Why are commission meetings so formal?
Battle Creeks City Commission uses Roberts Rules of Order to provide order and structure to the groups decision making. For example, Roberts Rules describes when a motion needs a second, whether it can be tabled until the next meeting and even whether commissioners can continue to debate it before they vote. Every commission agrees to follow these rules so that decisions can be made efficiently and there is a balance between the minority and the majority opinions on the board. Because everyones vote is equal, these rules help prevent any single commissioner from dominating the process. These rules are very specific and the City Attorney serves as an expert should commissioners have a question about the proper way to proceed. All motions need a majority to pass, usually this is five of nine votes. In order to have a meeting of the commission, at least five commissioners must be present. How can citizens give input to the commission? The City Commission is elected to make decisions on be
