Glossary

Council Agenda:

 

 An agenda used in city council meetings to organize and describe the contents discussed during these meetings. 

 

Example: Portland City Council Agenda

 

 Communications: 

 

Public announcements, items that allow for information sharing, updates, and acknowledgments within the community and between the city council members and the public.

 

Example: public announcements, proclamations, and letters from the public, as well as reports from city officials and departments

 

Time Certain: 

 

Things that are happening during the meeting that are being discussed at a particular time; allows people to show up for part of a meeting.

 

Example: public hearings, award ceremonies, contract approvals, time-sensitive issues

 

Consent agenda:

 

Items on this agenda are typically those which do not require much discussion and are non-controversial/easily agreed upon.

 

Example: approval of meeting minutes, committee reports, project status reports

 

Regular Agenda:

 

Items that council members need to discuss or make decisions on during the meeting.

 

Example: routine business, ongoing matters, new issues that require attention, committee reports, resolutions

 

Proclamation:

 

An official announcement that the government puts forward; often solidifies someone or something’s contribution to the city.

 

Bills In Progress:

 

Bills that have not  been passed; bills that the government is discussing .

 

Process of approving bills: 

 

Approving bills involves two main steps: first, lawmakers discuss and make changes to the proposed bill in a legislative committee; then, the entire legislative body votes on the bill, and if a majority agrees, it becomes a law.

 

Ways to get involved:

 

Signing a petition, going to protests, going to a city park to play on the playground, and attending the July 4th parade.

 

What Can The Portland Government Do:

 

1. Local Ordinances and Regulations: The Portland government can create and enforce local laws, known as ordinances. These can cover various issues, such as zoning, building codes, noise regulations, and business licensing.

2. Public Services: The city government is responsible for providing various public services to residents, such as police and fire protection, waste management, and public transportation.

3. Land Use and Zoning: The city government can regulate land use and zoning, determining what types of development are allowed in different city areas. This includes decisions about residential, commercial, and industrial zoning.

4. Local Taxes and Budget: The city government can collect and allocate local taxes to fund public services and infrastructure projects. This includes property taxes, sales taxes (if applicable), and other local fees.

5. Community Development: The city government can engage in community development efforts, such as revitalizing neighborhoods, promoting affordable housing, and supporting economic growth initiatives.

6. Public Health and Safety: The city government ensures public health and safety through measures like sanitation regulations, health inspections, and emergency response planning.

7. Education: While education is primarily managed by school districts and higher levels of government, the city government can collaborate with educational institutions and support local education initiatives.

 

What Can’t The Portland Government Do:

 

1. Override State and Federal Laws: The city government must operate within the framework of state and federal laws. It cannot enact laws that directly contradict higher-level laws.

2. Foreign Policy: Local governments do not have the authority to conduct foreign policy or engage in international relations.

3. Printing Currency: Only the federal government can print currency and regulate monetary policy.

4. National Defense: Matters related to national defense and the armed forces are the jurisdiction of the federal government.

5. Interstate Commerce Regulation: Regulation of commerce across state lines is primarily under federal jurisdiction.

6. Immigration Policy: Immigration laws and policies are set at the federal level, and local governments do not have the authority to establish their own immigration rules.

7. Constitutional Rights: The city government must respect and uphold citizens' constitutional rights and cannot enact laws that violate them.

 

Quasi-judicial Item: 

 

A quasi-judicial item is a decision or issue that a government or an organization handles in a way that is a bit like a court process but not the same. It is a formal way of making decisions that involve rules, evidence, and hearings, similar to a court case.

 

Examples: zoning changes, permit approvals, or decisions about licenses. These are important choices that need careful consideration, and a quasi-judicial process helps ensure they arre made fairly and according to the rules.

 

Quasi-Judicial Process:

 

When a government or organization needs to make a decision that's like a court decision but not a criminal case, they follow a quasi-judicial process. They gather information, listen to people's opinions, and then decide based on rules and facts.

 

Judicial Process:

 

In a real court, a judge listens to arguments, looks at evidence, and makes decisions based on the law. It's a way to resolve conflicts and make sure things are fair.

 

Rules About Testifying For A Quasi-judicial Item:

 

1. Standing: Generally, only people with a direct interest or "standing" in the discussed matter are allowed to testify. This means that individuals directly affected by the decision, such as property owners, neighbors, or those with a special connection to the issue, are usually allowed to provide testimony.

2. Expert Witnesses: In some cases, experts in relevant fields (such as architects, engineers, or environmental consultants) may be allowed to testify to provide technical information or insights that can help the decision-makers understand the issue better.

3. Relevance: Testimony is typically required to be relevant to the issue. It should provide information that helps the decision-makers make an informed choice based on the criteria and regulations involved in the case.

4. Sworn Testimony: Quasi-judicial proceedings require witnesses to provide sworn testimony, meaning they take an oath to tell the truth before providing their statements.

5. Time Limits: There might be time limits on how long each witness can speak to ensure that the proceedings remain efficient and fair for all participants.

6. Cross-Examination: In some cases, parties involved may have the opportunity to cross-examine witnesses, similar to a court proceeding. This allows for a more thorough exploration of the testimony and evidence.

7. Public Input: Depending on the nature of the quasi-judicial item, there might be opportunities for members of the public who are not directly involved but have a general interest to provide input.