Council approves first reading of ordinance to add charter enacting clauses; moves measure to third reading Feb. 25

The Sweet Home City Council unanimously approved the first reading of Ordinance Bill No. 1 for 2025, an administrative measure that inserts a charter-required enacting clause into several older ordinances, and voted to move the ordinance to a third reading on Feb. 25.

City Attorney Larson told the council his predecessor had discovered a number of previously adopted ordinances that lacked the enacting clause the city charter requires. "It's kind of a housekeeping item," Larson said. "It's not hugely important, but it's important just in case something might happen in the future." The ordinance was described as updating the enacting clause for ordinances affecting street names, subdivisions, animal control, and a franchise agreement.

Larson listed the specific ordinances affected as those referenced in the ordinance bill: 4 20 7; 8 25; 9 75; 12 24; and 13 22, and said adding the proper enacting clause would make those ordinances more defensible if challenged. He said the change is administrative rather than substantive.

Councilors moved and seconded approval of the first reading; the roll call vote was recorded as seven ayes and no nays. The council then voted to read the ordinance a second time by title only and to schedule a third reading at the next council meeting on Feb. 25; both motions passed unanimously.

Because the change amends prior local ordinances rather than creating new policy, Larson and councilors characterized the measure as housekeeping to ensure compliance with the City Charter. There was no extended debate recorded.

Votes at a glance

- First reading approval of Ordinance Bill No. 1 for 2025 (amending prior ordinances to add enacting clauses): 7–0, approved. - Second reading by title only: 7–0, approved. - Motion to move the ordinance to third reading on Feb. 25: 7–0, approved.

The council will consider final action at the scheduled third reading on Feb. 25.