Aldermen form committee to rework regular‑agenda procedures after confusion over final reading

The Board of Aldermen voted to commit bill 65‑65, an ordinance proposing changes to procedures for the regular agenda, to a special committee for further work and to postpone final reading. The board approved formation of a committee composed of Alderman Marshall Howden, Alderman Ralph LeBlanc and the city attorney; the motion to send the bill to the committee passed after an amendment to include LeBlanc and a voice vote reflecting unanimous support.

A board member explained the rationale for the commit motion as a request to give the city attorney additional direction and to allow a small group of aldermen to provide input before returning a revised draft to the full board. Staff confirmed the city attorney had additional ideas following a prior TIF meeting and that there had not been consensus among aldermen at the earlier meeting about the ordinance’s direction.

Why it matters: The ordinance concerns how regular‑agenda items are handled; committee review is intended to produce clearer language and a draft that reflects the board’s intent. During discussion, some aldermen suggested forming the committee by separate motions (one to form the committee and one to commit the ordinance); others said a single commit motion with named members was the appropriate parliamentary approach.

Action and next steps: The board voted on the motion as amended and the result recorded was in favor by voice vote. Staff and the city attorney will work with the committee and return a redrafted ordinance for board consideration. The board postponed final reading of bill 65‑65 pending the committee’s recommendations.