2024-07-09 P & Z Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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Chair – “We have a motion made by Commissioner 1 and a second from Commissioner 2 to do XYZ. Is there further discussion?” At this point, if there are amendments to be proposed, they should follow the procedure outlined in the by-laws; including voting on an amendment by the committee, prior to a vote on the original motion. However, before the motion and second are repeated by the chair, as he/she calls for further discussion, an amendment may be requested. This is often referred to as a “Friendly Amendment”. This is described in the attached excerpt from Roberts Rules of Order, describing a “Request for Permission to Withdraw or Modify a Motion”. In this case, a commissioner asks the motioner if they would accept a modification \[amendment\]. The maker of the motion can then accept or reject the change. I have personally seen this procedure used in many municipal settings. A typical procedure would be: Commissioner 1 – “I make a motion to do XYZ.” Commissioner 2 – “I second that motion.” Commissioner 3 – “Commissioner 1, would you accept a friendly amendment to do ABC as well as XYZ? Commissioner 1 – “Yes” Commissioner 2 – “I would accept that friendly amendment as well” Chair – “We have a motion by Commissioner 1 and a second by Commissioner 2 to do ABC and XYZ”. Is there further discussion? At this point, there is discussion and a vote. The difference between these two processes is based solely on the technical matter of whether or not the chair has restated the motion or not. It may be good to reaffirm which process we wish to employ on a regular basis, or if we want to ensure that each motion has an opportunity to undergo changes before and after the chair restates the motion. It is important for us all to do our best to follow the rules and procedures outlined in our by-laws. Staff is committed to being better equipped to guide you through those rules. However, we must also acknowledge that you, as committee members are not expected to be experts at parliamentary procedure and getting too caught up in following those rules can be crippling. What is important is that everyone understands what it is they are voting for, prior to casting their vote. Please be sure to speak up if you do not fully understand what it is that is being proposed through a motion. Further, if you don’t feel a process was followed properly, or you feel that something was done which subverts the intent of our by-laws, or which unduly influenced a vote, it is important that you speak up immediately. Our by-laws, notably, also contains the following clause: