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12 <br /> Rule 16. Substantive Motion. A substantive motion is out of order while another <br /> substantive motion is pending. <br /> Comment: This rule sets forth the basic principle of parliamentary procedure: distinct issues <br /> are considered and dealt with one at a time, so a new proposal may not be put forth until <br /> action on the preceding one has been concluded. <br /> Robert's Rules of Order does not refer to substantive motions as such; instead it uses such <br /> adjectives as "main" or "principal." Here, a substantive motion is any motion other than the <br /> procedural motions listed in Rule 19. The possible subject matter of a substantive motion <br /> coexists with the board's legal powers, duties, and responsibilities. Indeed, since Rule 13 <br /> provides that the board shall proceed by motion, the substantive motion is the board's <br /> exclusive mode of action. The procedural motions detailed in the following rules set forth the <br /> board's various options in disposing of substantive motions. <br /> Rule 17. Adoption by Majority Vote. A motion shall be adopted if approved by a <br /> majority of the votes cast, a quorum being present, unless an extraordinary majority is <br /> required by these rules or the laws of North Carolina. A majority is more than half. A <br /> quorum is a majority of the actual membership of the board, including any vacant seats. A <br /> member who has withdrawn from a meeting without being excused by majority vote of the <br /> remaining members present shall be counted as present for purposes of determining <br /> whether or not a quorum is present. <br /> Rule 18. Debate. The chair shall state the motion and then open the floor to debate, <br /> presiding over the debate according to these general principles: <br /> 1. The member making the motion or introducing the ordinance, resolution, or order is <br /> entitled to speak first. <br /> 2. A member who has not spoken on the issue shall be recognized before someone who has <br /> already spoken. <br /> 3. To the extent possible, the debate shall alternate between opponents and proponents of <br /> the measure. <br /> Rule 19. Procedural Motions. (a) In addition to substantive proposals, the procedural <br /> motions listed in subsection (b) of this rule, and no others, shall be in order. Unless <br /> otherwise noted, each motion is debatable, may be amended, and requires a majority vote <br /> for adoption. <br /> Comment:This rule substantially departs from Robert's Rules of Order.Each procedural motion m Robert's Rules of <br /> Order was reviewed to determine whether it was appropriate for use by a small board;substantial modifications <br /> and deletions were the result The following enumeration ofpmoedural motions is exhaustive,if a procedural option <br /> is not on the list,it is not available. <br /> (b)In order of priority(if applicable),the procedural motions are: <br /> Comment:While a substantive motion is out of order if another substantive motion is pending, <br /> several procedural motions can be entertained in succession without necessarily disposing of <br /> the immediately pending one. The order of the list below establishes which procedural motion <br /> yields to which-for example, a move to defer consideration (6) may be made while a move to <br /> refer to committee(9)is pending because(6)ranks higher on the list. <br /> 1. To Appeal a Procedural Ruling of the Presiding Officer. A decision of the presiding <br /> officer ruling a motion in or out of order, determining whether a speaker his gone <br />