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Commission tables proposed changes to council rules after concerns about concentration of authority
Summary
A proposed amendment to the commission's policy and procedures — including clarifying when agenda packets must be distributed and language on suspending rules — was debated and tabled after commissioners raised concerns it would increase mayoral power and because some wanted the draft reviewed again in committee.
The Benton Harbor City Commission tabled a proposed amendment to its policy and procedures (council rules) after several commissioners said the draft contained broader changes than were publicly explained and could concentrate authority with the mayor.
Commissioner Clark-Griffin said she did not support the changes and voiced concern that "every time they try to set change an amendment policy and procedure, it's always something to give the mayor more power," noting many alterations were highlighted in red in the draft. City Clerk Moore and other commissioners responded that portions of the redlined language merely reflected how the city currently prepares and distributes agenda packets — specifically moving the deadline for packet delivery to commissioners to noon on the Thursday before a meeting rather than 48 hours — and that language on suspending rules was being corrected to reflect the ordinance and Robert’s Rules.
The city attorney told the commission that the ordinance requires a two-thirds vote to suspend rules and that an ordinance supersedes internal policy language. Several commissioners suggested the draft should return to legislative committee for clarification before another full-commission vote. Mayor Pro Tem Turner moved to table the amendment and the motion carried on a roll call.
The tabling leaves the existing policy in place pending committee review; commissioners asked for clearer linkage between the proposed edits and the particular operational changes they are intended to reflect.
