HomeMy WebLinkAbout_1999 06 07 City Commission Workshop Minutes (2)
CITY OF WINTER SPRINGS
MINUTES
CITY COMMISSION
WORKSHOP
JUNE 7,1999
I. CALL TO ORDER
The Workshop of the City Commission was called to order by Mayor Paul P. Partyka at
6:03 p.m. in the East Training Room of the Municipal Building (City Hall, 1126 East
State Road 434, Winter Springs, Florida 32708).
Roll Call
Mayor Paul P. Partyka, present
Deputy Mayor Cindy Gennell, absent
Commissioner Robert S. Miller, present
Commissioner Michael S. Blake, present
Commissioner Edward Martinez, Jr., absent
Commissioner David W. McLeod, present
City Manager Ronald W. McLemore, present
Law Firm of Frank Kruppenbacher, P.A., Attorney Robert Guthrie, present
Interim City Clerk Andrea Lorenzo-Luaces, present
II. AGENDA
Office of the Mayor
A. Requesting that the City Commission Hold a Workshop on Commission
Meeting Guidelines and Parliamentary Procedures.
Mayor Partyka introduced the President of Agenda Associates, Parliamentary
Consultants, Ms. Randy Sutphin and explained the purpose for this Workshop. Ms.
Sutphin briefly reviewed her background as a Parliamentarian. The Commission and
Staff were given copies of Ms. Sutphin's guide, "Parliamentary Procedure Basics for
Governmental Bodies"(Third Edition, Agenda Associates).
Ms. Sutphin spoke about the necessity for parliamentary procedures and the benefits of
such implementation. She reviewed the principles of parliamentary law, including: a
quorum must be present; the issues that the body considers must be presented; and a vote
must be taken. The Commission and Ms. Sutphin discussed the issue of "making
motions" .
Ms. Sutphin reviewed the general Principals of a motion, specifically, discussions "going
through the Chair"; when a second to the motion is necessary; and the "steps" of making
a motion, as referenced in her book.
CITY OF WINTER SPRINGS
MINUTES
CITY COMMISSION
WORKSHOP - JUNE 7, 1999 (6:00 P.M.)
Page 2 of2
Discussion ensued regarding limiting the time of debates and/or discussions and what
"Robert's Rules of Order" says should be done. Ms. Stuphin emphasized that the
Commission should create and/or write their own rules of conduct.
The Commission and Ms. Sutphin discussed who could speak after a motion has been
made; and if the City Manager should speak at that time.
Ms. Sutphin spoke about the procedures for amending a motion; consensus; the
procedure for withdrawing a motion; and the motion to adjourn. There was much
discussion in reference to the motion to adjourn, including the fact that the motion is
necessary; requires a second; and is not debatable. The Commission asked questions
regarding how the motion to adjourn applies when there is already a "fixed" time to
adjourn; extending the meeting for a definite period of time; and whether the meeting
could be reopened by the Deputy Mayor.
Ms. Sutphin reviewed page 20 of her guide, the "Ranking Motions Chart"; and explained
the definition of a "two thirds vote".
Much discussion ensued in reference to Calling the Question, including that it has to be in
the form of a motion, seconded, and voted on; that it is not debatable; if the City Manger
can speak at that point; dividing the question; and motions to reconsider.
Ms. Sutphin also spoke about "postponing" an Agenda Item, as opposed to "tabling" that
Agenda Item; motions to "lay on the table"; the Chair calling "out of order"; decorum;
and suspending the rules.
Ms. Sutphin suggested that everyone read her book to get a more detailed understanding
of parliamentary law; and for the Commission to write the own rules.
Mayor Partyka and the Commission thanked Ms. Sutphin for addressing them.
III. ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Partyka adjourned the Workshop at 8:04 p.m.
Minutes Respectfully Submitted by: Amy R. Lovingfoss, Interim Assistant City Clerk
City of Winter Springs