The Code of Conduct
0) is intended to promote open meetings that welcome debate of public policy issues
being discussed by the City Council, their Committees, and City Boards and
Commissions in an atmosphere of fairness, courtesy, and respect for differing points of
view.
1. Public Meeting Decorum:
a) Persons in the audience will refrain from behavior which will disrupt the public
meeting. This will include making loud noises, clapping, shouting, booing, hissing or
engaging in any other activity in a manner that disturbs, disrupts or impedes the orderly
conduct of the meeting.
b) Persons in the audience will refrain from creating, provoking or participating in any
type of disturbance involving unwelcome physical contact.
c) Persons in the audience will refrain from using cellular phones and/or pagers while
the meeting is in session.
d) Appropriate attire, including shoes and shirts are required in the Council Chambers
and Committee Rooms at all times.
e) Persons in the audience will not place their feet on the seats in front of them.
f) No food, drink (other than bottled water with a cap), or chewing gum will be allowed in
the Council Chambers and Committee Rooms, except as otherwise pre-approved by
City staff.
g) All persons entering the Council Chambers and Committee Rooms, including their
bags, purses, briefcases and similar belongings, may be subject to search for weapons
and other dangerous materials.
2. Signs, Objects or Symbolic Material:
a) Objects and symbolic materials, such as signs or banners, will be allowed in the
Council Chambers and Committee Rooms, with the following restrictions: § No objects
will be larger than 2 feet by 3 feet.
-No sticks, posts, poles or other such items will be attached to the signs or other
symbolic materials.
-The items cannot create a building maintenance problem or a fire or safety hazard.
b) Persons with objects and symbolic materials such as signs must remain seated
when displaying them and must not raise the items above shoulder level, obstruct the
view or passage of other attendees, or
otherwise disturb the business of the meeting.
c) Objects that are deemed a threat to persons at the meeting or the facility
infrastructure are not allowed. City staff is authorized to remove items and/or individuals
from the Council Chambers and Committee Rooms if a threat exists or is perceived to
exist. Prohibited items include, but are not limited to: firearms (including replicas and
antiques), toy guns, explosive material, and ammunition; knives and other edged
weapons; illegal drugs and drug paraphernalia; laser pointers, scissors, razors,
scalpels, box cutting knives, and other cutting tools; letter openers, corkscrews, can
openers with points, knitting needles, and hooks; hairspray, pepper spray, and aerosol
containers; tools; glass containers; and large backpacks and suitcases that contain
