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HomeMy WebLinkAboutR-2026-005 Decorum Policy for City Boards and Advisory CommitteesRESOLUTION NO. 2026-005 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF DANIA BEACH, FLORIDA, ADOPTING A DECORUM POLICY FOR MEETINGS OF CITY BOARDS AND ADVISORY COMMITTEES; PROVIDING FOR CONFLICTS; PROVIDING FOR IMPLEMENTATION AND DISTRIBUTION; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. WHEREAS, the City Commission of the City of Dania Beach wishes to create and adopt a Decorum Policy applicable to meetings of City boards and advisory committees to ensure orderly, respectful, and efficient conduct of public meetings; and WHEREAS, such policy establishes a uniform standard of conduct for board members, City staff, and members of the public who participate in or attend meetings of City boards and advisory committees; and WHEREAS, the City Commission finds that the adoption of a formal decorum policy will promote civility, transparency, and the efficient transaction of public business in compliance with the Florida Sunshine Law. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF DANIA BEACH, FLORIDA: Section 1. That the foregoing recitals are true and correct and are hereby ratified, confirmed, and incorporated herein by reference. Section 2. That the City Commission hereby adopts the Decorum Policy for Meetings of City Boards and Advisory Committees of the City of Dania Beach, Florida, attached hereto as Exhibit “A”, which is incorporated herein by reference. Section 3. That all resolutions or parts of resolutions in conflict with this Resolution are repealed to the extent of such conflict. Section 4. That the City Manager, or designee, is authorized and directed to implement and distribute the Decorum Policy to all appointed board and advisory committee members and to ensure reasonable public availability of the policy. Section 5. That this Resolution shall become effective ten (10) days after its passage and adoption. 2 RESOLUTION #2026-005 PASSED and ADOPTED on January 13, 2026. Motion by Commissioner Lewellen, second by Commissioner Rimoli. FINAL VOTE ON ADOPTION: Unanimous X Yes No Commissioner Lori Lewellen ____ ____ Commissioner Luis Rimoli ____ ____ Commissioner Archibald J. Ryan IV ____ ____ Vice Mayor Marco Salvino ____ ____ Mayor Joyce L. Davis ____ ____ ATTEST: ELORA RIERA, MMC JOYCE L. DAVIS CITY CLERK MAYOR APPROVED AS TO FORM AND CORRECTNESS: EVE A. BOUTSIS CITY ATTORNEY DECORUM POLICY FOR MEETINGS OF CITY BOARDS AND ADVISORY COMMITTEES OF THE CITY OF DANIA BEACH, FLORIDA Purpose The purpose of this policy is to ensure that meetings of City boards, committees, and advisory bodies are conducted in an orderly, respectful, and efficient manner that allows members, staff, and the public to engage constructively. This policy applies to all appointed boards, advisory committees, task forces, and other public bodies established by the City Commission and governed by the Florida Sunshine Law. Public Participation and Recognition 1. Individuals who wish to address a board or committee must register with the City staff liaison before the meeting begins. 2. Public comment is permitted only at times designated on the agenda or when recognized by the Chairperson. 3. All speakers must approach the podium when recognized, identify themselves for the record, and direct all remarks to the board or committee as a whole — not to individual members, City staff, or other attendees. 4. Only one person may speak at a time. Order and Conduct • All participants — board members, staff, and members of the public — must maintain civility and respect at all times. • No individual shall make profane, slanderous, threatening, or unduly repetitive remarks, nor engage in conduct that disrupts or impedes the orderly conduct of the meeting. • Clapping, shouting, heckling, or other verbal outbursts in support of or opposition to a speaker are prohibited. • No signs, banners, or placards are permitted in the meeting room. • All electronic devices must be silenced. Persons exiting the meeting room shall do so quietly. Authority to Preserve Order 1. The Chairperson of each board or committee serves as the presiding officer and is responsible for maintaining order and enforcing decorum. 2. A Sergeant-at-Arms (typically a City police officer, security officer, or other person designated by the City Manager) shall be available or on call to attend meetings as needed. 3. The Sergeant-at-Arms, under the direction of the Chairperson or staff liaison, shall have full authority to enforce the rules of decorum and, if necessary, remove any individual whose conduct disrupts the meeting after a warning. Procedure for Disruptive Conduct 1. Initial Warning: The Chairperson shall issue a verbal warning to any individual whose conduct disrupts the meeting, advising that continued disruption will result in removal. 2. Direction to Leave: If the behavior continues, the Chairperson may direct the individual to leave the meeting room immediately. 3. Removal: Upon instruction of the Chairperson, the Sergeant-at-Arms or designated law enforcement/security officer shall escort the disruptive individual from the premises. 4. Prohibited Reentry: Any person removed for disruptive conduct shall not be permitted to return during the same meeting without permission from the Chairperson. 5. Recess: The Chairperson may temporarily recess the meeting to restore order if necessary. Responsibilities of Board Members • Members of City boards and committees shall adhere to the same standards of respect and professionalism required of the public. • Members shall not engage in personal attacks, interrupt speakers or other members, or otherwise behave in a manner that undermines orderly deliberation. • The Chairperson is authorized to call any member to order who violates these standards. Enforcement and Applicability • The Chairperson’s rulings on decorum and procedure are final unless overruled by a majority vote of the board or committee members present. • This policy shall be read in conjunction with the City’s adopted rules of procedure and Robert’s Rules of Order (as applicable). • The City staff liaison shall ensure a copy of this policy is provided to all board and committee members and posted in the meeting room.