HomeMy WebLinkAbout01.e. Overview of Parliamentary Procedures Page 1 of 12
Item e.
CENTRALSAN
jdf A- hom
CENTRAL CONTRA COSTA SANITARY DISTRICT
January 14, 2021
TO: HONORABLE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
FROM: KATIE YOUNG, SECRETARYOF THE DISTRICT
REVIEWED BY: ROGER S. BAILEY, GENERAL MANAGER
SUBJECT: OVERVIEW OF CENTRAL SAN PARLIAMENTARY PROCEDURES - BOARD
POLICY NO. BP 012 - PARLIAMENTARY PROCEDURES (ROSENBERG'S
RULES OF ORDER, AS MODIFIED)
Attached is Board Policy No. BP 012 - Parliamentary Procedures. This policy was adopted in 2014 and
contains Rosenberg's Rules of Order, as modified.
ATTACHMENTS:
1. BP 012 - Parliamentary Procedures
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Number: BP 012
Authority: Board of Directors
Effective: January 9, 2014 (Resolution 2014-005)
Revised: —
Reviewed: April 16, 2019
Initiating Dept./Div.: Administration CENTRALSAN
BOARD POLICY
PARLIAMENTARY PROCEDURES
PURPOSE
To adopt a set of parliamentary procedures to assist in conducting meetings of the
Board of Directors in an orderly fashion with rules that establish order, are easy to
understand, and preserve the will of the majority while protecting the rights of the
minority.
POLICY
The proceedings of the Board shall be governed by the provisions of law applicable
thereto and by Rosenberg's Rules of Order, as modified and incorporated herein by
reference.
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RESOLUTION NO. 2014-005
A RESOLUTION OF THE CENTRAL CONTRA COSTA SANITARY DISTRICT
ADOPTING ROSENBERG'S RULES OF ORDER,
WITH MODIFICATIONS, AS THE PARLIAMENTARY PROCEDURE
FOR THE CONDUCT OF BOARD MEETINGS
WHEREAS, the Board of Directors requested that the Policy Development and Internal
Operations Committee look at options for possible adoption of a set of parliamentary
procedures to assist with the conduct of District Board meetings; and
WHEREAS, staff obtained information on the three most commonly-used sets of procedures:
Roberts Rules of Order, Sturgis, and Rosenberg's Rules of Order; and
WHEREAS, at its meeting of October 15, 2013, the Policy Development and Internal
Operations Committee reviewed and compared the three options; and
WHEREAS, the Policy Development and Internal Operations Committee recommended
adoption of Rosenberg's Rules of Order as the most suitable for District Board meetings; and
WHEREAS, District Counsel has amended the rules to clarify voting requirements and how
abstentions are counted.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of Directors of the Central
Contra Costa Sanitary District as follows:
1. The Board hereby adopts Rosenberg's Rules of Order, as amended, as the set of
parliamentary procedures that will govern the conduct of Board meetings.
PASSED AND ADOPTED this 9th day of January, 2014, by the Board of Directors of the
District by the following vote:
AYES: Members: Causey, McGill, Nejedly, Pilecki, Williams
NOES: Members: None
ABSENT: Members: None
&X_�4
David R. Williams
President of the Board of Directors
Central Contra Costa Sanitary District
COU SIGNED: County of Contra Costa, State of California
Elaine R. Boehme, CMC
Secretary of the District
Central Contra Costa Sanitary District
County of Contra Costa, State df Califor to
Approved as to form:
Kenton L. Al q.
