# Chapter 2 – Meetings; Quorum

Current through 2024. Source: DLR publication. Published by the Baltimore City Department of Legislative Reference.

## Rule 2-1 Opening Day

Balt., Md., Council Rules r. 2-1 (2026)

(a) Roll Call to open. At the start of each elective term of the Council, the Reading Clerk calls the roll.

(b) Election of Vice President. The members of the City Council shall elect a Vice President by a majority vote of its members pursuant to Article III, § 10(b) {“Procedures; Council officers – Vice-President — in general”} of the Charter.

(c) Appointment of Committee on Legislative Investigations. The Council President shall nominate, and the City Council by affirmative vote of a majority of all Councilmembers (8) shall approve or reject, the 5 members, Chair, and Vice-Chair of the Committee on Legislative Investigations as per Baltimore City Code Article 1, § 1-4 (b).

## Rule 2-2 Regular meetings – Days held

Balt., Md., Council Rules r. 2-2 (2026)

(a) First meeting of year. In each year of a Council term, the City Council first meets on the Thursday after the 1st Monday in December pursuant to Article III, § 8 {“Sessions”} of the Charter.

(b) Subsequent meetings.

  (1) Except as provided in paragraph (2), regular meetings are then held on Mondays.

  (2) The schedule of regular Council meetings is established by the Council President for the following calendar year and shared with all members and staff no later than November 30.

  (2) Regular meetings are not held:

    (i) on legal holidays; or

    (ii) during any recess scheduled by the President or the Council.

## Rule 2-3 Regular meetings – Starting time

Balt., Md., Council Rules r. 2-3 (2026)

Each regular meeting starts at 5 p.m., unless another time:

(1) was specified when the previous meeting recessed or adjourned; or

(2) is set by the President.

## Rule 2-4 Regular meetings – Recess and adjournment

Balt., Md., Council Rules r. 2-4 (2026)

By the affirmative vote of a majority of all Councilmembers (8), the Council may recess or adjourn a regular meeting to a specified time.

## Rule 2-5 Special meetings

Balt., Md., Council Rules r. 2-5 (2026)

(a) In general. As outlined in Article III, § 8 {“Sessions”} of the Charter, special meetings may be convened by:

  (1) the Mayor;

  (2) the President of the City Council; or

  (3) the City Council, on written request of 2/3 of all Councilmembers (10) if:

    (i) the Councilmembers submit a written petition to the Office of Council Services; and

    (ii) the written petition is in the form as required by the President.

## Rule 2-6 Quorum – Number required

Balt., Md., Council Rules r. 2-6 (2026)

A majority of all Councilmembers (8) constitutes a quorum.

## Rule 2-7 Quorum – When not available

Balt., Md., Council Rules r. 2-7 (2026)

If a quorum is not present at a regular or special meeting:

(1) the President may order the absent Councilmembers to report to the Council Chamber; and

(2) the Councilmembers shall assemble from day to day until a quorum is present.

## Rule 2-8 Required attendance

Balt., Md., Council Rules r. 2-8 (2026)

If any Councilmember suggests that a quorum is lacking, the President:

(1) shall cause the roll to be called; and

(2) if a quorum is lacking, may direct that absent Councilmembers be notified of their required presence in the Council Chamber.