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If a Councilmember is present at the meeting but abstains from voting on a motion or is silent during the vote on the motion, then the rules in section 14.3 Abstentions and Silence shall govern how the Councilmember's silence or abstention is tabulated. 14.2 Tie Votes Generally, a motion fails if there is a tie vote. After a tie vote, the City Council should try to reach consensus, and the Mayor may solicit additional discussion and another motion in an attempt to break the tie. If the tie vote occurs during a Councilmember absence, and the absent Councilmember does not have a conflict of interest related to the item being voted on, the City Council shall continue the item to a subsequent City Council meeting when the absent Councilmember is expected to be present in an effort to resolve the tie (unless subject to a legally or City-imposed deadline). If the tie vote is not resolved, the motion shall fail and the Mayor may declare that "no action has been taken" and proceed with the remainder of the agenda. 14.3 Abstentions and Silence The City Council strongly discourages abstentions since abstentions without either legal conflict12 or appearance of conflict may impede the City Council's actions, for example by causing a tie vote. Abstentions also deprive Pleasanton residents of one vote of five, or representation of their district, and may diminish accountability of Councilmembers on items of legitimate concern. At the same time, it is not the City Council's intention to impede any individual Councilmember's right to choose not to speak or vote on an item. A Councilmember shall publicly state the reason for an abstention. The City Council adopts the rule for counting votes as "those present and voting" as described in Rosenberg's Rules of Order (see pages 5 and 6). Under this rule, a Councilmember who abstains or is silent counts as "present" for determining a quorum, but when counting votes is treated as if the Councilmember is not voting. 14.4 Protests Any Councilmember shall have the right to enter into public record reasons for dissent or protests against any motion carried by the majority. 15. Advisory Bodies 15.1 Implementation of Municipal Code 15.1.1 Creation and Appointments The City Council may create boards, commissions, or committees to advise the City Council. [PMC Title 2]. 12 When a Councilmember has a legal conflict of interest under the Political Reform Act or Government Code §1090. the Councilmember"recuses" from participation in the decision. 24