Rules and Reports Committee

Regular Meeting

Portland, ME · March 7, 2022

Minutes

City Council Rules Committee Monday, March 7, 2022, 8:00 AM Remote Meeting Minutes Approved by the Rules Committee on March 28, 2022 Rules Committee Members: Councilor Andrew Zarro, Chair Mayor Kate Snyder Councilor Pious Ali Councilor Mark Dion The meeting, held by ZOOM technology, convened at 8:02 a.m. on March 7, 2022. Attendees: Committee members Councilor Andrew Zarro, Chair, Mayor Kate Snyder, Councilor Pious Ali, and Councilor Mark Dion, and Acting Corporation Counsel Jen Thompson, and assistant Nancy English. Members of the public Sarah Michniewicz and John P. attended. Councilor Zarro began the meeting with the review of redlined changes attached to the agenda, beginning with Rule 19, Reconsideration. Acting Corporation Counsel Jen Thompson said the redline changes began with the substitution of the words "Prevailing side" for the word "majority." In Rule 32, subsection 5, and Rule 36 the changes concerned how members of the public identify themselves. In Rule 32, "abusive or disrespectful" was proposed in place of the term "scurrilous." Mayor Snyder said the revisions looked good except that Rule 32, subsection 4, concerning the time of the non-agenda item public comment period, which could be, as it is in the School Board agenda, set at the end of the meeting. The change of time of non-agenda item public comment was discussed at length, with Mayor Snyder and Councilor Dion stating why the end of the meeting was best – since it would prioritize the items on the agenda already vetted by committee, with staff members ready to answer questions. Chair Zarro and Councilor Ali stated their preference for this public comment to be scheduled at the beginning of the meeting, which would make it certain when it would occur. Although scheduled for 6:00 p.m., it often comes later, after the council finishes deliberating on an item on the agenda started before the 6:00 p.m. hour. Chair Zarro said putting this comment at the end of the agenda would mean fewer people would participate. Given the split in support between the beginning and the end of the meeting for non- agenda item comment, Mayor Snyder suggested the other changes could go forward with unanimous approval from the Rules Committee while the time of the non-agenda item period would be left to the full council for a decision. Further discussion concerned changes proposed by Councilor Ali to allow public comment by Council-invited participants at workshops. Jen Thompson said workshops are now limited to councilors and city staff. If workshops were opened up to comment by Council- guests, the workshop would likely become a public forum and likely necessitate that all public comment be permitted, which might impede the unique aims of workshops. However, if comment by members of the public is desired at a workshop, the Council’s existing rules would permit public comment by a vote to waive the usual rule. Discussion of process followed. Councilor Dion said workshops were for educating the city councilors following the work on items in committee, where public comment is invited, and before the public hearing that is required once the item is being considered for a vote before the full City Council. Mayor Snyder said outside experts are best enlisted while a committee is reviewing an item. Chair Zarro said if more information is needed at the workshop, an item should return to committee for additional review. Councilor Ali agreed that the exploratory process in committee was a good process and that he would let this proposal go. Chair Zarro opened the meeting for public comment and attendee Sarah Michniewicz asked what would happen if a member of the public declined to give a last name. She also said it can be frustrating to wait all night to speak, and that no mention had been made of the behavior of councilors during the non-agenda item public comment period. Chair Zarro closed the public comment period and asked for a motion to approve the revisions in the rules attachment. Mayor Snyder moved to approve, and Councilor Dion seconded that motion. The vote was 4-0 in favor. Mayor Snyder moved and Councilor Dion seconded approval of moving the non-agenda item public comment period to either the beginning or the end of a council meeting, which passed by a vote of 4-0. Councilors and the Mayor noted that the minutes of the last meeting had been left off the agenda, and their approval was scheduled for the next Rules Committee meeting, that date to be set following this meeting. Mayor Snyder moved and Councilor Zarro seconded the motion to adjourn, which passed by a roll call vote of 4-0. The meeting adjourned at 9:13 a.m.

