Why is a Committee of the Whole used?
The
Committee of the Whole is used to allow a more free-ranging discussion
than allowed under the rules of a governing body. Where used, the
governing body or its presiding officer refers new matters to the
committee. Sitting as a committee of the whole, the governing body meets
to consider these referred matters at a regularly designated time and
place, sufficiently in advance of the time of the regular council or
board meeting to permit the clerk to prepare a report for the governing
body. The public may be heard, advice of boards and commissions may be
sought, and advice of employees and other officers may be secured.
Matters referred to the Committee of the Whole may be debated pursuant
to its rules and a recommendation may be made to the governing body for
consideration or action at its meeting.