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Commission adopts 30-minute item limit and two-speaking-turn cap per motion
Summary
Commissioners approved a temporary rule for the meeting limiting debate to 30 minutes per agenda item and two speaking turns per motion, citing prior dilatory tactics; the mayor broke a tie to carry the motion.
On a motion introduced early in the special meeting, the Lapeer City Commission voted to limit discussion of each agenda item to 30 minutes and to limit each commissioner to two speaking turns on the same motion, applying Robert's Rules principles referenced by counsel. Supporters said the measure was intended to curb dilatory motions and keep the special meeting on schedule.
The motion prompted procedural questions about whether the two-speaking-turn limit applies per agenda item or per motion; city counsel explained that Robert's Rules construes the limit as "no member can speak more than twice to the same question on the same day" absent a special rule. The mayor said he would exercise his charter tie-breaking authority and, after a tie vote, declared the motion carried.
