Committee defers proposed rule to require single vote for ordinances on first reading

At the July 1 meeting of the Rules, Confirmations & Public Elections Committee, members voted 7-0 to defer for one meeting a proposed amendment to Rule 9.3 that would require all ordinances on first reading to be considered in a single vote.

Committee chair read the proposed language into the record: “All ordinances on first reading shall be considered by the council in one vote. An ordinance on first reading may be considered separately only upon the request of the lead sponsor as provided in Rule 9.2.” The measure was filed originally by Council member Benedict and a substitute was filed by Council member Cash.

The committee discussed whether Benedict intended to withdraw the proposal. Director Darby said, “It’s my understanding that she was considering withdrawing, and she’s not here to move it forward.” The committee moved and seconded a motion to defer the rule change for one meeting; the motion passed 7-0. Director Darby and the chair confirmed that, if Benedict chooses to withdraw, she would have the opportunity to speak about that decision even after a one-meeting deferral.

The deferral means the substitute and the original language will return to the committee at its next scheduled meeting for further consideration or formal withdrawal; no final change to Rule 9.3 was adopted at this session.

The committee did not record additional amendments or set a firm deadline for further action at the July 1 meeting.