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Georgetown Public Library Advisory Board
Meeting Minutes
April 2001
The meeting was called to order at 6:35 p.m. by Judy Parks, Chairperson.
In Attendance:
Board members present were: Judy Parks, Zora Evans, Dorothy Hagen, Don Willhouse, Georgene Richaud, Carol
Parsonage, Claire Vogler, and Sam Arant. Eric Lashley, Library Director, was also present.
Approve Minutes:
The minutes from the March 12, 2001 meeting were discussed and approved with no changes. Don Willhouse moved and
Dorothy Hagen seconded the approval of the minutes. The minutes were approved unanimously.
Director's Report:
Eric Lashley summarized the "Director's Monthly Report" handouts. Eric noted that circulation continues at a 17% increase
over last year's circulation number. Eric reported on the status of the Library needs assessment being done by Hidell and
Associates. Bill Hidell presented a preliminary report to City Council on March 27, a final report to City Council on April 2,
and a presentation to City Council on April 10, 2001. Eric also reported on a number of donations made to the library
recently (see Director's Report). Eric also stated that the Library Advisory Board will make a presentation to the City
Council at a workshop scheduled for June 11th at 6:30 p.m. in the City Council meeting room.
Patron Complaint:
Peggy Moore, a Georgetown citizen, spoke to Library Advisory Board about a cover of a recent edition of Rolling Stone as
being obscene. Ms. Moore stated that she found the cover to be of "questionable" taste and wanted the Board to rule in favor
of removing the magazine from the library. Ms Moore also presented to the Board a signed petition list of approximately 25
signatures of people from Georgetown and surrounding commumties favonng the removal of the magazine. Following the
presentation by Ms. Moore, Don Willhouse made a motion to table any action on the patron complaint until the next
scheduled meeting of the Library Advisory Board. Zora Evans seconded the motion made by Don and the motion passed
unanimously.
Nomination and Election of Secretary:
Georgene Richaud volunteered, and was elected unanimously to serve as the Secretary of the Library Advisory Board.
Revised Library Advisory Board By -Laws:
Sam Arant volunteered to amend the current Library Advisory Board By -Laws to the new City Council recommendations
and format.
Review of City Council and Parliamentary Handouts:
The Library Advisory Board reviewed and discussed the following handouts:
1. "Grant of Power for Boards and Commissions"
2. "Standard Form By -Laws"
3. "City Council Policy Regarding Responsibilities of Board and Commission Members"
4. Duties of members from Roberts Rules of Order
5. Rules of debate from Roberts Rules of Order
6. `Parliamentary Procedure Made Simple, All About Motions Part P'
Judy Parks moved, and Zora Evans seconded a motion to adjourn at 8:00 p.m.
DIRECTOR'S MONTHLY REPORT
GEORGETOWN PUBLIC LIBRARY
March 2001
HIGHLIGHTS
On March 7, the public services staff participated in a half -day workshop with Pablo Holguin, the City's
Director of Organizational Development. The workshop gave staff an opportunity to tell Jo Pendleton, the new
public services librarian, about issues they believe need to be addressed, and to ask questions about the direction
she expects her leadership will take. Everyone agreed that the time was exceedingly well spent. Jo has scheduled
a series of four two-hour meetings with her staff in the coming month to work on resolving workflow problems
and delegation of responsibilities.
Bill Hidell wrapped up the public input phase of the needs assessment with two more focus groups on March 6
and two design workshops on March 21 and 22. A total of 96 people participated in the public meetings. Bill
presented his preliminary findings to the City Council of March 27. His final report is due April 2 and he will
present it to Council on April 10.
STAFF ACTIVITIES
• Eric Lashley spoke to the morning Sertoma Club on March 1 about library services and programs.
• Lee Sparks attended a Dynix conference in Salt Lake City, March 6-9. This conference gives Dynix users an
opportunity to learn more about the software and to network with librarians and technical support people. She
was the lucky winner of a drawing for $5,000 worth of Dynix products. She is in the process of deciding how
the library may best benefit from this prize.
• Lee and Jo attended a Gates Foundation technical training session in Taylor on March 16-and Lee returned on
the 19"' for addition training. These workshops are part of the support the Gates Foundation provides with its
grant of hardware and software.
• Rosa Garcia and volunteer Dawn Reid, who is a dental hygienist, gave two programs about dental health to
Head Start classes on March 27.
+ The annual conference of the Texas Library Association took place March 28-31 in San Antonio. Staff
members who attended for one or more days included Eric, Lee, Rosa, Sally Bernier, Sarah Samson, and
Maria West.
VOLUNTEERS
+ The Assistance League of the Georgetown Area has been finalizing plans for the kickoff of the Summer
Reading Program, which will take place on Friday, June 1. The Assistance League has engaged Joe Scruggs, a
nationally known children's entertainer, to perform that morning at the Performing Arts Center at the high
school. Refreshments will be served afterward at the library, where registration for the summer reading program
will also be going on.
DONATIONS
• The Sun City Kiwanis Club donated $1,000 to be used to initiate a Born to Read program. This program is
one Rosa has wanted to do for many years but could not find a donor to sponsor it. It involves giving gift bags
that contain a children's book, some baby items, and parenting materials to the parents of newborns.
• The Georgetown Library Foundation passed through a donation of $1500 from the United Way. This was
the last installment in the United Way's grant to pay for the outdoor bookdrop.
• Christy and Dan McNicholas donated $400 to be used to purchase a maze table for the children's room and
other children's supplies that Rosa may choose. Christy was the library's staff assistant from 1996-1998.
• Roger and Angie Wright, library users and volunteers, donated $500 to be used for CDs or videos.
•
Comparative Fiscal Year Statistics
2000
2001
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Annual Total
Patron Visits
Current Year
18889
13893
11335*
11218*
nfa#
16661
49443
1999-2000
14497
12930
12008
14339
14552
20329
184425
1998-99
23409
21022
10339
13810
14548
17028
194640
1997-98
15383
9137
9609
9637
10540
10514
153997
Circulation
2000
2001
Current Year
23448
21009
20707
27275
26080
30148
148667
1999-2000
20744
21590
17143
21016
22393
23936
276453
1998-99
20533
16866
14233
17906
18312
21290
240419
1997-98
20333
14864
14501
16686
17025
18320
220430
FY 2000-2001 Statistics
Children's Programs
Annual Total
Attendance
684
464
588
715
483
779
3713
Programs
2
2
4
2
0
6
16
Story Time
15
10
2
11
13
12
63
Other (tour, Movies, Crafts)
3
0
0
4
1
2
10
Home School Groups
3
3
0
2
1
1
10
After School Programs
4
4
0
4
2
0
8
Other Services
ILL Ordered
ILL filled
64
29
50
34
23
25
66
46
64
41
43
53
310
228
Lg Print Circuit
150
150
150
150
150
150
900
Sun City
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
67
71
Volunteer Hours
Adult
111.50
108.50
91.00
154.75
117.50
164.75
748.00
Teen
47.00
52.00
20.00
62.75
36.50
34.75
253.00
Community Service
14.00
41.75
38,00
9.00
37.00
45.00
184.75
Total
172.50
202.25
149.00
226,50
191.00
244.50
1185.75
Registrations
City Residents -new
115
139
67
132
113
107
673
GISD Kids' Cards
64
10
5
19
10
12
120
Non -residents -new
29
10
17
31
25
37
149
Non -residents -renew
59
53
38
58
70
69
347
Total
267
212
127
240
218
225
1289
Cash Receipts
Fines, room rentals
1609.07
2028.96
1968.86
2072.87
1957.00
2630.00
12266.76
Non-resident fees
1520.00
1013.00
995.00
1535.00
1570.00
1650.00
8283.00
Donations
248.48
415.58
430.17
476.59
708.37
557.23
2836.42
Gifts/Memorials
92.37
3383.25
6540.00
2931.05
15077.77
3512.95
31537.39
Material Donations to Other Agencies
Books
0
133
43
44
65
0
285
Magazines
0
0
0
0
20
30
50
Library Collection Changes
Titles Added
694
969
619
850
1062
1306
5500
Copies Added
707
981
632
859
1084
n/a
4263
Copies Discarded
63
157
152
190
345
300
1207
indicates month in which counting system changeover took place and accurate count was not available.
indicates a time period in which the counter on
the security
gate in the Children' Room was turned off.
