Frequently Asked Questions

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1. How do I become more involved in city government?

Citizens who are interested in becoming more involved in city government may volunteer to serve on one of the many citizen boards and commissions that work with City Council and the various departments.

2. How do I get on the Council's Agenda?

Citizens may address the Council at regular meetings on the issues listed on the Agenda. Regular Council meetings are every other Monday at 7:00 p.m. For items not on the Agenda, a citizen should contact the City Clerk’s Office the Wednesday prior to the meeting, to secure a place on the Agenda. Rules for City Council meetings are established in the Code of Ordinance and are governed by the sections on rules of order.

3. What does the City charter say about the City Clerk?

St. Joseph operates under a Council/Manager form of government first adopted when voters approved the City Charter on August 4, 1981. Under the City Charter, the Mayor and Council members must run for re-election every four years. The City Manager and City Clerk are the two city employees directly under the supervision of the City Council. The City Manager is the chief executive and administrative officer and is responsible for the administrative affairs of the City. The City Clerk is responsible for keeping a record of all Council actions; authenticating by signature all ordinances and resolutions; certification of the ballot to the County Clerk for elections; and other duties established by the City Council.

4. How do I contact a City Council member?

The City Clerk’s Office maintains a list of the Mayor and City Council members’ home addresses and telephone numbers. If you would like to find out which Council member represents the district in which you live, please call 816-271-4730. The City of St. Joseph complies fully with Missouri’s open meetings and open records laws.

5. How do I find out information about public meeting agendas?

For more information on public meeting agendas please contact us at 816-271-4730.

6. When are Council meetings held?

Every other Monday at 5:30 p.m. in the Council Chamber at the City Hall, 1100 Frederick Avenue, St. Joseph, Missouri. The meetings are shown live on cable channel 19 and streamed live here.

7. Are there any rules when attending a Council meeting?

Please click here for a guide to City of St. Joseph Council Meetings.

8. What kind of City (government) is St. Joseph?

St. Joseph is a home rule (charter) city with a "Council-Manager" form of government.

9. When was the first Council meeting held?

The Trustees of the town of St. Joseph held its first meeting on May 8, 1845.

10. What council district do I live in, and who is my district Council member?

The district you live in is based on address. Please contact the City Clerk's office at 271-4730 or 271-4731. They will ask your address and look on the district map to determine your district and council member.