# THE STANDING RULES OF THE RIDGEWAY COUNTY BOARD
LAST REVISED 3RD JANUARY 2022
*To see the standing rules in a google document format, click here.*
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### RULE I - PRESIDING OFFICER AND EXECUTIVE
1. The County Executive shall be the presiding officer on every session of the County Board precisely at the time agreed upon by the County Board, at least two hours before the board meets in session. The County Executive shall only be permitted a vote on matters to break a tie.
2. In absence of the County Executive, the Executive Pro Tempore shall preside over any session of the County Board precisely at the time agreed upon by the County Board, at least two hours before the board meets in session.
3. At the beginning of each board term or at the conclusion of the four-month term of the Executive Pro Tempore, the County Executive shall appoint, or re-appoint, with five-sevenths approval of the County Board, an Executive Pro Tempore to fill the vacancy, as per the County Code of Statutes.
4. The Presiding Officer shall be in control of all proceedings of the board and shall ensure these rules and orders are maintained by the County Board.
5. To override a veto by the county executive, a majority of six out of seven members must be in approval.
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### RULE II - QUORUM AND SESSIONS
1. No meeting of the County Board shall convene unless with one-half of the membership present and marked in the roll call.
2. The county board shall convene at least once per week as per the county charter, at a time discussed and agreed upon at least two hours before the designated meeting time.
3. An emergency session may be convened by the County Executive, or by the Executive Pro Tempore, which supersede the 2-hour requirement if one of the following matters is at hand;
i) The reconsideration of bills vetoed by the County Executive,
ii) The suspension or removal of a high profile county employee,
iii) A vote of no confidence in the Executive,
iv) Expulsion of a sitting Board Member,
v) Any other subject brought forward by the County Executive
4. The only motion that shall be recognized when a quorum is not met is to compel the presence of absent board members who are not currently in the chamber. The Presiding Officer shall, in such a situation, direct the Sergeant-at-Arms or any County Law Enforcement Officer to detain and transport any absent or delinquent member before the County Board.
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### RULE III - JOURNAL AND ORDER OF BUSINESS
1. The county clerk shall create a journal of record that transcripts all votes, speeches, motions, actions taken by the presiding officer, attendance, and all appropriate dates and times which relate to the beginning and end of a session.
2. The clerk or a designee is required to have a video recording of each session of the board.
3. The County Board's agenda shall consist of every item that is placed in the "Awaiting the Board Vote" category on the County Board's [trello page](https://trello.com/b/dRkMG9Tq/the-county-board).
4. Every session shall begin with the County Executive calling the board to order, and instructing the clerk to do a roll call. If a quorum is present, the order shall go as follows;
i) If any special motions or resolutions are present on the agenda, they shall be called to the floor via a motion, and shall be voted or debated upon.
ii) If any executive business, such as nominations, is present on the agenda, a motion to move to executive business shall be called by a board member, and the board shall proceed with the items in the order of the agenda.
iii) If any legislative business, such as ordinances or amendments, is present on the agenda, a motion to move to legislative business shall be called by a board member, and the board shall proceed with the items in the order of the agenda.
iv) If any members of the public have been approved to speak, any petitions are to be heard, or any other official needs to make a speech before the board, a motion allowing them to do so shall be called by a board member.
v) The floor shall then be open to any other motions.
vi) The session shall be adjourned when a motion to adjourn is made and has passed.
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### RULE IV - DECORUM AND DEBATE
1. A member who desires to speak or deliver a matter to the Board shall rise and respectfully address the presiding officer and, on being recognized, may address the board from any place on the floor. No member shall speak for longer than 6 minutes at one time.
2. Remarks in debate shall be confined to the question under debate, avoiding personality, and being respectful in expression. No member shall use language considered unparliamentary or unbecoming of a member of the County Board.
3. If two or more members rise at one time, the presiding officer shall pick who is first to speak, and they shall be able to speak for as long as the presiding officer allows.
4. If a member, in speaking or otherwise, violates the rules of the board, the presiding officer may call to order the offending member, who shall immediately take their seat. They shall lose the right to speak on the matter at hand and shall be barred from speaking until the next matter is on the floor.
5. If a member does not comply with a call of order, the presiding officer may instruct the Sergeant-at-Arms or any County Law Enforcement Officer to escort the member out of the chamber, who shall not return for the remainder of the session.
6. The board may appeal a call to order or the removal of a board member with a simple majority. If not appealed immediately, the decision of the presiding officer shall be conclusive.
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### RULE V - MOTIONS
1. A motion may only be made if a member is recognized by the presiding officer.
2. If required, the presiding officer shall seek a second. If a member does not second the motion, it shall be considered defeated automatically.
3. If a member objects, they shall briefly state the reason. If an objection is heard, the presiding officer shall call a vote on said motion.
