SENATE BILL REPORT

                            SB 5115

                    AS OF FEBRUARY 2, 1993

Brief Description:  Changing provisions relating to the conduct of meetings in cities and towns.

SPONSORS: Senators Drew, von Reichbauer, Loveland and Haugen

SENATE COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS

Staff:  Katie Healy (786‑7784)

Hearing Dates: January 27, 1993

BACKGROUND:

The mayor of a third class city may call special meetings by delivering written notice to each councilmember at least three hours before the time specified for the proposed meeting.  The mayor of a town or three councilmembers may call a special meeting by providing written notice to each member at least three hours before the time specified for the meeting.

Provision is made for the councilmembers of a third class city to elect a member from the council to act as a mayor pro tempore when the mayor is absent.  A majority of town councilmembers constitutes a quorum for the transaction of business, but a lesser number may compel the attendance of absent members as provided by ordinance.  In the absence of the mayor, the town council may appoint a president pro tempore.

Code cities must keep a journal of its minutes of legislative meetings.  Each code city must provide, without charge, three copies of each of its ordinances of general application to the Association of Washington Cities.

SUMMARY:

The mayor of a third class city or of a town, or three town councilmembers, may call a special meeting by written notice delivered personally or by mail to each councilmember at least 24 hours before the time of the special meeting specified in the notice.  If a local newspaper of general circulation or local radio or television station has made a written request to be notified of such meetings, it must also be notified personally or by mail 24 hours before the meeting.  Written notice may be dispensed with if a councilmember files a written waiver of notice at or prior to the meeting, or if a councilmember is actually present at the meeting when it begins.  The written notice may be waived if the special meeting is called to deal with an emergency involving injury or damage or potential injury or damage to persons or property.

The councilmembers of a third class city or town may appoint, by majority vote, a councilmember pro tempore to serve during the extended excused absence or disability of a councilmember.

Code cities are no longer required to provide three copies of each ordinance of general application to the Association of Washington Cities free of charge.

Appropriation:  none

Revenue:  none

Fiscal Note:  none requested