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APPENDIX A <br /> S UMMARY OF MOTIONS <br /> MOTIONS <br /> i Business is conducted by acting on motions. A subject is introduced by a main motion. Once this has <br /> been seconded and stated by the Presiding Officer, nothing else should be taken up until it is disposed of. <br /> Once a motion has been stated, the mover may not withdraw it without the consent of the Council. Most <br /> imotions must be seconded. <br /> While a main motion is being considered, other parliamentary motions, which affect either the main <br /> motion or the general conduct of the meeting, may be made. The ones most frequently used are described <br /> in general below. <br /> 1. Amend. Debatable; majority vote <br /> Used when the intention is to change, add or omit words in the main motion. <br /> Amend the amendment: Used to change, add or omit words in the first amendment. This motion cannot <br /> itself be amended. <br /> Method: The first vote is on the amendment to the amendment. The second vote is on the first amendment <br /> either as changed or as originally proposed, depending on the first vote. The third vote is on the main <br /> motion either as introduced or as amended. <br /> 2. Refer. Debatable; majority vote <br /> If a motion becomes too complicated through amendments or if more information is needed, a motion may <br /> be made to refer it to staff or a Council committee for study or redrafting. This committee must report back <br /> or act as instructed. <br /> 3. Postpone. Debatable; majority vote <br /> Consideration of a motion can be delayed until a more suitable time, until other decisions have been made <br /> or until more information is available by a motion to postpone to a stated future time. <br /> 4. Lay on the table. Not debatable; majority vote <br /> I move that we table this motion. This postpones consideration in such a way that the motion can be taken <br /> up again in the near future if a majority decides to "take it from the table." <br /> 5. The previous question. Not debatable; two-thirds vote <br /> I move the previous question. This motion is used to end debate that has become lengthy or repetitious. <br /> When it is seconded, the Presiding Officer immediately puts the question on closing debate. If this receives <br /> a two-thirds vote, the pending motion is voted on at once without further discussion. <br /> A-1 <br />