0
Betty C. Booth
Christy Mum Ghormley
8`Dan K8dNioho|as
Kkwonis Club ofSun City Georgetown
Georgetown Library Foundation
Don & Bonnie Davis and Walter & Ina Barbee
"Patriot Team" (7thGrade Teachers @TlppiU
Roger&Anoie Wright
Ruth Armstrong
����������
����"�����~�"��°March 2001
Donation
$25.00for copies from WilliamnsonCounty, its History
and Its People
Records of the Georgetown K0gn's Garden Club
$4OOfor maze table for chi|dnsn`sroom
$1OOOfor library promotion for newborns
$1500fnonm United Way for outdoor book drop
Copy of Goldfield, by Richard S. Wheeler
$G5inmemory ofBruce Aronson, father oftheir
student, Maggie Aronson
$5OOfor CDs orvideos
$22.S5for obook
• SECTION 5. Title 2 Chapter 2.72 of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Georgetown
is hereby amended as follows:
"LIBRARY ADVISORY BOARD
Section I. Created —Membership.
A. There is created the Library Advisory Board of the City of Georgetown. The
Board is to be composed of nine (9) members. All members shall reside in the corporate
City limits or extraterritorial jurisdiction of the City of Georgetown.
B. The terms of office for Board members shall be two (2) years. Terms
will be staggered so that four Board members' terms expire in evenly numbered years and
the other five terms expire in odd -numbered years.
Section II. Purpose and duties.
A. The purpose of the Board shall be to participate in the Library Needs
Assessment study, update the Long -Range Plan for the library and serve to promote library
programs and services in the community.
0 B. The Board is responsible to and shall act as an advisory body to the Council
and shall perform such duties and exercise such additional powers as may be described by
ordinances of the Council not inconsistent with the provisions of the Charter." ,
SECTION 6. All ordinances and resolutions, or parts of ordinances and resolutions, in
conflict with this Ordinance are hereby repealed, and are no longer of any force and effect.
SECTION 7. If any provision of this ordinance or application thereof to any person or
circumstance, shall be held invalid, such invalidity shall not affect the other provisions, or
application thereof, of this ordinance which can be given effect without the invalid provision or
application, and to this end the provisions of this ordinance are hereby declared to be severable.
SECTION 8. The Mayor is hereby authorized to sign this ordinance and the City Secretary
to attest. This Ordinance shall become effective and be in full force and effect ten (10) days on and
after publication in accordance with the provisions of the Charter of the City of Georgetown.
PASSED AND APPROVED on First Reading on the 43 day of /'f-&b% u,4 1'V , 2001.
PASSED AND APPROVED on Second Reading on the c; % day of /Ccu+�a, 2001.
Ordinance No. 4' % 0/_ l[7
Page 4 of 5
Amending Terms of Boards & Commissions
CITY COUNCIL POLICY REGARDING RESPONSIBILITIES
OF
BOARD AND COMMISSION MEMBERS
Approved May 16, 2000
1. Board members will represent unconflicted loyalty to the interests of the
citizens of Georgetown. This accountability supersedes any conflicting
loyalty such as that to advocacy or interest groups and membership on
other boards or staffs. This accountability supersedes the personal
interest of any Board Member acting as an individual citizen of the City.
2. Appointed Boards are advisory to the Council; they play a unique and
important role in this advisory capacity, assisting the Council to carry out
its responsibilities for making the decisions which shape City policy.
3. Each Board Member is responsible to come to meetings prepared to
discuss the issues on the agenda.
4. Attendance by Board Members is integral to the Board's success. It is
Council policy to require a minimum of 75% attendance of each Member,
based on excused absences, and 67% attendance considering total
iabsences. (Excused absences shall be determined by the Board Chair,
who shall submit a running summary of absences to the Council in June
and November of each year.) Excessive absenteeism will result in the
Member being replaced by the Council.
5. All Members of Commissions and Boards appointed by the City Council
shall comply with the provisions of the City's Ethics Ordinance (Chapter
2.20 of the Georgetown Municipal Code), and the Texas Open Meetings
Act.
6. Board Members shall act and conduct themselves in a manner which will
promote trust in their integrity, impartiality, and their devotion to the best
interests of the City. During Board Meetings, Board Members shall
preserve order and decorum and shall conduct themselves in a manner
which will not, either by conversation or activity, delay or interrupt the
proceedings; Board Members shall not indulge in personalities, use
offensive language, arraign the motives of Members, charge deliberate
misrepresentation, or use language tending to hold any Member of the
Board, the public, or the staff, in contempt. Members will comply with the
directions of the presiding officer.
7. Board Members shall vote on all items, except on matters involving
• personal interests or when he/she believes that voting on a matter would
Responsibilities of Board & Commission Members
Pave 1 of 2
create an appearance of impropriety. In these instances, the Member may
abstain. Any Member excused from voting for these reasons shall
announce at the commencement of consideration of the matter and shall
refrain from discussion or debate on any such matter and shall'have
previously filed an affidavit stating the conflict of interest. The Members
having briefly stated the reason for this request, the excuse from voting
shall be accepted without debate.
8. Board Members are encouraged to be active in discussions and activities
of the Board, seeking to be innovative, creative, and freely sharing the
skills and knowledge which prompted their appointment to the Board.
9. Communication between the Council and the Boards'is* important to
fulfilling their purpose. Boards and Commissions are encouraged to
establishFa liaison programn]for their Board to attend Council meetings
relevant to their program, and to communicate with Council regarding
issues in their domain.
0
0
Responsibilities of Board & Commission Members
Page 2 of 2
MEMO TO BOARD AND COMMISSIONS
In accordance with Section 2.14 of the City Charter, which provides
the authority of the City Council to establish Boards, Commissions and
Committees to assist it in carrying out its duties and the City Council Policy
regarding Responsibilities of City Board and Commission members, the City
Council has drafted this standard by-law form for use by the City's advisory
bodies in an effort to insure that consistent,, orderly and fair procedures are
in place to conduct the City's business.
STANDARD FORM
BY-LAWS
Section 1.1 (Name of Board, Commission or Committee) reference in
remainder of by-laws should replace "Board" with "Commission " or
"Committee " respectfully
Section 1.2 Purpose. (Here, the Board should insert the charge or authority
granted it by the City Council, as provided for in the City Code of
Ordinances. For example, Section 2.56.050 sets forth the duties of the
Airport Advisory Board.)
ARTICLE II. MEMBERSHIP
Section 2.1 Number of members. (Refer to enabling ordinance as. to
whether number is set by Ordinance or is to be determined by Council)
Section 2.2 Eligibility. (Refer to Ord.)
Section 2.3 Selection of Board/Commission Members. Members of the
(body) shall be appointed in accordance with the City Charter.
Section 2.4 Term of Office. (Refer to Ord. -With few exceptions, the
provision should read, "The term of office for members shall be two years,
with a maximum of two consecutive terms allowable.')
Board Name By-laws
Page 1 of 5
-� Section 2.5 Vacancies. If for any reason a Board Member's position
becomes vacant, then the position shall be filled in accordance with the City
Charter. In the event the position is not filled immediately upon the
expiration of the prior term or when a vacancy occurs, the member serves in
a holdover capacity until the position is filled.
Section 2.6. Compensation and Expenditure of Funds. Members of the
Committee/Board serve without compensation. The Committee/ Board and
its members have no authority to expend funds or make an obligation on
behalf of the City. Upon advance approval of the Council, Members may be
reimbursed for authorized expenditures.
Section 2.7. City Council Policy. Members will comply with the City
Council Policy regarding Responsibilities of Board Members, as approved
by the City Council.
