City Council reviews own procedures

DAVE MOSIER/independent editor

Van Wert City Council’s Judiciary & Annexation Committee gave new and veteran Council members alike a primer on the workings of City Council and its rules and regulations during a meeting held Monday in Council Chambers.

Committee Chair Stan Agler led the discussion, meant to provide Council members with a working knowledge of how Council works and its protocol and procedures. Most of the Council members attending had likely heard most of the information, but the discussion was a good time for new City Law Director John Hatcher to talk about his wishes from Council in the way of submitted legislation — and to make some statements on things he would like to do in his position.

One thing Hatcher said he would like to see from Council members is to have information to be included in legislation be sent to him by Wednesday of the week prior to the Council meeting in which the legislation is sought.

The new law director said doing so would give him enough advance notice so that he can do the legal research needed to ensure that new ordinances and resolutions are properly prepared.

Several Council members approved of the suggestion, noting times in the past when legislation needed to be rewritten several times because it was not properly prepared in the first place.

Hatcher did note that, with similar advance notice, he could have proposed legislation prepared for a committee meeting at which it is to be discussed, providing committee members with a more fully realized measure for discussion during the meeting.

The 1½ hour long meeting did provide information for new member Stuart Jewett, although the other first-time Council member, Pete Weir, was unable to attend the meeting.

Council will next meet in regular session on Monday, January 23.