FLORIDA BUILDING COMMISSION

CONSENSUS-BUILDING AND DISCUSSION PROCESS

The Commission seeks to develop consensus-based policy decisions and recommendations. General consensus is a participatory process whereby, on matters of substance, the members strive for agreements which all of the members can accept, support, live with or agree not to oppose.  In instances where, after vigorously exploring possible ways to enhance the members’ support for a final decision on an issue and the Commission finds that 100% acceptance or support is not achievable, final decisions will require at least 75% favorable vote of all members present and voting.  This super majority decision rule underscores the importance of actively developing consensus throughout the process on substantive issues with the participation of all members and which all can live with.  In instances where the Commission finds that even 75% acceptance or support is not achievable, publication of recommendations will include documentation of the differences and the options that were considered for which there is more than 50% support from the Commission.

The Commission develops its decisions and recommendations using consensus-building techniques with the assistance of the Facilitator (i.e., brainstorming, acceptability ranking, prioritization, etc).

The Commission’s consensus process is conducted as an open process consistent with applicable law and rule.  Commission members, staff, and facilitator are the only participants seated at the table, and only Commission members may vote on proposals and recommendations. To the extent reasonable, on each substantive issue the Commission shall identify and evaluate the full range of options prior to offering a formal motion. This ensures that the Commission makes the best possible decision informed by the public’s and Commissioner’s perspective on the issue and range of alternatives.

Substantive Discussion Issue Process Overview

·        Issue is presented to the Commission,

·        TAC, POC, Workgroup, Ad Hoc, or staff recommendations are presented,

·        Commission asks clarifying questions (addresses a specific point that is not understood),

·        Commission identifies any additional options they want discussed/evaluated,

·        Public is provided an opportunity to comment on the options, and/or to offer alternative options for Commission consideration,

·        Commission discusses the range of options,

·        A motion is made for a specific action on the issue,

·        Commissioners may, though the Chair or Facilitator, request clarification from the public,

·        If the motion involves an option the public has already provided input on, then the vote is taken following any additional Commission discussion; if the proposed action (motion) is materially different from what was previously discussed, an additional opportunity is provided for public comment, and then the Commission votes on the motion.

 

To enhance the possibility of constructive discussions as members educate themselves on the issues and engage in consensus-building, members agree to refrain from public statements that may prejudge the outcome of the Commission’s consensus process.  In discussing the Commission process with the media, members agree to be careful to present only their own views and not the views or statements of other participants. In addition, in order to provide balance to the Commission process, members agree to represent and consult with their stakeholder interest groups to the extent feasible.


 

FLORIDA BUILDING COMMISSION

PUBLIC INPUT ON COMMISSION DISCUSSION PROCESS

 

Discussion item is introduced and any background information provided. If there is a specific action requested of the Commission, the proposal is summarized and any rationale provided.

 

Chair or Facilitator asks Commission members only for clarifying questions (a clarifying question addresses a specific point that is not understood, and should not indicate support or opposition to the proposal).

 

After questions, the Chair or Facilitator opens the issue up for discussion. All Commission members wishing to speak must raise their hand(s) and be acknowledged by the Chair/Facilitator prior to speaking. Commission adopted meeting guidelines are in effect at all times.

 

Following Commission’s preliminary discussion on a substantive issue, the Chair or Facilitator asks if any members of the public wishes to address the Commission on the current issue under Commission consideration. Members of the public will be provided one opportunity to comment per discussion/agenda item, and may be time limited depending on number of people wishing to speak and number of issues on the agenda. The Facilitator serves as the moderator for public input. The Facilitator asks for those who wish to speak in favor of the proposal or topic under discussion to offer brief comments, others who wish to speak in favor are asked to offer new points or simply state agreement with previous speakers. The same opportunity and requirements are offered for those who wish to speak in opposition to the proposal or topic under discussion. In addition, the public may offer alternative options for Commission consideration. The Facilitator ensures that the full range of views are expressed and similar views are not repeated. Members may, through the Chair/Facilitator, ask clarifying questions to members of the public offering comments. This process is used for substantive issues and not for procedural matters before the Commission.

 

After discussion and public comment, a Commission member may offer a motion for an action on the issue. If there is a second to the motion the Chair/Facilitator calls for discussion. Once a motion is made and seconded, the discussion is restricted to only Commission members unless the Chair/Facilitator requests specific clarification from a member of the public. Commission members may request specific clarification from a member of the public through the Chair/Facilitator at any time. A member may wish to second a motion for the purpose of Commission discussion and not necessarily as a show of support for the motion. If the motion involves an option that the public has already commented on, then the vote is taken, if the proposed action (motion) is materially different from what was previously discussed, an additional opportunity is provided for public comment, and then the Commission votes on the motion.

Only motions to approve are considered. If there is no motion after discussion the requested action is not approved, and “dies” for a lack of a second.

 

In addition, members of the public are welcome to provide input to the Commission during the public comment period provided at each meeting, and all comments submitted on the blue “Public Comment” forms provided at each meeting are included in the Facilitator’s summary reports.