Amending Article II of the Rules of Council for Allegheny County Council through the creation of a new Section F.11., in order to provide a standardized rule governing participation in all standing committees.
Whereas, pursuant to Articles III and IV of the Home Rule Charter of Allegheny County, Allegheny County Council is established as a 15 member body, with 13 members elected by district and two elected at-large; and
Whereas, the provisions of Articles III and IV do not grant preference to any particular Members of Council in any particular type or form of proceeding, and Article III, §5(d) is specifically designed to guarantee varied participation in the legislative process; and
Whereas, the Members of Council have established and specifically rely upon a committee process for the thorough discussion and debate of pending legislative and other matters, See, e.g., Rules of Council, Article II, Rule F; and
Whereas, the Rules of Council are specifically structured to allow for such free and thorough discussion, See, e.g., Article II, Rule F.4.: “The committee is charged with reviewing, discussing, and, if the Chair deems necessary, investigating the legality of proposed legislation,” language clearly indicating that the Chair is only intended to have discretion over requesting legal opinions on - and not discussion of - pending matters; and
Whereas, this conclusion is further bolstered by the terms of Article II, Rule F.7.: “No person, other than Council Members or Council staff, shall be heard or seated at the committee table unless invited by the Chair,” language clearly indicating that the Chair is only intended to have discretion over comments offered by individuals who are not Council Members or staff; and
Whereas, despite these clear indications of intent, various chairs have imposed varying rules governing committee participation by duly elected Members of Council, and these rules inherently have the effect of limiting participation to different deg...
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