Committee of the Whole to consider Jax HRO legislation

Tommy Hazouri wanted the Committee of the Whole to consider the fully-inclusive HRO bill he introduced.

And Council President Greg Anderson obliged, albeit independently of Hazouri’s stance.

On Wednesday afternoon, Anderson sent out a memo.

“As President it is my responsibility to make sure we have a fair, civil, and orderly debate as we move to a decision. I will do my best to accomplish this but will need your help as well.  Civil discourse is a key pillar of our democracy and this discussion should reflect that understanding.  Council rules are clear on decorum, and the City Council will follow these rules ensuring that decorum will be maintained.  There will be no demonstrations in the chamber,” Anderson wrote.

“During the course of this deliberation and debate we have other business to accomplish. The Committee of the Whole structure will allow the Council to focus on the HRO legislation while continuing to move forward on other equally important matters.  The schedule will allow the Council to hear from the public by providing ample opportunities for Public Comment and Public Hearings.  A calendar outlining these meetings will be forthcoming.  This is in addition to the 3 community forums previously held by Mayor Curry,” Anderson added.

The Hazouri and Gulliford HRO bills will “travel together,” as Hazouri stated his preference was.

“Meeting dates are Thursday afternoons; February 4, February 18 with the final meeting held on March 3. Meetings will begin promptly at 3:00 p.m. concluding no later than 6:00 p.m.  Public comment will be taken for 1 hour at each meeting,” Anderson added, with the March 3 meeting “noticed also as a Special Meeting of the Council. The Committee of the Whole will deliberate and then vote on each bill.  Thereafter, the Council will convene in Special Meeting and vote likewise on each bill.”

The bills will be considered in the order filed, unless Mayor Lenny Curry files his own version, in which case that will take precedence.

Mayor Curry is withholding comment, as he did when the two bills were introduced in December.