Section 2.8. Ex-officio and Alternate Members. Ex-officio members are not
permitted to serve as members of the Board. Alternate members may be
appointed by the Council as needed and will assume the duties and
responsibilities of regular members for the meeting in which the alternates
are designated to serve. The Chair will be responsible for designating an i
alternate from the panel of alternates when needed.
ARTICLE III. OFFICERS
Section 3.1. Title of Officers. (e.g. Chair, Vice -Chair, Secretary)
-� Section 3.2. Election of Officers. The Chair of the Board is appointed by
the City Council. All other officers of the Board are elected by a majority
vote of the Board at its first meeting after the annual appointment process.
Section 3.3. Term of Office. Officers serve for a term of one year.
Vacancies in office shall be handled as follows: In the event of vacancy in
the office of the Chair, the Vice -Chair shall serve as the Chair until the
Council'appoints a replacement. Vacancies in offices other than the Chair
will be filled by election held at the next regularly scheduled meeting or as
soon as practicable for the unexpired term. In the event an office is not
filled immediately upon_ the expiration of the prior term, that officer serves
in a holdover capacity until the position is filled.
Board Name By-laws
Page 2 of 5
--� Section 3.4. Duties. The Chair presides at all meetings and performs all
. other duties pertaining to the office, including voting. The Vice -Chair in the
absence of the Chair performs all duties of the Chair. The Secretary keeps
records of proceedings of all meetings. Staff liaison will keep custody of all
records and documents of the Board.
ARTICLE IV. MEETINGS
Section 4.1. Time and Date of Regular Meeting. (Refer to enabling
ordinance or in absence of language in the ordinance, as per Council
determination)
--- Section 4.2. Special Meetings. Special meetings may be called by the Chair
or by 2/51h of the Board Members.
Section 4.3. Quorum. A quorum shall consist of members, and shall be
required for the Board to convene a meeting as well as conduct business.
(Generally, a quorum will consist of a majority of the Board's .Members)
No business meeting may be convened, nor business conducted without a
quorum.
Section 4.4. Attendance. Board Members are required to attend 75% of
the Board meetings, based on excused absences, and attend 67% of the
meetings considering the total absences. Excused absences shall be
determined by the Board Chair. Attendance shall be reported to the Mayor
in June and January of each year and excessive absenteeism will be subject
to action under Council policy.
Section 4.5. Voting. Board Members shall vote on all items, except on
matters involving direct personal interests or matters which would create an
appearance of impropriety. In these instances, the Member shall abstain.
Any Board Member excused from voting for these reasons shall announce at
the commencement of consideration of the matter and shall refrain from any
discussion or debate on such matter.
Section 4.6. Open Meetings Act. All Board meetings and deliberations
shall be open to the public and shall be conducted in accordance with the
provisions of the Texas Open Meetings Act, the Texas Conflict of Interest
Statutes, the City of Georgetown's Ethics Ordinance and Council Policy.
Board Name By-laws
Page 3 of 5
Section 4.7. Conduct of Meeting. Board meetings will be conducted in
accordance with Council Policy, these by-laws and Robert's Rules of Order. •
Section 4.8. Call to Order. Board meetings will be called to order by the
Chair, or if absent, by the Vice -Chair. In the absence of both, the meeting
shall be called to order by the Secretary, and a temporary Chair shall be
elected to preside over the meeting.
ARTICLE V. MEETING PROCEDURES AND POLICIES
— Section 5.1. Agenda Items. Items may be placed on the agenda by the Chair
or at the request of any Board Member. The Board Member requesting the
agenda item will be responsible for the preparation of an agenda item cover
sheet and for the initial presentation at the meeting.
Section 5.2. Agenda Deadline. Items to be included on the Regular agenda
must be submitted to the staff liaison no later than 4 p.m. 6 calendar days
before the scheduled Board meeting.
Section 5.3. Agenda Packets. Agenda packets for all regular meetings will
be provided to all the Board members five days in advance of the scheduled
Board meeting. These packets will contain the posted agenda, agenda item
cover sheets, and written minutes of the last meeting.
`-- Section 5.4. Citizen Participation. In accordance with City Council policy,
Citizens are encouraged to sign up at Board meetings to speak on any item
on the agenda. Sign-up sheets will be available and should be submitted to
the Chair prior to the start of the meeting. If any written materials are to be
provided to the Board, a copy shall also be provided to the staff liaison for
inclusion in the minutes of the meeting. Speakers are limited to three
minutes. If a citizen wishes to speak on an issue that is not posted on the
agenda, they must file a written request with the (*staff liaison -identify and
give location) no later than 4 p.m., six days before the scheduled meeting.
To comply with the Open Meetings Act, the written request must state the
specific topic to be addressed and include sufficient information to inform
the Board and the public.
Section 5.5. Reports to Council. At regular intervals (at least once a year),
the City Council shall meet with the Board for the purpose of establishing
specific tasks for the Board to undertake, as per the language of the Charter
Board Name By-laws
Pace 4 of 5
which grants authority for the creation of this Board in its advisory role. The
• City Council shall, on a quarterly basis, hear reports from the Board at
regularly scheduled Council meetings, to assure greatest possible success. 10 „ 1,,,; .
ARTICLE VI. SUBCOMMITTEES
---� Section 6.1. Formation. When deemed necessary by a majority of the
Board, Subcommittees may be formed to handle specific projects related to
Board matters. Subcommittees comprised of non-members may only be
formed with the prior consent, and confirmation of the Council.
Recommendations of the subcommittee may be forwarded to the City
Council upon action taken by the Board approving such request.
-- Section 6.2. Expenditure of Funds. No subcommittee has the authority to
expend funds or be reimbursed for expenses on behalf of the Board without
prior authorization of the City Council.
Section 6.3. Open Meetings. Subcommittee meetings shall comply with the
Open Meetings Act.
• ARTICLE VII. BY-LAW AMENDMENTS
These by-laws may be amended by majority vote at any regular
monthly meeting of the Board. After passage by the Board, all revisions to
the By-laws must be sent to the City Council for final approval. By-law
revisions are not in effect until approved by the City Council.
.Board Name By-laws
Page 5 of 5
204 The Rote of the Member
MEMBERSHIP INVO VEMENT
Here re proven techniques fo incorporating new
memo rs immediately into t e organization and
making em feel welcome and seful:
I.; i. Make s re that each new ember receives a copy of
� the byla sand other do uments that govern the
dub.
2. Listen to th membe . Why did he or she join
the organizat n? If a member's needs are not
being met, he sh will probably not renew the
membership.
3. Assign the new ber a mentor, someone to
explain how the ga zation operates and to advise
where the mem r can est use his or her talents.
4. Give a training ession on arliamentary procedure
and explain th t at meetings 11 members are encour-
0!; aged to prese t ideas to the club in the form of
II motions.
li 5. Immediately ppoint the new me ber to a commit-
tee where hi or her talents are usefu and where the
IJ member is 1 terested in the work.
Toastmastir's International is an example of an
organizatio that immediately includes 1l new
members. At very meeting, each member is assigned a
task or is 'At
to participate in some way. This practice
trains all me bens for leadership roles. If the same people
always do he work, always are elected to office, or
result
always get z tion—whichhe limelight, t may ultimately destroy the
the orgbe a schism In
a i
Duties of the Members 205
The biggest mistaktan org tion can make is to
have a probationary perio or new members or to set
up barriers to service. ICyou walMo long to include the
new member, you may not have a n member at all. '
DUTIES OF THE MEMBERS
Members, too, have duties and responsibilities. Here are
a few:
1. Members should attend meetings, be on time, and
know the rules of parliamentary procedure. It takes ='
two to tango and to make a meeting go smoothly --
both the presiding officer and the members need to !'
know the parliamentary rules.
2. Members need to prepare themselves for leadership
roles.
3. Members should accept committee assignments and
perform•the tasks given to them' `in a timely manner.
4. Members need to work harmoniously with other
members even though they don't always agree with
them.