Counsel for the District
January 14, 2021 Special Board Meeting Agenda Packet- Page 17 of 149
n
�Y
r•
■
Rosenberg' s Rules of Order
REVISED 2011
Simple Rules of Parliamentary Procedure for the 21st Century
As revised by
District Counsel
By Judge Dave Rosenberg
As adopted by Central Contra
Costa Sanitary Board 1/9/14
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
About the Author ....................................................... ii
Introduction ............................................................ 2
Establishing a Quorum ................................................ 2
The Role of the Chair ................................................. 2
The Basic Format for an Agenda Item Discussion ................ 2
Motions in General .................................................... 3
The Three Basic Motions .............................................. 3
Multiple Motions Before the Body .................................. 4
To Debate or Not to Debate .......................................... 4
Majority and Super-Majority Votes ................................. 5
CountingVotes ......................................................... 5
The Motion to Reconsider ............................................ 6
Courtesy and Decorum ................................................ 7
Special Notes About Public Input ................................... 7
1
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Nor"
— -�
L OF A[U
CITIES
MISSION AND CORE BELIEFS
To expand and protect local control for cities through education and advocacy to enhance the quality of life for all Californians.
VISION
To be recognized and respected as the leading advocate for the common interests of California's cities.
About the league of Califomia Cities
Established in 1898,the League of California Cities is a member organization that represents California's incorporated cities.
The League strives to protect the local authority and automony of city government and help California's cities effectively
serve their residents.In addition to advocating on cities'behalf at the state capitol,the League provides its members with
professional development programs and information resources,conducts education conferences and research,and publishes
Western City magazine.
6 2011 League ofCalifarnia Cities.All rights reserved
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Dave Rosenberg is a Superior Court Judge in Yolo County.He has served as presiding judge of his court,and as
presiding judge of the Superior Court Appellate Division.He also has served as chair of the Trial Court Presiding Judges
Advisory Committee(the committee composed of all 58 California presiding judges)and as an advisory member of the
California Judicial Council.Prior to his appointment to the bench,Rosenberg was member of the Yolo County Board of
Supervisors,where he served two terms as chair.Rosenberg also served on the Davis City Council,including two terms
as mayor.He has served on the senior staff of two governors,and worked for 19 years in private law practice.Rosenberg
has served as a member and chair of numerous state,regional and local boards.Rosenberg chaired the California State
Lottery Commission,the California Victim Compensation and Government Claims Board,the Yolo-Solano Air Quality
Management District,the Yolo County Economic Development Commission,and the Yolo County Criminal Justice
Cabinet.For many years,he has taught classes on parliamentary procedure and has served as parliamentarian for large
and small bodies.
I1
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INTRODUCTION
Establishing a Quorum
The rules of procedure at meetings should be simple enough for The starting point for a meeting is the establishment of a quorum.
most people to understand.Unfortunately,that has not always A quorum is defined as the minimum number of members of the
been the case.Virtually all clubs,associations,boards,councils body who must be present at a meeting for business to be legally
and bodies follow a set of rules -•Robert's Rules of Order— transacted.The default rule is that a quorum is one more than
which are embodied in a small,but complex,book.Virtually no half the body.For example,in afive-member body a quorum is
one I know has actually read this book cover to cover.Worse yet, three.When the body has three members present,it can legally
the book was written for another time and for another purpose.If transact business.If the body has less than a quorum of members
one is chairing or running a parliament, then Robert's Rules of present,it cannot legally transact business.And even if the body
Order is a dandy and quite useful handbook for procedure in that has a quorum to begin the meeting,the body can lose the quorum
complex setting.On the other hand,if one is running a meeting during the meeting when a member departs(or even when a
of say,afive-member body with a few members of the public in member leaves the dais).When that occurs the body loses its
attendance,a simplified version of the rules of parliamentary ability to transact business until and unless a quorum is
procedure is in order. reestablished.
Hence,the birth of Rosenberg's Rules of Order. The default rule,identified above,however,gives way to a
specific rule of the body that establishes a quorum.For example,
What follows is my version of the rules of parliamentary the rules of a particular five-member body may indicate that a
procedure,based on my decades of experience chairing meetings quorum is four members for that particular body.The body must
in state and local government.These rules have been simplified follow the rules it has established for its quorum.In the absence
for the smaller bodies we chair on in which we participate, of such a specific rule,the quorum is one more than half the
slimmed down for the 21st Century,yet retaining the basic tenets members of the body.
of order to which we have grown accustomed. Interestingly
enough,Rosenberg's Rules has found a welcoming audience.
