The Missoula City Council is currently discussing potential changes to how councilors can present laws and resolutions, with some expressing concerns that the proposed rules may hinder minority voices from sharing their ideas.
Ward 4 City Councilor Mike Nugent introduced the proposed changes as part of a broader effort to address unresolved internal council issues, including tie-breaking procedures during elections and updated public meeting guidelines.
During a recent committee meeting, much of the focus was on a proposed alteration that would necessitate four councilors to endorse a resolution in order for it to be automatically scheduled for a full debate.
Currently, committee chairs select the policies that advance to public meetings, marking the official beginning of the legislative process.
If a chair delays scheduling an item for more than six weeks, two councilors can petition to move the policy forward or engage in a “blasting” process to expedite its referral.
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Nugent’s proposed rules would require four councilors to initiate a “blasting” process for a policy to proceed to a public hearing. He believes that these new rules would enhance the efficiency and collaboration within the council.
“Our Wednesday meetings have become increasingly packed, and our Monday night sessions have grown longer,” Nugent stated. “I don’t think it’s unreasonable to have a formal process for the council to decide whether to schedule an item for debate.”
Ward 3 Councilor Daniel Carlino questioned the necessity of these changes, expressing concerns that requiring four councilors for a decision might limit the voices of minority viewpoints within the council’s diverse ideological spectrum.
