21-Deliberate and possibly act on adoption of a code of ethics for City Council, boards, commissions and committees

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Be fair and equitable in allocating public hearing time to individual speakers. "The first thing the Mayor said to me was to be brief because the meeting was running late and the Council was eager to go home. That shouldn't be my problem. I'm sorry my item was at the end of the agenda and that there were a lot of speakers, but it is critically important to me and I should be allowed to say what I have to say and believe that the Council is listening to me." The chair will determine and announce limits on speakers at the start of the public hearing process. Questions should not be asked for the express purpose of allowing one speaker to evade the time limit imposed on all others (e.g., "Was there something else you wanted to say?"). Generally, each speaker will be allocated three minutes with applicants and appellants or their designated representatives allowed ten. If many speakers are anticipated, the chair may shorten the time limit and/or ask speakers to limit themselves to new information and points of view not already covered by previous speakers. No speaker will be turned away unless he or she exhibits inappropriate behavior. Each speaker may only speak once during the public hearing unless the chair requests additional clarification later in the process. After the close of the public hearing, no more public testimony will be accepted unless the chair reopens the public hearing for a limited and specific purpose. Give the appearance of active listening It is disconcerting to speakers to have members not look at them when they are speaking. It is fine to look down at documents or to make notes, but reading for a long period of time or gazing around the room gives the appearance of disinterest. Be aware of facial expressions, especially those that could be interpreted as "smirking," disbelief, anger or boredom. Maintain an open mind Members of the public deserve an opportunity to influence the thinking of elected and appointed officials. To express an opinion or pass judgment prior to the close of a public hearing casts doubt on a member's ability to conduct a fair review of the issue. This is particularly important when officials are serving in a quasi-judicial capacity. Ask for clarification, but avoid debate and argument with the public Only the chair - not individual members - can interrupt a speaker during a presentation. However, a member can ask the chair for a point of order if the speaker is off the topic or exhibiting behavior or language the member finds disturbing. If speakers become flustered or defensive by questions, it is the responsibility of the chair to calm and focus the speaker and to maintain the order and decorum of the meeting. Questions by members to the public testifying should seek to clarify or expand information. It is never appropriate to belligerently challenge or belittle the speaker. Members' personal opinions or inclinations about upcoming votes should not be revealed until after the public hearing is closed. No personal attacks of any kind, under any circumstance Members should be aware that their body language and tone of voice, as well as the words they use, can appear to be intimidating or aggressive. Follow parliamentary procedure in conducting public meetings The city attorney serves as advisory parliamentarian for the City and is available to answer questions or interpret situations according to parliamentary procedures. The chair, subject to the appeal of the full Council or board/commission makes final rulings on parliamentary procedure. 3(b). In Unofficial Settings Make no promises on behalf of the Council, board/commission or City Members will frequently be asked to explain a Council or board/commission action or to give their opinion about an issue as they meet and talk with constituents in the community. It is appropriate