Our 5 member City Council abides by Robert's Rules of Order. Recently, a developer requested a change to the City's Comprehensive Plan to rezone a parcel they wish to develop. The developer presented their plan. The request was motioned and seconded. The motion was debated. The developer answered questions. The public commented. At this point, the Chair closed public comments. The Chair then called for a roll call vote. The first three votes were Nay. Upon hearing the third Nay, the developer asked to readdress the Council, at which point the Chair allowed them to do so. The developer presented information that convinced one of the Nay voters to change his vote to Yay.
My question is this: did the Council Chair follow Robert's Rule when he allowed the developer to address the Council in the middle of an incomplete roll call vote?
This has happened in other Council meetings, and residents are upset that it essentially constitutes arm twisting on the part of aggressive developers.
Your timely reply is greatly appreciated.
Thanks.