S. In debate, each member has the right to sway the
membership to his or her point of view. If a member
votes with the losing side, the member must respect
the fact that the majority rules and cheerfully carry
out the membership's wishes.
6. Members must be Impartial, fair; and courteous In
meetings. This means respecting the rights of
others, especially in debate. Members should call out
a "point of order" only when a serious breach of
.1
M
. 206 Tile Role of the Member
the rules has taken place. Members should listen
attentively and courteously All members mus
t b�I�
and wait in turnspeak.
that "majority rule" does not become "mob rule" by
protecting the rights of the minority and
ghy any
t
"gaveling through" or "railroading
business. It is important that each member diligently
follow this princiPomoe�r w with the might
no b�with
_.. the majority, and
7. When the bylaws or other rules of the organization
are not being followed or when members' rights are
being taken to courteously call ay In a meeting, members have a
responsibility the violation to the
attention of the membership._ tf'.f-Zia
Fcr�c,,hr�r
A SPECIAL RESPONSIBILITY
FOR MEM ����
1n= ARC /)04es AK£ .i-� rest
now and n ere comes along a members
officer t a �'"'t�re�'s'�Ipiect the right
e seconded motion and will not entertain a -
because oes not agree with it. actions:
ti , a member can pursue the following
1. Raise a point of order.
member can
2. If the chairrules It out of order, . (See Chaptert6,e"Appeal from
appeal the decision
the Decision of the Chair.")
Dint of order, the member
3. If the chair ignores the Pain. If it is seconded and
+� can make the motion ag lace the
.� a member can p
the .chair still ignores it, the
ly, ask for debate
motion before the assemb, and take
A Special Responsibility for Members
vote.the
207
. The member has
elthef
a right to do this under Robert's Rules of Order. This
Is a good example of the principle that power is
vested in the membership, not in the leadership.
ftVv,
a� •4�G yk}4•i.� yr•
� . s�I . c •.'Y,.itl a'
r: t
0 1 0
50 Getting Business Before the Assembly
i een temporarily disposed of and is still ithin control of
assembly. Here are examples:
a motion has been referred t a committee and
the co mittee has not reported the committee can
be disc rged and the asse ly can take up the
motion. ( e Chapter 6, " otions That Bring a
Question Ag Before the ssembly.")
If a motio has be postponed to later In
the meeting or t ano er meeting, the rules can
be suspended and th otion taken up at that time.
(See Chapter 6, "Sus eiid the Rules.")
If a motion has eenlaid on the table, it can be
taken from the to e.
Members ne to be alert �r1►eeting tactics that
refer a motion to a committee bury It (don't
investigate it), r lay it on the table to kill it. Or, while
a motion is i the committee or laid on the table,
someone pr sents another version of the motion.
The mem ers must realize that even though a
motion is in committee or on the table, it Is still
under the control of the assembly and must be
decided first.
x
Fil
VM
V//
Debating the Motion
/�
t Ee,+7F- &-,�wws o vec *000-si !s
It Is the right of every member to debate or to discuss
business that is introduced to the assembly in the form
of a main motion. This right can be taken away or
Iimited only by a motion to limit debate or to close
debate (previous question), and either motion must have
a two-thirds vote. (See Chapter 6, "To Limit or Extend
the Limits of Debate" and "Previous Question.")
Only through discussion can the assembly make an
Informed decision from the facts and persuasive argu-
ments that members present. Members should never be
tempted to "gavel through" an issue (rush through a
motion without any discussion) in an effort to save time
or silence the opposition.
In his book Parliamentary Law, Henry Robert gives a
word to the wise when he states, "Where there is radical
difference of opinion in an organization, one side must
yield. The great lesson for democracies to learn Is for the
majority to give the minority a full, free opportunity to
present their side of the case, and then for the minority,
having failed to win a majority to their views, gracefully
to submit and to recognize the action as that of the
entire organization, and cheerfully to assist In carrying
It out, until they can secure its repeal."
This chapter explains the rules of debate and the
circumstances under which debate can be limited. It also
lists those motions that are debatable and those that
are not.
W
9
• 0
52 Debating the Motion Rules of Debate 53
_ERA � t
RULES OF DEBATE ��rA� Profane Ianguage Is also prohibited.
(DIn debate, speakers refer to officers by title and avoid
Even though members have the right to debate, there mentioning other members' names. Instead, they
are established parliamentary rules concerning the privi- should refer to the members as
leges of debate. the member who just spoke
Ol A member must obtain the floor and be recognized or
by the presiding officer before beginning to speak.
A member can't just start talking while seated. the delegate from Hawaii.
Cdebate
owever, in small board meetings where rules of O% When speaking to a motion, it is Important for the
are less formal, this is allowed. (See ChapterJn
1, "Board Meetings.member to first let the assembly know which side of
�� go,�aeas �C�ak.�.) ReFe.cs s�tY To <<tfFfs� the issue he or she is on. If in favor of the motion,
G)The member who made the motion has the first right the member states:
to speak to the motion. He does this bye i speak for the motion.
obtaining the floor after the chair places the
motion before the assembly for discussion. and gives the reasons why. If opposed, the member
QA member can speak twice to the motion, but the
states:
second turn can be taken only after everyone who I speak against the motion.
wishes to speak the first time has spoken. and gives the reasons why. This helps the chair alter -
Each member can speak for ten minutes on each turn nate the debate.
unless the assembly has adopted rules that state an- y . In controversial Issues, the presiding officer should
other amount of time. 6V-t1►" (7odeRN alternate the debate between those who are speaking
A ese 7tr-+N Jo .ui.vuTE " ` Debate must be germane (related) to the motion. for and those speaking against the motion. After some-
one has spoken for the motion, the chair asks:
6D Speakers must address all remarks to the chair; cross Would anyone like to speak against the motion?
talk between members isrngt, allowed.
Speakers must be courteous and never attack other After someone speaks against the motion, the chair
members or question the motives of the members. In asks:
controversial issues, the discussion is focused on the Would someone like to speak in favor of the
Ideas, not on the personalities. Members must not use motion?
such inflammatory statements as "it's a lie," "it is a fraud," "he's a liar." However, a member might say, This ensures that all sides are represented, keeps tem-
' , prevents one side from dominating
� Pers down, and P g
the discussion.
I believe there is strong evidence that the
member's remarks are erroneous.
:54 Debating the Motion
,:✓The member who makes the motion can't speak
against his or her own motion, although he or she
can vote against It. The person who seconds the
motion, however, can speak against the motion be-
cause a second means "Let's discuss it," not "I agree."
Sometimes a member will second a motion just so
he or she can speak against it.
10 A member can't read, or have the secretary read, from
part of a manuscript or book as part of his or her
debate without the permission of the assembly. How-
ever, the member can read short, relevant printed
extracts in debate to make a point.
11 During debate, a member can't talk against a previ-
ous action that is not pending, unless one of the
motions to rescind, reconsider, or amend some-
thing previously adopted is pending; or unless the
member concludes his or her remarks with one of
these motions.,""C 4 P llt4%1_1 .sc crr�� � +
12 During debate, members should take care not to dis-
turb the assembly by whispering, talking, walking
across the floor, or causing other distractions.
13. debate, the presiding officer sits down when
a membe been assigned the floor to speak. Or, if
the presiding o i n't be seen by the members
�u when seated, the officer s ack from the lec-
tern while the member Is speaking. a rule of
one item of business at a time, this rule allow y
one person at a time to have the floor.)
(g)If at any time during debate the presiding
officer needs to Interrupt the speaker for a ruling
(for example, if the chair is correcting something
the speaker is doing) or needs to give Information
(for example, facts related to the discussion),
the member should-at-dolat until the presiding
0EQ0iKE 5rtiii
Limitations on Debate SS
officer has finished. Then the member can resume
speaking.
15 In deliberative assemblies, members do not have the
right to give some of their time to another member.
If a member has not used his or her ten minutes,
then the member forfeits the unused portion.
