City CouncilCity Council Meetings - View the schedule, plus agendas for upcoming meetings and vote results for past 2008 meetings, all in the city calendar. Archive of agendas and notes from City Council meetings 2007 - present 2009 Springfield City CouncilorsJames J. Ferrera, III William T. Foley, President Timothy J. Rooke Legislative powers of the city are vested in the City Council, consisting of nine members elected citywide for two-year terms. Annually, the council elects one of its members as president. The members receive reimbursement. If a mayoral vacancy occurs, the president of the council becomes acting mayor until a new mayor is elected. The council holds hearings, passes ordinances, financial orders and resolutions, oversees city finances, votes on the budget, and may authorize the sale of bonds. Another important power of the council is land-use regulation through zoning ordinances and the granting of special permits. Although the council focuses on policy review, members can also discuss and question policies of the mayor's administration and review the performance of city departments. Members serve on standing committees, which study and review these matters. The council also elects the city clerk for a three-year term and confirms the appointment of the city auditor. All council meetings are open to the public. Minutes are kept in the city clerk's office and are open for public inspection. Citizens may speak at council meetings, at hearings, and by special permission. If they wish to oppose an ordinance already approved or to have one adopted, they may obtain action through a referendum petition or an initiative petition. A half-hour public speak-out session is held before every regularly scheduled council meeting. Councilors also respond to individual problems and complaints from citizens. A list of council telephone numbers, addresses, and committee assignments is available at the council office. Telephone messages and mail for councilors may also be left at the office. The City Council generally meets on the first and third Mondays of each month. On an additional Monday each month the council holds hearings on zone changes and permits. All meetings are subject to the Open Meeting Law. |
City Council Sub-CommitteesPublic Health & Safety Finance Planning & Economic Dev. Maintenance & Development Veterans Administration & Human Services State & Federal Government Civil Rights & Race Relations City Council/School Committee Special Committee on Elderly Audit Committee *Chairperson
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Page last updated: Friday, February 27, 2009 01:49 pm