Agenda

Packet

Councilor Andrew Zarro, District 4, Chair Kate Snyder, Mayor Councilor Pious Ali, At-Large Councilor Mark Dion, District 5 City Council Rules Committee Monday, March 7, 2022 8:00 am Remote, via Zoom AGENDA Zoom Information: This meeting will take place remotely using Zoom. This meeting will be held remotely pursuant to the Remote Meeting Policy adopted by the Portland City Council and as authorized under 1 M.R.S. 403-B because of the existence of an emergency or urgent issue that requires the committee to meet by remote methods. Allow your computer to install the free Zoom app to get the best meeting experience. If you are not able to attend live, a recording will be available in the Agenda Center following the meeting. For public comment, you will need to use the "raise your hand" feature. To raise your hand via the telephone, please hit *9. You will be unmuted by the host when it is time for public comment. Please click the link below to join the webinar: https://portlandmaine- gov.zoom.us/j/87927444532?pwd=VmhvWDNyb2V0bDMwWnZmYlJ1cit4dz09 Passcode: 322611 Or One tap mobile : US: +19292056099,,87927444532#,,,,*322611# or +13017158592,,87927444532#,,,,*322611# Or Telephone: Dial(for higher quality, dial a number based on your current location): Page 1 US: +1 929 205 6099 or +1 301 715 8592 or +1 312 626 6799 or +1 669 900 6833 or +1 253 215 8782 or +1 346 248 7799 Webinar ID: 879 2744 4532 Passcode: 322611 International numbers available: https://portlandmaine-gov.zoom.us/u/kBvL4a8b7 1. Call to Order 2. Review Council Rules and Discuss Possible Changes a. Council Rules of Procedure Redline for 3/7/2022 b. Councilor Ali's proposed change to Rule 2 B. 3. Public Comment on Council Rules 4. Adjournment Page 2 RULES OF PROCEDURE OF THE CITY COUNCIL As Amended December 6, 2021 Rule 1. Regular Meetings and Council Workshop Sessions A. The regular meetings of the Council shall be held in the room known as the City Council Chamber or such other room as deemed appropriate in City Hall in one session at 5:00 p.m. on the first and third Mondays of each calendar month. When said Monday is a holiday or an election day, the regular meeting shall be held on the following Wednesday, at the same time and place. The date or the time of any regular meeting may be changed by an order passed at a previous meeting of the Council or by warrant for a special meeting called in lieu of a regular meeting; provided however, that said change in date will still provide for two regular meetings in one month. Unless otherwise changed by an order passed at a preceding meeting or by the calling of a special meeting at a different time or place, for like purposes, the Council shall also regularly meet at 6:00 PM on the first Monday of December of each year for the purpose of the inauguration of Portland City Council, the swearing in of Councilors-elect, filling Council committees, adopting rules and orders, and transacting such other business as it may deem appropriate. The public hearing of any item shall not commence after 10:00 p.m. of the day of said regular meeting unless five (5) members consent to such consideration. The Council deliberation and action on any item shall not commence after 10:00 p.m. of the day of said regular meeting unless five (5) members consent to such consideration. B. With proper notice, workshop sessions of the City Council may be called by five (5) members of the City Council, the 1 Page 3 Mayor or the City Manager, as the case may be, for obtaining legal, administrative or policy guidance or for the presentation of information by the City Manager, the City Clerk or Corporation Counsel or their staff. The City Council shall not take votes in workshop sessions; however, the Council may be polled at the workshop to obtain an unofficial sense of the position of the Council on an issue being discussed at the workshop. To the maximum extent possible, materials for such sessions shall be provided to the City Council at least two (2) business days prior to the scheduled workshop. All such workshop sessions shall be open to the public, in accordance with 1 M.R.S. §400 et seq. (“FOAA”). Rule 2. Quorum; Adjourned Meetings A majority of the members shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business, but a smaller number may adjourn from time to time. At least twenty-four (24) hours’ notice of the time and place of holding such adjourned meeting shall be given to all members who are not present at the meeting from which adjournment is taken. Rule 3. Enactments The Council shall act only by ordinance, order, or resolve. Final passage of or amendments to any item shall require five (5) affirmative votes except where a greater number is required by Charter or Ordinance. All ordinances, orders, and resolves, except orders and resolves making an appropriation of money, shall be confined to one subject, which shall be clearly expressed in the title. The appropriation order or resolve shall be confined to the subject of appropriations only. Rule 4. Ordinance; Style All ordinances passed by the Council shall be termed “amendments to the Portland City Code” and the enacting style shall be: “Be it ordained by the City Council of the City of Portland, Maine, in City Council assembled.” 