The clerk represents council to the public during regular business hours, notifying citizens of council meetings and maintaining public records of the meetings. Council makes policy in the areas of city planning and finances, human development, public safety and justice, public utilities, and transportation. It has specific powers to pass ordinances, levy taxes, collect revenues, adopt a budget, make appropriations, issue bonds, borrow money, and provide for the payment of public debts. The meetings are televised locally on Cable Channel 10. Council may hold additional work sessions in the city hall basement conference room.
Meetings are open to the public.
Agendas of regular council meetings are available in advance from the clerk and are published in the local daily newspaper. Time is open for speakers on subjects not listed on the agenda at the beginning and end of each regular meeting. Upon written or phone request, the clerk of council will answer questions about council business and add items to meeting agendas.