16. As the chairman, the presiding officer must rem '
impartial. As a member, the presiding offic as a
right to debate. Thus, if the presidin icer does
wish to speak to an Issue, he or sh inquishes the
chair to another officer (the v president) who has
not spoken and does not sh to speak. If no officer
wishes to take the ir, a member who has not
spoken and ha ecelved the assembly's approval
can preside. a presiding officer resumes the chair
when t motion has been either voted on by the
asse ly,or temporarily put aside by a motion to
er to a committee, postpone to another time,
or Iay on the table.
17 In debating an Issue, members also have the right to
conclude their debate with a higher -ranking motion
than the one pending. (See Appendix F for a chart
on ranking motions.)
LIMITATIONS ON DEBATE
Members can put limits on debate and evert stop the
debate altogether. This must be done by making a
motion. The presiding officer cannot cut off the debate as
long as one inember wishes to rise and speak. Neither can
one member stop debate by yelling out "Question" or
"It's time to take a vote."
I
56 Debating the Motion
Debate can be limited only by the motion eto limit
debate; and debate can be closed only by
ion
previous question or close debate.
These motions need a second, are not debatable, and
require a two-thirds vote to adopt. This vote
mustor bvotee
taken by a rising (but not counted)
details about these motions, see Chapter 6, "Subsidiary
Motions.")
DEBATABLE MOTIONS AND
UNDEBATABLE MOTIONS
Not all motions are debatable. Some motions are debat-
able in some situations and not in others. It is important
to study the chapter on motions to see which are debat-
able and which aren't.
motionThe ollowing is
a list of debatable
DEBATABLE MOTIONS
Main Motion
Postpone Indefinitely
Amend
Refer to a Committee
Postpone to a Certain Time
Appeal from the Decision of the Chair
Rescind
Amend Something Previously Adopted
Reconsider
Recess as an Incidental Main Motion
Fix the Time to Which to Adjourn (as an Incidental
Main Motion)
0
Debatable Motions and Undebatable Motions 57
UNDEBATABLE MOTIONS
Limit or Extend the Limits of Debate
Previous Questions (close debate)
Lay on the Table
Take from the Table
Cali for the Orders of the Day
Raise a Question of Privilege
Recess (as a Privilege Motion)
Adjourn
Fix the Time to Which to Adjourn (as a Privilege
Motion)
Point of Order
Withdraw a Motion
Suspend the Rules
Objection to Consideration of the Motion
Division of the Assembly
Division of the Question
Incidental Motions Relating to'Voting, When the
Subject is Pending
Dispense with the Reading of the Minutes
3partiamentar
. Prorebure
•
Iflabt
A[[
About
t�fa
RMINSK-01
INTRODUCTION .
This bc�Ckiet is a very short synopsis of 'the video and of
Robert's Rules, This is based on ROBERT'S RULES OF
ORDER NEWLY REVISED, 199d, published by the Scott,
Foresman Company. Each motion that is described is refer-
enced by page number to Robert's Rules which is abbreviated
as RONR.
There are five classes of motions: (RONR pp. 57 -79)
titiR.'y
• r
A main motion brings business before the assembly. It
needs a second and is debatable. There can only be one main
motion pending at a time. It is the lowest ranking of all the
motions. (RONR pp. 61; 31- 56)
SECOND C
SUBSIDIARY MOTIONS
Subsidiary motions help the assembly dispose of the main
motion. Add a stth_, _gid=ar,�v�mntinn'at�=gay dort 5� rrhino
to the on. These have been assigned an order of
precedence or rank so that business can be taken up one item at
a time. The following is a list of subsidiary motions ranked
from top to bottom. To Lay on the Table is the highest rank-
ing subsidiary motion. (RONR pp. 62 .66; 123 .216)
TO LAY ON THE TABLE [set aside temporarily]
PREVIOUS QUESTION [stop debate]
LIMIT OR EXTEND LIMITS OF DEBATE. [shorten or
lengthen debate]
POSTPONE TO A CERTAIN TIME [put off to another
time]
REFER TO A COMMITTEE get a committee investigate]
AMEND [to change a motion]
POSTPONE INDEFINITELY [kill a motion]
E
THIRD CLASS
PRIVILEGED
These do not relate to the pending motion but to special
matters or immediate importance and take precedence over the
Subsidiary motions. They are undebatable and have an
assigned order of rank. Fix the Time to which to Adjourn is
the highest ranking motion. (RONR pp. 66 - 68; 217-246)
FIX THE TIME TO WHICH TO ADJOURN
[set an adjourned meeting]
ADJOURN [end meeting now]
RECESS [take a break]
RAISE A QUESTION OF PRIVILEGE
[welfare of individual/assembly]
CALL FOR THE ORDERS OF THE DAY
[stick to the agenda]
NOTE FOR THE PRESIDING OFFICER
In this video, the viewer will notice that when a unde-
batable motion is pending, a member can rise and make a
motion of higher rank. However, when an undebatable
motion is pending, and a member rises, the chair should
a[wW ask the member:
"FOR WHAT PURPOSE DOES THE MEMBER
RISE?"
This way if the member is rising to do something that
is not in order at that time, the chair stops the incorrect pro-
cedure immediately without wasting the assembly's times.
This phrase keeps business going in the right direction.
4
RANKING OF MOTIONS
W PRIVILEGED MOTIONS
z
0 FIX THE TIME TO WHICH TO ADJOURN
ADJOURN
0 RECESS
RAISE A QUESTION OF PRIVILEGE
(� CALL FORTHE ORDERS OFTHE DAY
z
Q SUBSIDIARYMOTION
TO LAY ON THE TABLE
B' PREVIOUS QUESTION
0 LIMIT OR EXTEND LIMITS OF DEBATE
It TO POSTPONE TO A CERTAIN TIME
O TO COMMIT (REFER)
cc TO AMEND
0 TO POSTPONE INDEFINITELY
MAIN MOTION "
(See RONR: Tinted pages in book page 4)
0
11
v
m
M
0
0
Z
0
z
0
0
U)
s
44FOURTH CLASS
NCIDENTAL MOTIONS
These motions deal with questions of procedure rising out
of the pending business. They are usually undebatable, and
must be decided upon immediately. They have no rank.
(RONR pp. 68-74; 247-293) Here are some of the incidental'
motions.
POINT OF ORDER [that's against the rules]
APPEAL [disagree with chair's ruling]
DIVISION OF THE ASSEMBLY
[doubt the result of the vote]
REQUESTS AND INQUIRIES [I have a question] or
[I request permission]
FIFTH CLASS
MOTIONS THAT BRING A QUESTION AGAIN
BEFORE THE ASSEMBLY
The purpose of these motions is to bring a motion back
before the assembly. For example, a motion that was laid on
the table is brought back by the motion TO TAKE FROM
THE TABLE. When members want to change their minds
about a motion that was just adopted, they can RECONSIDER
THE VOTE. If members are unhappy with action taken at a
previous meeting they can RESCIND THE ACTION or
AMEND SOMETHING PREVIOUSLY ADOPTED. One
other motion in this category is TO DISCHARGE A COM-
MITTEE. This takes a motion out of committee before the
committee has made its final report and puts it back into the
hands of the assembly. These motions are made when no other
business is pending. They need a second and are debatable. If
no previous notice has been given, RESCIND and AMEND
SOMETHING PREVIOUSLY ADOPTED need a two-thirds
vote to be adopted. (RONR pp. 75-79; 294 -329)
SUBSIDIARY MO
I. POSTPONE INDEFINITELY:
The purpose of this motion is to
needs a second and is debatable. Deb
the main motion. It needs a majorit
lowest ranking of subsidiary motion
6
y
` Privileged Motions. To see
the tinted pages in the middl
TIONS
RONR pp. 123.127) VOTING
kill the main motion. It SECONDA
ate can go to the merits of k In voting the chair al
vote to adopt. It is the amendment, then the prima
s which means a higher motion.
i
oranking
motionbe made while this motion is pending.
