City Council Rules

At a glance

What: the rules that govern Council meetings. The 2024-2025 rules were adopted provisionally for the 2026-2027 term at the inaugural meeting on January 5, 2026, on a motion by Simmons, 9-0.
Where it stands: provisional; the rules say they should be reviewed at the start of each term. Changes need seven days' notice and a majority of the entire Council (Rule 35B).
Next: no change is recorded in the minutes we have.

Quorum is five. Regular meetings are Mondays at 5:30 PM in the Sullivan Chamber, January through June and September through December; all meetings end by midnight. At least six and up to twelve roundtable/working meetings a year, three with the School Committee; no votes (except to adjourn) and no oral public comment at roundtables.
Public comment on regular and special meetings: three minutes; two minutes if 20 or more sign up; one minute if more than 75. Sign-up opens 9:00 AM the Friday before and closes 6:00 PM the day of.
A policy order or resolution needs two sponsors (Rule 20A). Any member can use the Charter Right to postpone a measure one meeting (Rule 19). Consent items are voted together (Rule 23E). Rules may be suspended by a two-thirds vote of the entire Council.
Standing committees: Ordinance and Finance (both committees of the whole), Government Operations, Rules and Claims; Economic Development and University Relations; Housing; Civic Unity; Health and Environment; Human Services and Veterans; Neighborhood and Long Term Planning, Public Facilities, Arts and Celebrations; Public Safety; Transportation and Public Utilities. The Mayor appoints committee chairs.
Recusals must be announced before discussion with the reason stated (Rule 14).

Provisionally adopted 9-0 on Simmons's motion.