2 Page 4 Rule 5. Order and Resolve; Style In all votes of command, the form of expression shall be "ordered"; and of opinions, principles, facts or purposes, the form shall be "resolved". Rule 6. Readings The reading of any ordinance, order, or resolve shall be by title of the ordinance, order or resolve only, if no member objects. Rule 7. Reading on Two Separate Days; Waiver No ordinance, no appropriation resolve, and no order authorizing the expenditure of $50,000.00 or more shall be passed until it has been read on two separate days, except when the requirement of reading on two separate days has been dispensed with by a vote of seven (7) of the members. Rule 8. Yeas and Nays Taken; When The yeas and nays shall be taken upon the passage of all ordinances and orders authorizing the expenditure of money in the amount of $50,000.00 or more and entered upon the record of the proceedings of the Council by the Clerk. The yeas and nays shall be taken on the passage of an order or resolve when called for by any member. Rule 9. Ordinances; Effective When No ordinance shall take effect until thirty (30) days after its passage by the Council, except in the case of emergency ordinances. Rule 10. Order, Resolve; Effective When No order or resolve shall take effect until ten (10) days after its passage, except in the case of emergency orders and resolves. 3 Page 5 Rule 11. Emergency Ordinances, Orders and Resolves The Council may, by vote of seven (7) of its members, pass emergency ordinances, orders, or resolves to take effect at the time indicated therein, but such emergency ordinances, orders or resolves shall contain a section in which the emergency is set forth and defined, provided, however, that the declaration of such emergency by the Council shall be conclusive. Rule 12. Item for Meetings; Filed When No ordinance, order, resolve, or other document shall be in order for action at any regular meeting of the Council unless such ordinance, order, resolve, or other document shall appear on the Council Agenda. Items for the Agenda should to the maximum extent possible be received in the office of the City Manager on or before close of the work day ten (10) days prior to the scheduled Council meeting. Each item for the Agenda shall be submitted with an electronic agenda request form. The form shall have a separate fiscal impact statement memo attached if the impact of the item is $50,000 or more in a given fiscal year. This memo shall include details and information describing the fiscal impact including, but not limited to, projected costs, revenues or savings over a three (3) year period and/or any potential impacts on the City tax levy. Rule 13. Sponsorship. Items listed on the Council agenda shall be sponsored as follows: 4 Page 6 A. The Mayor shall sponsor any proclamations or resolutions; provided, however, that any Councilor may request the opportunity to sponsor a proclamation that is not deemed “standing” hereunder; and B. The City Manager, City Clerk, Corporation Counsel, the Planning Board, or up to three (3) members of the Council shall sponsor any orders or other items. C. For purposes of this Section, “standing” proclamations shall include, but not be limited to mean annual holidays, existing anniversaries of prominent events, or proclamations or resolutions that have come before the Council at least two (2) times in the last five (5) years. Rule 14. Presiding Officer to Chair Meetings The Presiding Officer shall take the chair at the time appointed for the meeting, call the members to order, cause the roll to be called, and, a quorum being present, cause the minutes of the preceding meeting to be read and proceed to business. Rule 15. Preserve Order Decide All Questions of Order The Presiding Officer shall preserve decorum and order, may speak to points of order in preference to other members, and shall decide all questions of order subject to an appeal to the Council by motion regularly seconded, and no other business shall be in order until the question on appeal is decided. Rule 16. Declare Votes; Cause Return of Votes The Presiding Officer shall declare all votes, but if any member doubts a vote, the Presiding Officer shall cause a return of the members voting in the affirmative and in the negative; without debate. Rule 17. Debate; Rules of 5 Page 7 When a question is under debate, the Presiding Officer shall receive no motion but to adjourn, or for the previous