Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Legislative Process topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Council debates frequent use of 'emergency' clause; administration explains purpose
Summary
Council Member Mike Reese said residents are concerned about frequent emergency clauses and urged using 30‑day review where feasible; Service Director Matt Hiscock responded that the emergency clause is statutory language allowing legislation to take immediate effect and 'allows them to act dynamically.'
During general business, Council Member Mike Reese said citizens had expressed concern about the frequent use of emergency clauses on legislation and urged council to allow 30‑day review for items that did not require immediate effect. Reese said he wanted to make his position known so residents’ concerns were heard.
Service Director Matt Hiscock explained the statutory purpose of the emergency clause and its practical effect: he said the language is drawn from statute and is not an "emergency" in the ordinary dictionary sense, but it permits legislation to take effect upon passage so the city can act swiftly when necessary. “The emergency clause, when attached to legislation, allows them to act dynamically,” Hiscock said, and he recommended revisiting the practice periodically to maintain public clarity.
