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Proposal to add discussion period to Owosso agendas fails after split vote
Summary
A resolution to amend the council's Rules of Order to add a recurring 'Discussion' period failed April 6, 2026, after a 3–4 roll-call vote; proponents said the change would create space for nonbinding deliberation, while opponents raised procedural and accountability concerns.
A proposal to amend the City of Owosso’s Rules of Order to add a permanent, nonbinding 'Discussion' period to meeting agendas failed on a 3–4 roll-call vote April 6.
Councilmember Emily S. Olson moved for the amendment after about 23 minutes of discussion. The proposed change would have inserted 'Discussion' immediately after 'Items of Business' and created a mechanism for council members to add topics by written request; the rule change explicitly prohibited motions, votes or binding decisions during the discussion period. Supporters, including Olson, said the new slot would allow members to explore topics and share information without taking formal action. Opponents — including Mayor Pro-Tem Jerome C. Haber, Councilmember Carl C. Ludington, Councilmember Christopher D. Owens and Mayor Robert J. Teich, Jr. — voted against the measure, citing concerns about procedure and the required two-thirds affirmative vote for amendments. The roll call was Yeas: Olson, Janae L. Fear, Rachel M. Osmer; Nays: Haber, Ludington, Owens and Teich.
Because amendments to the Rules of Order require a two-thirds affirmative vote, the motion failed for lack of the necessary support. Councilmembers did not adopt alternate language or attempt to table the proposal during the meeting.
