Councilmember Menino proposes formal proclamation process; council agrees to review at work session

Councilmember Mike Menino urged the Clearwater City Council on July 10 to create a formal, publicly available process for issuing proclamations, noting that neighboring municipalities use formal online processes. Menino said a written process could improve efficiency, transparency and consistency.

He presented a draft document intended to guide notification timelines, review steps and roles for the mayor’s office and city staff. Several council members, including Mayor Bruce Rector and Councilmember Ryan Cotton, said they supported the idea of formalizing a process but requested additional time to review the draft. The mayor noted he had not received the draft significantly ahead of the meeting and asked for time to consider proposed language and offer edits.

Council members agreed to discuss the proposal at a future work session rather than adopt changes at the meeting. Menino said the draft was intended as a conversation starter and that staff and the city attorney had been consulted to avoid administrative burden.

Action: No ordinance or formal policy was adopted July 10; council directed further review and discussion in a future work session.