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.