question, or to lay on the table, or to postpone to a date certain, or to refer to a committee or some administrative official, or to amend, or to postpone indefinitely, or to call the question; which several motions shall have precedence in the order in which they stand arranged. Rule 18. Motion to Adjourn; Lay on Table The Presiding Officer shall consider a motion to adjourn as always in order except on immediate repetition; and that motion and the motion to lay on the table, or to take from the table, shall be decided without debate. Rule 19. Reconsideration When a vote is passed, it shall be in order for any member who voted in the majorityon the prevailing side, or in the negative on a tie vote to move a reconsideration thereof, at the time, or the next stated meeting, but not afterwards, and when a motion of reconsideration is decided, that vote shall not be reconsidered. No motion to reconsider a vote passed at a previous meeting shall be in order for consideration at the next stated meeting unless an item to that effect is contained in the agenda for such next stated meeting or unless seven (7) of the members consent to such reconsideration. A citizen petition, or zone change petition, once presented to and finally acted upon by the Council shall not again be received by the Council in the same or substantially the same form for a period of one (1) year next succeeding the Council's final action on the original petition. A member voting on the prevailing side with the majority on the original petition, however, shall be privileged to reintroduce such a petition in accordance with the requirements of this rule. A liquor license or special entertainment permit, or an amendment proposed by the licensee to an existing license or permit that has been denied by the Council shall not be received 6 Page 8 by the Council in the same or substantially the same form for one (1) year from the date of such action unless a shorter period is required by state law. All other items, once presented to and finally acted upon by the Council, shall not again be offered or received by the Council in the same or substantially the same form within a given Council year (i.e. December – December). Rule 20. Failure to Pass for Lack of Required Votes When an item fails to finally pass for lack of the required five (5), or seven (7) affirmative votes, as applicable, and is not otherwise disposed of, the item shall appear on the Agenda as unfinished business at the next succeeding meeting. Rule 21. Motion for Previous Question Upon the motion for the previous question being made and seconded, the Presiding Officer shall put the question in the following form: “Shall the main question be now put?”. And all debate upon the main question shall be suspended until the motion for the previous question shall be decided. After the adoption of said motion for the previous question by a majority vote, the sense of the Council shall be forthwith taken upon all pending amendments and then upon the main question. Neither is it susceptible of amendment. All questions of order arising incidentally thereon must be decided without discussion whether appeal be had from the Presiding Officer or not. Rule 22. Manner of Speaking When a member is about to speak at a Council meeting, he or she shall rise in his or herthat member shall rise in place, if physically able to do so, to be recognized and may afterward, while either sitting or standing, sit toand respectfully address the Presiding Officer. All comments by a member under this Rule shall be confined , confine confining himself or 7 Page 9 herself to the question under debate, and shall avoid personalities. Rule 23. Length of Statements by Members During the deliberation on any item and associated amendments, each member shall limit his or her remarks and/or questions, but not including responses to his or her questions, to a total of five (5) minutes. In the event that an item is divided or amended, each member shall be entitled to an additional five (5) minutes of remarks and/or questions. For purposes of clarity, this shall not apply to Councilor questions posed to staff or others prior to the “public comment” portion of any item. Rule 24. Not to Interrupt No member speaking shall be interrupted by another, but by a call to order by the Presiding Officer, a point of order by any member or to correct a mistake. Rule 25. Breach of Rules and Orders When any member shall be guilty of a breach of any of the rules or orders of the Council, that member may, on motion, be required to make satisfaction therefor, and shall not be allowed to vote, or speak, except by way of excuse, until he or she has done so. Rule 26. Member Excused From Voting; When Every member present when a question is put shall vote unless the member is precluded from participation therein because of interest