07-14-2011 Charter Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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Commissioners and other attendees speak when called upon by the Chair, and once granted the floor should not be interrupted. Question and discussion periods begin with the Chair asking for a show of hands, and then calling upon each one until all have been called upon. The Chair shall then ask again if anyone still wishes to speak or ask a question, then repeat the process, with anyone who was not included in the previous round(s) coming before those who were. The Chair determines how many times this process is repeated. The meetings are governed by the agenda, and the agenda constitutes the Commission's agreed-upon roadmap for the meeting. Each agenda item can be handled by the Chair in the following basic format: First, the Chair should clearly announce the agenda item number and should clearly state what the agenda item subject is. The Chair should then announce the format (which follows) that will be followed in considering the agenda item. Second, following that agenda format, the Chair should invite the appropriate person or persons to report on the item, including any recommendation that they might have. The appropriate person or persons may be the Chair, a member of the Commission, a staff person, or a committee chair charged with providing input on the agenda item. Third, the Chair should ask members of the Commission if they have any technical questions of clarification. At this point, members of the Commission may ask clarifying questions to the person or persons who reported on the item, and that person or persons should be given time to respond. Fourth, the Chair should invite public comments, or if appropriate at a formal meeting, should open the public meeting for public input. If numerous members of the public indicate a desire to speak to the subject, the Chair may limit the time of public speakers. At the conclusion of the public comments, the Chair should announce that public input has concluded (or the public hearing as the case may be is closed). Fifth, the Chair should invite a motion. The Chair should announce the name of the member of the Commission who makes the motion. Sixth, the Chair should determine if any member of the Commission wishes to second the motion. The Chair should announce the name of the member of the Commission who seconds the motion. If there is no second, the motion fails. Seventh, if the motion is made and seconded, the Chair should make sure everyone understands the motion. This is done in one of three ways: (1) The Chair can ask the maker of the motion to repeat it. (2) The Chair can repeat the motion. (3) The Chair can ask the secretary or the clerk of the Commission to repeat the motion. Eighth, the Chair should now invite discussion of the motion by the Commission. If there is no desired discussion, or after the discussion has ended, the Chair should announce that the Commission will vote on the motion. If there has been no discussion or very brief discussion, then the vote on the motion should proceed immediately and there is no need to repeat the motion. If there has been substantial discussion, then it is normally best to make sure everyone understands the motion by repeating it.