While discussions focused on some sections in the standing orders, the ''rules of debate'' got no comments.
In the adopted standing orders, rules of debate state that councillors may speak only once on a motion, except the mover, who can speak twice - once moving the motion then a right of reply.
The mover of the motion gets 10 minutes speaking time and five minutes for the right of reply, the rest of the councillors five minutes each.
During the debate of the committee structure, some councillors spoke more than once to a recommendation.
To allow councillors, except the mover of the motion, to talk more than once, a motion to suspend that section in standing orders would have to be put and passed.
Asked outside the meeting if he intended to enforce standing orders relating to speaking in debates, Waitaki Mayor Gary Kircher said that would depend on the circumstances.
It was the chairman or chairwoman's prerogative as to how they applied standing orders.
''I like to give people the opportunity to express themselves, although, at times, standing orders may have to be applied more stringently,'' he said.
Because of changes made to the committee structure, the potential is for council meetings to take longer, unless the speaking clauses are enforced.
Under the previous council, there was one ''committee of the whole'', made up of all councillors and the mayor. That meant recommendations made by the committee had been discussed by all councillors and were generally passed without any further debate at council meetings.
However, now three committees replace the committee of the whole.
Not all councillors are on all committees, which means when recommendations come to council there could be requests for more information, amendments or alternative motions proposed, leading to more debate.
Mr Kircher did not expect the time taken at council meetings to change ''too much''.
The only major changes to standing orders were the chairmen of committees not having a casting vote and speakers at council and committee meetings not having to stand.
In terms of the committee structure, councillors discussed their right to attend all meetings, focusing on making sure they knew when meetings were being held and what was on the agenda.
The council decided all councillors should receive notices of meeting dates and agendas for all committees, excluding the executive committee. It has also asked representatives it appoints to outside bodies, trusts and groups to report quarterly to it.
The council will review the committee structure before December 17 next year.
