CC 2018-06-26_09e Regional Code of CivilityMEMORANDUM
TO: CITY COUNCIL
FROM: JAMES A. BERGMAN, CITY MANAGER
BY: KELLY WETMORE, DIRECTOR OF LEGISLATIVE & INFORMATION
SERVICES/CITY CLERK
SUBJECT: CONSIDERATION OF A RESOLUTION AMENDING THE EXISTING
PLEDGE TO FOLLOW BEST PRACTICES OF CIVILITY AND CIVIL
DISCOURSE IN ORDER TO INCLUDE A REGIONAL CODE OF CIVILITY
DATE: JUNE 26, 2018
SUMMARY OF ACTION:
Adoption of a Resolution to amend the existing pledge to follow best practices of civility
and civil discourse in all meetings by including the San Luis Obispo Regional Code of
Civility to strengthen a culture of civility and collaboration in the region.
IMPACT ON FINANCIAL AND PERSONNEL RESOURCES:
There are no impacts to financial and/or personnel resources.
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Council adopt a Resolution amending the existing pledge to
follow best practices of civility and civil discourse in all of its meetings.
BACKGROUND:
In August of 2017, 32 San Luis Obispo County residents from various backgrounds
including government staff, elected officials, leaders from Cal Poly, Cuesta and K12, as
well as a diverse mix of individuals from the SLO County nonprofit and business
communities, participated in a group trip to Denver, Colorado. The purpose of the trip
was to hear about lessons learned in Denver in order to proactively envision and plan for
the future of San Luis Obispo County.
Of the many topics explored in Colorado, the most impactful to the group was the concept
of Regionalism; the idea that regions which learn to work together will do better for their
citizens. Regional collaboration is rooted in trusted relationships and from that, the idea
of a region-wide Code of Civility began. The idea was that each jurisdiction would adopt
the same Code of Civility, setting a common expectation of how all public business would
be conducted in the region, at both the City Council level and at a regional level.
Item 9.e. - Page 1
CITY COUNCIL
CONSIDERATION OF A RESOLUTION AMENDING THE EXISTING PLEDGE TO
FOLLOW BEST PRACTICES OF CIVILITY AND CIVIL DISCOURSE
JUNE 26, 2018
PAGE 2
ANALYSIS OF ISSUES:
The City of Arroyo Grande has embraced the core concepts in the proposed Regional
Code of Civility. In 2015, the League of Women Voters of San Luis Obispo County (LWV
of SLO County) made a presentation entitled “Empowering Our Communities Through
Civil Civic Engagement”. Following a presentation to the Council regarding civility and
civil discourse during public meetings, the City Council adopted its own policy resolution
pledging to follow best practices of civility and civil discourse in all its meetings.
A group of elected officials who attended the Denver trip approached the Countywide
Mayors and City Managers groups asking for each City Council to adopt or endorse the
proposed Regional Code of Civility as a promise to each other and the public to conduct
themselves in a way that cultivates a culture of civility and collaboration in our region.
Mayor Hill attended the Mayors meeting where the Code of Civility was discussed and
agreed that Arroyo Grande should consider joining other cities in adopting the Code of
Civility. The proposed Code of Civility would not replace the Council’s existing policy, but
is proposed to be added as Exhibit A to the attached Resolution to complement the
existing policy.
To date, the Code of Civility has been adopted or endorsed by the cities of Atascadero,
Grover Beach, Paso Robles, San Luis Obispo, Morro Bay and the County of San Luis
Obispo. The City of Pismo Beach will continue to use a city-specific civility code consistent
with this regional version.
ALTERNATIVES:
1. Adopt the Resolution;
2. Do not take any action at this time; or
3. Provide other direction to staff.
ADVANTAGES:
Adoption of the Resolution including the regional Code of Civility shows a commitment to
strengthening a civil political community in which each person is respected and spirited
public and political debate is aimed at the betterment of the City of Arroyo Grande and its
citizens.
DISADVANTAGES:
No disadvantages noted at this time.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW:
No environmental review is required for this item.
PUBLIC NOTIFICATION AND COMMENTS:
The agenda was posted at City Hall and on the City’s website in accordance with
Government Code Section 54954.2.
Item 9.e. - Page 2
RESOLUTION NO.
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
ARROYO GRANDE AMENDING THE EXISTING PLEDGE TO
FOLLOW BEST PRACTICES OF CIVILITY AND CIVIL
DISCOURSE IN ALL MEETINGS
WHEREAS, the City Council commits itself to building a civil political community in which
each person is respected and spirted public and political debate is aimed at the betterment
of the City of Arroyo Grande and its citizens and not the disparagement of those with whom
we disagree; and
WHEREAS, the City Council pledges to promote the use of and adherence to the principles
of civility and civil discourse in conducting business with appointed and elected officials, staff,
and citizens; and
WHEREAS, the City Council desires to reaffirm the importance of civility and civil discourse
in the democratic process by incorporating a regional Code of Civility.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Arroyo Grande, in
order to ensure civility and civil discourse in all of our meetings, we pledge our commitment
to the following best practices of civility and civil discourse:
a. To respect the right of all people to hold different opinions in all our meetings.
b. To avoid rhetoric intended to humiliate, malign, or question the motivation of those
whose opinions are different from ours in all our meetings.
c. To strive to understand differing perspectives in all our meetings.
d. To choose words carefully in all our meetings.
e. To speak truthfully without accusations, and avoid distortion in all our meetings.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City Council desires to reaffirm the importance of
civility and civil discourse by including a regional “Code of Civility”, attached hereto as Exhibit
A and incorporated herein by reference.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this Resolution amends and supercedes Resolution No.
4685 adopted September 8, 2015.
On motion by Council Member _________, seconded by Council Member _______, and on
the following roll call vote, to wit:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
The foregoing Resolution was passed and adopted this 26th day of June, 2018.
Item 9.e. - Page 3
RESOLUTION NO.
PAGE 2
JIM HILL, MAYOR
ATTEST:
KELLY WETMORE, CITY CLERK
APPROVED AS TO CONTENT:
_______________________________________
JAMES A. BERGMAN, CITY MANAGER
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
HEATHER WHITHAM, CITY ATTORNEY
Item 9.e. - Page 4
EXHIBIT A
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