Hundreds of cities,counties,special districts,committees, The Role of the Chair
boards,commissions, neighborhood associations and private
corporations and companies have adopted Rosenberg's Rules in While all members of the body should know and understand the
lieu of Robert's Rules because they have found them practical, rules of parliamentary procedure, it is the chair of the body who
logical,simple,easy to learn and user friendly. is charged with applying the rules of conduct of the meeting.The
chair should be well versed in those rules.For all intents and
This treatise on modern parliamentary procedure is built on a purposes,the chair makes the final ruling on the rules every time
foundation supported by the following four pillars: and the chair states an action. In fact,all decisions by the chair
1. Rules should establish order.The first purpose of rules are final unless overruled by the body itself.
of parliamentary procedure is to establish a framework Since the chair runs the conduct of the meeting,it is usual
for the orderly conduct of meetings. courtesy for the chair to play a less active role in the debate and
2. Rules should be clear.Simple rules lead to wider discussion than other members of the body.This does not mean
understanding and participation.Complex rules create that the chair should not participate in the debate or discussion.
two classes:those who understand and participate;and To the contrary,as a member of the body,the chair has the full
those who do not fully understand and do not fully right to participate in the debate,discussion and decision-making
participate. of the body.What the chair should do,however,is strive to be
the last to speak at the discussion and debate stage.The chair
3. Rules should be user friendly.That is,the rules must should not make or second a motion unless the chair is convinced
be simple enough that the public is invited into the body that no other member of the body will do so at that point in time.
and feels that it has participated in the process.
4. Rules should enforce the will of the majority while
protecting the rights of the minority.The ultimate The Basic Format for an Agenda Item Discussion
purpose of rules of procedure is to encourage discussion Formal meetings normally have a written,often published
and to facilitate decision making by the body.In a agenda.Informal meetings may have only an oral or understood
democracy,majority rules.The rules must enable the agenda.In either case,the meeting is governed by the agenda and
majority to express itself and fashion a result, while the agenda constitutes the body's agreed-upon roadmap for the
permitting the minority to also express itself,but not meeting.Each agenda item can be handled by the chair in the
dominate,while fully participating in the process. following basic format:
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First, the chair should clearly announce the agenda item number Ninth,the chair takes a vote.Simply asking for the"ayes"and
and should clearly state what the agenda item subject is.The then asking for the"nays"normally does this.If members of the
chair should then announce the format(which follows)that will body do not vote,then they"abstain."Unless the rules of the
be followed in considering the agenda item. body provide otherwise(or unless a super majority is required as
Second, following that agenda format,the chair should invite the delineated later in these rules), then a simple majority(as defined
appropriate person or persons to report on the item,including any in law or the rules of the body as delineated later in these rules)
recommendation that they might have.The appropriate person or determines whether the motion passes or is defeated.
persons may be the chair,a member of the body,a staff person, Tenth,the chair should announce the result of the vote and what
or a committee chair charged with providing input on the agenda action(if any)the body has taken.In announcing the result,the
item. chair should indicate the names of the members of the body,if
Third, the chair should ask members of the body if they have any any, who voted in the minority on the motion.This
technical questions of clarification. At this point, members of the announcement might take the following form: "The motion
body may ask clarifying questions to the person or persons who passes by a vote of 3-2, with Smith and Jones dissenting.We
reported on the item,and that person or persons should be given have passed the motion requiring a 10-day notice for all future
time to respond. meetings of this body."
Fourth,the chair should invite public comments,or if
appropriate at a formal meeting,should open the public meeting Motions in General
for public input.If numerous members of the public indicate a
desire to speak to the subject,the chair may limit the time of Motions are the vehicles for decision making by a body.It is
public speakers.At the conclusion of the public comments,the usually best to have a motion before the body prior to
chair should announce that public input has concluded(or the commencing discussion of an agenda item.This helps the body
public hearing,as the case may be, is closed). focus.
