Overview

The Lowell City Council consists of five councilors elected from the city at large.  At each biennial general election, two or three council positions are voted on, each for a four-year term. At its first meeting of each odd-numbered year, the council elects a mayor and council president from its membership by approval of a majority of its incumbent members. 

Duties of the Mayor

The mayor is the chairperson of the council and presides over its deliberations. The position has all voting rights of the council and is responsible for preserving order, enforcing the rules of the council, and determining the order of business under the rules of the council.

Duties of the Council President

The council president presides over meetings in the absence of the mayor. In addition, whenever the mayor is unable to perform the functions of the office, the president shall act as mayor and sign proceedings, ordinances, bonds, licenses, contracts, or proposals in the mayor’s absence. 

Meeting Schedule

On the first Tuesday of each month, the City Council holds either a work session or regular meeting. Work Sessions are held for the City Council to receive background information on City business and to give Council members an opportunity to ask questions and express their individual views. No decisions are made, and no votes are taken on any agenda item. The public is invited to attend, however, there is generally no public comment period.

Regular Meetings are held the third Tuesday of each month. Members of the public are invited to attend to observe, ask questions, provide input and learn more about city operations. The concurrence of a majority of the members of the council present is required to decide any question before the council. The City may exercise fully all of its powers possible under United States and Oregon Law. Except as otherwise prescribed in the City of Lowell Charter, and as the Oregon Constitution reserves municipal legislative power to the voters of the city, all powers of the City are vested in the Council.

Public Records Grievance Procedure

Grievances (under ORS 192.705 for a Public Meetings Law violation) alleging a violation of the Public Meetings law may be made to the City Clerk or City Administrator during regular business hours, Monday through Thursday, 8:00 am through 5:30 pm. In addition, grievances may be submitted by email or first-class mail using the contact information listed on the website and directed to either the City Clerk or City Administrator.

Councilors may be reached by calling City Hall at (541) 937-2157 or through the contact information below.