City Council Membership

Overview

The function of the City Council is to act as the community's legislative and policymaking body. Board members are responsible for operational tasks, such as the approval of a yearly fiscal budget, entering into legal contracts, passing ordinances and resolutions, and creating and implementing City policies. They are also responsible for establishing short- and long-term goals of the community. This includes major projects, such as those that would institute our Master Plan and Capital Improvements Plan.

The City Council is responsible for making the final decisions on most issues or topics, but it will look to commissions for advice, background information, and analysis. As the elected body, the City Council has discretion to accept advice in full, in part, or not at all. 

The Council is also elected to listen to and represent the citizens of St. Ignace and respond to their needs and complaints. 

Desired Background

The only formal membership requirements are that the Council shall consist of 6 councilmembers and a Mayor. Each councilmember serves a four-year period, alternating every two years in conjunction with the Mayoral election. Any City resident in good standing with the City may run for office, provided that they are a registered voter in the City and have been a City resident for two full years.

Members should have a general interest in or working knowledge of local government, public service, community development, finance, policymaking, and community relations. Members should also be knowledgeable and understand the properties, facilities, and programming offered by the City, as well as its functions and governing laws and documents. 

Expectations

Members are expected to

  1. Attend all meetings,
  2. Review all materials before meetings,
  3. Review the City budget, policies, and program plans,
  4. Follow the Council's bylaws,
  5. Have a working knowledge of local government and governing documents,
  6. Discuss and analyze the impact and consequences of their decisions, and
  7. Complete trainings to stay up-to-date.