07-14-2011 Charter Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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When there are two or three motions on the floor (after motions and seconds) at the same time, voting should begin on the most recent motion that is made. So, for example, assume the first motion is a basic "motion to have a 5 -member committee to plan and put on our annual fundraiser." During the discussion of this motion, a member might make a second motion to "amend the main motion to have a 10 -member committee, not a 5 -member committee to plan and put on our annual fundraiser." And perhaps, during that discussion, a member makes yet a third motion as a "substitute motion that we not have an annual fundraiser this year." The proper procedure would be as follows: After discussion and debate, the Chair would deal with the third (the most recent) motion on the floor, the substitute motion. If the substitute motion passed, it would be a substitute for the basic motion and would eliminate it. The first motion would be moot, as would the second motion (which sought to amend the first motion), and the action on the agenda item would be completed on the passage by the Commission of the third motion (the substitute motion). No vote would be taken on the first or second motions. If the substitute motion failed, the Chair would now deal with the second (now, the most recent motion on the floor the motion to amend. The discussion and debate would focus strictly on the amendment (should the committee by 5 members or 10 members). If the motion to amend passed, the Chair would now move to consider the main motion (the first motion) as amended. If the motion to amend failed, the Chair would now move to consider the main motion (the first motion) in its original format, not amended. Debate The basic rule of motions is that they are subject to discussion and debate. Accordingly, basic motions, motions to amend, and substitute motions are all eligible, each in their turn, for full discussion before and by the Commission. The debate can continue as long as members of the Commission wish to discuss an item, subject to the decision of the Chair that it is time to move on and take action. 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 Commission to move on. The following motions are not debatable (that is, when the following motions are made and seconded, the Chair must immediately call for a vote of the Commission without debate on the motion): A motion to adjourn. This motion, if passed, requires the Commission to immediately adjourn to its next regularly scheduled meeting. It requires a simple majority vote. A motion to recess. This motion, if passed, requires the Commission to immediately take a recess. Normally, the Chair determines the length of the recess which may be a few minutes or an hour. It requires a simple majority vote. A motion to fix the time to adjourn. This motion, if passed, requires the Commission to adjourn the meeting at the specific time set in the motion. For example, the motion might be: "I move we adjourn this meeting at midnight." It requires a simple maiority vote. A motion to table. This motion, if passed, requires discussion of the agenda item to be halted and the agenda item to be placed on "hold". The motion can contain a specific time in which the item can come back to the Commission: "I move we table this item