0:04The main focus of the meeting was enrolled paper 1325, an ordinance proposing amendments to the city’s zoning code. This amendment aimed to establish requirements for accessory dwelling units and create a site plan review committee. However, the legitimacy of a prior vote on this amendment led to debate. Concerns were raised about whether the vote adhered to Robert’s Rules of Order, with one council member voicing apprehension about potential future challenges to the vote’s validity. They emphasized the need to rescind the previous enrollment and conduct a revote, stating, “I would hate to see somebody in the future challenge the vote.”

As the discussion unfolded, it became clear that there was a lack of understanding among some members about the procedural motions at hand. Clarification was sought on whether the motion on the table pertained to rescinding the enrollment or the amendment vote itself. It was noted that while the council could not alter an enrolled paper, they could consider a motion to rescind the enrollment. The council president underscored the necessity of the zoning amendment, mentioning that failure to ordain it could delay the enactment of zoning regulations for two years.

During the debate, the council president acknowledged the procedural confusion from the previous meeting, expressing an apology for the late start and emphasizing the need for clearer communication during vote announcements. The council collectively expressed a desire for their processes to be transparent and defensible, particularly in light of potential legal challenges. This sentiment was echoed by another member who highlighted the importance of addressing any legal issues that could arise from the previous meeting’s decisions, stating, “I just don’t want us to have any legal issues moving forward with anything that could potentially arise.”

The council reached a consensus to proceed with the motion to ordain the amendment while indicating a willingness to entertain a subsequent motion to ratify the previous vote. This approach aimed to ensure clarity and legal soundness, with an emphasis on avoiding potential disputes. The council president reiterated the importance of following established protocols and ensuring that the council’s actions were credible.

Following the debate, the council proceeded with a roll call vote on the motion to ordain the amendment. Subsequently, a motion was made to ratify the enrollment from the previous meeting, leading to further debate over the procedural correctness of the earlier votes. Concerns persisted about the implications of changing votes after they had been announced, and the council sought to clarify the standing of the amendment and enrollment.

14:04The final ratification vote concluded with a 9 to 1 decision in favor of the ratification.

0:04In addition to the zoning code amendment debate, the meeting also included a moment of silence to honor veterans and service members, and a tribute to Allan Campbell, the president of Club 24, who had recently passed away. The council president shared personal reflections on Campbell’s contributions to the community, offering condolences to his family.

14:04The meeting concluded with a motion to adjourn, which passed unanimously. The presiding member noted that council members had until 7:38 the following day to bring up any reconsiderations of the decisions made during the meeting.