On Monday Bluffton council will act on the second of three readings of a 21-page ordinance that clearly spells out the self-governing rules of that body.

It is the most comprehensive and detailed ordinance in recent memory – perhaps the first-ever - that covers in such detail the rules and job description of council members.

THE ENTIRE ORDINANCE IS IN AN ATTACHMENT AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS STORY.

The ordinance sets forth 41 actual rules for council members to abide by. Among these include:
Rule 1 – Legislative authority
Rule 7 – Council resignation
Rule 8 – Standing and special committees
Rule 9 – Committee responsibilities
Rule 14 – Order and decorum at council meetings
Rule 15 – Discipline of council members
Rule 23 – Legislation presented to council
Rule 31 – Motions: when debatable; withdrawal
Rule 37 – Sunshine law; open meetings
Rule 40 – Council confirmation of appointments