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6.1.1 In Public Meetings <br />A. Practice civility, professionalism and decorum in discussions and debate. Difficult <br />questions, tough challenges to a particular point of view, and criticism of ideas and information are <br />legitimate elements of a free democracy in action. This does not, however, allow Council Members to <br />make belligerent, personal, impertinent, slanderous, threatening, abusive, or disparaging comments. No <br />shouting or physical actions that could be construed as threatening will be tolerated. Council Members <br />should conduct themselves in a professional manner at all times, including listening actively during <br />Council meetings. <br />B. Honor the role of the Mayor or Mayor Pro Tem in maintaining order. It is the <br />responsibility of the Mayor to keep the comments of Council Members on track during public meetings. <br />Council Members should honor efforts by the Mayor to focus discussion on current agenda items. If <br />there is disagreement about the agenda or the Mayor’s actions, those objections should be voiced <br />politely and with reason, following procedures outlined in parliamentary procedure. <br />C. Avoid comments that personally attack other Council Members. If a Council Member is <br />personally attacked by the comments of another Council Member, the offended Council Member should <br />make notes of the actual words used and may call for a "point of order" to challenge the other Council <br />Member to justify or apologize for the language used. The Mayor will maintain control of this discussion. <br />D. Demonstrate effective problem-solving approaches. Council Members have a <br />responsibility to show how individuals with disparate points of view can find common ground and seek a <br />compromise that benefits the community as a whole. <br />E. Be punctual and keep comments relative to topics discussed. Council Members have <br />made a commitment to attend meetings and partake in discussions. Therefore, it is important that <br />Council Members be punctual and that meetings start on time. It is equally important that discussions <br />on issues be relative to the topic at hand to allow adequate time to fully discuss scheduled issues. <br />F. Endorsement of Candidates. Council Members have the right to endorse candidates for <br />all Council seats or other elected offices. It is inappropriate to mention endorsements during Council <br />meetings or other official City meetings or functions. G. Council Decisions. Once a majority decision of <br />the governing body has been made, respect that official position and defend it if needed, even if you <br />personally disagreed. <br />6.1.2 In Private Encounters <br />A. Continue respectful behavior in private. The same level of respect and consideration of <br />differing points of view that is deemed appropriate for public discussions should be maintained in <br />private conversations. <br />B. Be aware of the insecurity of written notes, voicemail messages, social media and email. <br />Technology allows words written or said without much forethought to be distributed wide and far. How <br />would you feel if this voicemail message was played on a speaker phone in a full office? What would <br />happen if this email message was forwarded to others? Written notes, social media postings, voicemail <br />messages and email should be treated as potentially "public" communication. <br />11