Town Council

What Is A Town Council?

Town Council Generally

The powers of a town council in Indiana to establish policy are quite broad. Essentially, councils may undertake any action related to town affairs other than those forbidden or preempted by state or federal law. The Council acts as a body. No member has any extraordinary powers beyond those of other members. While the Council President and Vice President have additional ceremonial and administrative responsibilities as described below, in the establishment of policies, voting, and in other significant areas, all members are equal. It is also important to note that policy is established by at least a majority vote of the Council. While individual members may disagree with decisions of the majority, a decision of the majority does bind the Council to a course of action. In turn, it is the staff’s responsibility to uphold the Council's policy. Actions of staff to pursue the policy direction established by a majority of Council do not reflect any bias against Council members who held a minority opinion on an issue. Council members are encouraged to participate and provide leadership in regional, state, and national programs and meetings. Council members are strongly encouraged to report to the council on matters discussed at subcommittees and other regional, state, and national board/agency/group activities in which they have been involved.

Organization of Town Council

The Town Council shall organize itself by electing a President and Vice President at its first meeting held during each calendar year. If the President and/or Vice President are not elected at the first meeting of the calendar year, the President and/or Vice President will continue to serve until an election is held. In a new year where Council Members remain the same, the Council may elect the President and Vice President at their last meeting of the previous year. The result will be noted in the first meeting of the New Year, with the minutes reflecting the election results. If the President or Vice President resigns or dies, the Town Council shall elect a successor among the remaining Council Members to complete such officer’s term of office.

Role of the Council President and Vice President

Council President
As outlined in the municipal code, the Council President presides over all Town Council meetings and performs additional duties as assigned by the Council. The President does not hold veto power. In their role as presiding officer, the Council President is responsible for accurately conveying the majority will of the Council on matters of policy. Additionally, the President serves as the official representative of the Town for ceremonial purposes.

The Council elects the President annually. By tradition, the Council President also collaborates with the Town Manager to develop meeting agendas, as described in Chapter 8. This coordination focuses on the timing and volume of agenda items to ensure efficient meetings. However, this role does not grant the President unilateral authority to indefinitely delay items. Any significant disagreements regarding scheduling must be resolved by the full Town Council.

Council Vice President
The Council Vice President assumes the duties of the Council President in the event of the President’s absence or incapacity. Like the President, the Vice President is elected annually by the Town Council.

Appointment of Town Manager & Town Attorney

The Town Council appoints two positions within the town organization: Town Manager and Town Attorney. Both positions serve at the will of the Town Council. The Town Manager is a Town employee. The Town Manager is responsible for all other personnel appointments within the Town except the police department (Police Chief) and the Clerk-Treasurer’s Office (Clerk-Treasurer). All appointments are subject to the approval of the Town Council.

Appointment of Advisory Bodies and Standing Committees

The Town Council currently maintains one standing committee: the Emergency Preparedness Committee. Each committee shall consist of no more than two (2) Town Council members, who will serve as co-chairs. Committees are authorized to conduct investigations and hold hearings as needed on matters within their scope. Any recommendations resulting from these activities shall be reported to the full Town Council.

Appointments to standing committees are made by the Town Council President at the first Council meeting of the calendar year or at the time a new committee is formed.

To ensure proper recordkeeping, any documents related to Town business that are provided to a committee must be submitted to the Town Manager or Clerk-Treasurer within twenty-four (24) hours.

No individual may engage in negotiations, agreements, or fact-finding on behalf of the Town of Fortville without documented approval from either the Town Council or the Town Manager.

In addition to its committees, the Town has one standing commission established by State Statute and Town Code: the Redevelopment Commission.

The Design Review Board was established by the Town Council to oversee the review process for development and subdivision control. This board consists of non-political members and evaluates proposals based solely on their technical merits.

In addition, the Town Council frequently appoints special-purpose citizen committees and task forces to address specific issues of public interest. These groups are encouraged as a means of fostering community involvement.

The following procedures outline the Town Council’s policy for appointing volunteer citizens to various advisory bodies. These procedures are designed to ensure that qualified, responsible, and committed individuals are selected to serve the Town and actively participate in its governance. They apply to all appointments and reappointments to standing advisory bodies.

Qualifications: A member must be knowledgeable of and experienced in the areas of interest of the board/commission on which he/she wishes to serve. Residency requirements are outlined in the State Statute and Town Code. Names to be considered for appointment will be submitted to the Town Council, while seated commission members may request that the Council seek certain qualifications from new appointees; only the Council shall review applications and make appointments to commissions.

Council Values and Guiding Principles

The Council is committed to upholding the following core values in its work and interactions:

Energetic and Open-Minded: Members approach their responsibilities with enthusiasm, creativity, and a willingness to consider diverse perspectives.
Respect and Compassion: Mutual respect and genuine care for one another are foundational to all Council relationships.
Transparency and Integrity: Communication is direct and honest, with no hidden agendas.
Positive Spirit: A sense of humor and lightheartedness are encouraged to foster a collaborative and enjoyable environment.
Respect for Tradition with Flexibility: While traditions are honored, they do not constrain progress or innovation.