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What's what at a City Council meeting?
by Rosann Doran
Public Information Officer

City Council meets to conduct the public’s business for the City and County of Broomfield.  Since the inception of the combined city and county government which began November 15, 2001, Broomfield City Council handles both municipal and county responsibilities under the jurisdiction of the City Charter and the voter-approved amendment to the Constitution of the State of Colorado. Meetings are open to the public and their proceedings are documented and kept by the City Clerk. Audio and video tapes are also made of the meetings, and may be accessed by members of the public by appointment with the City Clerk, Central Records Office in the City and County Building. These tapes may not be removed from the building, but copies may be requested for purchase.
Ordinances and resolutions

Ordinances are the "laws" passed by City Council. Under the city's charter, all legislative acts must be passed by ordinance. Ordinances are required for actions that appropriate money, create indebtedness, levy taxes, establish rules that if violated, have a penalty (fines or jail) imposed. Ordinances are also required for any action that involves the use of private property, such as annexation or zoning issues.

Resolutions are formal expressions of the City Council's opinion, will or intent. Resolutions must be confined to one subject. The city's annual budget is adopted by resolution, as are other routine actions which the City Council must authorize. Some examples are: authorizations of purchases, leases, appointments, or agreements with outside consultants or vendors.
The remainder of City Council actions are done by simple motion as outlined in Roberts Rules of Order.
The order of a City Council meeting
 City Council meeting agendas are public documents, and follow a specific order.
  1. Roll call
  2. Pledge of Allegiance
  3. Petitions and Communications
    Periodically, letters and reports are received at City Hall for the attention of the City Council. These are included under this portion of the meeting. Examples include reports from other agencies like Public Service or the Economic Development Corporation, special awards presented to City Council, citizens or city staff and letters requesting a response from the council.
  4. Citizens' Comments
    Under this section of the meeting, citizens of Broomfield have an opportunity to comment on items which are not on the printed agenda. This is the time for residents to ask questions about something involving the city, or to request that the City Council consider making or changing a policy. Citizens have used this time to thank staff or council for activities, to introduce visitors to our city or to the meeting, and to complain about something in the city which distresses them.
  5. Board of Social Services
    When Broomfield became a county in 2001, certain county actions became part of the City Council meeting.  In this portion of the meeting, the City Council acts as a county Board of Social Services to discuss issues, approve expenditures, and hear reports on social service issues.
  6. Board of Health
    This is another function that was necessitated when Broomfield became a county in 2001.  In this section of the meeting, the City Council acts as a county Board of Health.  Items considered include authorizing representation to other public health-related organizations, and discussion and decisions on issues related to public health.
  7. Broomfield Housing Authority
    In this portion of the meeting, the City Council acts as a Housing Authority.  Items discussed include housing issues related to state and federal programs, local housing programs and funding.
  8. Council Member Reports.
    Under this portion of the meeting, members of the City Council report on the various meetings they attend as representatives of the City Council, for educational purposes, or in the community. They also announce special activities which may be taking place in their wards, and request that residents participate.
  9. Council Business.
    These items are items that require debate or discussion. They can include public hearings, ordinances on second reading, and requests from staff for City Council policy direction.
  10. Consent Agenda
    These are routine items that do not require lengthy discussion. They include minutes from previous meetings, ordinances on first reading, resolutions authorizing specific purchases of goods or services that are within the scope of the already-approved budget, or acceptance of public improvements. Any member of the audience present may ask questions about items on the Consent Agenda. A city council member may request that items on the Consent Agenda be removed for discussion and separate vote.
  11. City Attorney's Report
    Here, the City Attorney reports on any issues or activities that may have legal ramifications for the city or the City Council, or on any legal research he has found necessary or been asked to perform.
  12. City Manager's Report
    The City Manager reports on any administrative items which the City Council may need information on. This can include updates to the City Council’s priorities, and other information about city and county operation.
  13. Special Reports
    These are special reports as requested by the City Council. They can include the minutes from the various boards and commissions, special activities which may be of interest to constituents, and progress reports on various city projects.
  14. Urban Renewal Authority
    Broomfield City Council also acts as an urban renewal authority for certain development projects.  Items considered during this portion of the meeting can include development plans, budgets, funding incentives and cooperation agreements or any items allowable under the state urban renewal statutes.
  15. Adjournment
The City Council meets in the council chambers at the City and County Building, One DesCombes Drive, every second and fourth Tuesday at 6:00 p.m. Council meetings are open to the public, and you are encouraged to attend. City laws are codified in the Broomfield Municipal Code, and consist of the city's ordinances. All new ordinances require postings in designated facilities, publication in a newspaper of general circulation within the city, and at least one public hearing before they are adopted. Citizens are encouraged to participate in public hearings. They are scheduled during regular or special city council meetings.