05/30/2001 Env Bd Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Search

HANDBOOK FOR MINNESOTA CITIES • Reports from special committees • Reports from administrative officers (including, in Plan B cities. the manager) • Notices and communications • Unfinished business • Presentation of claims • New business (including the introduction of ordinances and resolutions) • Announcements • Adjournment Consent agenda By council resolution, or through .its bylaws, a council may establish a consent agenda containing routine, non - controversial items that need little or no deliberation. The clerk, or person responsible for placing items on the agenda, prepares the consent agenda. By a majority or higher vote, the council can approve all actions on the consent agenda with one vote. If a councilmember objects to an item being on the consent agenda, it should be removed and acted upon as a separate agenda item. Tips for shortening meetings In addition to the consent agenda, councils may consider the following suggestions to shorten meetings: Council bylaws may set a closing date for the agenda. For example, the clerk must receive all requests to include items on the agenda five days before the meeting. This is especially important if councilmembers need to review written material before the meeting. The council might make an exception in emergency situations by a unanimous vote, for example. The council should set a definite time for adjournment and observe this rule. At some time during the meeting, often at the very beginning, many councils establish a specific time when citizens can bring any concerns to the council. In such an open forum, the mayor or presiding officer should allot a limited time for each person who wishes to speak. No action should be taken on any of the issues raised. Rather, if appropriate, they should be placed on the agenda of a future council meeting. 154