What kind of actions may Council take?

During regular sessions, the Lynden City Council may take action in several ways.

Business is brought before the Council by motions, which constitute a formal procedure for taking actions. To make a motion, a member must first be recognized by the presiding officer. After the member has made a motion (and after the motion is seconded) the chair will call for discussion and then a vote.  

Another type of Council action is the adoption of ordinances and resolutions.  Ordinances (a local law of a municipal corporation, prescribing general rules of conduct). may be used for a variety of purposes, including administrative actions such as establishing offices and setting salaries, or they may be used for actions that control the conduct of the public. An ordinance is a legislative enactment, within its-sphere, as much as an act of the state legislature. Ordinances usually become valid 5 days after publication in the City's official newspaper, the Lynden Tribune.

Not all ordinances are codified as a part of the Lynden Municipal Code (LMC). Codification does not include an ordinance unless it is of a general or permanent nature.  The Council may amend or repeal an ordinance by adopting another ordinance.  

Council may also pass resolutions which is typically an act that is more of an expression of an opinion of the official body. Resolutions are not codified into the LMC. 


Show All Answers

1. When and where are the council meetings held?
2. Can I attend the council meetings?
3. How can I participate if I can't attend the council meeting?
4. What is the council agenda?
5. What kind of actions may Council take?
6. How do I participate in the citizen comment portion of the meeting?
7. What is the process for providing comment at a public hearing?
8. What is an executive session?
9. What is Lynden's form of government?