Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Governance Presiding Officer topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Keene council amends rules so senior council member presides if mayor and mayor pro tem unavailable
Summary
The council voted unanimously to amend its rules of order so the most senior council member presides over meetings when both the mayor and mayor pro tem are unavailable; council also asked staff to add the language to the draft rules of procedure.
The Keene City Council unanimously approved an amendment on Sept. 4 to its rules of order and procedure that designates the senior council member (by years of service) to preside over council meetings if both the mayor and mayor pro tem are unavailable.
Council discussed several alternatives, including selecting a specific backup or adding flexibility so a senior member who does not feel comfortable presiding could decline and the role would pass to the next-most-senior member. Council agreed the rules should allow flexibility rather than force a presiding officer who does not want the duty.
Councilwoman Smith offered the language as an amendment to the two‑page rules document the council is drafting; Councilman Shaw seconded the motion. The council voted unanimously to add the provision to the rules of order and procedure and to include it in the ongoing draft.
Mayor Lisa Parish said she will notify the city manager and mayor pro tem about planned absences in advance when possible and will contact the senior council member to give them time to prepare if she anticipates being absent.
The amendment will be added to the draft rules for formal adoption at a later meeting; staff will circulate the updated draft in the next packet.
