Most councils follow the same pattern of decision-making as follows:

• Agendas are prepared before meetings and any committee reports, petitions or motions have to appear on an agenda before they can be discussed
• Some reports appear on pink or green paper and that is classified as confidential
• When an issue comes up for discussion at a council meeting it is often referred to a committee or to the executive for further discussion and a deadline is given for when a report should be made
• If the matter is referred to a committee, the committee will report to the executive committee. The executive will consider the issue and either support the recommendations or put forward opposing recommendations to the council meeting
• The council then votes on the matter