Subject:
Title
Intent to Adopt proposed changes to Town Code §2-19 to reflect a change of the name “Conference Session" to “Work Session.”
Body
DATE(S) OF PRIOR COUNCIL CONSIDERATION OF THIS ISSUE:
None
EXPLANATION AND SUMMARY:
For many decades, Town Councils in Vienna have had Work Sessions. The description of how Work Sessions function is below:
Sec. 2-19. - Conference sessions.
The mayor or any four councilmembers may call the Town Council together for a conference session at any time. Notice of time and place for all conference sessions shall be given councilmembers as in the case of a special meeting, except that there shall be no limitation of matters to be discussed. A conference session may consider any matter of interest upon which an exchange of information appears desirable. No formal vote shall be taken on any matter during a conference session, nor shall any member be required to formally commit his vote on any question. Nothing herein, however, shall be construed as prohibiting an informal expression of opinion on any question by any member. The procedure at all conference sessions shall be informal.
(Code 1962, app. 3; Code 1969, § 2-19; Ord. of 9-7-1965)
What we call Conference Sessions here in Vienna, most jurisdictions in the Commonwealth of Virginia call Work Sessions. Until recently, we called these meetings Work Sessions as well, even though the term “Work Sessions” is not found in our Town Code. The action I am asking Town Council to take is to only change the title of Section 2-19 and references from “Conference Sessions” to “Work Sessions” to be aligned with what we actual call this type of meeting. Nothing will change regarding how this meeting functions.
Departmental Recommendation: Recommend approval
Finance Recommendation: N/A
Purchasing Recommendation: N/A
Town Attorney Recommendation: The Town Council may change the name and references to conference sessions to “work” sessions in the Town Code its discretion. While Virginia FOIA does not define “conference” or “work” sessions, they are understood to mean meetings where no formal vote is taken. Town Code §2-19 defines what the Town Council may discuss in its informal meetings.
Town Manager's Recommendation:
I recommend the Town Council change the title and references to “conference” sessions in Section 2-19 to “work” Sessions.
Cost and Financing:
Account Number:
Prior Funding Approval: Annual General Budget (Year), Amendments, CIP Budget (Year), or ARPA.
Decision Needed by This date:
PROPOSED/SUGGESTED MOTION
Recommended Action
"I move to Adopt proposed changes to Town Code §2-19 to reflect a chance of the name “Conference Session" to “Work Session,” and I further move to direct the Town Clerk to advertise a Notice of Adoption.”
Or
Other action deemed necessary by Council.