CC 2015-08-25_08c Resolution_Civility and Civil DiscourseMEMORANDUM
TO: CITY COUNCIL
FROM: DIANNE THOMPSON, CITY MANAGER
SUBJECT: CONSIDERATION OF A RESOLUTION PLEDGING TO FOLLOW BEST
PRACTICES OF CIVILITY AND CIVIL DISCOURSE IN ALL MEETINGS
DATE: SEPTEMBER 8, 2015
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Council adopt a Resolution pledging to follow best practices
of civility and civil discourse in all meetings.
IMPACT ON FINANCIAL AND PERSONNEL RESOURCES:
There are no impacts to financial and/or personnel resources.
BACKGROUND:
At the August 25, 2015 City Council meeting, 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" (Attachment 1 ).
ANALYSIS OF ISSUES:
. Following a presentation to the Council regarding civility and civil discourse during
public meetings, the LWV of San Luis Obispo County requested the Council adopt a
Resolution pledging to follow best practices of civility and civil discourse in all meetings.
ALTERNATIVES:
1. Adopt the Resolution;
2. Modify and adopt the Resolution;
3. Do not take any action at this time; or
4. Provide direction to staff.
ADVANTAGES:
Adoption of the Resolution shows a commitment to building 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 people.
DISADVANTAGES:
No disadvantages noted at this time.
Item 8.c. - Page 1
CONSIDERATION OF A RESOLUTION
SEPTEMBER 8, 2015
PAGE2
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW:
No environmental review is required for this item.
PUBLIC NOTIFICATION AND COMMENTS:
The agenda was posted at City Hall on Thursday, September 3, 2015. The agenda and
staff report were posted on the City's website on Friday, September 4, 2015.
Attachment:
1. August 25, 2015 PowerPoint Presentation by the League of Women Voters of San
Luis Obispo County
Item 8.c. - Page 2
RESOLUTION NO.
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF CITY OF
ARROYO GRANDE PLEDGING TO FOLLOW BEST
PRACTICES OF CIVILITY AND CIVIL DISCOURSE IN ALL
MEETINGS
WHEREAS, we, the Mayor, City Council Members, and staff of the City of Arroyo
Grande, in order to ensure civility and civil discourse in all of our meetings, pledge our
commitment to the following best practices of civility and civil discourse; and
WHEREAS, we pledge our commitment to respect the right of all people to hold
different opinions in all our meetings; and
WHEREAS, we pledge our commitment to avoid rhetoric intended to humiliate, malign,
or question the motivation of those whose opinions are different from ours in all our
meetings; and
WHEREAS, we pledge our commitment to strive to understand differing perspectives in
all our meetings; and
WHEREAS, we pledge our commitment to choose words carefully in all our meetings;
and
WHEREAS, we pledge our commitment to speak truthfully without accusation, and
avoid distortion in all our meetings; and
WHEREAS, we pledge our commitment to speak out against violence, prejudice, and
incivility in all their forms whenever and wherever they occur in all our meetings; and
WHEREAS, we commit ourselves to building 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 people and not the disparagement of those with whom
we disagree.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of Arroyo
Grande shall 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.
On motion of 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 sth day of September, 2015.
Item 8.c. - Page 3
RESOLUTION NO.
PAGE2
JIM HILL, MAYOR
ATTEST:
KELLY WETMORE, CITY CLERK
APPROVED AS TO CONTENT:
DIANNE THOMPSON, CITY MANAGER
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
HEATHER WHITHAM, CITY ATTORNEY
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ATTACHMENT 1
Democracy and the League
The League of Women Voters of San Luis
Obispo County believe that Civil Discourse
makes Democracy work better, increases civic
engagement, and empowers communities to
find common ground on critical issues that
need to be solved – if San Luis Obispo County
is to survive and thrive now and in the future!
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10 Best Practices of Civil Discourse
•Never comment on motivation of a speaker.
•Promote discussion on merits of issues:
evidence to support opinions and conclusions.
•Remind participants about Rules of Conduct
before public meetings begin.
•Encourage respectful speech and discourage
potentially slanderous, profane, or personal
remarks.
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10 Best Practices of Civil Discourse
•Regularly review laws-update rules and codes:
Codes of Ethics.
Codes of Conduct.
Robert’s Rules of Order.
California’s Brown Act.
Ordinances, Resolutions, and Pledges.
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Adopt Civil Discourse Resolution
Pledge to follow Best Practices of CD:
•Respect the right of all people to hold
different opinions.
•Avoid rhetoric intended to humiliate, malign,
or question the motivation of those whose
opinions are different from yours.
•Strive to understand differing perspectives.
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Adopt Civil Discourse Resolution
Pledge to follow Best Practices of CD:
•Choose words carefully.
•Speak truthfully without accusation, and avoid
distortion.
•Speak out against violence, prejudice, and
incivility in all their forms whenever and
wherever they occur.
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Why does Civil Discourse Matter?
•Civil Discourse promotes informed discussion
of public issues essential for government
bodies and citizens to make good decisions.
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Why does Civil Discourse Matter?
•Citizens and elected officials have a right to
express their free speech, but in an
environment that makes everyone feel safe
and respected.
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Why does Civil Discourse Matter?
•We need to be the change we want to see if
we are to increase civic engagement in
government and attract more young people to
government service.
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Raise Awareness-Build Support
for Civil Discourse …
•Observer Corps: attend-observe public meetings.
•Ambassador Corps: speak at Public Comment.
•1/2 Day Civil Discourse Training Workshop.
•Parliamentary Procedures’ Workshop.
•Civil Discourse Presentations by Request.
•Civil Discourse Speaker’s Bureau.
•Civil Discourse Brochures, buttons, stickers.
•Civil Discourse curriculum for the schools.
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