FAQs
City Council
Does the law require that notice be given for a “regular” meeting?
The notice for a regular meeting must be reasonably calculated to give actual notice of the time and place for the meeting “to interested persons including news media that have requested notice". ORS 192.640(1) The agendas for City Council meetings are posted in three locations in the city, are published on the city's web site, and are sent to the press.
How can I speak at a City Council meeting?
As part of the City Council’s agenda, there is time for “citizen input” on issues that are either not on the agenda, or not scheduled for public hearing. At that time, the public is invited to address the Council with concerns, comments, or to make a community announcement.
May a member of the public video tape Council meetings?
Yes, the public may also tape record a Council meeting. Council meetings are aired on the Wilsonville Government Access Channel 30.
Must an “executive session” be open to the public?
No. An executive session is that portion of a meeting from which the public is excluded. The Public Meetings Law now provides that representatives of the news media shall be allowed to attend all executive sessions except those involving deliberations with persons designated to carry on labor negotiations.
Must meetings be held in a specific place?
Meetings of the governing body of a public body must be held within the geographic boundaries of the area over which the governing body has jurisdiction. These rules do not apply in the case of an actual emergency requiring immediate action. The law also allows governing bodies to hold “training sessions” outside their jurisdiction as long as no deliberations toward a decision are involved. ORS 192.630(4)
What is a sufficient statement of purpose regarding executive session?
ORS 192.550 specifies certain topics for which the Council is permitted to meet privately in executive sessions. Before convening an executive session, the mayor must publicly announce the general purpose of the session and the applicable ORS.
What is a “quorum”?
A quorum is generally defined as a majority of the councilors. A quorum is required to convene a Council meeting, and for making decisions.
What is considered a “meeting” under the law?
The Public Meetings Law defines a meeting as the convening of any of the governing bodies for which a quorum is required in order to make a decision or to deliberate toward a decision on any matter. ORS 192.610(5)
What is “executive session”?
Executive session is a portion of the Council meeting that is closed to the public for deliberation on certain matters. No decisions are made in executive session. The governing body may reach a consensus in executive session, however, the governing body must return to the public session before taking final action.
What public records are exempt from disclosure?
In Oregon the Public Records Law is a disclosure law, rather than a confidentiality law. Exemptions are contained in ORS 192.501 and are applied on a case-by-case basis.
When are the City Council meetings?
City Council meetings are held the first and third Monday of the month. The meetings begin at 7 p.m. in City Hall, 29799 SW Town Center Loop East. Council holds a Work Session prior to the regular meeting, which begins at 5 p.m., in the Willamette River Room on the second floor of City Hall. Work Sessions are open to the public. Occasionally, a City Council meeting falls on a Monday holiday (i.e. Labor Day), when that occurs, the meeting will be held on Thursday of the same week.