Republicans reject Dems’ proposal on meeting procedures
In last year’s city elections, two Democrats were elected to the council, for the first time in anyone’s memory. At Monday night’s meeting, council members split a vote along party lines for the first time.
Councilwoman Jocelyn Vare, a Democrat, proposed an amendment to a measure restoring a past policy of having the council review planning and zoning items before sending the proposal to the Plan Commission. Vare’s amendment originally proposed inserting a phrase in the council procedures to utilize Roberts Rules of Order, citing a suggestion by AIM, the state-wide association of cities and towns.
DeReamer
Vare
Councilman Brad DeReamer cautioned against the idea, saying it caused problems when he was mayor of Greenfield, due to the technicalities in Roberts’ rules. Vare changed her amendment simply to state that the council, once a motion is made and is seconded, will allow council comments before a vote is taken.
Vare’s amendment was seconded by her fellow Democrat on the council, Sam DeLong. Republican councilors objected, saying council presidents always allow for council comments before calling a vote.
Vare made it clear that while she has no objections to the way Council President Cecilia Coble has been running the meetings, she argued the rules should be in the procedures so it is written down as a council rule for the future.
Vare’s amendment was voted down 7-2, with Democrats Vare and DeLong the only yes votes. All Republicans on the council voted against Vare’s amendment.
The measure on first readings being presented to council members before going to the Plan Commission for a public hearing passed the council Monday.