HomeMy WebLinkAbout~Master - Adopting Standards of Decorum for Public Meetings RESOLUTION NO. 23-452
RESOLUTION ADOPTING STANDARDS OF DECORUM
FOR PUBLIC MEETINGS
FOR THE CITY OF AMES,IOWA
WHEREAS, on March 22, 2022, the City Council requested that a memo from staff be
placed on a future City Council agenda regarding standards for decorum at public meetings.
Having clear rules in place for meetings ensures: 1) that participant expectations have been made
clearly known, and 2) that follow-up actions can be taken to address behaviors that violate these
expectations, if necessary; and,
WHEREAS, the City Council has identified certain existing expectations for participants
in public meetings (e.g., adhering to a speaking time limit, silencing mobile phones, etc.), which
are listed on meeting agendas. However, these expectations are not comprehensive and are not all
listed in one location. Therefore, staff has prepared a draft "Standards for Decorum," which
describes a comprehensive set of expectations for public meetings. This recommended list was
presented to the City Council at the March 22, 2022, meeting; and,
WHEREAS, the standards should not cause public meetings to be inaccessible to the
average resident by requiring an unreasonable degree of formal dress, speech, and procedures.
They should, however, also ensure that each individual attending the meeting is able to be heard
and respected. Staff will post the list in meeting rooms and incorporate them into published
materials where appropriate; and,
WHEREAS, on August 8, 2023, staff presented a proposed set of standards to the City
Council. The City Council provided feedback which required modifications to be made.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Ames, Iowa,
that adoption of the Standards of Decorum for public meetings is hereby approved.
ADOPTED THIS 12th day of September, 2023.
Renee hall, City Clerk John A. Haila, Mayor
Introduced by: Gartin
Seconded by: Rollins
Voting aye: Beatty-Hansen, Betcher, Corrieri, Gartin, Junck, Rollins
Voting nay: None Absent: None
Resolution declared adopted and signed by the Mayor this 12th day of September, 2023.