City Council amends ordinance reducing mayor's power with plans for future adjustments

The Hooper City Council convened on February 6, 2025, to discuss amendments to existing ordinances and procedural updates. The meeting focused on refining Ordinance 2025-02, which was initially approved in the previous session.

The discussion began with council members expressing the need for a more thorough review of the ordinance before finalizing it. One member emphasized the importance of not rushing the process, suggesting that the council should take the time to refine the ordinance to ensure it meets the community's needs. This sentiment was echoed by others who agreed that amendments could be made in subsequent meetings as necessary.

The council acknowledged that the current ordinance involves significant changes, particularly regarding the powers of the mayor. Due to the nature of these changes, it was determined that a roll call vote would be required, and it was noted that the vote must be unanimous, excluding the mayor.

A motion was then put forward to amend Ordinance 2025-02. The proposed changes included specific language adjustments to clarify the appointment process for potential members of the city council and planning commission. The amendment suggested that the mayor and city council would collectively identify and select potential members, subject to a majority vote of the council. Additionally, flexibility was introduced in the language to allow for the timing of appointments to be made at the next available city council or planning commission meeting.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to continue refining the ordinance in future sessions, ensuring that all council members are satisfied with the final version. The council plans to revisit the ordinance as more information and processes are established in the coming weeks.