Introducing a File by Title Only
TIP: A file with incomplete body text can be added to an agenda for introduction by title only.
Due to timelines and deadlines, staff will sometimes need to get a file onto the Council agenda for introduction, but complete details for the file are not yet available. In this situation, staff can prepare the file for introduction BY TITLE ONLY, with only title, referrals, and sponsor necessary for introduction. A file introduced by title only is missing the body text (or may have incomplete body text) at the time of introduction.
There are a few unique process requirements that should be followed when a file is introduced by title only.
- Add BY TITLE ONLY: to the beginning of the title (this should be in all caps as shown).
- List the date the file was introduced in the Notes field of the Details tab, i.e.:
Introduced BY TITLE ONLY on …
NOTE: Files that are missing body text should not be routed for finance review for a fiscal note until the body text is complete.
Next steps after the file has been introduced
NOTE: Do not change the file’s version number when editing a file to add body text. Adding body text to a file introduced BY TITLE ONLY is simply adding in the missing information in order to complete the file.
- Add the complete body text into the file.
- Remove BY TITLE ONLY: from the title.
- Add finance review via the Approval Tracking tab (refer to Fiscal Note and ATS Review for more information).
The file should be complete (body text added, BY TITLE ONLY removed, fiscal note added) before appearing on the next agenda – whether going to a committee for consideration or the Common Council for action.