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Council adopts rule change to require multiple members to place items on general business agenda
Summary
Council approved Resolution 17-52, a procedural change that will require additional council members to signal support before an item is placed on general business; the rule takes effect immediately under resolution authority and is intended to improve agenda management and staff preparation.
City legal and administrative staff presented a proposed change to the council’s rules of procedure asking whether the council wanted to require that more than one member — for example, three in total — indicate support before an item is placed on the general-business portion of the agenda. The proposal would have the clerk circulate the request and add items only when the requisite additional member support is shown.
Supporters said the change gives staff and other council members notice and time to prepare background material, while some members raised concern that a future council could use the rule to block topics; legal counsel noted the body can change or suspend the rule by a defined majority. After discussion the council voted to approve Resolution 17-52, which takes effect upon passage.
