2014.12.22 Council Agenda Item 9
Summary
Discussion about Council Rules with particular attention to Section 16 Paragraph B, Motion for Reconsideration.
A public comment period will not be included with this item.
ACTION: Council action is not anticipated.
Description
The Council discussed its rules of procedure at its 2014 annual work planning retreat. The Council raised concerns about two specific rules including the following:
1) Motion to call for the previous question; and
2) Motion for reconsideration of a previous decision.
Section 212 of the Town Charter grants the Council the power to establish its own rules and makes no demands regarding the basis for these rules. Specific to motions for reconsideration, Section 213 of the Charter permits the Council to enact rules for the re-introduction of defeated ordinances.
The Council decided to spend time on these rules later in the year. Council Chair Farber has taken the time to review the current Rules, Town Charter and Roberts Rules of Order Newly Revised. The attached memo, prepared by Councilor Farber, specifically looks at a “motion to reconsider”. The Council will review a “motion to call for the previous question” at a later date
