21.370 An Order to Amend the Council Rules - POST120221Proposed amendments to 21.370 AN ORDER TO AMEND THE COUNCIL RULES:
DRAFT Amendments by Councilors Maiore and Jarrett are in orange.
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2.6.1.1. COMMITTEE on FINANCE
2.6.1.1.1. Process. Financial orders will be introduced and discussed at a full City
Council meeting and referred to either the consent agenda of a future meeting, or the
Finance Committee for more granular discussion and recommendation. The Finance
Committee will then convene separately outside of the full council meeting and before
the next meeting.
2.6.1.1.1.2.6.1.1.2. Jurisdiction. Financial matters. The Committee shall review all orders
authorizing a loan, supplemental appropriation, or financial transfer submitted by the
Mayor in accordance with such authority by either the Massachusetts General Laws, the
Charter of the City of Northampton, or the Code of Ordinances of the City of
Northampton and make recommendations on the matter referrals to the City Council.
2.6.1.1.2.2.6.1.1.3. In addition to the outside audit provided by Section 7-6 of the
Charter, the Committee may request access to all books, vouchers, notes, securities,
and bonds in the possession of the Treasurer-Collector, City Auditor or any board or
executive commission and make a report thereof to the City Council.
2.6.1.1.3.2.6.1.1.4. The Committee shall review all proposals to sell or lease any City-
owned land or building not put to public use that are submitted to the City Council for
approval and all proposals to purchase or lease real property that are submitted to the
City Council for approval. The Committee shall make recommendations to the City
Council on the matter. All instruments of conveyance and leases approved by the City
Council shall be executed by the Mayor on behalf of the City unless otherwise provided
by Massachusetts General Laws.
2.6.1.1.4.2.6.1.1.5. The Committee shall consist of four Councilors.
2.6.1.1.5.2.6.1.1.6. The Committee may hold public hearings on water, sewer,
Stormwater and other municipal utility rates.
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4.5.1. The order of business at every regular meeting of the Council shall be as
follows unless otherwise decided by the Presiding Officer:
Roll Call
Public Hearings
Public Comment
Roll CallAnnouncements from Councilors and the Mayor
Public Hearings
Recognitions and One-Minute Announcements by Councilors
Communications and Proclamations from the Mayor
Resolutions
Presentations
Consent Agenda
- Approval of minutes
- Licenses and Petitions
- Appointments
- Financial Orders (As Referred)
Recess for Committee on Finance
Financial Orders
Orders
Ordinances (Not Yet Referred)
Ordinances
Resolutions
Updates from Council President and Committee Chairs
Information Requests (Charter Provision 2-7) and Committee Study Requests
New Business
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5.2.2. Financial orders. No order or resolution authorizing a loan, the levying of a tax or the
expenditure of money (with the exception of the printing of the annual reports) shall be voted on
by the City Council until it has been considered by the Committee on Finance, unless the
Council determines that such consideration is not necessary, as provided in 2.6.1.1.1. It shall be
the duty of such committee to report on the relation of such order, resolution, levy or
expenditures to the finances of the City, but new provisions shall not be added to such
resolution, order, levy or expenditure by the Committee unless directly connected with the
financial features thereof, and then by recommendation only.
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5.5. MATTERS REQUIRING TWO VOTESREADINGS. To be approved, every
matter shall have two separate votes on two separate days unless otherwise
provided in these Rules. Before a vote on a matter may be held, it must first have been
introduced at a prior City Council meeting, unless otherwise provided in these Rules.
Introduction shall include a description of purpose and effects. Council discussion is allowed for
questions and clarification, and full discussion by the Council is allowed.
5.6. MATTERS REQUIRING ONE VOTEREADING. The following shall require
only one vote reading of the Council:
5.6.1. Administrative orders submitted by the Mayor for either approval or disapproval
5.6.2.5.6.1. Licenses
5.6.3.5.6.2. Approval of minutes
5.6.4.5.6.3. Acceptances of reports
5.6.5.5.6.4. Petitions, and orders to grant petitions
5.6.6.5.6.5. Appointments, and
5.6.7.5.6.6. Orders to adopt or amend the Council Rules.