2.04.130 Representing city positions and personal positions.
(1) Written Communication. In written communication with other officials or groups and in letters for publication, such as “to the editor,” council members should be careful to decide whether to speak only for themselves or for the council.
(a) In speaking for the council:
(i) Prior permission from a majority of the council is required.
(ii) If the communication involves the explanation of a position, policy, practice, or regulation, the draft copy is to be circulated to the council for comment prior to its distribution, unless the council waives this requirement.
(iii) Letters to other elected officials or agencies on city issues shall be discussed with the appropriate city staff so that any efforts the administration is involved in from a lobbying perspective can be effectively coordinated.
(b) In speaking as an individual, a council member is free to take any position which they feel is appropriate. However, when it is a point of view different from a council position, this fact should be included in the letter and the use of city stationery, letterhead, seal or other identifying information is prohibited.
(2) Communication with News Organizations and the Media. The mayor is the designated representative of the council to present and speak on the official city position. Council members are not authorized to represent the city to a news organization or the media unless specifically authorized to do so by a majority of the council. If an individual council member is contacted by a news organization or the media, the council member should be clear about whether their comments represent the official city position or a personal viewpoint. (Ord. 2052 § 1, 2021)