Other guidelines are also in place to ensure
meetings of the Council emphasize the importance of the business being
conducted in a professional manner. Council members and staff shall:
A. Work to preserve appropriate order and decorum during
all meetings.
B. Address Council members as Alderman/Alderwoman, followed
by last name, such as "Alderman Jones" and staff member's last name.
C. Discourage side conversations, disruptions, interruptions
or delaying efforts.
D. Inform the presiding officer when departing from a
meeting.
E. Limit disruptive behavior. The presiding officer will
call persons demonstrating rude, boisterous, or profane behavior to
order. If such conduct continues, the presiding officer may call a
recess, request the removal of such person(s) from the Council Chambers,
adjourn the meeting, or take such other appropriate action as permitted
by law. The Common Council discourages applause, booing or other similar
behaviors, including holding up or waiving banners, from the public
during meetings.
F. Recognize that only the Common Council, staff, advisory
body chairs or designated representatives, and those authorized by
the presiding officer shall be permitted to sit at the Council or
staff stations.
The City Attorney assists the Mayor as a resource
to confer with and an advisor for interpreting the Common Council's
adopted protocols.