We have a facilitator's group that meets to plan the meetings and calls those who submitted items, to discuss their time needs, etc. Most significant matters are discussed in smaller groups or committees, the proposals posted and comments solicited, revisions made, discussed on our intranet, and so on before they come to a large meeting.
Committees also post minutes and proposals to allow for general comment.
By the time something comes to a general meeting, those with serious disagreements have generally been heard and their issues dealt with either by modifications to the proposals or by the objecting individual agreeing to stand aside - a VERY important part of the consensus process by the way and one that tends to be overlooked. We have a box of card sets which are held together by a large ring. On each side of the colored card are instructions on its use in either discussion or decision-making so that there is no confusion. I'm wondering how other communities decide what items get on the agenda for each meeting. Here at Sonora Cohousing, people submit items and the approximate times needed to the facilitator.