Chapter Three – Meeting Protocol (Cont.)
Keep an open mind. An objective, balanced, and receptive approach will help you assess the facets of a given issue and evaluate new ideas. When receiving written and oral public testimony, it will be necessary to discern between fact and opinion, as well as between those concerns that are relevant and those that are secondary to the issue at hand. Keeping an open mind will make it easier for you to understand all sides of an issue before you make a judgment or take a position. Strive to appreciate differences in approach and points of view. Diversity of ideas sustains a thoughtful dialogue and a vibrant community. Likewise, take care to articulate your own ideas. Remember that your individual voice is a critical part of the whole dialogue. Again, furthering common goals takes cooperation, flexibility, and a broad-based view of the public interest. If in doubt, return to the foundational documents to guide your understanding of the complexities of an issue. Ask for clarification if you are unsure about something during the meeting. Your understanding of issues is important. Each commission and committee has a City staff liaison to provide information to assist the members throughout the decision-making process. 3.3 Rules of Debate Unless otherwise provided by law, Robert’s Rules of Order, Newly Revised, governs the general conduct of committee or commission meetings. 3.3.1 Chairperson The Chairperson (presiding officer) may move or second a motion, and debate as Chairperson. The Chairperson is subject to the limitations of debate that are imposed on all members and shall not be deprived of any Every commission or committee member desiring to speak shall address the Chairperson, and upon recognition by the Chairperson, shall limit comments to the question under debate, avoiding all indecorous language and references to personalities. A member, once recognized, shall not be interrupted except in accordance with rules of parliamentary procedure (i.e. point of order, parliamentary inquiry, question of privilege, or appeal of Chairperson’s procedural ruling). of the rights and privileges of a member. 3.3.2 Commission/Committee Members
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