Title
Amending Chapter A-1,Council Rules of Procedure, of the Appendix to the Administrative Code regarding the method of voting by the City Council.
Body
WHEREAS, By Res. No. 11-844, adopted May 18, 2011, the Council adopted the “Council Rules of Procedure” found in the Appendix to the Administrative Code of the City of Saint Paul, Chapter A-1; and
WHEREAS, the Council desires to improve its voting process for the sake of transparency, clarity, and efficiency by using a voice vote process whenever possible; and
WHEREAS, City Charter § 6.01 requires that the names of all voting for or against an ordinance, resolution, or motion be recorded;
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that Rule 13 (a) of the “Council Rules of Procedure” be amended as follows:
Roll Call Votes. Voting. Pursuant to Charter, the names of all councilmembers voting for or against ordinances, resolutions, and motions shall be recorded. The vote shall be taken by the voice vote method. In the event of a non-unanimous vote the City Clerk shall identify those voting for and against a matter for the record. If any Councilmember requests a roll call prior to the vote, or if any Councilmember objects to the Clerk's identification after the vote, the presiding officer shall take a roll call vote. In all voting, the councilmembers shall audibly respond aye or nay as the case may be. Councilmembers must be at the Council table to vote. All votes upon final adoptions shall be by roll call vote. All ordinances, motions and resolutions shall be adopted in accordance with the requirements of the Charter. Such Roll call votes shall initially be taken in alphabetical order and rotated monthly thereafter, except that the presiding officer shall vote last. A roll call vote shall not be interrupted, but a member council members may, prior to calling of the roll taking the vote, make comment or explain his their vote.