Fifth,the chair should invite a motion.The chair should Motions are made in a simple two-step process.First,the chair
announce the name of the member of the body who makes the should recognize the member of the body.Second,the member
motion. of the body makes a motion by preceding the member's desired
Sixth,the chair should determine if any member of the body approach with the words"I move ..."
wishes to second the motion.The chair should announce the A typical motion might be: "I move that we give a 10-day notice
name of the member of the body who seconds the motion.It is in the future for all our meetings."
normally good practice for a motion to require a second before The chair usually initiates the motion in one of three ways:
proceeding to ensure that it is not just one member of the body
who is interested in a particular approach.,IiBwe ef,a sere-1 1. Inviting the members of the body to make a motion,
ffeA-an-abseluterequir .,nn_,r., ........ for example,"A motion at this time would be in order."
e809iera and veie an ..,.antero
,.nr�r This � ..,����-+..r...+.-_+_---�_even..��� 2. Suggesting a motion to the members of the body,"A
s
motion would be in order that we give a 10-day notice
Seventh,if the motion is made and seconded,the chair should in the future for all our meetings."
make sure everyone understands the motion. 3. Making the motion.As noted,the chair has every right
This is done in one of three ways: as a member of the body to make a motion,but should
normally do so only if the chair wishes to make a
1. The chair can ask the maker of the motion to repeat it; motion on an item but is convinced that no other
2. The chair can repeat the motion;or member of the body is willing to step forward to do so
3. The chair can ask the secretary or the clerk of the body at a particular time.
to repeat the motion.
Eighth,the chair should now invite discussion of the motion by The Three Basic Motions
the body.If there is no desired discussion,or after the discussion There are three motions that are the most common and recur
has ended,the chair should announce that the body will vote on often at meetings:
the motion.If there has been no discussion or very brief
discussion,then the vote on the motion should proceed The basic motion.The basic motion is the one that puts forward
immediately and there is no need to repeat the motion.If there a decision for the body's consideration.A basic motion might be:
has been substantial discussion,then it is normally best to make "I move that we create a five-member committee to plan and put
sure everyone understands the motion by repeating it. on our annual fundraiser."
3
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The motion to amend.If a member wants to change a basic First,the chair would deal with the third(the last) motion on the
motion that is before the body,they would move to amend it.A floor,the substitute motion.After discussion and debate,a vote
motion to amend might be: "I move that we amend the motion to would be taken first on the third motion.If the substitute motion
have a 10-member committee."A motion to amend takes the passed,it would be a substitute for the basic motion and would
basic motion that is before the body and seeks to change it in eliminate it.The first motion would be moot,as would the
some way. second motion(which sought to amend the first motion),and the
The substitute motion.If a member wants to completely do action on the agenda item would be completed on the passage by
away with the basic motion that is before the body,and put a new the body of the third motion(the substitute motion).No vote
motion before the body, they would move a substitute motion.A Would be taken on the first or second motions.
substitute motion might be: "I move a substitute motion that we Second, if the substitute motion failed,the chair would then deal
cancel the annual fundraiser this year." with the second(now the last)motion on the floor,the motion to
"Motions to amend"and"substitute motions"are often confused, amend.The discussion and debate would focus strictly on the
but they are quite different, and their effect(if passed)is quite amendment(should the committee be five or 10 members).If the
different.A motion to amend seeks to retain the basic motion on motion to amend passed,the chair would then move to consider
the floor,but modify it in some way.A substitute motion seeks to the main motion(the first motion)as amended.If the motion to
throw out the basic motion on the floor, and substitute a new and amend failed,the chair would then move to consider the main
different motion for it.The decision as to whether a motion is motion(the first motion)in its original format,not amended.
