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Council clarifies mayoral rotation language after heated debate; ordinance passes first reading as amended
Summary
After a lengthy public comment and council exchange, members passed a first‑reading ordinance amending municipal code 2.04.200 to clarify the rotation and tie‑breaker for selecting mayor and mayor pro tem; the council characterized the text as declaratory of existing practice with language changes to reduce ambiguity.
The Fountain Valley City Council held a detailed first reading and debate over an ordinance to clarify how the mayor and mayor pro tem are selected under municipal code section 2.04.200. The proposed change would remove ambiguity about whether rotation is based on time since last serving as mayor or time since the last election and how tie‑breakers are resolved.
City Attorney Colin Burns explained that the rotation system was originally intended to give each council member an opportunity to serve as mayor and that the ordinance as drafted would remove an ambiguity in earlier language. Public commenter Katie Wright asked who brought the change forward; Council Member Grandes identified himself as requesting clarification after noticing a potential interpretation that could let the most‑recent election vote totals alter the rotation order.
Council members debated precise wording (notably whether the code should use the mandatory term “shall” or the advisory “should”), and whether a clarified ordinance would operate prospectively or simply declare the existing interpretation. Council ultimately approved amended language described as declaratory and clearer on tie‑breaking procedure; the council passed the item as amended on first reading (vote recorded in the minutes as "passes as amended").
Council said the purpose is to preserve a fair rotation while reducing future disputes; because this was the first reading, the council will return the ordinance for a second reading with the adopted amendments.
Next steps: The ordinance will be brought back for a second reading and final adoption with the clarified language; staff noted that council retains discretion to appoint any member if the dais so decides.