or the appearance of interest or unless she or he is otherwise prohibited by law from participation. (a) Any member abstaining on grounds of interest or the appearance of interest must do so at the commencement of deliberations on the item under discussion and shall not participate in said deliberations or vote on such item. 8 Page 10 (b) Any member abstaining as permitted hereunder shall clearly state such intent, the reason for such abstention and the legal or factual basis therefor prior to the commencement of deliberation on such item. Rule 27. Motion to be Reduced to Writing; When Any motion shall be reduced to writing if the Presiding Officer shall so direct. Rule 28. Division of a Question Any member may move that a question be divided. Rule 29. Motion for Referral Any member can make a motion for referral of any item to a Committee or administrative official. A motion for referral to a Committee or administrative official, until it is decided, shall preclude all amendments of the main question. Rule 30. Priority of Business All questions relating to priority of business to be acted upon shall be decided without debate. Rule 31. Suspension of Rules; Amendment or Repeal The rules shall not be dispensed with or suspended unless two-thirds as of those present and voting consent thereto; provided, however, that when these rules expressly require a vote larger than said two-thirds such rules shall not be suspended except by an equal or greater vote. No rule of procedure shall be amended or repealed without notice, in writing, being given at the preceding meeting. Rule 32. Procedure for Addressing Council Any person wishing to address the Council will be given an opportunity to do so in accordance with the following procedure: 9 Page 11 1. No public comment shall be permitted on the following agenda items: informational reports or communications from boards and commissions, staff or other organizations or entities; and administrative action implementing prior action of the Council where that prior action had permitted public comment. 2. On items other than those set forth in 1. above, public comment shall be permitted only once prior to final Council action. Except as specifically decided by the Council, such public comment shall occur at the advertised public hearing or at the second reading of such item by the Council, where the item requires a second reading on a separate date. 3. Persons wishing to address the Council on an item which appears on the agenda, and upon which public comment is permitted under 1. and 2. above, shall wait until the Clerk announces the consideration of such item, at which time they may address the Council on that particular item. However, once the Council has begun its deliberations on an item, no person shall be permitted to address the Council on such item. 4. Persons wishing to address the Council on an item not appearing on the Council agenda shall only do so at the ________6:00 p.m. public comment period reserved on the Council Commented [JT1]: Does the committee wish to propose a different time? agenda for non-agenda items. Such public comment period shall not extend beyond 7:00 p.m.one hour; provided, however, that upon a vote of a majority of the Council, the public comment period may be reopened at the end of end of the Council’s consideration of all other agenda items, excepting adjournment. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the public comment period reserved on the Council agenda for non-agenda items shall not be reopened after 11 p.m. 5. Any person wishing to address the Council shall signify such desire and, when recognized by the Presiding Officer, such person shall give his or her first and last name and address- city of residence, and/or district, organization or individual represented, if any, designate the subject matter on which he or 10 Page 12 she desires to address the Council, respectfully address only the Presiding Officer, and avoid personalities. 6. When any person or entity is being honored or recognized by the Council, applause shall be permitted. In all other matters, persons present at Council meetings shall not interrupt, nor applaud or otherwise express approval or disapproval of any statements made or actions taken at such meeting. 7. Any and all signs shall not be permitted in the Council Chambers. 8. Persons addressing the Council on an item prior to start of deliberation on such item by the Council shall be permitted to speak only once on an item, and shall limit their remarks on each item to three (3) minutes. From time to time, the Presiding Officer may grant an extension of this three (3) minute requirement. Such persons shall also confine their remarks to the merits of the pending item. No members of the public shall comment on more than three (3) items, excluding any comment provided pursuant to number 4 above, at any Council meeting unless the Rules of the Council are suspended to allow for comment on each such additional item. 9. The Presiding Officer shall limit or cut off any commentary that is not germane or that is scurrilous, abusive, or not in accord with good order and decorumabusive or disrespectful. No clapping, cheering, jeering, or booing will be tolerated. 