really a"motion to amend"or a"substitute motion" is left to the Third, the chair would now deal with the first motion that was
chair.So if a member makes what the member calls a"motion to placed on the floor.The original motion would either be in its
amend,"but the chair determines that it is really a"substitute original format(five-member committee),or if amended,would
motion,"then the chair's designation governs. be in its amended format(10-member committee).The question
A"friendly amendment"is a practical parliamentary tool that is on the floor for discussion and decision would be whether a
simple,informal,saves time and avoids bogging a meeting down committee should plan and put on the annual fundraiser.
with numerous formal motions.It works in the following way:In
the discussion on a pending motion,it may appear that a change To Debate or Not to Debate
to the motion is desirable or may win support for the motion
from some members.When that happens,a member who has the The basic rule of motions is that they are subject to discussion
floor may simply say, "I want to suggest a friendly amendment to and debate. Accordingly,basic motions,motions to amend,and
the motion."The member suggests the friendly amendment,and substitute motions are all eligible,each in their turn, for full
if the maker and the person who seconded the motion pending on discussion before and by the body.The debate can continue as
the floor accepts the friendly amendment,that now becomes the long as members of the body wish to discuss an item,subject to
pending motion on the floor.If either the maker or the person the decision of the chair that it is time to move on and take
who seconded rejects the proposed friendly amendment,then the action,
proposer can formally move to amend. There are exceptions to the general rule of free and open debate
on motions.The exceptions all apply when there is a desire of the
Multiple Motions Before the Body body to move on.The following motions are not debatable(that
is, when the following motions are made and seconded,the chair
There can be up to three motions on the floor at the same time. must immediately call for a vote of the body without debate on
The chair can reject a fourth motion until the chair has dealt with the motion):
the three that are on the floor and has resolved them.This rule Motion to adjourn.This motion,if passed,requires the body to
has practical value.More than three motions on the floor at any
given time is confusing and unwieldy for almost everyone, immediately adjourn to its next regularly scheduled meeting.It
requires a simple majority vote.
including the chair
When there are two or three motions on the floor(after motions Motion to recess.This motion, if passed,requires the body to
and seconds)at the same time,the vote should proceed first on immediately take a recess.Normally,the chair determines the
the last motion that is made. For example,assume the first length of the recess which may be a few minutes or an hour.It
motion is a basic "motion to have a five-member committee to requires a simple majority vote.
plan and put on our annual fundraiser." During the discussion of Motion to I ix the time to adjourn.This motion,if passed,
this motion,a member might make a second motion to"amend requires the body to adjourn the meeting at the specific time set
the main motion to have a 10-member committee,not a five- in the motion.For example,the motion might be: "I move we
member committee to plan and put on our annual fundraiser." adjourn this meeting at midnight."It requires a simple majority
And perhaps,during that discussion,a member makes yet a third vote.
motion as a"substitute motion that we not have an annual
fundraiser this year."The proper procedure would be as follows:
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Motion to table.This motion, if passed,requires discussion of Motion to close nominations.When choosing officers of the
the agenda item to be halted and the agenda item to be placed on body(such as the chair),nominations are in order either from a
"hold."The motion can contain a specific time in which the item nominating committee or from the floor of the body.A motion to
can come back to the body. "I move we table this item until our close nominations effectively cuts off the right of the minority to
regular meeting in October."Or the motion can contain no nominate officers and it requires a two-thirds vote to pass.
specific time for the return of the item,in which case a motion to Motion to object to the consideration of a question.Normally,
take the item off the table and bring it back to the body will have
to be taken at a future meeting.A motion to table an item(or to such a motion is unnecessary since the objectionable item can be
bring it back to the body)requires a simple majority vote, tabled or defeated straight up. However, when members of a
body do not even want an item on the agenda to be considered,
Motion to limit debate.The most common form of this motion then such a motion is in order.It is not debatable,and it requires
is to say, "I move the previous question"or"I move the a two-thirds vote to pass.
