R 4872 RESOLUTION NO. 4872
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, members of the City Council, Commissions, Committees, and Boards are
committed 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 Mayor Hill, seconded by Council Member Harmon, and on the following roll call
vote, to wit:
AYES: Mayor Hill, Council Members Harmon, Brown, Barneich, and Ray
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
The foregoing Resolution was passed and adopted this 26th day of June, 2018.
RESOLUTION NO. y87L
PAGE 2
JIM H LL, MAYOR
ATTEST:
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KELLY T •RE, CITY CLERK
APPROVED AS TO CONTENT:
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JAMES A. = = 'AN, CITY MANAGER
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
HEATHER WHIT AM, CITY AT RNEY
EXHIBIT A
CODE OF CIVILITY
A healthy democracy respects the people's right to debate issues with passion.A healthy democracy not
only tolerates disagreement but welcomes it in order to refine ideas and create policies that benefit the
greater good.
The deterioration of civility across the country and within our community poses a threat to our
democracy and our civic well-being.This deterioration:
• Compromises the integrity of a healthy, representative democracy
• Closes the door on depth of thought, reducing complex problems to harmful oversimplification
• Deters potential leaders from running for office or serving in government
• Poisons the civic well and discourages citizens from engaging on pressing community issues
• Casts the spotlight on poor behavior rather than shining a light on possible solutions
• Sets a poor example for our children
We have crafted this Code of Civility as a promise to each other, and to the people and institutions we
serve, that we will always strive to conduct our debates - whether in person, online, or in written
communication - in ways that allow for the widest range of opinions on ideas and policies, yet also
respect the dignity, integrity and rights of those with whom we might disagree.With our individual and
collective commitment to this code,we welcome our elected colleagues,the press and the public to hold
us accountable.
In our deliberations we pledge to:
Listen First
We will make an honest effort to understand views and reasoning of others by listening to understand,
not listening to find fault, allowing thoughtful discussion to lead to the best possible outcomes.
Respect Different Opinions
We will invite and consider different perspectives, allowing space for ideas to be expressed, opposed and
clarified in a constructive manner.
•
Be Courteous
We will treat all colleagues, staff and members of the public in a professional and courteous manner
whether in person, online, or in written communication, especially when we disagree.
Disagree Constructively
We strive to advance solutions to community issues; when faced with disagreement, we do more than
simply share our concerns with differing positions, we work to propose a course of action of mutual
benefit.
Debate the Policy Not the Person
We will focus on the issues, and not personalize debate or use other tactics that divert attention from the
issue.
OFFICIAL CERTIFICATION
I, KELLY WETMORE, City Clerk of the City of Arroyo Grande, County of San Luis
Obispo, State of California, do hereby certify under penalty of perjury, that the attached
Resolution No. 4872 was passed and adopted at a regular meeting of the City Council
of the City of Arroyo Grande on the 26th day of June, 2018.
WITNESS my hand and the Seal of the City of Arroyo Grande affixed this 28th day of
June, 2018.
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KELLY ' ET 'ORE, CITY CLERK