Council Procedures & Meeting Management Flashcards

What is an 'executive session' in the context of municipal council meetings?

Answer: A closed session exempt from public attendance for specific legal purposes

Executive sessions are closed meetings permitted by law for topics such as personnel matters, litigation, or real estate negotiations.

If a quorum is lost during a council meeting due to members leaving, the presiding officer should:

Answer: Declare the meeting adjourned for lack of quorum

Without a quorum, the council cannot transact official business and the meeting must be adjourned.

The consent agenda is used primarily to:

Answer: Bundle non-controversial routine items for a single vote

A consent agenda groups routine, non-controversial items so the council can approve them with a single vote, saving meeting time.

When a council member makes a substitute motion, it replaces:

Answer: The entire original motion on the floor

A substitute motion replaces the entire original motion rather than just modifying a part of it.

Under the Sunshine Law concept, which of the following gatherings most likely constitutes an illegal meeting?

Answer: A majority of council members meeting privately to discuss pending legislation

A quorum of council members meeting privately to discuss public business typically violates open meetings laws.

What is the correct order of steps after a main motion is made?

Answer: Second, debate, amend if needed, vote

Parliamentary procedure requires a second, then debate, then any amendments, and finally a vote on the motion.

Which statement about council meeting minutes is most accurate?

Answer: Minutes should record actions taken and decisions made, not every word spoken

Official minutes record motions, votes, and key actions rather than a verbatim transcript, and are approved by the council.