question"or"I call the question"or sometimes someone simply Motion to suspend the rules.This motion is debatable,but
shouts out"question."As a practical matter,when a member
requires atwo-thirds vote to pass.If the body has its own rules of
calls out one of these phrases,the chair can expedite matters by
treating it as a"request"rather than as a formal motion.The chair order,conduct or procedure,this motion allows the body to
can simply inquire of the body,"any further discussion?"If no suspend the rules for a particular purpose.For example,the body
one wishes to have further discussion,then the chair can go right (a private club)might have a rule prohibiting the attendance at
to the pending motion that is on the floor.However, if even one meetings by non-club members.A motion to suspend the rules
person wishes to discuss the pending motion further,then at that would be in order to allow anon-club member to attend a
point,the chair should treat the call for the"question" as a formal meeting of the club on a particulate date or on a particular agenda
motion, and proceed to it. item.
When a member of the body makes such a motion("I move the
previous question"),the member is really saying: "I've had Counting Votes
enough debate.Let's get on with the vote."When such a motion The matter of counting votes starts simple,but can become
is made, the chair should ask for a second,stop debate, and vote complicated.
on the motion to limit debate.The motion to limit debate requires
a two-thirds vote of the body. Usually,it's pretty easy to determine whether a particular motion
passed or whether it was defeated.If a simple majority vote is
NOTE: A motion to limit debate could include a time limit.For
example: "I move we limit debate on this agenda item to 15 needed to pass a motion,then one vote more than 50 percent of
the body is required.For example,in afive-member body,if the
minutes."Even in this format, the motion to limit debate requires vote is three in favor and two opposed,the motion passes.If it is
atwo-thirds vote of the body. A similar motion is a motion to two in favor and three opposed,the motion is defeated.
object to consideration of an item.This motion is not debatable,
and if passed,precludes the body from even considering an item If a two-thirds majority vote is needed to pass a motion,then
on the agenda,It also requires a two-thirds vote, how many affirmative votes are required?The simple rule of
thumb is to count the"no"votes and double that count to
determine how many"yes"votes are needed to pass a particular
Majority and Super Majority Votes motion.For example, in a seven-member body,if two members
In a democracy,a simple majority vote determines a question.A vote"no"then the"yes"vote of at least four members is required
tie vote means the motion fails.So in a seven-member body,a to achieve a two-thirds majority vote to pass the motion.
vote of 4-3 passes the motion.A vote of 3-3 with one abstention What about tie votes?In the event of a tie,the motion always
means the motion fails.If one member is absent and the vote is fails since an affirmative vote is required to pass any motion.For
3-3,the motion still fails. example, in a five-member body,if the vote is two in favor and
All motions require a simple majority,but there are a few two opposed,with one member absent,the motion is defeated.
exceptions.The exceptions come up when the body is taking an Vote counting starts to become complicated when members vote
action which effectively cuts off the ability of a minority of the "abstain"or in the case of a written ballot,cast a blank(or
body to take an action or discuss an item.These extraordinary unreadable)ballot.Do these votes count,and if so,how does one
motions require a two-thirds majority(a super majority)to pass: count them?The starting point is always to check the statutes.
