Committee moves to curtail late-filed orders; adopts 'critical business' standard, tables precise language

Turner Rules Committee members voted Tuesday to restrict late-filed agenda items, adopting a principle that such items may be taken only for the city’s “critical business” when no council member objects.

Councilor Kevin Jourdain introduced the proposal to ban routine late-filed orders unless the matter constitutes an immediate necessity; supporters noted late-filed items have sometimes introduced significant financial transfers at the end of meetings and reduce transparency for the public. Councilor Linda Bacon and others said the council president already vets many late files and that department heads should ordinarily meet published deadlines.

During debate the committee softened the language, substituting the phrase “critical business of the city” for “emergency.” Committee members also agreed to receive a companion order addressing notice and timing and to ask the sponsor to return the amended rule text for formal adoption at a later meeting so the change can be compared side-by-side with the current rule.

The committee approved the principle by voice vote and instructed the sponsor to circulate revised language and return it for a subsequent meeting.