COUNCIL RESOLUTION NO. 2011-16: STANDARDS OF CIVILITY

RESOLUTION NO. 2011-16
A RESOLUTION OF THE OGDEN CITY COUNCIL ESTABLISHING STANDARDS
OF CIVILITY TO BE ADHERED TO DURING CITY COUNCIL, REDEVELOPMENT
AGENCY AND MUNICIPAL BUILDING AUTHORITY MEETINGS AND PROVIDING
THAT THIS RESOLUTION SHALL BECOME EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY UPON
FINAL PASSAGE.
WHEREAS, the Ogden City Council recognizes that dialogue relating to public topics can bring
forward a variety of opinions and emotions. Public meetings provide an opportunity for
discourse on many issues and people have the right and ability to agree or disagree with
proposals that are made; and
WHEREAS, the Council desires to support the Utah Civility and Community 2011 initiative,
which is designed to promote respectful discourse and behavior toward all people, and to
establish respect for differing opinions; and
WHEREAS, there is significant value in a diversity of opinions, as long as these are brought
forward in a civil manner. The way in which we govern ourselves is often as important as the
positions we take. Civility comes from claiming one’s own needs and beliefs without degrading
someone else’s opinion in the process; and
WHEREAS, incivility can impede the fundamental goal of resolving conflicts rationally,
peacefully and efficiently. Conduct that is uncivil can be characterized as abrasive, abusive,
hostile, disrespectful or disruptive. This conduct tends to frustrate effective and fair processes
and may disrupt or limit the ability of others to speak.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE OGDEN CITY COUNCIL, that
we hereby establish rules of civility for City Council, Redevelopment Agency and Municipal
Building Authority meetings. To ensure that an atmosphere of mutual respect is maintained, the
following standards are established:
1. Elected officials, City staff, presenters and citizens shall be dignified, respectful and
courteous during City Council, Redevelopment Agency and Municipal Building
Authority meetings. The Chair or Vice Chair who is responsible to conduct these
meetings shall require civil conduct of all who participate in and attend these meetings.
2. The City Council values all opinions and points of view as long as they are presented in a
civil manner. The Council will not tolerate: personal attacks, rudeness, disrespectful
comments, insults, name-calling or belittling comments.
3. Speakers are requested to refrain from using words or comments intended to incite
disruption during a meeting. The Council will not tolerate disorderly conduct as defined
in Ogden City Municipal Code §5-3, A-1, which includes: the use of insulting, profane,
indecent, lewd or obscene language; any indecent, insulting, or lascivious conduct or
behavior; any disturbance or breach of the peace; or fighting, challenging or threatening
to fight. In accordance with Utah Code Ann. § 52-4-301, if a person willfully disrupts a
meeting to the extent that orderly conduct is seriously compromised then he or she may
be removed from the meeting.
4. The Council desires to maintain an environment where everyone feels safe in expressing
their opinions, views and concerns. Clapping, shouting and booing during meetings are
not permitted; except, when invited by the Chair, clapping is permitted in support of a
special recognition, citation or honor of an individual or organization by Ogden City.
Comments may be made without interruption subject to uniform time constraints, as long
as the standards of civility prescribed in this resolution are being maintained.
5. This resolution is not intended to regulate the content of any message, but rather to deter
behavior that may be disruptive or impede the orderly conduct of meetings.
6. This resolution shall become effective immediately upon final passage.
PASSED AND ADOPTED by the Ogden City Council this 28th day of June, 2011.