HomeMy WebLinkAbout01 23 2017 Councilor Protocol Report
Phone 952.447.9800 / Fax 952.447.4245 / www.cityofpriorlake.com
4646 Dakota Street SE
Prior Lake, MN 55372
CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION REPORT
MEETING DATE: JANUARY 23, 2017
AGENDA #: A
PREPARED BY: FRANK BOYLES, CITY MANAGER
PRESENTED BY: SARAH SCHWARZHOFF
AGENDA ITEM: CITY COUNCIL PROTOCOL
INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this agenda item is to discuss ways in which we can all
help make city council meetings go smoothly and ensure that everyone
who wishes to be heard or wishes to speak can do so in an orderly and
time sensitive way.
The city council bylaws establish the general format for the Prior Lake
council meetings. The council has the authority to modify the bylaws or
to establish some standard operating procedures with more specificity
than the bylaws provide.
We have taken the liberty of identifying a few below. The important thing
is that all members of the council agree upon and act in accordance with
these procedures, at least until they are changed by council concurrence
in the future:
1. Adding an item to the agenda. This can be done at any time
during a meeting but is ideally done at the beginning of the
meeting when the agenda is approved. Without giving a full report
the councilor making the addition should provide a brief rationale
for the addition.
2. Clarification of a motion. Any councilmember may ask for the
clarification of a motion at any time after getting the mayor’s
permission to have the floor.
3. Taking the floor. A councilor may take the floor by asking the
mayor verbally or non-verbally. Whenever practical the mayor will
acknowledge the request verbally.
4. Questions of parliamentary procedure. The city attorney generally
interprets the bylaws at the request of the council.
5. Moving agenda items. As meeting chair, the mayor may move
items on the agenda as deemed appropriate to best serve the
general public.
6. Clarifying questions. After getting permission to take the floor a
councilor may ask the public a clarifying question but the question
should be limited as much as possible.
7. Direction. If the majority of the city council desires that the staff
undertake an action, they may by motion, second and majority
vote direct the staff to take or refrain from taking action.
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These are examples for the council to consider. It would be helpful if
councilors discussed these items and others as desired. City attorney
Schwarzhoff will be present at this portion of the work session to
participate in the discussion. It would be appropriate to address
questions such as these at future work sessions as well should the
council desire.