Agenda: A list of items considered for vote by Council members during a City Council meeting. The agenda is available on the City’s web site, at local public libraries, on City Channel 48, in the City Clerk’s Office and the lobby of City Hall and City Center at Oyster Point.

Agreements: City Council approves certain contractual agreements entered into the City such as real estate transactions. These types of contracts are first reviewed by the City Attorney as to legal content and form.

Appointments: City Council appoints community members to more than 50 boards, commissions, and committees. These groups study policy, research and consider project options and implications, obtain citizen input, and make recommendations to City Council. Issues addressed may include urban planning, zoning appeals, air transportation, youth services, human affairs, and housing. The City Clerk’s Office accepts all applications from citizens on behalf of the City Council.

Consent Agenda: List of items that are voted on in a block instead of being voted on indiviudally. This includes minutes of work sessions and Council meetings, and any item believed by the Clerk of Council or the City Manager to be routine and not controversial in nature.

Closed Session: Private sessions for City Council which may exclude the public and the media. These sessions take place only when topics specified by law; such as purchase of property or pending litigation, are discussed.

New Business: An opportunity for each City Council member, as well as the City Manager, City Clerk or City Attorney, to present additional items for vote or for information that is not included on the formal agenda.

Ordinance: Documents setting forth a law. Some ordinances may amend, repeal or supplement sections of the City Code.

Public Hearings: City Council schedules public hearings to obtain citizens' views on proposals which affect a great number of residents, such as the annual budget, or which directly affect a specific group of residents, such as property rezoning or special assessments of major construction projects. At these hearings all citizens have the opportunity to express an opinion, whether of protest or support, to the City Council. Public hearings may be held at regular City Council meetings or any other time specified by City Council.

Resolutions: Written instruments which, when adopted, express the opinion or intention of the City Council regarding business matters brought before them.

Roll call: The process by which Council members cast their individual votes. These decisions are recorded by the City Clerk according to how each Council member votes.

Vacancies: When a City Council position becomes vacant for any reason, City Council makes a temporary appointment. These appointments must be made within 60 days of the vacancy, and the appointee serves until the next Council election.