CITY COUNCIL

The City Council is the legislative branch of city government and enacts ordinances, adopts budgets, and determines policies for the City. The City Council elects a Council member who holds the title of City Council President. This member presides at meetings of the City Council. The City Council also elects a President Pro-Tempore from the City Council who acts as president of the City Council during the absence or inability of the president.

City Council actions can take the form of ordinances and resolutions. An ordinance is generally a legislative act of the Council to adopt laws, statutes and regulations for the city. A resolution is generally a formal statement of decision, opinion or determination of policy adopted by the Council to exercise ministerial functions. The passage of an ordinance or a resolution of a permanent nature requires two readings by the City Council with a formal vote at the second reading. Legal publication in a newspaper of local circulation is also required for ordinances and permanent resolutions. The passage of a resolution of a temporary nature requires a formal vote of the City Council and does not have any legal publication requirements. A motion is generally a procedural action in a Council meeting, in order to formally consider resolutions or ordinances, file reports or request that certain action be taken by the administrative branch of the city. A motion requires a second and, with certain exceptions, majority approval.

City Council Meetings are held on the first and third Monday of each month at 6:00 p.m. in Northport Council Chambers of City Hall. The City Council Pre-meeting is held in the Council Conference Room at 5:00 p.m. The public is welcome and encouraged to attend.

If you have business to be placed on the agenda, the information must be turned into the City Administrator's office no later than 5:00 p.m. on the Wednesday preceding the meeting.