(a) Ordinances, resolutions, petitions, correspondence and other matters before Council may be referred to appropriate committees of Council for investigation, study and report. When it is felt that every member should express himself on a particular matter, rather than restrict consideration to a smaller committee, the matter may be referred to the Committee of the Whole.
(b) Questions as to whether matters should be referred to a committee, and which committees they should be referred to, shall be resolved by vote of the majority of those present. A motion to refer to a standing committee shall take precedence over a motion to refer to a special committee.
(c) The Council Rules shall govern the Committee of the Whole and standing and special committees. However, no limit shall be placed on the time or frequency of speaking and the previous question cannot be moved. All questions shall be decided by majority vote in standing and special committees; by at least two votes in three member committees; and by majority vote of those present in the Committee of the Whole.
(d) When matters are referred to committees, they shall report back at the next regular Council meeting. Reports may include several subjects and shall be in writing. Members may approve only some items in a report, request separate votes on separate items and file minority reports. Documents referred to committees shall be returned with the reports.
(e) Council, by majority of those elected, may relieve any committee of further consideration of any matter and order that the matter be placed on the agenda.
(f) When a committee report recommends adoption of ordinances or resolutions, or actions that should be by ordinance or resolution, such ordinances and resolutions shall always be separately prepared, introduced, read and voted upon. Unanimous approval of a committee report shall have no effect on this requirement.
(g) Meetings of all committees shall be considered public hearings on all matters referred to the committees for consideration. All comments to be made by members of the public shall be made at these committee meetings and shall be restricted thereto. All testimony, pro and con, shall be presented in the committee hearings.
(h) The committees to which legislation is referred shall not concern themselves with the fulfillment of legal requirements. They will only determine whether the subject matter has been fully covered. Members may present subject matter to the Solicitor for him to prepare legislation in the manner prescribed by law.
(Ord. 1078. Passed 1-24-77.)