Motion to limit debate.Whether a member says, "I move the In California, for example, for an action of a board of supervisors
previous question,"or"I move the question,"or"I call the to be valid and binding,the action must be approved by a
question,"or"I move to limit debate,"it all amounts to an majority of the board. (California Government Code Section
attempt to cut off the ability of the minority to discuss an item, 25005.)Typically,this means three of the five members of the
and it requires a two-thirds vote to pass. board must yote affirmatively in favor of the action.A vote of 2-
1 would not be sufficient.A vote of 3-0 with two abstentions
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would be sufficient. In general law cities in California,as another pfe&efit..,,....:ly 6f qUE)U b• taU9 f0V the FRO&- 4• "
example,resolutions or orders for the payment of money and all 5 the same fafee and effeat as if-
ordinances require a recorded vote of the total members of the 46,ere-5, "n El"vote-Aeearding 5,,i€the vates wefe�ee"ye s�e
a
city council.(California Government Code Section 36936.) "ne" nd-oae"ebstair-�then the m atien rail- The ubstentiex40
Cities with charters may prescribe their own vote requirements. this ea.se'-.ztFeaWd like o" .naeffee fi e,ete ef- 2
Local elected officials are always well-advised to consult with pass Vyva third •- �� --
their local agency counsel on how state law may affect the vote
count. Now,exactly how does a member cast an"abstention"vote?Any
time a member votes "abstain"or says, "I abstain,"that is an
After.,ea sulfln,- —wes _k the
abstention.However, if a member votes"present"that is also
rules of tl&4edY-- e T-oleS eflL, hg145,_Sa5's,.,.YOU eEyd.,i vete, treated as an abstention(the member is essentially saying,
of`=hes'p-e-sent"ihe„you treat a ' vie ~r "Count me for purposes of a quorum,but my vote on the issue is
the Fi Ses of thea adj ,..,,..t ,,. ,., ,,..,.i.._.. . - �r.:. _ abstain.")In fact,any manifestation of intention to vote either
—��_•-..,.d ==b, =wu ati "yes or no"on the pending motion may be treated by the chair
Ai4`��cilees _1s„t-the 5,.,.7...,,.., Ref aR the,.ubjes,, as an abstention.If written ballots are cast,a blank or unreadable
gefieF i rule ofthumb(and d.,r ult r-tile) is ihat you ee.._. _,l ballot is counted as an abstention as well.
vstf=s.h,,are"present and.,.,.ice°'
Can a member vote"absent”or"count me as absent?"Interesting
Awe #i"Where there is a no statutory super majority question.The ruling on this is up to the chair.The better
re uirement the general rule and the default rule is to proceed approach is for the chair to count this as if the member had left
under the"present and voting rule"with regard to how to count his/her chair and is actually"absent."That,of course,affects the
abstentions. Uf}nder the"present and voting"system,you would quorum.However,the chair may also treat this as a vote to
NOT count abstention votes on the motion. Members who abstain,particularly if the person does not actually leave the dais.
abstain are counted for purposes of determining quorum(they are
"present"),but you treat the abstention votes on the motion as if
they did not exist(they are not"voting").On!h, athef han"€ The Motion to Reconsider
the-+iAe&-ef thaof
L ,_„�tL„n.:..,,,,,,_..� �, There is a special and unique motion that requires a bit of
,t,e.,.,.,,,nn,...
nn oto explanation all by itself; the motion to reconsider.A tenet of
parliamentary procedure is finality. After vigorous discussion,
fgyAentlen votes ac!just like "no"vate-,-. debate and a vote,there must be some closure to the issue.And
How does this tvoik in practice? so, after a vote is taken,the matter is deemed closed,subject only
Here are a few examples. to reopening if a proper motion to consider is made and passed.
Assume that a five-member city council is voting on a motion A motion to reconsider requires a majority vote to pass like other
that requires a simple majority vote to pass,and assume further garden-variety motions,but there are two special rules that apply
that the body has no specific rule on counting votes. only to the motion to reconsider.
Accordingly,the default rule kicks in and we count all votes of First,is the matter of timing. A motion to reconsider must be
members that are"present and voting."If the vote on the motion made at the meeting where the item was first voted upon. A
is 3-2,the motion passes.If the motion is 2-2 with one motion to reconsider made at a later time is untimely.(The body,
abstention, the motion fails. however,can always vote to suspend the rules and,by a two-
Assume a five-member city council voting on a motion that thirds majority,allow a motion to reconsider to be made at
requires a two-thirds majority vote to pass, and further assume another time.)
