Commission amends ordinance to clarify electronic-deadline timing, approves second reading

The City of Sweetwater Commission amended and approved on second reading an ordinance intended to clarify calculation of filing and veto deadlines and to confirm mayoral authority.

The amendment narrowed an ambiguity in the ordinance’s definition of the “last day” for electronic filings and actions. A staff member who reviewed the draft told the commission the provision was modeled on Florida court rules and asked that the electronic deadline be set to 11:59 p.m. rather than “midnight.” “I would suggest that the commission amend this ordinance so that paragraph 2 sub a will read for compliance by electronic means at 11:59PM as opposed to midnight,” the staff member said.

Why it matters: The change aims to remove uncertainty about whether “midnight” refers to the start or end of a day for electronic compliance, a point the city attorney had previously flagged. The commission voted to adopt the amendment and then to adopt the ordinance as amended.

At the meeting, commissioners recorded a roll-call vote accepting the amendment and approving the ordinance on second reading. Commissioners stating “yes” at the roll call included Commissioner Reyes; Commissioner Guadalupe; Commissioner Villanueva; Commissioner Marti; Commissioner Yano; Commissioner Ruiz; Commissioner Diaz; and President Ray. The ordinance will take effect as specified in the adopted language.

The meeting record shows the item was presented as a second reading with a public hearing phase opened and closed by Mayor Diaz. No further public comment was recorded during the second-reading action.