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Mayor rules presentations require council consent; members may raise new items during council business
Summary
After a lengthy debate May 6, Mayor Andy Ross ruled that individual council members may bring new topics up during council business without prior inclusion on the agenda, but formal presentations by outside parties require council consent; an appeal process was explained.
A prolonged discussion about how items and presentations get onto the Temple Terrace council agenda ended May 6 with Mayor Andy Ross's ruling: council members may raise new topics during council business without prior placement on the agenda, but formal presentations by outside groups require the body's consent.
The item arose after members questioned whether the agenda language from a prior meeting matched the council's intent about presentations. Council member Chambers and others asked whether council members could make presentations or use slides during council business; staff and the city attorney discussed parliamentary practice. The mayor said he interpreted Robert's Rules (chapter 15) to distinguish between a council member's right to bring up items during council business and presentations that require formal consent.
Council member Kravitz warned against rule changes that could allow a small majority to preempt other members' rights to speak; Kravitz argued custom and adopted procedure carry force under Robert's Rules. The mayor said his ruling could be appealed by motion; if an appeal is made it would require a second and a majority vote to overturn the chair's ruling.
Outcome: The chair's interpretation was announced and the council did not vote to overturn it. Council members resumed other business after the ruling. No ordinance or rule amendment was adopted at the meeting.
