Chapter Three – Meeting Protocol (Cont.)
Amend a Motion : “ I move to amend the motion by…” If the amendment is accepted by the maker and a second is made, then it is considered a “friendly amendment” and no separate vote is required. If it is not accepted, then a separate vote to amend the main motion is required. The amendment must be voted on before the main motion. Adopt a Staff Recommendation : “ I move to adopt staff recommendation to…” Deny Staff Recommendation : “ I move to deny staff recommendation to…” Modify Staff Recommendation : “ I move to adopt the recommendation with the following modifications:…” Properly phrasing a motion can be difficult and corrections may be necessary before it is acted upon. Until the Chairperson states the motion, the member making the motion may rephrase or withdraw it. Members may wish to write out difficult motions. If a motion gets too complicated, call a recess and have staff assist with the wording. It is best to avoid including more than one proposal in the same motion. This is especially important when commission/committee members are likely to disagree. Any member may make a motion to bifurcate or divide a motion in order to treat each proposal as a separate motion. A motion goes through the following steps: 1. The member asks to be recognized by the Chairperson. 2. The member makes the motion: “I move that we…” 3. Another member seconds the motion: “I second the motion.” 4. The Chairperson restates the motion, or asks the recording secretary to do so, and asks for discussion on the motion. 5. When the Chairperson determines that there has been enough discussion, the debate may be closed with: “I call the question.” or “Is there any further discussion?” 6. If no one asks for permission to speak, the Chairperson then puts the motion to a vote: “All those in favor say aye. All those opposed say nay.” If voting lights are used, the Chairperson will state, “Please vote.” If a roll call vote is taken, the Chairperson will turn to the Recording Secretary to conduct the vote.
19
Made with FlippingBook - Online magazine maker