A. Voting shall be conducted by the use of the voting light system installed in the Council chambers. A red light designates a “no or negative” vote; a green light designates a “yes or affirmative” vote; and an amber light designates a vote to “abstain.” When a member of the Council votes to “abstain,” he must audibly state his reason for abstaining, and in the event he fails to make any such statement, his silence shall be recorded as an affirmative vote, although he may have designated his vote by the use of the amber light.

B. Every member should vote unless disqualified for cause accepted by vote of the Council or by the opinion of the City Attorney. Self-disqualification without approval which results in a tie vote shall be avoided as thwarting Council action, but no Councilmember shall be forced to vote. A Councilmember who abstains shall in effect consent that a majority of the quorum may act for him. Tie votes shall be lost motions and may be reconsidered.

C. A Councilmember who has a direct personal financial interest in any matter coming before the City Council shall disclose said interest and shall disqualify himself from discussing or voting on said matter. Where it is not clear whether such interest is of a disqualifying nature, the Councilmember shall state the facts of the matter to the City Attorney and request an opinion thereon prior to the meeting.

D. The Council may at any time, or from time to time, dispense with the use of the voting light system by voice vote of the majority. In such an event, voting shall be conducted by voice vote until such time as a determination is made to again use the voting light system or some other system.

E. When the Council is voting by voice vote, unless a member states that he is abstaining from voting and gives his reasons therefor, his silence shall be recorded as an affirmative vote. A negative vote shall be registered by the oral statement of “no” by the Councilmember voting. Upon roll call on any voice vote taken, silence by any Councilmember when his name is called constitutes a “yes or affirmative” vote.

F. All ordinances, resolutions and other matters submitted to the Council shall be passed or defeated by a majority vote of the Council, unless a greater number of votes may be required by law. The word “majority” shall mean three affirmative votes for purposes of approval, or three negative votes for purposes of denial. In instances where a majority vote cannot be obtained and no additional action is taken, such matter shall automatically be added to the next agenda of the Council. (Ord. 1486 § 2, 1973; prior code § 1.237).