Adopt Under Suspension of MGO 2.055
The standard process for passing legislation typically takes one month or longer, as the files are introduced to the Council during one meeting and adopted in a subsequent meeting. However, there is another routine process available to staff in almost all instances which allows for an expedited timeline to pass legislation.
MGO 2.34 states that standard rules can be suspended and a file can be passed in the same meeting in which the file is introduced.
The suspension of MGO 2.055 is particularly helpful when dealing with a contract or related deadline, as it compacts the normal timeline for passing City legislation from two or more meetings into introduction and adoption within the same meeting.
Apart from the expedited timeline, files to be adopted under suspension of MGO 2.055 are almost identical to files that follow the regular path in that they require completed fiscal notes and sponsors.
There are a few unique aspects to note when preparing a file for adoption under suspension which are listed below:
- The file must appear on the agenda per ordinance, and cannot be introduced from the floor.
Files submitted by the Wednesday noon deadline do not require approval of the Council President. If the Wednesday noon deadline has passed, approval by the Council President is required to add the file to the agenda. - The file is not referred to any BCCs.
Do not include any referrals when preparing the file. - The file requires a minimum two-thirds affirmative vote of the Common Council (except when amending the adopted budget, which requires a three-fourths vote).
This information is provided on the consent agenda document, no other action is required.
There are several options from which to select in the history tab for recommendation:
If the file amends the adopted budget, select
RECOMMEND TO COUNCIL TO ADOPT UNDER SUSPENSION OF MGO 2.055 – 15 VOTES REQUIRED
If the file is an appointment, select
RECOMMEND TO COUNCIL TO CONFIRM UNDER SUSPENSION OF MGO 2.055
For all other situations, select
RECOMMEND TO COUNCIL TO ADOPT UNDER SUSPENSION OF MGO 2.055,
RECOMMEND TO COUNCIL TO ADOPT UNDER SUSPENSION OF MGO 2.055 – REPORT OF OFFICER, or
RECOMMEND TO COUNCIL TO ADOPT UNDER SUSPENSION OF MGO 2.055 – MISC ITEMS
NOTE: Do not use other suspension options which begin RECOMMEND TO COUNCIL TO ADOPT UNDER SUSPENSION OF RULES 2.04…. These actions are obsolete due to updates to the MGO. (At this time, it is not possible to remove the obsolete options from the list of actions without adversely impacting past files, which is why they still appear in the list of actions.)