COUNCIL AGENDA ITEM
SUBJECT:
title
Resolution No. 2025-R-04: Amending City Council Meetings - Order of Business and Public Participation Policy.
body
DEPARTMENT:
City Clerk
SUMMARY:
The United States Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals recently issued an opinion finding a local government's prohibition of personally directed comments during public meetings unconstitutional. Therefore, it is it is necessary and appropriate to amend the current public participation policy to assure citizens are afforded all constitutional rights during public meetings.
Paragraph 3 of said policy is being amended as follows: City Council Members, City staff members, and citizens are required to use proper language when addressing the Council or the audience. They must refrain from using profanity or cursing, aggressive or threatening behavior or language when addressing the City Council or other participants. All comments or questions shall be directed to the Mayor and not individual members of the City Council or to the audience unless otherwise provided herein. No personal verbal and/or physical attacks toward any individual, by the City Council, staff, or citizens will be allowed during the City Council Meeting. Any person making personal, impertinent or slanderous remarks or becoming boisterous who is being actually disruptive or threatening at any time while addressing the council or attending the council meeting shall be removed from the City Council Chambers by the chief of police or any police officer, if so directed by the Mayor or presiding officer. Unauthorized remarks from the audience, stamping of feet, whistles, yells or similar demonstrations shall result in the person being removed by the chief of police or any police officer, if so directed by the Mayor or presiding officer are not permitted. If the Mayor or presiding officer determines a person shall be removed from the proceeding pursuant to this provision because they are being actually disruptive or threaten...
Click here for full text