Council adopts updated rules of procedure but strips phone-use restriction

The Pullman City Council on March 10 approved Resolution R1026, rescinding prior rules and adopting an amended set of procedures that clarifies study sessions, provides guidance for remote attendance and adds a time-based adjournment rule for meetings that run long.

Sean Wells, presenting the changes, said staff had removed a small portion of the preface and consolidated public-comment periods. He summarized additions including a new study-session order of business and remote-attendance guidelines.

Council debate focused on a proposed subsection (j.2) restricting the use of electronic devices during council meetings. Council member McDonald said the language "expressly prohibited" felt blunt and preferred guidance over prohibitions for behavior the council can self-regulate. Council member Weller argued that members are elected adults and that education, not legislation, would be a better first step. The city attorney, Thad, cautioned that the provision came from best-practice training and is aimed at protecting the record and avoiding the appearance of outside influence during quasi-judicial matters; he noted personal devices can be subject to public-record or OPMA searches in some situations.

Council member McDonald moved to remove the subsection on electronic devices; that amendment passed and the council then voted to adopt the amended Resolution R1026. The transcript records the amendment and final voice vote in favor.

What happens next: the amended rules take effect immediately; staff said the council can make further amendments as needed.