Oviedo council gives staff direction to allow voice votes by default and to draft reconsideration limits

City attorney and council members discussed whether Oviedo’s charter requires the clerk to call the roll on every ordinance or resolution and what process the council should follow to change that practice.

City Attorney (in meeting) summarized the charter provision stating the clerk “shall call the role of the council” for votes and said he had reviewed Florida statutes and attorney-general guidance and believed a procedural amendment could be made by ordinance rather than a referendum. Several council members said that although the charter language exists, the city historically used voice votes; others argued the charter change should go to voters. After discussion, the council directed staff to prepare an ordinance that would allow the council to use a general voice vote by default and require a roll-call vote when any member requests it. Council members also asked staff to draft proposed limits on motions to reconsider — for example, a requirement that a motion to reconsider be made at the same or the next meeting and that items be brought back only upon presentation of “substantial new information.”

Council members emphasized balancing the need for expediency against transparency and voter control of charter changes. The council did not adopt an ordinance at the meeting; staff said it would draft language and return with an ordinance and memorandum for future consideration.