"Motions to Lor Extend Limits of Debate and the
Previous Question can be applied to it without affecting the
main motion." (RONR p.124) While Postpone Indefinitely is
pending, any higher ranking motion can be made; and the main
motion can be Amended, Referred to a Committee,
Postponed to a Certain Time, or Laid on the Table. If the
main motion is Referred to a Committee while Postpone
Indefinitely is pending, Postpone Indefinitely does not go to
Committee with the main motion.
II. AMEND (RONR pp.127 -164)
The purpose of this motion is to change the main motion.
There are three ways of Amend:
1. By inserting or adding words
2. By striking out words
3. By striking out and inserting words.
Anyone can make the motion to amend. It needs a second,
it is debatable, and must begermane to what it is amending. It
needs a majority vote to adopt. It cannot introduce a new sub-
ject. Debate goes only to the amendment.
An amendment can be amended. The first amendment is
called a "primary" amendment and it applies to the main
motion. It's amendment is called a "secondary amendment"
and applies only to the primary amendment. The secondary
amendment must be germane to the primary amendment. It
needs a second, and is debatable. Debate is on the merits of the
secondary amendment. An amendment to the third degree is
not allowed. Only one set of primary and secondary amend-
ments can be pending at the same time.
The motion to Amend can be applied to any motion that
has a variable, this includes some Subsidiary Motions and some
which motions can be amended, see
e of RONR.
ON PRIMARY &
RY AMENDMENTS
ways begins with the secondary
ry amendment, and finally the main
•
III. REFER COMMITTEE (RONR pp.165 -176)
The purpose of this motion is to obtain information by
referring the motion to a small, selected group of members for
investigation. When making the motion to Refer to a
Committee, state which committee, what it is to do, and when
it is to report back to the membership. This motion needs a sec-
ond and is debatable. Debate is on the merits of referring it to
the committee. It takes a majority vote to adopt.
Another form of this motion, is to move that the assembly
act as the committee. In small assemblies, the motion is to
"Consider Informally". This motion needs a second, and is
debatable. It takes a majority vote to adopt. Debate is on the
merits of informal consideration. If adopted, this motion
enables the assembly to act as the committee. Its effect is to
take away the restrictions on debate. (RONR. p. 533, also see
pp. 521- 534)
IV. POSTPONE TO A CERTAIN TIME (RONR pp.176 -
188)
The purpose of this motion is to put off or delay the deci-
sion to another time in the current meeting or to the next meet-
ing. It needs a second and is debatable. Merits of the debate
are on "postponing". It takes, a majority vote to adopt. If
adopted, the motion will come up at the approximate time when
no other business is pending. This motion should not be con-
fused with To Lay on the Table.
When members want a motion to come up at an exact time
in the meeting, it needs to be made a special order. This needs
a second, is debatable, but requires a two-thirds vote. If
adopted, it must be taken up at the specified time even if busi-
ness is pending. (See "Call for the Orders of the Day" 'in
which to set it aside).
The motion to "postpone" has certain time limits. It can't
be postponed beyond a quarterly time interval or the next busi-
ness meeting (which ever comes first). It can't be used as a
motion to kill.
If the motion to "Postpone to the next meeting" is adopted,
it appears on the agenda under unfinished business.
V. TO LIMIJO EXTEND THE LIMITS OF DEBATE
(RONR pp. 1 194)
If an assembly has no special rule of order about the limits
of debate, a member may speak twice to a motion and up to ten
minutes each time. If a member wishes to extend or limit the
debate, he makes this motion. It needs a second, is not debat-
able, but is amendable. It takes a two-thirds vote to adopt.
VI. PREVIOUS QUESTION (RONR pp.194.207)
The purpose of this motion is to stop debate and take the
vote immediately. In its unqualified form it applies only to the
immediate pending motion. It needs a second. It is not debat-
able. It needs a two-thirds vote to carry. If adopted, debate
ceases, and the vote is taken immediately on the pending ques-
tion. Previous Question may be made on all pending questions
or on consecutive pending questions.
[SPECIAL NOTE: Even though this is one of the highest
ranking subsidiary motions, it is not proper to make this motion
before anyone has had the right to debate. If there is a contro-
versial issue presented to the membership , it wouldn't be right
to close debate before someone in the opposition had the right
to speak. If the issue is controversial the chair should alternate
debate between those in favor and those opposed.
Henry Robert, in his book PARLIAMENTARY LAW, p. 4,
says this:
"Where there is radical difference of opinion in an organiza-
tion, one side must yield. The great lesson for democracies to
learn is for the majority to give to the minority a full, free
opportunity to present their side of the case, and then for the
minority, having failed to win a majority of their views, grace-
fully to submit and to recognized the action as that of the entire
organization, and cheerfully to assist in carrying it out, until
they can secure its repeal. "j
VII. TO LAY ON THE TABLE (RONR pp. 207 - 216)
The purpose of this motion is to set the motion aside tem-
porarily to take up something of immediate urgency. It is not to
kill the motion or to put it off to the next meeting. It needs a
second, is not debatable, and takes a majority to adopt. A mem-
ber should state his reasons for making this motion. A member
cannot lay a motion on the table and then make another motion
9
that conflicts wilft motion laid on the table. if the motion is
not used correct13We chair should rule it out of order, and state
the proper procedure. If the chair does not do this, a member
should rise to a "point of order" and explain the correct proce-
dure.
When a main motion is laid on the table, all adhering sub
sidiary motions go with it. For example, if a main motion, and
its subsidiary motions to amend, and to refer to a committee are
pending, these go to the table with the main motion.
PRIVILEGED MOTIONS
I. CALL FOR THE ORDERS OF THE DAY (RONR pp.
217 - 222)
When the agenda isn't being followed, or a motion that was
made a "special order" is not being take up at the right time,
one member can "Call for the Orders of the Day". It does not
require a second. It is not debatable. The chair must immedi-
ately go to the orders of the day or take a vote to set aside the
orders of the day which must be adopted by a two-thirds vote.
II. RAISE A QUESTION OF PRIVILEGE (RONR pp. 223
.229)
This motion permits a request or motion relating to the
rights and privileges of the assembly. This usually has to do
with noise or temperature in the assembly room. It does not
require a second. It is not debatable. The chair rules on the
request. There are Questions of Privilege concerning the
Assembly and Questions of Privilege concerning the Individual.
It is usually stated this way:
MEMBER: Madam President, I rise to a question of privi-
lege concerning the assembly.
CHAIR: Please state the question.
MEMBER: It is too hot in here could we have the heat
turned down.
(The Chair then makes a ruling)
III. RECESS (RONR pp. 229 - 232)
10
The urWiness
f this motion is to take a short intermission
and take upwhere the members left off. As a •
Privileged motion, it is made when other business is pending.
It is needs a second, is not debatable, and the vote is taken
immediately. The time of recess can be changed by amending.
Recess as a Main motion: When no other business is
pending, the motion to "recess" can be made. It needs a second
and is debatable and can be amended.
IV. ADJOURN (RONR pp. 232.241)
The purpose is to close the meeting NOW! It needs a sec-
ond and is not debatable. The chair must take a vote immedi-
ately. It needs a majority vote to be adopted. As a Privileged
Motion (it is made when other motions are pending), it takes
precedence over all other motions except the motion TO FIX
THE TIME TO WHICH TO ADJOURN. If adopted, and
before the chair announces the meeting adjourned, members can
rise to make announcements, give previous notice about a
motion to be made at the next meeting, to make the motions to
RECONSIDER, RECONSIDER AND ENTER ON THE
MINUTES, and FIX THE TIME TO WHICH TO
ADJOURN. If the meeting adjourns while business is pending,
this business carries over to the next meeting and appears on the
agenda under unfinished business.
V. FIX THE TIME TO WHICH TO ADJOURN ( RONR
pp. 241- 246)
The purpose of this motion is to set the time for an
"adjourned meeting". As a Privileged Motion, it is the highest
ranking motion and it needs a second and is not debatable. It
takes a majority vote to adopt. The time and date of the
adjourned meeting is amendable. An adjourned meeting is a
legal continuation of the present meeting. This motion neveg
adjourns the meeting, it sets the time and date for another meet-
ing.
