To clarify the processes involved in Planning Committee debates and decision-making, we have produced a process detailing each stage. This includes the initial officer report and recommendation, public participation, member questions and clarifications, debate, and the eventual decision-making procedure, including motions, amendments, and voting.

The steps involved in the Planning Committee's evaluation and decision process are described below.

 

Officer presentation

Stage 1: Officer report & recommendation ¹

 

Public participation

Stage 2: Public forum statements ²

 

Member questions and debate

Stage 3: Member questions and clarifications of the proposal

followed by a summary from the Director, Service Lead or Officer

Stage 4: Member debate

 

Making the decision

Stage 5a: Chair will move a MOTION in accordance with the Officer recommendation (to test if this is what Committee want to do).

If SECONDED³ go to stages 6 to 8.

If not SECONDED go to stage 5b.

Stage 5b: The Chair will seek an alternative MOTION from the Committee, such as deferring the application for further consideration, approving the application subject to changes or going against Officer recommendation.

Stage 6: Any AMENDMENT to the MOTION moved and seconded ⁴

Stage 7: VOTE on any AMENDMENT to the MOTION (if seconded)

Stage 8: VOTE on MOTION (either original MOTION or as amended)

IF CARRIED = DECISION MADE

IF LOST = NO DECISION MADE and go back to Stage 5b

 

 

Notes:

1: Members may seek answers to technical questions about the report during this stage.

2: In accordance with Standing Orders 19A and 44 of the City Council’s constitution.

3: A Motion must be seconded in order to be formally accepted. If a Motion is not seconded, the debate continues.

4 An Amendment can occur on any formally approved Motion (ie. one that has been Seconded) prior to Voting. If Vote carried at Stage7, then this becomes the Motion which is voted on at Stage 8.