§ 2-95. Enactment of ordinances.

(a)

Procedure generally. An ordinance to levy a tax, adopt a budget, appropriate funds, grant a franchise, license or right to use or occupy a public street or public property for commercial purposes shall be complete in the form in which it is finally passed, and in such form remain one week before final adoption. No ordinance shall be adopted until it shall have been read three times and on three separate days with at least six days between each reading.

(1)

First reading. The first reading (usually by title only) of the ordinance shall be recorded in the minutes of the council.

(2)

Second reading. There shall be at least six calendar days between the first and second reading of a proposed ordinance. On second reading a proposed ordinance may be fully debated, amended, tabled, etc. After discussion, the ordinance is voted on by voice vote or roll call. A roll call vote shall be required on second reading for all contested ordinances.

(3)

Third reading. There shall be at least six calendar days between the second and third reading of a proposed ordinance. On third reading, the proposed ordinance may be acted on in the same manner as for the second reading. If adopted by majority vote of council, the proposed ordinance becomes an official ordinance.

(4)

Death of ordinance; reintroduction. If a proposed ordinance does not receive the required three readings within a 12-month period, from the date of introduction, it is dead. If the ordinance is reintroduced after the 12-month period, it must be submitted to the three reading process.

(b)

Emergencies. Emergency ordinances may be adopted on one reading without notice or hearing by affirmative vote of two-thirds of members present. An emergency ordinance may not levy taxes, relate to a franchise or a service rate and shall expire automatically on the 61st day following enactment.

(c)

Introduction and reading. The introduction and reading of any ordinance shall be by the reading of the title, unless a full reading is requested by a council member.

(d)

Public hearings. After the introduction of an ordinance, any council member may request a public hearing which may be held at any time designated by council prior to final adoption.

(e)

Adoption. Upon final adoption by a vote of the council, an ordinance shall be signed by the mayor or presiding officer and attested by the municipal clerk, who shall file the original in the council minutes.

(Code 1985, § 2-405; Ord. No. 15-08, 6-16-2015)