[Vision2020] Question Concerning Authority

[Tom Hansen]

Madame Mayor, City Cupervisor Riedner, and members of the Moscow City
Council . . .

As a discussion on Vision 2020 (a local community listserve), concerning
transport of the ExxonMobil megaloads through the city of Moscow, became
heated, my curiosity turned toward , , ,

Under what authority did Council Member Walter Steed move, or resolve,
that a position in favor of the megaloads be adopted by the city council?

Upon reviewing the video of the May 16th city council session, I found
that City Supervisor Gary Riedner quoted a passage from "Roberts Rules of
Order" that he interpreted to provide such authority.

For analysis and discussion I transcribed Mr. Riedner's citation,
verbatim, from the video as follows (with a link to the video, so that you
may read along with him).

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5dM12GbCbKQ

"After the presentation of a report of an officer, a board or a committee,
one or more motions to carry out recommendations contained in the report
may be introduced.  Motion may also grow out of the presentation of a
written communication of the assembly."

I fail to see ANY authority, within the citation, that provides Council
Member Steed to make a motion or present a resolution without
"recommendations contained in the report" or "a written communication of
the assembly."

Could you please enlighten me as to the proper authority permitting
Council Member Steed's motion to proceed to a vote?

Thank you for your anticipated response.

Tom Hansen
Moscow, Idaho

"The Pessimist complains about the wind, the Optimist expects it to change
and the Realist adjusts his sails."

- Author Unknown