When no business is pending, this is a main motion. As a
main motion, it needs a second, it is, debatable and ,takes a
majority vote to adopted. (See tinted pages RONR p.16 #42.)
To set the time to adjourn the meeting, make the motion
FIX THE TIME Al WHICH TO ADJOURN. This is a main
motion. It is debatable and amendable. It needs a majority vote
11
to be adop*ONR p. 244; tinted pages, p. 6 #3)
INCIDENTAL MOTIONS
POINT OF ORDER (RONR pp. 247 - 254)
. The purpose of this motion is to correct a breach in- the
rules. It should not be used for minor infractions. It does not
need a second, can interrupt a speaker, and is ruled upon by the
chair. It is made at the time of the infraction. If the infraction
is of a continuing nature, a point of order can be made at any-
time. If a member does not agree with the chair's ruling, he can
appeal from the decision of the chair.
APPEAL (RONR pp. 254 - 259)
An appeal is made immediately after the ruling of the chair.
This motion needs a second and is debatable unless it is made
while an undebatable motion is pending or relates to the priority
of business. The chair has the first opportunity to speak to the
appeal. After members of the assembly have spoken to the
appeal, the chair has the last right to speak before taking the
vote. It takes a majority vote to sustain the decision of the chair.
The correct phrasing for the vote is:
CHAIR: "The question is, `shall the decision of the
chair be sustained'. All those in favor say "aye". Those
opposed say "no". Announce the vote and whether the deci-
sion is sustained or not sustained, and what effect it has on
the pending business.
REQUESTS AND INQUIRIES(RONR pp. 285 - 286)
This procedure is a way to obtain information. One way is
to ask for parliamentary information. This called a
"Parliamentary Inquiry". The chair answers the inquiry.
Another way is to ask for information about the subject being
discussed. This is called a "Point of Information." These are
always directed to or through the chair.
REQUEST FOR PERMISSION TO WITHDRAW OR
MODIFY A MOTION (RONR pp. 287 - 289)
The purpose of this motion is to withdraw or modify a
motion without taking a vote. Before the chair states the
motion, it belongs to the maker of the motion and he can with-
12
draw it obdify it without the permission of the assembly. •
After the on is stated by the chair, it belongs to the assembly
and the maker must ask permission to modify or withdraw it.
[SPECIAL NOTE: There is some misunderstanding about
this procedure. If the chair has not stated the motion the mem-
ber can withdraw it without permission of the person who sec-
onded it. If the member modifies the motion and the seconder
withdraws his second, then some one else can second the
motion.
AlL r the motion has been stated by the chair, then the
motion belongs to the assembly and not to the maker of the
motion. The assembly must give permission to withdraw the
motion or modify it, not just the person who seconded it.]
OBJECT TO CONSIDERATION OF A QUESTION
(RONR pp. 265 - 268)
The purpose of this motion is to prevent a motion from
being considered. This should not be used as a dilatory tactic,
but only when someone feels that it would be divisive for it
even to come before the assembly. Anyone can object to con-
sideration including the presiding officer. It does not need a
second, is not debatable, nor amendable. A vote must be taken
immediately on whether the motion should be considered. The
objection must be made before any discussion has begun on the
motion. It takes a two-thirds vote against consideration to
sustain the objection. In taking a vote the chair should phrase
it this way:
CHAIR: The consideration of the question Is objected
to. Shall the question be considered? Those in favor of con-
sidering the question, rise. (pause) Be seated. (pause)
Those opposed to considering the question, rise.(pause) Be
seated. (pause)
If more than a third of the membership is in favor of con-
sidering the question, the chair would announce the vote this
way:
CHAIR: There are jm than two thirds opposed and
the objection is not sustained. The question is on the motion
...."
If two-thirds of the membership vote against considering
the question, the chair would announce the vote this way:
CHAIR: There are two-thirds opposed and the ques-
13
tion will not i nsidered. Is there further business?
In putting question to the membership, the chair should
state it "shall the question be considered?" Those who want to
prevent consideration must vote in the negative.
MOTIONS THAT BRING A QUESTION AGAIN
BEFORE THE ASSEMBLY
TO TAKE FROM THE TABLE (RONR pp. 294.298)
When a motion is laid on the table, it must be taken from
the table by the end of the next meeting or it dies. This motion
must be made when no other business is pending. Anyone can
make this motion. It needs a second. It is not debatable, and the
vote is taken immediately. It needs a majority vote to adopt. If
adopted, the motion that was tabled is now before the assembly
as when it was laid in the table. For example, if several motions
were pending when it was laid on the table, — a main motion,
an amendment, and refer to a committee —the chair begins
discussion with the last motion made which was to refer to a
committee.
RENEWAL OF MAIN MOTIONS (RONR pp. 330.338)
If a MajM motion is defeated, it can't be brought before the
assembly again at the same meeting unless it is a substantially
new question, or through special procedures. It can be brought
up again at another meeting. For rules concerning renewing
secondary motions see RONR pp. 330 - 338.
RECONSIDER (RONR pp. 309 - 329)
The purpose of this motion is to Reconsider the wqLq on a
motion. Only a member that voted on the prevailine side can
make the motion. Anyone can second it. It is debatable if the
motion to be reconsidered is debatable. Debate can go to the
merits of the main motion. It is not amendable. It requires a
majority vote to be adopted. It ranks above all other motions.
The effect of makin the motion to reconsider sus en nds all
action until the motion to reconsider is taken up or terminates.
A member who makes this motion should state that he
voted on the prevailing side. If he doesn't state this, it is the
chair's duty to ask him if he voted on the prevailing side. If
there is no business pending, the motion is taken up immedi-
ately.
14
If businift pending, It isn't taken up until a member
"Calls up thtion to Reconsider the Vote" which could be
at another meeting.
If the motion to Reconsider the Vote is carried. The
motion being reconsider is before the assembly as if it had never
been voted on. However, if a person has exhausted his right to
debate the motion, he can't debate it again unless it is taken up
at another meeting.
A motion cannot be reconsidered whose provisions have
been partially carried out; or a vote which has caused something
to be done that can't be undone; or if, a contract was made and
the other party has been notified of the vote; or when the same
result can be obtained by some other parliamentary motion.
RESCIND; AMEND SOMETHING PREVIOUSLY
ADOPTED (RONR. pp. 299 - 303)
The rules concerning these two motions are very similar.
The purpose is to reverse or to change something previously
adopted by the assembly. These are considered incidental main
motions, they need a second and are debatable. They are not in
order if the action has already been carried out and is impossible
to undo. Debate can go to the merits of the original motion.
The vote requirement:
1. With "previous notice", it takes a majority vote.
2. Without "previous notice", it takes a two-thirds vote;
or a majority vote of the =JJM membership.
A special word of "thanks" to these parliamentarians
who reviewed the script for the video:
Harold Corbin, RP
1823 West 9th St.
Anderson, IN 46016
Shane Dunbar, RP
Parliamentary Consultant
1273125th Ave. SE
Seattle, WA 98208-6609
Ann Gitton, PRP, CPP
8600 Swigert Rd.
Loveland, OH 45140
15
0
C
DRAFT
/--N CITY aF
ueorg,g otvn
�CIEO - 1134U
0
•
r Geozptovm Librariyr 1,3,psce All- ccatiorr,
EXISMG FACILrTY,
YEAR 2=
GEORGET 0—"NCTIY
LINMS
VIAY. 2020
GEORGEWYM ETI
FopulaXars
39,000
60,900
2.5
73,000
152,250
202z0
Square Fee
17,000
38,062
50562
ReaderSean @ 4.511000
94
235
360
1p-ung
Quiet study rooms
63
160
200
0
GroW study
0
Curreamptliff COIL
Maft - Audio - ViAW
0
0
Rd=t= Dq*lCwva=cnt Document
•
Periodicals
Adults
Childm
TeVVYOMZAdult
Large Print
Local Hislcy
Busine cch-logy Dept.