that the body has no specific rules on counting votes.Again,the Second,a motion to reconsider may be made only by certain
default rule applies.If the vote is 3-2,the motion fails for lack of members of the body. Accordingly,a motion to reconsider may
a two-thirds majority. If the vote is 4-1, the motion passes with a be made only by a member who voted in the majority on the
clear two-thirds majority.A vote of three"yes,"one"no" and original motion.If such a member has a change of heart,he or
one"abstain"also results in passage of the motion.Once again, she may make the motion to reconsider(any other members of
the abstention is counted only for the purpose of determining the body--including a member who voted in the minority on the
quorum,but on the actual vote on the motion,it is as if the original motion—may second the motion).If a member who
abstention vote never existed-so an effective 3-1 vote is clearly voted in the minority seeks to make the motion to reconsider,it
a two-thirds majority vote. must be ruled out of order.The purpose of this rule is finality.If
Now,change.h� nano shchil . A s.., Ric the same r..- a member of minority could make a motion to reconsider,then
on a motion that the item could be brought back to the body again and again,
" RawassumDOE which would defeat the purpose of finality.
o If the motion to reconsider passes,then the original matter is
.,present.":WndeF this Spe"°`""'10+"" A -lie ._embe_- back before the body,and a new original motion is in order.The
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matter may be discussed and debated as if it were on the floor for
the first time.
Appeal.If the chair makes a ruling that a member of the body
Courtesy and Decorum disagrees with,that member may appeal the ruling of the chair. If
the motion is seconded,and after debate,if it passes by a simple
The rules of order are meant to create an atmosphere where the majority vote,then the ruling of the chair is deemed reversed.
members of the body and the members of the public can attend to
business efficiently,fairly and with full participation.At the Call for orders of the day.This is simply another way of
same time,it is up to the chair and the members of the body to saying,"return to the agenda."If a member believes that the
maintain common courtesy and decorum.Unless the setting is body has drifted from the agreed-upon agenda,such a call may
very informal,it is always best for only one person at a time to be made.It does not require a vote, and when the chair discovers
have the floor,and it is always best for every speaker to be first that the agenda has not been followed,the chair simply reminds
recognized by the chair before proceeding to speak. the body to return to the agenda item properly before them.If the
The chair should always ensure that debate and discussion of an chair fails to do so,the chair's determination may be appealed.
agenda item focuses on the item and the policy in question,not Withdraw a motion.During debate and discussion of a motion,
the personalities of the members of the body.Debate on policy is the maker of the motion on the floor,at any time,may interrupt a
healthy,debate on personalities is not.The chair has the right to speaker to withdraw his or her motion from the floor.The motion
cut off discussion that is too personal,is too loud,or is too crude. is immediately deemed withdrawn,although the chair may ask
the person who seconded the motion if he or she wishes to make
Debate and discussion should be focused,but free and open.In the motion,and any other member may make the motion if
the interest of time,the chair may,however,limit the time properly recognized.
allotted to speakers,including members of the body.
Can a member of the body interrupt the speaker?The general
rule is "no."There are,however,exceptions.A speaker may be Special Notes About Public Input
interrupted for the following reasons:
The rules outlined above will help make meetings very public-
Privilege.The proper interruption would be, "point of privilege." friendly. But in addition,and particularly for the chair,it is wise
The chair would then ask the interrupter to"state your point." to remember three special rules that apply to each agenda item.
Appropriate points of privilege relate to anything that would
interfere with the normal comfort of the meeting.For example, Rule One:Tell the public what the body will be doing.
the room may be too hot or too cold,or a blowing fan might Rule Two: Keep the public informed while the body is doing it.
interfere with a person's ability to hear.
Rule Three: When the body has acted,tell the public what the
Order.The proper interruption would be,"point of order." body did.
Again,the chair would ask the interrupter to"state your point."
Appropriate points of order relate to anything that would not be 2217941.1
considered appropriate conduct of the meeting.For example, if
the chair moved on to a vote on a motion that permits debate
without allowing that discussion or debate,
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