Grace Kirchner, Leader Correspondent
The Clintonville Common Council on Tuesday will consider whether to change the city ordinance outlining the number of votes needed to pass a motion before the council.
The city’s safety and ordinance committee voted Monday to recommend changing the ordinance, which requires a majority vote of the 10-member council to approve a measure regardless of how many council members are present. The change proposed by Alderman Steve Kettenhoven would enable a measure to pass with a majority vote of the council members present at the meeting.
Kettenhoven cited examples of dog park proposals that the council supported 5-2 on April 14 and 5-3 on June 9. The proposals lacked the six-person majority and failed, however, because some council members were absent.
“This is something that is long overdue and needs to change,” Kettenhoven said. “When we have seven people here and it gets voted 5-2, it still didn’t pass, I think that’s ridiculous. How are you representing the people if a majority doesn’t rule?”
Alderperson Gloria Dunlavy said she was concerned that if both representatives from a district were not at a meeting, that district would not be adequately represented in the vote.
Alderman Brad Rokus said the council could potentially get into gamesmanship when voting on key issues. If council members didn’t like something on the agenda, for example, they could just not show up at the meeting, Rokus noted.
Alderperson Mary Beth Kuester suggested matters could be tabled if not all council members were present.
Kettenhoven questioned why the council would meet if agenda items would be tabled if members were absent.
“Whether it’s 4-3 or 5-2, if the minority wins, why are we voting? Who are we representing?” he said. “I thought majority rules in this country, not a minority.”
The council will review the issue when it meets at 6 p.m. Tuesday at City Hall, 50 10th St.