§ 2-07. Council meetings and rules.

A.

The council shall meet regularly at least twice a month at intervals of at least two weeks at such times and places as the council may prescribe. Special meetings may be held on the call of the president, the chief administrative officer in the absence of the president, the presiding officer of the council, or one-third of the membership of the council with such notice as may be required by state law. To meet a public emergency affecting life, health, property, or public safety, the council may meet upon call of the president, the chief administrative officer in the absence of the president, the presiding officer of the council, or one-third of the membership of the council at whatever notice it shall be convenient to give. The call convening a special or emergency meeting of the council shall state the objects of the meeting. The power of the council to act at a special or emergency meeting shall be limited, under penalty of nullity, to the objects specifically enumerated in the call.

B.

All meetings of the council and its committees shall be open to the public in accordance with the provisions of general state law.

C.

The council shall conduct its business in accordance with Robert's Rules of Order and shall provide for keeping a journal of its minutes and proceedings. This journal shall be a public record. All official actions of the council shall be published in the official journal within 30 days of the action taken.

D.

At all regular meetings of the council, the council shall operate from an agenda which, at a minimum, shall be posted in writing in the major population centers of the parish at least two days prior to the meeting. The agenda for special and emergency meetings shall be made available to the public as soon as practical prior to the meeting.

E.

The council shall provide by ordinance a procedure whereby interested persons shall be given an opportunity to be heard at council meetings on any matter relating to parish government in accordance with time limits established by the council.

F.

At the first regular meeting of a newly elected council and annually thereafter, a chairman and vice-chairman shall be elected by the council from among the council members. In the event some council members are elected at large, the chairman and vice-chairman shall be selected from those council members elected at large in the parish. The chairman shall preside at meetings of the council, and in the absence or disqualification of the chairman, the vice-chairman shall preside. In the absence or disqualification of both the chairman and vice-chairman, the council shall designate one of its other members as temporary presiding officer. The chairman, vice-chairman, and temporary presiding officer shall be voting members of the council. The chairman shall receive additional compensation of $50.00 per month.

G.

All voting on ordinances and resolutions shall be recorded in the minutes of the council by the individual vote of each council member. Not less than a majority of the membership of the council shall constitute a quorum to transact business, but if a quorum is lost during a meeting, a smaller number may recess from time to time and compel the attendance of absent members in the manner and subject to the penalties prescribed by council rules.

H.

Voting by secret ballot is prohibited and any such vote is null and void.