HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-15-2015 Item 15 - Resolution Pledging to Follow Best Practices of Civility and Civil Disclosure
Meeting Date: 9/15/2015
FROM: Anthony J. Mejia
SUBJECT: RESOLUTION PLEDGING TO FOLLOW BEST PRACTICES OF CIVILITY
AND CIVIL DISCOURSE
RECOMMENDATION
Adopt a Resolution entitled “A Resolution of the City Council of the City of San Luis Obispo,
California, pledging to follow best practices of civility and civil discourse in all of its meetings.”
DISCUSSION
On September 1, 2015, Margaret Bader and Sharon Kimball, representing of the League of
Women Voters, made a presentation to the Council regarding civility and civil discourse and
requested that Council adopt a resolution pledging to follow best practices of civility and civil
discourse. Council directed staff to agendize the proposed resolution for consideration on
September 15, 2015.
Staff has modified the draft resolution to be consistent with past resolutions and the League of
Women Voters has concurred with the proposed modifications (Attachment A).
FISCAL IMPACT
There are no fiscal impacts associated with adopting the proposed resolution.
Attachments:
a - Resolution - Civility and Civil Discourse
15
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R ______
RESOLUTION NO._________ (2015 Series)
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAN LUIS
OBISPO, CALIFORNIA, PLEDGING 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.
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.
Upon motion of _______________________, seconded by _______________________,
and on the following roll call vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
The foregoing resolution was adopted this _____ day of _____________________ 2015.
____________________________________
Mayor Jan Marx
15.a
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Resolution No. _____ (2015 Series) Page 2
R ______
ATTEST:
____________________________________
Anthony Mejia
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 ______________, _________.
______________________________
Anthony J. Mejia
City Clerk
15.a
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