City Council Standards and Bylaws

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avoid confusion,complex language should be put in writing. A motion may not be amended so substantially as to essentially reject the original motion,though different language may be proposed so as to entirely substitute for the original language. The appropriate language for making a motion to amend shall be substantially similar to "I move to amend the motion by inserting between . . . . and. . . ."or"I move to amend the motion by adding after. . ."or"I move to amend the motion by striking out. . ."or"I move to amend the motion by striking out. . . and inserting. . ."or "I move to amend by striking out the motion. . . and substituting the following." b. Motion to take a brief recess is not a motion to adjourn or continue the meeting to another time or place. Instead,it is a motion to take a brief respite no greater than 20 minutes. If a motion to take a brief recess is granted,the presiding officer may set a time for the meeting to resume. In addition,the presiding officer is authorized to call for a brief recess on his or her own initiative,without a vote,to maintain order in the meeting. The appropriate language for making a motion to recess shall be substantially similar to "I move to take a brief recess for minutes." c. Motion to withdraw a motion is not subject to debate, and it can only be made by the motion's maker before a motion is amended. The appropriate language for making a motion to withdraw shall be substantially similar to "I move to withdraw my motion." d. Motion to divide a complex question may be used for complex items of business. It allows the council to break larger questions into smaller parts, which are considered separately. The appropriate language for making a motion to divide a complex question shall be substantially similar to "I move to divide the question into parts. Part 1 shall be . Part 2 shall be e. Motion to table or defer consideration to a later date is not subject to debate. It may be used to defer or delay consideration of a matter. The appropriate language for making a motion to defer consideration shall be substantially similar to "I move to defer consideration of the main motion/this item until f. Motion to refer an issue to commission is not subject to debate. It may be used to refer an issue to a city commission, such as the Planning Commission or PREC, for their review.The motion should contain an expected receipt day for their formal review to be completed and reported back to the City Council. The appropriate language for making a motion to refer an Issue shall be substantially similar to "I move to refer the main motion/this issue to the commission for its Page 10