Timnath Town Council
Timnath is a Home Rule municipality with a Council-Town Manager form of government. The Town Council establishes policies and provides direction for the Town, while the Town Manager oversees the day-to-day operations.
Timnath’s Town Council consists of five elected members: four Councilmembers and the Mayor. All five members are elected at-large, meaning they are elected by voters throughout the Town rather than representing individual council districts. Council terms are four years and staggered, which means that not all Council seats are up for election at the same time.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I make a comment at a Town Council Meeting?
Your opportunity to speak about an item or topic depends on where the item is listed on the agenda or whether it is listed on the agenda at all.
A. YOUR ITEM IS NOT ON THE AGENDA
After Roll Call and Amendments to the Agenda, time is set aside for the public to speak to the Town Council about items that are not specifically listed on the agenda. Public Comment is limited to three minutes per person.
B. YOUR ITEM IS ON THE BUSINESS AGENDA
Specific time for public input is provided for each Business Agenda item that includes a public hearing. Each Business Agenda item begins with a staff presentation on the topic. If the item relates to a development application, staff will address the application’s location, conformance with Town standards, and the Land Use Code. The applicant will then present their application, when applicable. The staff and applicant presentations give the public an opportunity to hear information about the item before providing comments. This allows you to address information discussed during the presentations in your comments.
After all public testimony is complete, the Town Council may ask questions of the applicant or staff to address issues or questions raised during the public testimony.
C. YOUR ITEM IS ON THE CONSENT AGENDA
Items on the Consent Agenda are generally considered routine matters with no known opposition or concerns and are considered for approval as a group. The use of a Consent Agenda allows the Town Council to spend more time discussing items that are controversial or require additional discussion.
If an item is placed on the Consent Agenda, there is generally no presentation or discussion of the item unless it is “pulled” and moved to the Business Agenda.
At the beginning of the Consent Agenda portion of the meeting, the Mayor or presiding officer will ask if anyone wishes to “pull” an item for discussion. Anyone present may request that an item be pulled. If an item is pulled, it is removed from the Consent Agenda and moved to the Business Agenda for discussion and consideration.
Why can’t I speak with a Planning Commissioner, Town Council Member, or the Mayor about a development prior to a public hearing?
Communication between a citizen and the Planning Commission, Town Council, or Mayor that occurs outside of a public hearing may be considered “ex parte communication.” It means any material oral or written communication relevant to the merits of a proceeding that is neither on the record nor provided with reasonable prior notice to all parties.
One of the most important roles of a Planning Commissioner, Town Council Member, or Mayor is to be an objective, fair-minded representative of the community. Land use and development projects often generate strong opinions and differing perspectives from residents, applicants, and other members of the community. When a project is in certain phases of development, unfortunately, Commissioners, Council Members, and the Mayor may be unable to comment on or discuss the merits of those projects outside of the formal public process.
Click here to view slides from the Feb. 14, 2023, Work Session on Ex Parte Communications.
What is a Home Rule Charter?
The Town of Timnath Home Rule Charter establishes Timnath as a Town and defines the specific authorities of the Town Council and administrators. The Charter also sets forth guidelines and processes for legislation, financing, and providing specific services within Timnath. We were empowered to make our own charter as a Town, and our community is empowered to make changes and must approve any changes by a majority vote.
What’s the difference between our Home Rule Charter and the Municipal Code?
The Timnath Home Rule Charter and the Timnath Municipal Code are two distinct documents that govern the Town of Timnath.
| Headers | Charter | Code |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose/Overview | Establishes the Town of Timnath Defines the Town’s authorities and the role of elected officials. | Establishes enforceable ordinances (curfews, building codes, etc.) Organizes the city’s administration (establishes a sales tax, etc.) |
| Changes by Town Council | Council may only amend the Charter with voter approval. | Council may change the Code with or without voter approval. |
| Changes by the voters | Residents may petition Council to place a question on the ballot. | Residents may petition Council to adopt an ordinance or place a question on the ballot. |