Staff and Legal Counsel involvemnt in Drafting Ordinances

[Charles West]

Mayor and Council, I strongly encourage you to allow staff to draft ordinances after the Council establishes its policy direction. That approach is consistent with the purpose of a council-manager form of government, where the Council sets policy and staff carry out the administrative work needed to implement it. When staff is given the responsibility to prepare draft language, they can research the matter thoroughly, identify conflicts with existing ordinances, and coordinate with legal counsel before the ordinance comes forward for action. That not only improves clarity and enforceability but also helps ensure the final ordinance truly reflects the Council’s intent. In my view, this process produces better ordinances, reduces misunderstanding, and strengthens confidence in how they are administered and enforced.