Council Life - Part Two
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So where does a Councilmember fit into the big picture?
The City of Thornton is a home rule city operating under the
Council-Manager form of government. This means that the City Manager, who is hired by the
City Council, actually supervises the various departments and day-to-day activities of the
City. The Council is a policy-making body, responsible for adopting and amending
ordinances affecting the City Code, the collection of laws under which the City operates.
They determine the annual City budget, approve intergovernmental agreements and conduct
public hearings on zoning and other matters.
Rewards of being on Thornton City Council
Serving the community as one of nine Thornton City Councilmembers can be a very rewarding experience.
These dedicated residents have the chance to have a positive impact on our quality of life by working on growth and transportation issues, improving public safety and recreation
opportunities, and encouraging wholesome economic development to benefit the community.
Demands of being on Thornton City Council
As satisfying as it can be to participate in the decisions that
will affect Thornton now and in the future, the position of City Councilmember is not an
easy one. There is a tremendous time commitment involved.
Nearly every Tuesday, Councilmembers participate in meetings that begin at 5:30 p.m. and often last until 10 p.m. or later. They typically work at least one additional event during the week, and spend an average of 3 hours reviewing background information necessary for upcoming Council meetings.
Councilmembers also devote at least six weekends per year to City meetings, community
events, and training conferences away from the City. Moreover, citizens often call Councilmembers at their homes to seek information or express concerns about the City projects or services. It certainly helps to have an understanding employer if you work outside the home, and an even more understanding family.
Councilmember duties include...
- attending two evening Council Meetings and two evening Planning Sessions a month on Tuesday
- breakfast and weekend strategic planning meetings
- participating in groundbreakings, ribbon cuttings and grand openings
- attending conferences away from the City
- taking field trips
- attending community events and Student Drug Awareness & Resistance Education (DARE) graduations
- participation in local, regional and national organizations
- sponsoring ice cream socials and ward meetings three times a year in the evening
General