Motion made during "Discussion" item on agenda

[Guest Alan K]

During the discussion portion of the approved agenda, a council member made a motion, which was seconded, and discussion ensued.  I objected because I didn't think motions could be made except during "Action" items on the agenda (which, in this instance, did not have action items).  Was I incorrect?  The chair ruled that the vote could proceed.  I think that was incorrect.  

[Rob Elsman]

Although it is common to see it, there really is no such thing in parliamentary law as "discussion items" and "action items" in an agenda.  In assemblies that meet as frequently as quarterly, it is not customary to adopt an agenda at the beginning of each meeting at all.  The established order of business should be used, instead; and, for most societies, the established order of business is the standard order of business found in RONR (12th ed.) 3:16.

[Atul Kapur]

This is commonly seen in bodies subject to open-meeting laws. If such a law applies to your council then you will need to refer to the statute to see if this was in order.