§ 2-2-1. Explanation of terms.

The procedures referred to in this chapter may be described as follows:

(1)

Debate; formal debate. Debate or formal debate means discussion among members of the council on the merits of the pending question. Formal debate can be terminated only by action of the council (motions to adjourn, to table, for the previous question, etc.).

(2)

Informal debate; conversation. Informal debate or conversation means discussion among members of the council not subsequent to a motion. Informal discussion is a privilege granted by the chairman at his discretion. Parliamentary rules governing debate do not apply until a motion has been made.

(3)

Motion to continue. A motion to continue postpones consideration of a matter to the next regular session of the council. The motion to continue is more appropriately made before any other motion is introduced to deal with the matter at hand. After a motion is made on a matter, a motion to postpone to a definite time is more appropriate.

(4)

Motion to postpone. A motion to postpone postpones consideration of a matter to a certain time specified in the motion (e.g., "I move to postpone this matter until January 25.") Any matter postponed shall automatically be placed on the agenda for the date specified.

(5)

Motion to defer. A motion to defer postpones consideration of a matter until it is returned to the floor. Any matter deferred shall be placed on the pending list and may be recalled at the appropriate time during any subsequent meeting by a main motion and a second.

(6)

Motion to lay on the table. A motion to lay on the table postpones consideration of a matter indefinitely. Any matter tabled may be returned to the floor at any subsequent meeting by being placed on the agenda in the same manner as a matter of new business or by unanimous consent of all members present.

(7)

Motion of the previous question. Any member may move the previous question. Such a motion does not involve action on the main motion itself, but rather anticipates the closing of debate and a vote on the main motion. The question is called upon a two-thirds vote of the members present and voting. Alternatively, the chair may call the previous question if it appears that no member would like to speak further to the matter. Any member may request that the chairman call the question.

(8)

Motion to reconsider. A motion to reconsider opens the floor to a new main motion contrary to a previous action. A motion to reconsider is not itself a main motion to alter such previous question.

(9)

Motion to amend. A motion to amend is a motion to strike or add to any part of a main motion, or to rephrase a motion. An amendment may be hostile to the intent of the main motion, but it must be germane to the subject of the motion. A motion to amend is appropriate in order to alter the effect of a main motion without drastically changing the structure or approach of the main motion. An amendment is voted on independently before voting on the main motion.

(10)

Substitute motion. A substitute motion is a motion to strike a primary motion in its entirety and insert a new motion in lieu thereof. A substitute motion should be inconsistent with, and must be germane to the subject of, the primary motion. Simpler changes should be submitted as amendments. Since the substitute motion replaces the primary motion, it becomes itself a main motion and may be amended, tabled, etc. The substitute motion is properly voted on before the primary motion; passage of any substitute disposes of the primary motion and of any previous substitute motion.

(Ord. No. 2-79, 2-20-79; Code 1980, § 2-2-1)