HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Council - 2020-62 RESOLUTION NO. 2020-62
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF HUNTINGTON ACH
GOVERNING RULES OF DECORUM AT PUBLIC MEETINGS
WHEREAS, a many Americans believe that our society is increasingly civil and that
this problem is particularly acute and particularly detrimental in national, st a and local political
arenas where it threatens government's ability to function democratically nd effectively;
WHEREAS, across the nation many groups have adopted pol' ies and rules to enhance
civility and decorum at public meetings;
WHEREAS, in keeping with this natural trend many ci es have approved policies to
promote civility and maintain decorum at local public meeti gs;
WHEREAS, the defining characteristics of the C' y of Huntington Beach include its
commitment to the democratic process, individual ri s of expression, robust debate and
tolerance for disparate views;
WHEREAS,the Huntington Beach City ouncil,the City's Boards and Commissions,
other public bodies and various community ups all convene public meetings to address
controversial issue that engender passionat and often conflicting opinions;
WHEREAS, an atmosphere of i ivility and disrespect at these meetings can stifle
participation and debate, threaten the ality of decisions and undermine the local democratic
process; and
WHEREAS, adopting ru s of decorum applicable to all public meetings will help ensure
that civic engagement and loc democracy continue to flourish in Huntington Beach.
The City Council o e City of Huntington Beach does hereby resolve as follows:
SECTION 1. G eral Guidelines. The City has numerous public meetings such as City
Council Meetings, Co ission Meetings, Board Meetings, etc. (hereinafter"Public Meetings").
In order to safeguar articipatory democracy in Huntington Beach, City Staff, City elected
officials, members f City Boards, Commissions, Committees, and task forces attending Public
Meetings in Hun ngton Beach should treat others civilly, respectfully, professionally,
courteously an focus on the issues and avoid personalizing debate.
SEC ION 2. The City Council and City staff shall comply with any lawful order of the
Presiding fficer to enforce the Rules of Decorum.
ECTION 4. The City Council, all City Boards and Commissions, and City staff shall
prom to the use of and adhere to these guidelines for behavior at all public meetings within the
Ci
PASSED AND ADOPTED by the City Council of the City of Huntington Beach at a
regular meeting thereof held on the day of , 2020.
NO ACTION TAKEN
RESOLUTION NO. 2020-62
Mayor
INITIATED AND APPROVED: APPROVED AS TO FORM:
City Manager City Attorney A4)
235260/20-8840