FOLEY — Come Monday, things will look a little different in Foley City Council meetings. That’s because this week ushers in a new form of government for the city leaders.

Foley City Administrator Mike Thompson explained that the previous form is what is typically referred to as “strong mayor, weak council.”

“The mayor chairs and has a vote in council meetings,” he said in an interview.

However, the new form will feature a different city leader chairing proceedings.

“The council will select a president and vice president,” Thompson said.

He explained that the mayor’s role will be different, as well.

“The mayor would not vote on items,” Thompson said. “But the mayor does have veto power. Then the council could override that with a super majority.”

In addition, the city administrator added that both he and Koniar will sit to the side of the council at proceedings, instead of in the center of them.

The change is spurred by state law, which requires what is commonly deemed a “weak mayor, strong council” form of government be implemented once a municipality reaches a population of 12,000. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Foley surpassed that in the 2010 Census with a population of 14,618.

“We’re waiting until now because you change over during the next election,” Thompson explained.

Because of that change, the need for Mayor John Koniar’s presence at proceedings won’t be as dire.

“The mayor doesn’t even have to go to council meetings,” Thompson said. “But our council wants it. The council members value the mayor’s input.”

He added that Koniar also valued council input during the “strong mayor, weak council” form of government, citing city appointments as an example.

The new government will launch at 2:30 p.m. Monday with an organizational meeting in the Council Conference Room. Thompson pointed out that because no president has yet been appointed, Foley City Clerk Vickey Southern will open the meeting.

“Once they (council members) make a selection, she will hand over the gavel,” he said.

Although it’s not a usual duty for Southern, she’s not fazed by leading Monday’s meeting.

“It’s just another duty of the city clerk,” she said in an interview.

Thompson estimated the organizational meeting to last approximately 40 minutes. It will then be followed by a regular council work session at 4 p.m. and regular meeting at 5:30 p.m.