Title
Code of Civility - For the purpose of establishing a Code of Civility setting forth how members of the Annapolis City Council and all boards, committees, and commissions appointed by the Council shall treat one another, staff, constituents, and members of the public, and establishing regulations for those attending public hearings or forums to maintain proper order and decorum.
Body
CITY COUNCIL OF THE
City of Annapolis
Resolution 3-23
Introduced by: Mayor Buckley
Co-sponsored by: Ald. Savidge, Ald. O'Neill, Ald. Pindell Charles, Ald. Finlayson,
Ald. Arnett
A RESOLUTION concerning
Code of Civility
FOR the purpose of establishing a Code of Civility setting forth how members of the Annapolis City Council and all City boards, committees, and commissions appointed by the Council shall treat one another, staff, constituents, and members of the public, and establishing regulations for those attending public hearings or forum to maintain proper order and decorum.
WHEREAS, Civility is synonymous with courtesy, politeness, graciousness, tolerance, consideration, and respect; and
WHEREAS, Civility requires that all members comport themselves in a manner that permits honest efforts at understanding the views and reasoning of others; and
WHEREAS, Civility promotes a process that is fair and effective in both appearance and fact; and
WHEREAS, Civility is attained through polite action and expression, and it promotes a positive collegial atmosphere wherein all City boards, committees, and commissions may operate effectively for the benefit of Annapolis' citizens; and
WHEREAS, Civility leads to effective communication and allows the finding of common ground; and
WHEREAS, The presence of the public at all open meetings of the Council, committees, commissions, and boards appointed by the Council is an integral part of a transparent government; and
WHEREAS, Public participation in hearings and forums ensures that Members have a complete sense of the views of their constituents; and
WHEREAS, Public presence and participation must be adequately accommodated; and
WHEREAS, Order and decorum must be maintained so that members of the public may attend and observe the session without interference; and
WHEREAS, Section 10-507(b) of the Maryland State Government Code says," (b) A public body shall adopt and enforce reasonable rules regarding the conduct of persons attending its meetings and the videotaping, televising, photographing, broadcasting, or recording of its meetings";
NOW, THEREFORE,
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE ANNAPOLIS CITY COUNCIL that Council members and all members of City committees, commissions, and boards shall in all of their proceedings adhere to the "Code of Civility," a copy of which is attached hereto and made a part hereof;
AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED BY THE ANNAPOLIS CITY COUNCIL that a copy of these regulations shall be posted at the entrance to all meeting rooms and on the City website, and the presiding officer may read aloud all or any part of these regulations before the start of any hearing or forum;
AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED BY THE ANNAPOLIS CITY COUNCIL that each City council member and members of City boards, committees, and commissions shall sign a copy of this "Code of Civility" indicating their willingness and commitment to act accordingly at all times;
AND BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED BY THE ANNAPOLIS CITY COUNCIL that this resolution shall take effect immediately upon adoption.