07-14-2011 Charter Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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A motion to reconsider requires a majority vote to pass, but there are two special rules that apply only to the motion to reconsider. First, is timing. A motion to reconsider must be made at the meeting where the item was first voted upon or at the very next meeting of the Commission. A motion to reconsider made at a later time is untimely. (The Commission, however, can always vote to suspend the rules and by a 2/3 majority, can allow a motion to reconsider to be made at another time) Second, a motion to reconsider can only be made by certain members of the Commission. Accordingly, a motion to reconsider can only be made by a member who voted in the majority on the original motion. If such a member has a change of heart, he or she can make the motion to reconsider (any other member of the Commission may second the motion). If a member who voted in the minority seeks to make the motion to reconsider, it must be ruled out of order. The purpose of this rule is finality. If a member of the minority could make a motion to reconsider, then the item could be brought back to the Commission again and again. That would defeat the purpose of finality. If the motion to reconsider passes, then the original matter is back before the Commission, and a new original motion is then in order. The matter can be discussed and debated as if it were on the floor for the first time. Courtesy and Decorum The rules of order are meant to create an atmosphere where the members of the Commission and the members of the public can attend to business efficiently, fairly and with full participation. At the same time, it is up to the Chair and the members of the Commission to maintain common courtesy and decorum. It is always best for only one person at a time to have the floor, and it is always best for every speaker to be first recognized by the Chair before proceeding to speak. The Chair should always ensure that debate and discussion of an agenda item focuses on the item and the policy in question, not the personalities of the members of the Commission. Debate on policy is healthy, debate on personalities is not. The Chair has the right to cut off discussion that is too personal, is too loud, or is too crude. The Chair should also cut off discussion that is off -topic. Debate and discussion should be focused, but free and open. In the interest of time, the Chair may, however, limit the time allotted to speakers, including members of the Commission. Can a member of the Commission interrupt the speaker? The general rule is "no." There are, however, exceptions. A speaker may be interrupted for the following reasons: Privilege. The proper interruption would be: "point of privilege." The Chair would then ask the interrupter to "state your point." Appropriate points of privilege relate to anything that would interfere with the normal comfort of the meeting. For example, the room may be too hot or too cold, or a blowing fan might interfere with a person's ability to hear. Order. The proper interruption would be: "point of order." Again, the Chair would ask the interrupter to "state your point." Appropriate points of order relate to anything that would not be 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.