10877-22 An Ordinance Replacing & Amending Ch.2, Article 1, Sect 2-1 - & Including 2-9 of the SB Municipal Code (SUBSTITUTE BILL)

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SUBSTITUTE BILL NO.42-22 ORDINANCE NO. 10877-22 AN ORDINANCE OF THE COMMON COUNCIL OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA, REPLACING AND AMENDING CHAPTER 2, ARTICLE 1, SECTIONS 2-1 THROUGH AND INCLUDING 2-9, OF THE SOUTH BEND MUNICIPAL CODE TO UPDATE AND CLARIFY PROCEDURES FOR THE SOUTH BEND COMMON COUNCIL AND THE OFFICE OF THE CITY CLERK STATEMENT OF PURPOSE AND INTENT Chapter 2, Article 1 of the South Bend Municipal Code sets forth several powers, duties and obligations of the South Bend Common Council, its officers and members, and the Office of the City Clerk. The last comprehensive review and revision of most of these ordinances occurred in 1977. The last comprehensive review and revision of many of these ordinances before 1977 occurred in 1966. State and local governments have undergone many changes in the last forty- five (45) years. One of the most significant changes has to do with the advent of how local governments serve the public through changes mandated by national emergencies such as COVID-19. The purpose and intent of these amendments to the Municipal Code are to update the Code to comply with actual practices and procedures as developed over the last forty-five years, clarify practices and procedures which need additional explanation, and to establish new best practices and procedures to better serve the public. Changes in these amendments reflect an intent to promote inclusivity by use of gender - neutral references to Council Members. Section 2-2(m) clarifies that the Council President shall make the Council appointments to various boards, commissions, and committees. This authority expedites the appointment process so as not to delay necessary actions by the boards, commissions and committees. Section 2-4(a) establishes the procedure for selecting a presiding officer of a Council meeting if neither the President nor Vice -President is present at the beginning of the meeting. Section 2-6(d)(1) clarifies that the presiding officer's duty to preserve strict order and decorum applies to Council Members and the public. Section 2-6(e) clarifies that the election of the Chairperson of the Committee of the Whole shall take place in the same manner as the election of the President and Vice -President.