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HomeMy WebLinkAbout06-05-2018 Item 18 Re-Adopt Resolution Pledging to Follow Best Practices of Civility and Civil Discourse Meeting Date: 6/5/2018 FROM: Greg Hermann, Interim Deputy City Manager Prepared By: Teresa Purrington, City Clerk Heather Goodwin, Deputy City Clerk SUBJECT: ADOPT A RESOLUTION AMENDING THE EXISTING PLEDGE TO FOLLOW BEST PRACTICES OF CIVILITY AND CIVIL DISCOURSE RECOMMENDATION Adopt a Resolution amending Resolution 10668 (2015 Series) to modify the best practices of civility and civil discourse in public meetings. DISCUSSION At the May 15, 2018 City Council meeting, Council directed staff to agendize an update to the Co de of Civility. The Code of Civility was originally adopted o n September 15, 2015 and pledged to follow best practices of civility and civil discourse in public meetings. The purpose of the amendments is to highlight the role and importance of civility in democratic processes and empower the collective voices of the County Board Chair and Mayors, and Chambers of Commerce throughout the County on key community challenge s. Civil discourse has the ability to broaden public conversation and awareness and inspire more engagement on community issues. If adopted, it is the intention that the Mayors and the County Board Chair be co -champions in also adopting a Code of Civility. Mayors and the County Board Chair are committed to sign and share the Code of Civility broadly with at a signing ceremony supported by SLOChex (San Luis Obispo Chamber Executives) and a coordinated media campaign. An amended version of Resolution 10668 (2015 Series) with the proposed civility guidelines incorporated as Exhibit A are provided in Attachments A & B. ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW The California Environmental Quality Act does not apply to the recommended actions in this report, because the action does not constitute a “Project” under CEQA Guidelines sec. 15378. Packet Pg. 217 Item 18 FISCAL IMPACT There are no fiscal impacts associated with adopting the proposed resolution. Attachments: a - Resolution - Civility and Civil Discourse b - Exhibit A - Code of Civility Packet Pg. 218 Item 18 R ______ RESOLUTION NO._________ (2018 Series) A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING THE EXISTING PLEDGE TO FOLLOW BEST PRACTICES OF CIVILITY AND CIVIL DISCOURSE IN ALL OF ITS MEETINGS WHEREAS, the City Council commits itself 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 San Luis Obispo and its people 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. WHEREAS, the City Council desires to reaffirm the importance of civility and civil discourse in the democratic process and incorporating by reference Exhibit A. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the City Council of the City of San Luis Obispo, 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 accusation and avoid distortion in all our meetings. F. To speak out against violence, prejudice, and incivility in all their forms whenever and wherever they occur in all our meetings. SECTION 1. Resolution Number 10668 (2015 Series) is hereby amended and superseded to the extent inconsistent herewith. Upon motion of _______________________, seconded by _______________________, and on the following roll call vote: AYES: NOES: ABSENT: The foregoing resolution was adopted this _____ day of _____________________ 2018. Packet Pg. 219 Item 18 Resolution No. _____ (2018 Series) Page 2 R ______ ____________________________________ Mayor Heidi Harmon ATTEST: ____________________________________ Teresa Purrington City Clerk APPROVED AS TO FORM: _____________________________________ J. Christine Dietrick City Attorney IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the official seal of the City of San Luis Obispo, California, this ______ day of ______________, _________. ______________________________ Teresa Purrington City Clerk Packet Pg. 220 Item 18 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 As elected leaders throughout the region we are accountable to each other, the press and the public. 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. Therefore, 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. Show Courtesy 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. Criticize 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. Packet Pg. 221 Item 18 Page intentionally left blank. Packet Pg. 222 Item 18