Meetings/Parliamentary Procedure
Local governments transact business through meetings.  The general rule of thumb is to conduct the public’s business in public. Deliberate so that constituents know how and why decisions are made. City and village councils should adopt rules of procedure to expedite business and provide fair and open deliberation. Rules of procedure describe the processes for councils, clerks, city administrators and citizens to bring matters before the council. The council or commission meeting is the final step in meeting community needs. Here, under public scrutiny, the municipal lawmaker must transact the business of the community based on established priorities and data that have been gathered and analyzed.

Resources

League Publications

Fact Sheets

Open Meetings Act: Calling Closed Meetings
Open Meetings Act: Closed-Meeting Minutes
Open Meetings Act: Definitions and Requirements
Open Meetings Act: Email Quorum
Open Meetings Act: Posting Requirements
Public Hearings
The Use of Work Sessions by Legislative Bodies
GLV Procedural Questions
Successful Meetings – CH 6 Handbook for Municipal Officials
Ten Things Every Municipality Should Know About the Open Meetings Act, the Review, January/February 2024

Meetings:  Agendas and Minutes (electronic book)
Guide to Audience Participation, City of Ypsilanti
Personal Appearance Request Form, City of Saginaw
Council Interview Questions, Village of Mattawan
Council Application form, Village of Pinckney
Sample Council Rule (city and village samples)

Sample Charter Provisions:
Meeting Attendance, City of South Haven
Meeting Attendance, City of Tecumseh