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1s 19 <br /> Comment: Good leadership depends, to a certain extent, on <br /> not taking sides during a debate.On a small board this may not <br /> always be feasible or desirable;yet an unfair advantage accrues <br /> to the side whose advocate controls access to the floor. This <br /> rule is designed to ensure evenhanded treatment to both sides <br /> during a heated debate. Ordinarily the chair should call on the <br /> vice-chair to preside if he or she finds it necessary to step aside. <br /> Rule 13.Action by the Board.The board shall proceed by motion. <br /> Any member, including the chair, may make a motion. If two or <br /> more Commissioners speak at the same time to make a motion <br /> (or second), the chair shall determine, for purposes of recording <br /> action for the minutes, which name the Clerk to the Board shall <br /> use. <br /> Comment: The chair may make motions, or the chair may <br /> invite another member to make a motion by saying"The chair <br /> will entertain a motion that..." <br /> Rule 14. Second Required. A motion shall require a second, <br /> followed by discussion and/or comments and a vote. <br /> Comment: The philosophy underlying the requirement of a <br /> second is that if a proposal is not supported by at least two <br /> members,it is not worth the time it would take to consider the <br /> matter. A second does not necessarily mean that a member <br /> agrees with the motion,but that the member wishes the matter <br /> open to discussion.A second allows the matter to be discussed <br /> further. <br /> Rule 15. One Motion at a Time.A member may make only one <br /> motion at a time. <br /> Rule 16. Substantive Motion. A substantive motion is out of <br /> order while another substantive motion is pending. <br /> Comment: This rule sets forth the basic principle of <br /> parliamentary procedure: distinct issues are considered and <br /> dealt with one at a time, so a new proposal may not be put <br /> forth until action on the preceding one has been concluded. <br /> Robert's Rules of Order does not refer to substantive motions <br /> as such; instead it uses such adjectives as "main" or <br /> "principal." Here, a substantive motion is any motion other <br /> than the procedural motions listed in Rule 19. The possible <br /> subject matter of a substantive motion coexists with the <br /> board's legal powers, duties, and responsibilities. Indeed, <br /> since Rule 13 provides that the board shall proceed by motion, <br />