It’s the first thing every elected official should learn. Tonight’s council agenda, just like last week’s county board agenda were the subject of some special rules. Here’s the ones for tonight.
From City Attorney Michael May:
We have received several inquiries regarding the votes required tonight on agenda items 3 (Legistar No. 22443) and 4 (Legistar No. 23336). These two items are exceptions to our general rule on calculating votes.
The first is the PUD for 1001 University Avenue. A protest petition has been filed. This means that it will require a ¾ vote to approve the change. Per sec. 28.12(10)(g)1., MGO, this is an unusual item that require three-fourths “of the members of the Common Council voting on the proposed change.” Thus, it is not an automatic 15 vote item. If 19 or 20 Alders vote, it will require 15 votes. If 18 vote, it will require 14 votes, etc.
The second is an appeal of the denial of a demolition permit related to the same proposal. This requires a 2/3 vote, but again it is of the members “voting on the matter.” Sec. 28.12(12)(h), MGO. So if 20 Alders vote, it requires 14 votes. If 19 Alders vote, it requires 13 votes, etc.
For purposes of calculating the majority needed, an alder who is absent or abstains is not considered to be “voting” on the matter.
If you have questions, please contact me or ACA Noonan directly.
