FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions

A resolution is typically a non-binding expression of the City Council's values or position on an issue.

follow link to view our Resolutions

An ordinance is legislation which necessitates changes in our current laws, policies or procedures as a city, which is codified into our Code of Ordinances.

follow link to view our Ordinances

In order for an idea to become an ordinance (a law), it must proceed through a series of steps:  

1. The Mayor, a Council Member, city staff, or a citizen may propose an idea to address an identified problem or issue.

2. The proposal is considered at a council meeting for further discussion and input from city staff and interested parties.

3. Investigation is done to see if there is a state statute that gives us the authority to create the specific ordinance.

   1. (65 ILCS 5/11-13-1) (from Ch. 24, par. 11-13-1)     Sec. 11-13-1. Details what authorities a municipality has to make a law.

   2. If we have the authority to create the ordinance we proceed to next step.

4. A draft ordinance would then be written by the City Attorney's staff. City Staff will review the draft.

   1. Making any needed amendments to the draft ordinance.

5. The draft ordinance will then be placed on the agenda for a first reading at a scheduled Council meeting.

6. The proposed ordinance will be read in its entirety and stated that this constitutes the first reading.

   1.  If council request amendments based on input to the proposed ordinance it will be sent back to the City’s attorney for amendments.

7. The proposed ordinance will be placed on the agenda for the next scheduled council meeting for approval.

8. At the next council meeting the proposed ordinance will be read stating this constitutes the second reading of the proposed ordinance.

9. Council will then vote on the proposed ordinance

   1. A majority of the City Council and Mayor (at least three out of the five members) must vote in favor of the proposed ordinance before it is adopted.

   2. If adopted the ordinance takes effect 30 days after its adoption by the City Council.

Ordinances must be read once during a council meeting before the meeting at which the ordinances will be voted on.

A “first reading” ordinance is only a reading, no votes are taken.

A “second reading” or “final reading” ordinance is set for action and open for testimony at the meeting.

Resolutions do not have first and second readings, so if they are on the current agenda, they are up for a vote that night.

To request an item to be placed on the City Council agenda you must contact the City Administrator.

The City Council has provided a permanent placement at the beginning of the Agenda for citizens' request to address the Council called Public Commentary. Public Commentary is held before Business Items. Before the meeting, anyone who wishes to discuss any item including those on the agenda, must present in writing to the City Administrator / Clerk: their name, address and the subject matter on which they wish to speak. During Public Commentary, the Mayor will ask those people on the list to address the City Council. Each person will have a maximum of five minutes to speak. A person can only address the Council one time during the Public Commentary. There will be no pubilc commentary during the Business Items, except during a Public Hearing.
 

Email: rudyw [at] cityofmtcarmel.com (subject: Agenda) (City Administrator)  Phone: (618) 262-4822.

Yes. At every City Council meeting there is a public comment period before the agenda items are began. During this period, any citizen can speak before the Council on issues they wish to make public.

Because the agenda for a Council meeting is ever-changing, the actual agenda for a meeting is not final until 72 hours prior to that meeting, which is typically 5 p.m. on the Friday. Council Meetings are every other Monday at 5 p.m.

You can view the agenda by clicking the following link: City Council

Each council member serves a four-year term. They work part-time.  Find more information about City Government Here