Title
An Ordinance amending the Code of Ordinances for the City of Lee's Summit, Missouri by amending Rule 6. Voting. and Motion 12. To reconsider of Rule 9. Procedural Motions Section 2-49. -Rules of Order of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Lee's Summit, Missouri providing generally for corrections to the Rules of Order related to the Use of the Motion for reconsideration and the method of voting for City Council and City Council Committees. (Rules Committee 8/18/22)
Body
This ordinance modifies two provisions of Rule 6. Voting of Section 2-49. -Rules of Order of the Lee's Summit Code of Ordinances. The first provision to change can be found in Rule 6 of section 2-49. This rule provides for the method of voting for the City Council and Council Committees. During the Covid-19 pandemic we amended various portions of the code to clarify that the City Council could meet either in whole or in part utilizing electronic, remote means. Unfortunately, we did not amend this provision at the time and it creates an inconsistency between various portions of the code. In order to correct the oversight, this ordinance makes clear that the City Council and Council Committees may conduct meetings via remote, electronic means.
The second amendment is with regard to the motion to reconsider. As you know, reconsideration is a mechanism whereby the City Council may undo an action that was previously taken provided that it must be done either at the same meeting or the next meeting. When the rule for reconsideration was drafted there was an attempt to minimize the use of parliamentary rules to "game" the system, so a special provision was added that would allow for reconsideration but would require that the item to be reconsidered be placed on the next meeting agenda. Unfortunately, that doesn't adequately address the needs of the Council. This amendment would allow a reconsideration to occur at the same meeting where the original vote was taken but would still require an additional week when the motion to reconsider was made at the meeting following the original vote. This would allow us to address errors quickly on the same night that the original vote was taken but would prevent, at least to some degree, utilizing the parliamentary rules to determine the outcome of an item. The Council always has the ability to "suspend the rules" if there is an immediate need.
Recommendation
Staff recommends approval of this item.
Proposed Motions:
First Reading: I move for second reading of an Ordinance amending the Code of Ordinances for the City of Lee's Summit, Missouri by amending Rule 6. Voting. and Motion 12. To reconsider of Rule 9. Procedural Motions Section 2-49. -Rules of Order of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Lee's Summit, Missouri providing generally for corrections to the Rules of Order related to the Use of the Motion for reconsideration and the method of voting for City Council and City Council Committees.
Adoption: I move for adoption of an Ordinance amending the Code of Ordinances for the City of Lee's Summit, Missouri by amending Rule 6. Voting. and Motion 12. To reconsider of Rule 9. Procedural Motions Section 2-49. -Rules of Order of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Lee's Summit, Missouri providing generally for corrections to the Rules of Order related to the Use of the Motion for reconsideration and the method of voting for City Council and City Council Committees.
Presenter
Brian W. Head, City Attorney
Committee Recommendation
The City Council Rules Committee recommended approval of this item by a 4-0 vote.