AuditDfiUn
75 Seats
200scau
225 seats
Board RoomfCoafercucc Room 25 Seats
0
Cmfe"=e Room 15 Seats
Small Muting Roam 4-6 Seats
0(4)
0(4)
Study Rooms 2 Seats
0(4)
(2a]&m a PVpcVSbor)ftlicr razatre
0
Music/Vis Listen Studio
0
COMPUW Lab
0
0
0
T-b-l-gy T-Wm Canter
0
0
caw
0
0
copy C40a
0
Exhibit Space
Aft way
Drive-v access window
0
Drive-p book -drop
Vohmtw/Frim,fs Area
QMA MrATr 3, PA E Ina�,W—MMT
Cirmdafion Work Pom
0
0
Chadren s Scmm Work Room
0
0
CDHCcdowwwkRoom
0
0
Tocinucal Sarm We& Room
f
0
Automation Work Room
0
Outreach Services
0
SeQuity CM&W
0
0
StAffL4D=p
0
•
StaffConference, Room
0
PrivatecKfices
0
Storage
0
Matt add RdLmyA4,dg
0 riot mvidod
O
•
P-w
Pruvided
•
•
Library Circulation 1995-2000
300,000
2
250,000 2 9
2 0
2 4
200,000
1 9
0
150,000
H
100,000
50,000
0
FY 1995-1996 1996-1997 1997-1998 1998-1999 1999-2000
Library Building Area Per Capita
1.5
1.25
1
0.75
0.5
0.25
0
A
&P
0
A A ,k
v V
,� l A ��A
<V
iA. A
-le
>
0 Sq.FtJCapita
r-j
3
2.5
2
1.5
1
0.5
0
Holdings Per Capita
`,§A t§A �iA i§A
`p y�4 ti V�
Jo �G
6
OA ta�A �iA ta�A
A'd
�aec:PJ
Q
--+—Holdings Per Capita
10
•
i lIX
fi 40,000
cr
3
a� 30'OW
a
0
75 20,000
iZ
0
a
i 12
Population
VS
Library Building Area
VS
Building Area Per Capita
60,900.
1.4
1.2
HUI
fl.
ca
0.8 .--
National tl
Average
Recommended ;?
0.6-- Q
Old =
State of Texas �
Recommended
0.4
0.28
0.2
0 i I f i i I F 0.0
1986 1990 1994 1998 2002 2006 2008 2012 2016 2020
—0 Population +Library Building Area -A Building Area Per Capita
Population Source: Georgetown Division of Development Services
Estimated
Option A:
Maintain Existing Facility
17,000 SF Facility
Option B:
Add to Existing Facility
Assume 40,000 SF Facility
•
Option C:
Multiple Library Facilities
Assume 40,000 SF Facility
Option D:
New Main 40,000 SF Library
Assume 40,000 SF Facility
E
•
C
0
I� 4!P'��' 'I I,I!�yil
rp
Fr
Option A:
Maintain Existing; Facility
17,000 SF Facility
Implications
• No Impact to Current Tax Rate
• Great Partnership with CBD
— Per Capita Area/Collection Below
Peer/National Standards
— Inadequate Parking
— Building Increasingly Overcrowdeif
•
•
Option B:
Add to Existing Facility
Assume 40,000 SF Facility
Capital Cost
New Construction
23,000 SF @ $150 = $3,450,000
.Renovate Existing
17,000 SF @ $40 = $680,000
Capital Cost Subtotal: 4 130 000
•
Option B:
Add to Existing Facility
Assume 40,000 SF Facility
Operational Cost
Additional Staff Required for 2nd Floor
2 Staff X 2 @ $35,000/YR=$140,000/YR
Operational Cost (10 YR) '%JjE=
E
•
•
40
i
Option B:
Add to Existing Facility
Assume 40,000 SF Facility
Total Capital of Operational Differential Cost
Capital Cost Subtotal:
Operational Cost (10 YR)
$4,130,000
•
Option B:
Add to Existing Facility
Assume 40,000 SF Facility
Implications
+ Maintain Partnership with CBI
— Staff Premium for 2nd Floor
-- Land Cost for Parking
0
C G Ti
option)3:
Falhy Add Wn
.
Facili
z
Z
K
5
k A I
00, /xk
7
Downto�\,,n Inset
LA
•
E
rr Fr Fr
FP
Option C:
Multiple Library Facilities
Assume 40,000 SF Facility
Capital Cost
Maintain 2 Facilities
Existing .wilding Renovation
17,000 SF @ $40 =
New Building
23,000 SF @ $120 =
Capital Subtotal Cost:
$2,760,000
' Mjjjjj�
•
Option C:
Multiple Library Facilities
Assume 40,000 SF Facility
Operational Cost
Maintain 2 Facilities
LI
Additional Staff .required for 2 Facilities
4 Staff X 2 @ $35,000/YR=$280,000/YR
Operational Cost (10 YR) = $2,800,000
0
•
•
(�'r41 f6sti!I�6�I�Iry
Option C.-
Multiple Library Facilities
Assume 40,000 SF Facility
Collection
Maintain 2 .Facilities
Initial Collection Duplication
160,000 Items @ 30% = 48,000 Items
�: III • I ','�i ill
Current Budget $120,000 @ 30% $40,000/YR
� Book Budget Cost (10 YR) = $400,000
Option C.
Multiple Library Facilities
Assume 40,000 SF Facility
Total Capital of Operational Differential Cost
Capital Cost Subtotal:
Operational Cost (10 YR.)
Collection Cost:
Boob Budget Cost:
Total
0
Option C:
Multiple Library Facilities
Assume 40,000 SF Facility
Implications
• Maintain Partnership with CBD
• Potential Location West of I-35
---- Large Capital Cost Premium for
Staff/Collection
— Land Cost for 2nd Facility
r-�
Mul't -Fay s
... jill'2— #
te
T
s
'1. �d�.,� 3 '. '�. a , 'y �+!f• a. P .fir
✓-' «J �i. v i f c.. �: r « $�f' �. x '„a # t�, a ,r'�.it � ,
\ S /
._`` 1 : ��..;tr�'y ,Y c t'L r �i r t; � rt�t �$ T._.� �([]�•� � .fir �. -_ �f/iv � � :� j
7-a 1r Sx t 1 �i{ P t
/t.
Downtown Inset
1.
1,
t
E. ♦ r ♦_ c r
0
C.
Option Dfo
.
New Single Library Facility
Assume 40,000 SF Facility
Capital Cost
New 401,000 SF @ $120 = $4800,000
Renovation 40,000 SF @ $ 65 = $2,600,000
Capital Cost Subtotal: (New) $4,800,000
'+ � �� '► pit 111
Qperational Cost
Staff Premium 0
Collection Premium 0
Total/Operational Cost: (New) $4,800,000
(Renovated) $2,600,000
Option D:
New Single Library Facility
Assume 40,000 SF .Facility
Implications
+ Minimal Staff & Collection Cost
Capital• Building and Land
— Land Area in CBD to Support 40,000 SF
Facility is Minimal
•
Option D:
jt
1
New 5�;1ibra-r ��i� t:y
�v 1
SbIlf
77
4 N OCRAl
� .. .t �� °'a '•\. .. 1 t- t p t7y t � 4 r j .�•-•'.'1. �tt J _i-1 �.
tit Amtown inset
Y,_
s e. ^� SAP � ` •``� .�%' : - .�
n Y'`f. - two. P •'.JG / � ''! \ t �1 S .):
.'. xy
•
•
•
e
Summary:
Focus Group Demographics
96 Total Participants
• 66 % Female
• 34 % Male
• 71 % Reside within Georgetown City Limits
• 29 % Reside outside Georgetown City Limits
• Average Age of Participants: 58.5
• Oldest Participant: 88
• Youngest Participant: 16
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V Austin American Statesman
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✓ 100 Post cards sent to leaders in the community (including the Youth
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