8. HANDOUT 02-16-2010 - Laserfiche WebLink

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closed. The Mayor has the responsibility to run an efficient public meeting and has the discretion to modify the public hearing process in order to make the meeting run smoothly. Council members will not express opinions during the public hearing portion of the meeting except to ask pertinent questions of the speaker ar staff, "1 think" and "X feel" comments by Council members are not appropriate until after the close of the public hearing. Council members should refrain. from arguing or debating with the public during a public hearing and shall always show respect for different points of view, fain motions may be followed by amendments, followed by substitute motions, Any Councilmember can call for a point of order. Only Council members who voted on the prevailing side may make motions to reconsider. Travel Expense The purpose of this regulation is to establish the policies and procedures for Council members who travel on official City business either instate or out~of state. Such travel shall include attendance at conferences, seminars, and training sessions on behalf of the City, The City sha11 pay reasonable expenses for registration fees, lodging, meals, transportation, and all allowable miscellaneous expenses for the Council member only, A.11 travel expenses will be handled in the same manner and consistent with the provisions within the City's Employee Handbook. Cacil Conduct °th One Anot er Councils are composed of individuals with a wide variety of backgrounds, personalities, values, opinions, and goals, Despite this diversity, all have chosen to serve in public office in order to preserve and protect the present and the future of the community, In all cases, this common goal should be acknowledged even as Council may "agree to disagree" on contentious Issues. IN PU LAC 1VEET~N~S ®Practice clvty9 professionalism and deco~°u~ in discussions and debate Difficult questions, tough challenges to a particular point of view, and criticism of ideas and information are legitimate elements of a free democracy in action, This does not allow, however, Council members to mare belligerent, personal, impertinent, slanderous, threatening, abusive, or disparaging comments. No shouting or physical actions that could be construed as threatening will be tolerated. Council members should conduct themselves in a professional manner at all times, including dress, Honor the role of the agar in v~ain.tai~~.ng order It is the responsibility of the Mayor to keep the comments of Council members on track during public meetings. Council members should honor efforts by the Mayor to focus discussion on current agenda items. if there is disagreement about the agenda or the Mayor's aeons, those objections should be voiced politely and with reason, following procedures outlined in parliamentary procedure, 4