Chapter Three – Meeting Protocol (Cont.)
Protect commission/committee members, staff, and the public from personal attacks. Provide structure for addressing complicated issues. Refer to staff or legal counsel when technical guidance is required. Attempt to reach decisions expeditiously on action items. At those times when action would be premature and additional analysis is needed, the Chairperson will guide discussion toward a timeline or framework for responsible action. 3.6 Preparing Motions Commission/committee meetings are conducted according to parliamentary procedure. As the presiding officer, the Chairperson’s rulings must be followed unless he/she is overruled by a majority vote of the body upon an appeal of a ruling. When a commission/committee member wishes to propose an action on a particular item on the posted agenda for the commission/committee to consider, Delay consideration: “ I move to continue the item until…” (date specific or date uncertain). Lay on the Table: “ I move to lay the question on the table.” A motion to lay a pending question aside temporarily in order to take up something else of immediate urgency. The motion requires a 2/3 vote for adoption. Limit or Extend Debate: “ I move that debate be limited to one speech of three minutes for each member.” The motion requires a 2/3 vote for adoption. Close Debate: “ I move (or call) the previous question.” This ends debate immediately in order to call for a motion for the previous question. The motion requires a 2/3 vote for adoption. Request More Study: “ I move to refer this to staff or (committee) for further study.” Request Information: “ Point of information….” the member makes a motion. Examples of Common Motions:
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