Gulf Shores, Ala. — (GSN) — If you've attended a Gulf Shores City Council meeting, you've heard votes on ordinances and resolutions. They sound similar, but they have different purposes. City Clerk Tobi Waters explains the difference in a Government 101 video released by the city. Knowing the distinction can help residents better follow the local government.

Work sessions are held on the 1st and 3rd Mondays of each month. Regular council meetings occur on the 2nd and 4th Mondays. All meetings start at 4 p.m. at Gulf Shores City Hall, 1905 West 1st Street, and are open to the public.

Ordinances are actions of a permanent nature. They establish, amend, or repeal city laws. Examples include setting speed limits, allowing golf cart use on certain roads, and approving traffic signs. Any change to property zoning is also done by ordinance and requires a public hearing first.

Resolutions function differently. They serve as a formal statement of opinion or policy. They can also authorize actions that are more temporary. Examples include accepting a grant, appointing a board member, awarding a bid, or approving a proposal.

The simplest way to distinguish them is this: ordinances create or modify the laws that residents follow, while resolutions address the city's everyday decisions. One has a lasting impact; the other addresses a specific need or moment.

Some ordinances carry extra importance. Any proposal to rezone property must go through a public hearing before the council can vote. That step allows residents to speak up before a permanent change to city law is made.

Meeting agendas are posted in advance at gulfshoresAL.gov, Gulf Shores City Hall, the Bodenhamer Recreation Center, and the Gulf Shores Public Library. Residents who cannot attend in person can watch meetings live on Facebook or YouTube.