§ 2-35. Rules for the conduct of business.

(a)

Rules for conduct.

(1)

Except as otherwise provided in this section, Robert's Rules of Order, Newly Revised shall generally govern the conduct of council meetings, as a guideline, to the extent applicable. The presiding officer shall decide all questions of order, but any councilmember who is dissatisfied with the decision may appeal to the council in the manner provided by Robert's Rules of Order, Newly Revised, for appealing from decisions of presiding officer.

(2)

No speaker, while the city council is in session, shall speak on any subject unless recognized by the presiding officer. Every speaker shall address the presiding officer, and no one shall interrupt anyone who is speaking except to call him to order or for explanation.

(3)

Any person not a member of the council who desires to address the council shall first secure permission of the presiding officer, then shall step up in front of the council tables, give name and address, and direct remarks to the council as a body rather than to any particular member, limiting remarks to ten minutes unless additional time is granted.

(5)

The specific agenda item to which any comment relates must be stated and the comment should be succinct, clear, and non-repetitive. Any comment should be appropriate speech, free of inflammatory rhetoric and inappropriate statements lacking civility.

(6)

The council is willing to receive written comment in lieu of a personal appearance and verbal statement, upon certain conditions. Any written submission must be received no later than 3:00 p.m. on the date of the scheduled meeting, and be signed and dated by the author, and provide the author's home address.

(7)

Pursuant to Charter section 2.23, no transaction of business of the city council shall take place unless those necessary to constitute a quorum are present.

(b)

Order of business. The business of the council shall be taken up for consideration and disposition in the following order:

(1)

Call to order by presiding officer with legislative prayer and pledge of allegiance;

(2)

Notation of quorum, and names of those present shall be entered in the minutes;

(3)

Approval of minutes of previous meeting then approval of agenda;

(4)

Legal matters;

(5)

Public comment;

(6)

Reports of standing committees and special committees, respectively;

(7)

Unfinished business;

(8)

New business;

(9)

Executive session if needed; and

(10)

Adjournment.

(Code 1982, § 3-203; Amend. of 12-13-2016, § 1)