4. If no opposition is heard, the motion shall be considered entertained.
5. The following motions shall be recognized;
| Motion | Second? | Debate? | Vote Req. |
|:-----------------------------------------:|:-------:|:-------:|:---------------------------------------:|
| Adjourn | Yes | Yes | Simple majority (1⁄2) |
| Recess | Yes | Yes | Simple majority (1⁄2) |
| Point of Order | No | No | Decision of P.O. |
| Point of Privilege | No | No | Decision of P.O. |
| Appeal decision of P.O. | Yes | Yes | Simple majority (1⁄2) |
| Roll call | Yes | No | Decision of P.O. |
| Suspend a standing rule | Yes | Yes | 2⁄3 majority |
| Object to the consideration of a question | Yes | Yes | 2⁄3 majority |
| Divide a motion | Yes | Yes | Simple majority (1⁄2) |
| Modify or withdraw a motion | Yes | No | Simple majority (1⁄2) |
| Rescind | Yes | Yes | 2⁄3 majority |
| Reconsider | Yes | Yes | Simple majority (1⁄2) |
| Table | Yes | Yes | Simple majority (1⁄2) |
| Invoke Cloture | Yes | No | 2⁄3 majority |
| Amend | Yes | Yes | Simple majority (1⁄2) |
| Move to vote | Yes | Yes | Simple majority (1⁄2) |
| Proceed | Yes | Yes | Simple majority (1⁄2) |
6. Motions that are not recognized here shall require a second and a 2⁄3 majority to be entertained.
7. If the clerk or his designee is not present at the beginning of a session, the board may move to proceed without a clerk, so long as at least one member is a video recording the session for the journal of record.
i) The motion requires a second and a 2⁄3 majority
8. If the Sergeant-at-arms is not present at the beginning of a session, the present highest ranking deputy of the Ridgeway County Sheriff’s Office shall name a replacement for the remainder of the session.
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### RULE VI - VOTING
1. All votes shall be taken by voice and at once unless a member doubts the vote. If a member with planned absence wishes to voice their vote in a matter that may be heard during their absence, they shall submit their vote on the matter to the Discord communications channel designated for voted on matters before the Board. No absent vote shall be entertained by the clerk if submitted less-than thirty minutes before the introduction of the matter to the floor of the County Board.
2. If a member doubts a vote or requests a roll call vote for any reason, the presiding officer shall instruct the clerk to produce a roll of votes.
3. All members who abstain from voting on any matter shall produce a reason if requested by the presiding officer.
i) If the presiding officer considers the reasoning invalid, the member shall enter a vote of aye or nay.
4. A member who does not respond to a vote within two minutes shall be considered a “no-vote” (NV).
5. All votes shall be archived and recorded in the order of aye-nay-abstain.
6. Any member who voted on the prevailing side of a motion or who was not present when the vote was held, may, in the next session, motion for reconsideration which shall require a simple majority from the board. If a motion to reconsider on a matter is defeated, no further motion to reconsider shall be entertained on the matter.
7. If the Board adjourns a session and there is a pending question that has been recognized, given that there is no quorum or any reason, then on the next legislative day the unfinished business and pending questions of the Board shall be proposed again.
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### RULE VII - MEMBERS OF THE BOARD
1. Members are not subject to civil process and are privileged from arrest, except for felony or breach of peace, while attending a session.
2. Every Member shall be present within the chamber of the Board during sessions, unless excused or necessarily prevented, and shall vote on each matter at hand unless providing valid reason.
3. The board shall elect an Executive pro tempore by simple majority. The board may remove a sitting Executive pro tempore by 3⁄4 majority, but will be required to nominate a replacement at the earliest convenience.
4. The board may expel or temporarily suspend a sitting member of the County Board if one of the following situations is present;
i) The member in question of expulsion has been convicted guilty in a court of law;
ii) The member has violated board procedures, standing rules or orders on multiple occasions;
iii) The member has fallen into severe inactivity.
5. Expulsions are not to be voted on without a debate that may not exceed fifteen minutes in length.
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### RULE VIII - BOARD CHAMBER
1. All business of the board shall be conducted within the Board Chamber of the County Hall, or the County Annex building, both located within Palmer, unless the presiding officer decides reasonably to conduct it elsewhere due to an extenuating circumstance.
2. The Chamber shall be made public access for those wishing to spectate the convening legislative session unless the presiding officer orders to seal the chambers in which the Sergeant-at-Arms or any other County Law Enforcement Officer shall direct to do so. The board may move to seal the chambers as well.
3. The presiding officer, or the board via motion, shall be able to order the removal of any individual from the chamber or any individual from the floor.
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### RULE IX - ADDITIONAL OFFICERS AND OFFICIALS
1. The clerk shall;
i) Archive and create a journal of record after each board session;
ii) Record and publish the votes of the County Board on item cards on the Trello board;
iii) Publish a video recording of each session for public view;
iv) Perform other duties as prescribed by the County Board or by law.
2. The clerk shall be the principal officer involved with the archiving of documents and retention of county records.
3. The clerk shall be responsible for the codification of general provisions of law after such law has been admitted into the record after signage and approval of developer oversight.
i) The clerk shall create chapters in the titles to provide organization, and the clerk shall post the code of statutes in a public place to be viewed by the public.
