers may
attend, but may not discuss City business.
4. For events related to City business where a ice of attendance or Special
Meeting has not been issued, only three embers may attend.
5. Councilmembers should not enga• - email text threads or other
communications involving a quoru ' the ouncil.
6. Councilmembers should refrain commenting on social media
conversations involving oth: ouncil bers.
7. Councilmembers shall sile '.n and other electronic devices
during meetings. To '-'ntain •are cy and to ensure that all discussion
and deliberation . r ubli on the record, Councilmembers shall not
communicate i y ele •nic f► at with another Councilmember during a
Council meeting
1. Counc
codified a
t comply with the Code of Ethics for Elected Officials as
nicipal Code Chapter 2.97
2. Councilmem.. hall not attempt to coerce or influence staff to engage in
any act that is in conflict with, or creates an appearance of conflict with, the
performance of official duties as cited in the City's Code of Ethics for
Employees and Appointed Officials as codified at Tukwila Municipal Code
Chapter 2.95.
IX. Joining the City Council
A. Swearing -in
1. As provided for in RCW 29A.60.280, Councilmembers shall take an official
oath of office upon commencement of their term of office. The oath may be
given by the Mayor, City Clerk, or a judicial officer and will be recorded with
King County.
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a. Newly elected Councilmembers will take an oath of office up to ten
days before taking office, at the last Regular Meeting held before
assuming office, or at the first Regular or Special Council meeting after
the first of the year.
b. Newly appointed Councilmembers will take an oath of office before or
during the first Regular or Special Council meeting following their
appointment.
B. Orientation
1. New Councilmembers will be scheduled for orientation meetings with the
Mayor, City Administrator, Legislative Analyst, City Clerk, each Department
Director, and the City Attorney. Meetings should take place within 30 days,
but if scheduling challenges arise, may occur up to 60 days within election or
appointment.
2. New Councilmembers are expected to iew the City of Tukwila
Councilmember Handbook, City Councf Procedure, the Equity
Policy, the AWC Mayor and Council ber Ha •ok, and other relevant
information.
C. Required Training
Councilmembers shall rec-' - the ing required by the State of
Washington on the fundame ue • n Public Meetings Act (OPMA),
Public Records Act (PRA), - . . retention requirements per RCW
42.56.150.
D. General Training
Councilmembers cou d to attend training on the role of a City
Councilm- c that which is offered by Association of Washington
Cities.
X. Councilmemb- avel a Training
A. Purpose
1.
Councilmembers are encouraged to be actively involved in city, county, state,
regional and national organizations for the benefit of the Tukwila community.
2. Councilmembers may travel and attend training, education sessions,
conferences, and meetings, and reasonable expenses will be reimbursed in
accordance with city procedures applicable to employees and officials,
subject to budgetary limit set by the full Council.
3. Councilmembers should report out on conferences and trainings attended.
B. Travel Budget
1. Budgets for City Council travel and training will be set during the biennial
budget adoption and adjusted through the annual budget amendment
process, if necessary.
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2. All Councilmembers will have discretionary access to travel funds.
3. The entire Council, by majority, will make the final decision on use of funds
should issues arise.
C. Travel Expenses
1. Councilmembers should exercise prudent judgment in incurring travel
expenses on official city business.
2. Expenses eligible for reimbursement include standard (coach) airfare,
baggage fees, ground transportation, mileage, registration, lodging, and
meals (except alcohol).
3. All receipts must be retained and submitted for processing in accordance with
current procedures established by the Finance partment.
4. Councilmembers may reserve a City v for business travel when
available.
XI. Voucher Review
A. Purpose
hich thty pays its bills. Before the entire
genda at a Regular or Special
multiple layers of review, starting
ponsible for the payment, to supervisor,
t Director depending on dollar threshold.
by designated Finance Department staff
ce. These checks and balances help protect
the City . - _ 'de surance that all claims presented for payment are
comple :nd in c. pli. e with established budget and policies.
2. At the bch year, the Legislative Analyst will create a schedule
rotating th- k . , .ng all Councilmembers.
3. The obligation . e Councilmember providing the review is to gain a general
understanding of City expenditures and ensure alignment with city budget
and policies.
4. If the Councilmember has a concern about any expenditure and how it fits
with established budget and policies, they should request background
information or clarification from the Finance Director or designated staff. In
rare cases, the Councilmember may want to alert the full Council prior to
voucher approval.
5. The reviewing Councilmember should verbally attest to their review prior to
the City Council's approval of vouchers on a Consent Agenda.
1. Vouchers are the checks wi
Council approves vouchers
meeting, each transaction has
with the individual s - -rso
and, if appropriatart
Each transactio
for final authorizati
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City of Tukwila
City Council Finance & Governance Committee
Meeting Minutes
January27, 2025 - 5:30 p.m. - Hybrid Meeting; Hazelnut Conference Room & MS Teams
Councilmembers Present:
Staff Present:
I. BUSINESS AGENDA
Armen Papyan, Chair; De'Sean Quinn, Dennis Martinez
Marty Wine, Aaron BeMiller, Laurel Humphrey, Tony Cullerton.
Megan Marks
A. Resolution: City Council Rules of Procedure
Staff seeking approval of amendments to the Rules of Procedure regarding working with
ent. The City Council
ure public comment in such a
al time limit should be 3
Administration staff, legislative actions, seating, and public c
previously gave direction at the 12/16/24 work session to
way that the total time spent would be 30 minutes and
minutes depending on the number of signups.
Item(s) for follow-up:
• Clarify that the I.D.1 amendment arou request
Councilmembers making requests out
• Add language referencing a total public
Committee Recommendation
Unanimous approval. Forwar
MISCELLANEOUS
New Fiscal Manager Megan s introduced to the committee members.
The meeting adjourned at 5:46 p.m.
AP
assistance refers to individual
eeting.
e of 30 minutes to Rule V.B.B.
25, 2024 Committee of the Whole.
Committee Chair Approval
185