Committee weighs rule changes: amendment to Rule 12 defeated; Rule 12 change advanced and Rule 29 deferred for community notice

The committee debated two proposed amendments to the rules of procedure on Nov. 18.

Rule 12: The proposed change to Rule 12 would remove honorary and congratulatory resolutions from filing with the council and relegate those items to proclamations. An amendment to the change—centering on Section 12.3, sometimes referred to in discussion as the “Murphy rule,” which allows adding “all members present and voting” as sponsors to certain resolutions—was put forward. One member explained the amendment’s intent: to avoid adding the commission to operational responsibilities of other entities; the mover said the language had to be removed after consulting with Dr. Franklin.

The committee recorded the amendment vote as 0 in favor, 5 against and 1 not voting; the amendment was defeated. Committee members then discussed the main Rule 12 change. Supporters said the revision would shorten meeting time and address repeated, duplicative recognition presentations; opponents said removing honorary resolutions would eliminate historical recognitions and risk losing important civic record. After discussion, the committee voted to advance the Rule 12 change and will send it to the full council for consideration.

Rule 29: Council member Spain, sponsor of the Rule 29 amendment, described the proposal as a predictability measure for large-scale rezones (defined in the sponsor’s presentation as 25 or more parcels or 10 or more acres) and said the measure would create an automatic 60-day deferral after first reading to allow notice and community engagement. Spain said notices would be provided “as soon as practicable” and that planning staff input would be needed to coordinate how notices are issued.

By rule, Rule 29 was deferred one meeting to allow the sponsor and staff to refine details and for planning to weigh in. The committee recorded the deferral vote as 6 to 0 to 0.