4. In the event that the clerk is unable to perform any of his statutory duties, or the office is vacant, the deputy clerk shall assume such duties.
5. In case of temporary disability or absence, the clerk may appoint a designee from his office who shall assume his duties in and out of the chamber which relate to the county board.
6. The Sergeant-at-Arms shall be defined as the appointed chief protocol and chief law enforcement officer for all County Board sessions and related activities held within the chamber of the County Board.
7. The Sergeant-at-arms shall be responsible for maintaining order within the Ridgeway County Board’s chambers and shall hold the ultimate authority to remove any and all non-members from board activities. They should be considered the highest authority during law enforcement situations that take place on the premises of the board’s activities.
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### RULE X - HEARINGS AND SUBPOENAS
1. Hearings shall occur at the discretion of members of the county board in regard to any matters deemed appropriate.
2. The presiding officer over each hearing shall be the Executive Pro Tempore, and in his absence, a Board Member decided upon by present board members before the hearings call to order.
3. Hearings shall require a minimum of 3 Board Members to be called to order, including one designated as the presiding officer.
4. The clerk shall keep a record of all motions, questions, responses, and comments made by board members and individuals being examined, via video or document.
i) In the absence of a clerk, present members may motion to continue without a clerk, requiring a majority approval to be entertained.
5. The presiding officer shall entertain motions, and all present board members must be recognized by the presiding officer before motioning, questioning, or speaking.
6. Hearings shall be considered sealed if a motion to seal proceedings is entertained by the presiding officer, and with the approval of a majority of present members.
7. It shall be at the discretion of present county board members who are permitted to view a hearing if the said hearing has been sealed.
8. The presiding officer over a given hearing shall adopt rules providing that, unless otherwise determined by a vote of the board members present, only the presiding officer, may make public statements regarding matters of the hearing outside of sealed board communications.
i) The hearing's presiding officer may authorize publication of disclosure at their discretion. However, before doing so should consult with the board on the matter and receive appropriate approval.
9. The county board shall be permitted to issue a subpoena ad testificandum or a subpoena duces tecum to any county or state employee with the approval from the majority of the board, following the regulations of [O1-034](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1LrqhE43q9Kkt9ooQofVnJj_VSZgjLIFK/view), the [Board Subpoena Act.](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1LrqhE43q9Kkt9ooQofVnJj_VSZgjLIFK/view)
i) Records of all issued subpoenas and proof of service will be kept by the County Clerk or his designee.
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### RULE XI - CODE OF CONDUCT
1. A member, officer, or employee of the County Board shall behave at all times in a manner that shall reflect creditably on the County Board.
2. A member, officer, or employee of the County Board shall adhere to the Standing Rules of the County Board outlined in this document.
3. A member, officer, or employee of the County Board may not receive compensation and may not permit compensation from anyone for the beneficial interest of such an individual.
4. A member, officer, or employee of the County Board may not accept gifts in return for services that violate the County Code or any other law, provision or resolution passed by Developer Oversight or the County Board.
5. A member, officer, or employee of the County Board may not disclose classified, confidential, or sensitive information or documents without appropriate approval from the rest of the board, the executive, or any other relevant authority.
6. A member, officer, or employee of the County Board may not, with the intent to influence on the basis of partisan political affiliation an employment decision or employment practise of any private entity—
i) take or withhold, or offer or threaten to take or withhold, an official act; or
ii) influence, or offer or threaten to influence, the official act of another.
7. A member, officer, or employee of the County Board may not discharge and may not refuse to hire an individual, or otherwise discriminate against an individual with respect to terms, conditions, or privileges of employment, because of the race, colour, religion, sex, disability, age, or national origin of such individual, but may take into consideration the domicile or political affiliation of such individual.
8. A member may, with ⅔ of the membership, be censured by the County Board for a violation of these rules, whether in-session or not, as well as for conducting themselves in a manner considered inappropriate for their office. No censure shall include a form of punishment aside from the following:
i) Public rebuke in which the member must stand before the Presiding Officer who then outlines the specific conduct being reprimanded.
ii) The publication of a written apology posted in relevant communication channels by the censured member.
A) Each publication shall be made within five (5) days from the consideration of the censure.
B) Such apology shall include:
a) an explanation for the censure,
b) any evidence that was used by the County Board during debate or consideration of the censure, and
c) whether the member admits guilt or fault of the accused.
C) Before the publication of any written apology, the censured member shall submit their final draft to the County Executive; who may reject the apology only on the grounds of failure to meet the requirements outlined. The censured member may appeal any rejection to the County Board who may, with ½ of the membership in agreement, accept the appealed letter of apology.
iii) Temporary removal from certain non-essential County Board-related assignments/benefits or Discord communications channels/messages. No such removal shall extend for more than five (5) days.
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### RULE XII AMENDMENTS TO THE RULES
1. Any proposal to amend the rules shall be done in writing and sent to the County Executive or Executive pro tempore. No motion to amend these rules shall be in order unless by one day’s notice. No amendment shall take effect unless 3⁄4 of the whole board be in agreement.
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