§ 1.4. Procedure in Absence of Rule.

Council shall give our citizens a courteous and respectful hearing of their views.

Citizens shall be made to feel welcome with an appropriate greeting at the beginning of each Council and Committee meeting.

Council recognizes that citizens make significant personal sacrifices to attend Council and Committee meetings as well as public hearings. Council shall be respectful of the time being given by citizens and shall hear from them in a prompt and timely manner.

Council recognizes that citizens coming before Council may not always agree with the views of Members. All points of view shall be heard respectfully without reproach or admonition. In any debate of public issues, differences of opinion are to be expected and the civil, respectful, and transparent airing of those differences is encouraged in order to test ideas and develop consensus. Debate shall not become a personal attack on the speaker.

Letters to Members deserve serious consideration and a timely, appropriate response. Letters to the Clerk of Council, even those that may be critical, shall be made a part of the record of Council.

Decorum and civility shall be observed at all times by Members of council. This includes prompt and regular attendance at all meetings of Council, including those times dedicated to public comment. During meetings of Council, including during those times dedicated to public comment, neither the Mayor nor Members shall engage in lengthy side conversations. Such conversations shall occur outside Council chambers.

Those attending meetings of Council and Committees shall be respectful of other citizens, staff, the Mayor, and Members.

Members shall hold themselves and each other accountable for complying with these standards.