Committee defers vote on proposed rule to bundle ordinances on first reading

The Rules, Confirmation and Public Elections Committee on July 1 deferred for one meeting consideration of an amendment to Rule 9.3 that would require all ordinances on first reading to be considered in a single vote. The motion to defer passed unanimously.

The rule change, an original proposal from Councilmember Benedict with a substitute filed by Councilmember Cash, would have read: “All ordinances on first reading shall be considered by the council in one vote. An ordinance on first reading may be considered separately only upon the request of the lead sponsor as provided in Rule 9.2.” Committee members voted to delay action because the lead sponsor, Councilmember Benedict, was not present and was reportedly considering withdrawing the original proposal.

Director Darby told the committee that Benedict would still be allowed to address the committee if she chose to withdraw or speak about the measure at the next meeting. “She will have the opportunity to speak about it even if the committee defers for one meeting,” Director Darby said. The committee then voted 7-0 to defer consideration for one meeting.

Discussion at the meeting centered on procedure and next steps rather than on the merits of the rule text. Committee members acknowledged a substitute was on file and that the measure could be moved, withdrawn or discussed at the next scheduled meeting. The formal action taken was the one-meeting deferral; no policy change or final vote on Rule 9.3 occurred at this meeting.

The matter will return to the committee at its next meeting for further action or withdrawal by the sponsor.