§ 31.047 DIVISION OF QUESTIONS.

   If any question under consideration contains several distinct propositions, the Council, by a majority vote of the members present, may divide the questions.

§ 31.048 RECORD OF MOTIONS.

   In all cases where a resolution or motion is entered in the journal, the names of the members moving and seconding the same shall be entered.

§ 31.049 VOTE.

   (A)   The ayes and nays shall be taken upon the passage of all ordinances and on all propositions to create any liability against the town, or for the expenditure or appropriation of its money, and upon any question and in all other cases at the request of any member of the Council.  When the Clerk of Council has commenced to call the roll of the Council for the taking of a vote by “Ayes” and “Nays,” all debate on the question before the Council shall be deemed concluded, and during the taking of the vote a member shall be permitted to briefly explain his or her vote and shall respond to the calling of his or her name by the Clerk of Council by answering “Aye” or “Nay,” as the case may be.

   (B)   The names of each member of the Council shall be listed on the official copy of every ordinance passed indicating specifically the names of those voting “Aye” and those voting “Nay.”

   (C)   An abstention is neither an affirmative vote nor a negative vote. Regardless of the number of abstentions, and except as otherwise provided by law, an affirmative vote of the majority of the Council members is required to pass a motion, ordinance, resolution or other action of the Town Council.

   (D)   The President shall announce the result of the Council’s vote, and the votes shall be entered in the journal of the proceedings.

Cross-reference:

   Two-thirds vote; when required, see § 31.076

§ 31.050 PRECEDENCE OF MOTION.

   When a question is before the Council, no motion shall be received, except as specified in this section, and which shall have precedence in the following order:

   (A)   To fix the time to which to adjourn;

   (B)   To adjourn;

   (C)   To take a recess;

   (D)   To raise a question of privilege;

   (E)   To call for the orders of the day;

   (F)   To lay on the table;

   (G)   To call for the previous question;

   (H)   To postpone to a certain time;

   (I)   To refer to committee;

   (J)   To amend;

   (K)   To postpone indefinitely; and

   (L)   To the main motion.

§ 31.051 UNDEBATABLE MOTIONS AND EXCEPTIONS TO ORDER.

   The motion to adjourn or to lay on the table shall be decided without debate, and the motion to fix the time to which to adjourn and the motion to adjourn shall always be in order, except:

   (A)   When a member is in possession of the floor;

   (B)   When the roll call votes are being called;

   (C)   While the members are voting;

   (D)   When adjournment was the last preceding motion; or

   (E)   When it has been decided that the previous question shall be taken.

§ 31.052 MOTION TO ADJOURN.

   A motion to adjourn cannot be amended; but a motion to adjourn to a given day or time shall be open to amendment and debate.

§ 31.053 MOTION TO POSTPONE INDEFINITELY.

   When a question is postponed indefinitely, it shall not be taken up again before the next regular meeting.