List of local government legislative lingo

Glossary of Terms/Phrases frequently used for City Council Agenda, Meetings and Minutes.

Clerk

A staff member who prepares the agenda, manages documents, gives Council advice about the rules, takes minutes, etc.

Usage: “I’ve asked the clerk, and she agrees that this motion is in order.”

Mayor

A councilor, elected by Council at the first meeting, whose job is to run the meetings and make sure the rules are being followed. The Mayor presides over meetings, calls special meetings, makes some appointments to advisory boards and serves as the ceremonial head of government. They are referred to as Madam, Mr., or perhaps Mx. Mayor.

Usage: “The Mayor must always be impartial.”

Meeting

Three members, or a quorum if less than three. Va. Code Ann. § 2.2-3701

Quorum

The minimum number of councilors necessary to have a meeting — according to the rules, a simple majority (3 for council meetings).

Recess

A short break, or to take a short break.

Usage: "I’m calling a five-minute recess so everyone can calm down."

Recorded vote

When councilors vote by pressing buttons, thus recording it electronically, rather than with a show of hands. Any councilor can demand any vote be recorded.

Usage: "I didn’t see who voted No on that motion; it wasn’t a recorded vote."

Sunset provision

A statute or provision of a statute establishing a date on which an agency, law, or benefit will expire without specific legislative action, usually in the form of formal re-authorization by council.

Term

The length of time that councilors are elected to serve. A term is four years long.

Vice-mayor

The Vice Mayor substitutes whenever the Mayor is not available.