ABQ Times

The Albuquerque City Council has approved RA-25-3, a rules amendment sponsored by District 8 City Councilor Dan Champine. The amendment aims to streamline procedures and clarify committee-related practices. Passed with a 6-3 vote, the changes take effect immediately.

Councilor Champine stated, "These changes are about efficiency and clarity. By updating our rules to reflect our actual practices and clarify existing procedures, we can ensure smoother meetings and more effective decision-making." He emphasized that aligning committee assignments with the second meeting of the month allows for better organization by the newly elected Council President.

RA-25-3 introduces several key modifications:

Committee Assignments: The new rule formalizes approving committee assignments at the second January meeting, avoiding a recurring rule suspension that previously required a two-thirds vote.

Committee Recommendations/Reports: The amendment clarifies how committees should handle recommendations and reports, particularly when motions fail. It outlines steps for final recommendations to be communicated to the full Council.

Additionally, RA-25-3 codifies existing procedures for handling failed "Do Pass" motions and reviving bills.

Other Committees Requiring Council Participation: Updates include adding the Route 66 Visitor Center Commission and Homeless Coordinating Council as committees requiring council participation. Members will be appointed by the Council President with full approval from the Council.

LUHO Deadline: The amendment corrects discrepancies regarding deadlines for submitting findings and recommendations from the Land Use Hearing Officer (LUHO) to align with the Integrated Development Ordinance (IDO), setting it consistently at 15 days.

These adjustments aim to enhance efficiency and transparency in council operations, improve committee organization, minimize deliberations, and facilitate council recommendations effectively.