[bouldercouncilhotline] Hotline: Cooperative Ordinance Process

[cmosupport at bouldercolorado.gov]

Sender: Young, Mary

To Hotline Subscribers,

I am posting this email for the benefit of community members who are interested in learning about the process council is following for the cooperative housing ordinance.

The process is similar to the one used to develop the short term rental legislation.

First, a little about the typical legislative process. The first step is usually a study session at which council provides input to staff on what a draft ordinance might look like. An ordinance then usually goes through at least two readings. First reading is basically just an introduction, a debut, if you will, in which the public and council can read and then provide feedback to staff. No hearing is held at first reading and the ordinance is usually passed on consent. At first reading, council submits questions to staff, these are answered within the second reading memo. A hearing is held at second reading, council deliberates and then votes on the ordinance. If any changes are made at second reading, the ordinance goes to a third reading at which the ordinance is typically passed on consent. Ordinances can also be voted down at any stage in the process.

In the case of the cooperative housing ordinance, council held discussed direction to staff at a study session earlier this year. An ordinance was drafted and council will hold an atypical public hearing at first reading on May 17. Timing for the second reading will be based on council's direction at first reading. No changes will be made at first reading, but much direction could be provided to staff.

This particular process could be highly iterative. It is possible that the ordinance would undergo third, fourth or even five readings, thus providing the public with much opportunity to provide input. It is also possible that council could decide on some other process altogether.


Of course, anyone can provide input at anytime via email to council at bouldercolorado.gov. The best emails provide thoughtful, constructive input/criticism/feedback.


My colleagues and I look forward to your input as this ordinance begins its journey through the public input phase.


Regards,


Mary Dolores Young
Mayor Pro Tem
Boulder City Council
303-501-2439

"All ethics . . . rest upon a single premise: that the individual is a member of a community of interdependent parts . . ." - Aldo Leopold