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<br />recognizes the person who has the floor by <br />acknowledging them, usually calling on them <br />by name. (Please speak into the microphone <br />and remind others to do the same so everyone <br />can hear the comments.) <br /> <br />It is the prerogative <br />of the Chair as the <br />presiding officer to <br />set time limits for <br />speakers. <br /> <br />If the Chair deems it appropriate, it is the prerogative of the Chair as <br />the presiding officer to set time limits for speakers. Time limits can <br />be applied to any speaker, including staff and members of the public <br />body. <br /> <br />It is also the responsibility of the Chair to caution speakers when <br />their comments are off-point or otherwise inappropriate. For exam- <br />ple, if a speaker verbally attacks a commission member or staff mem- <br />ber the Chair should advise the speaker that personal attacks are out <br />of order. If the speaker persists, the Chair may seek input from fel- <br />low members of the body about how to resolve the situation. A re- <br />cess can sometimes defuse problems. <br /> <br />Speakers should address the Chair, not individual members of the <br />body or the audience. <br /> <br />The Chair's actions in setting time limits for speakers and in making <br />rulings regarding the conduct of the meeting are subject to appeal by <br />members of the public body. A Council or Commission member ap- <br />peals by saying, "I appeal the ruling of the Chair and move that we . . <br />.." The motion to appeal must be seconded. A majority vote of the <br />body is necessary to sustain the appeal and undo the Chair's ruling. <br />The Chair may vote on the appeal. <br /> <br />3. Amending a Motion <br />While discussing a motion to take some action, someone on the <br />Councilor on a Commission may want to amend that motion. After <br />the Chair recognizes him or her, the Member moves "to amend the <br /> <br />14 <br />