10. Any person who shall continue to violate these rules, after warning by the Presiding Officer, may be ejected for the remainder of the meeting then in progress. Rule 33. Parliamentary Proceedings In all cases where the parliamentary proceedings are not determined by the foregoing rules, "Robert's Rules of Order" 11 Page 13 (Newly Revised, 11th Edition) shall be taken as authority to decide the course of the proceedings. A list of debatable and non-debatable motions is hereby incorporated for reference in Appendix A, attached hereto. Rule 34. Council Committees At the commencement of the municipal year members shall be appointed to the following standing Committees, each Committee, except the Housing & Economic Development Committee and the Health & Human Services and Public Safety Committee, which shall have four (4) members, to consist of three (3) members of the Council: 1. Housing & Economic Development Committee; 2. Finance Committee; 3. Health and Human Services and Public Safety Committee; 4. Legislative & Nominating Committee; and 5. Sustainability & Transportation Committee. A majority of the members of the above standing Committees shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business. Rule 35. Council Committees; How Chosen The members of the Council to serve on the above Committees shall be appointed by the Mayor. The Council may override one or more of such appointments by a vote of at least six (6) members. Rule 36. Council Committees; Public Comment The public will be given an opportunity to comment on any item under consideration by the below-named standing Council Committees prior to a final Committee action on that item. Any person addressing the Committee on an item shall be permitted to 12 Page 14 speak only once on an item, shall give his or her first and last name and address-city of residence, and/or district, organization or individual represented, if any, and shall limit their remarks on each item to three (3) minutes. From time to time, the Presiding Officer of a Committee may extend this period of time pursuant to Rule 31(8). These requirements for public comment shall apply to the following Committees: 1. Housing & Economic Development Committee; 2. Finance Committee; 3. Health and Human Services and Public Safety Committee; 4. Legislative & Nominating Committee; and 5. Sustainability and Transportation Committee. Nothing herein shall prevent or prohibit any other Committee from accepting public comment if said Committee determines that it wishes to do so. Notwithstanding the foregoing, no public comment shall be required on the following items: informational reports or communications from boards and commissions, staff or other organizations or entities; and administrative action implementing prior Committee action where that prior action had permitted public comment. Rule 37. Smoking at Meetings No person shall smoke in the Council Chamber or at any public meeting in the Portland City Hall. Any person continuing to smoke after warning by the Presiding Officer shall be ejected for the remainder of the meeting then in progress. Rule 38. Confidentiality No Councilor shall intentionally disclose or discuss information known to be confidential to or with any person not otherwise authorized or privileged to receive that information, 13 Page 15 including representatives of the media. For the purpose of this rule, “information known to be confidential” includes information in any form that has been designated, to the knowledge of the Councilor, as confidential by an employee or agent of the City of Portland, and that is within one or more of the exceptions to the definition of “public record” in the State’s Freedom of Access law. Confidential information includes statements made by individuals participating in executive sessions and includes any documents prepared specifically for an executive session, unless otherwise designated by the City Council in cases where the Council has the exclusive right to waive confidentiality. Any Councilor who, following a due process hearing, is found to have violated this rule may be disciplined by reprimand. 14 Page 16 B. Establish the ability of members of the City Council to request that specified members of the public, organizations, and other experts provide information and answer questions during a workshop. Workshops may also include presentations and information from city staff if requested by members of the Council. Page 17