Janesville City Council Special Session – Civility & Governance Presentation (Sept. 28, 2026)

The Janesville City Council held a special session on September 28, 2026, at 5:00 PM in City Hall Council Chambers. The sole agenda item was a presentation by Maria Davis and Emily Eagon from the League of Wisconsin Municipalities on the topics of civility and good governance. The session included a Q&A and concluded with adjournment. (Note: The transcript incorrectly states the date as November 28, 2026, but the agenda and this summary reflect the correct date of September 28, 2026.)

Presentation & Discussion

• Emily Eagon (Director of Training and Member Services, League of Wisconsin Municipalities) opened with a discussion on the importance of civility in governance, emphasizing that "civility and good governance work in concert" and that establishing proper procedures (the "how") is essential to achieving substantive outcomes (the "what"). She used video examples contrasting a chaotic, uncivil council meeting with a more formal, respectful meeting, highlighting the impact on public trust and decision-making.
• Maria Davis (General Counsel, League of Wisconsin Municipalities) provided an overview of Robert's Rules of Order, explaining its role as a rulebook for fair and efficient decision-making. She covered key principles: addressing the chair, obtaining the floor, debate limits (two 10-minute speeches per member), the importance of germane remarks, and avoiding personal attacks. She also discussed the small board rules applicable to bodies of about a dozen members, which relax some formalities (e.g., no need for a second on motions under those rules, but councils can tailor rules).
• Davis highlighted common pitfalls: motions should be framed positively (e.g., "move to approve" rather than "move to deny") to avoid confusion if the motion fails. She outlined the hierarchy of motions and the process for points of order and appeals.
• A councilmember asked how to retrain the brain to frame motions positively; Davis suggested forced practice and using the example of confusion that can result from negative motions. City Attorney Wald noted that Janesville has tailored Robert's Rules through ordinances and practice (e.g., requiring a second on motions, roll call votes per statute).
• The presentation concluded with resources: Robert's Rules in Brief, the "Keep Your Meeting Moving" card, and the League's city handbook.

Key Outcomes

• The council received the presentation and training.
• No formal votes or decisions were taken on any policy or action items.
• The meeting adjourned by motion of Councilmember Cast, seconded by Councilmember Nino, with a unanimous voice vote (all ayes).