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ATTY/POLICIES/A GUIDE TO CITY COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS & BUSINESS <br />REV: 09-14-23 VR <br />Page 4 of 16 <br />I. INTRODUCTION & CONTENTS <br />Redwood City’s adopted Core Purpose is: Build a Great Community Together. One way we do this <br />is by understanding and respecting everyone’s interests. The purpose of this Guide is to ensure <br />that there is a clear awareness of how the City conducts its business, therefore fostering full <br />community participation. These are guidelines to help people understand what to expect and the <br />best way to promote good communication between the Council and those wishing to speak during <br />City Council meetings. The Mayor, as Presiding Officer, and the City Council have the discretion to <br />modify the application of these guidelines during meetings, such as the amount of time provided <br />for public comment, as needed to assure that the Council is able to conduct its business and to <br />hear from speakers wishing to participate in its meetings. <br />II. GENERAL MATTERS <br />A. Procedural Rules. Rosenberg’s Rules of Order shall serve as a general guide to procedural <br />matters and motions but need not be strictly followed. (See www.ca- <br />ilg.org/sites/main/files/file-attachments/resources__Rosenbergs_Rules_of_Order_- <br />_Revised_2011.pdf) <br />B. Adjournment. City Council meetings conclude no later than 11:00 p.m. unless a 5/7 <br />majority of the Council votes to extend the meeting to discuss specified items; any motion <br />to extend the meeting shall include a list of the specified items to be handled. Any items <br />not completed at a regularly scheduled Council meeting shall be continued to the next <br />regular business meeting or by 5/7 majority vote to a specified meeting. Occasionally, <br />the City Council may adjourn in memory of someone. Such a request is usually handled <br />through the Mayor. <br />C. Public Participation. <br />1. Aspirational Goals. The City Council welcomes participation and comment on any <br />matter within its subject matter jurisdiction. It is the City Council’s intent to create <br />and maintain an environment where people feel comfortable participating in the <br />public process and an atmosphere of respect for all who participate in the City’s public <br />meetings. To maintain civility and respect and in order to allow the Council to <br />complete its work in a timely manner, the Council requests that all attendees and <br />participants show respect for every speaker regardless of their viewpoint, and to <br />refrain from conduct that may inhibit others from addressing Council. Disrespectful <br />conduct, such as hissing, booing, whistling, cheering, chanting, and judgmental hand <br />gestures, are all inappropriate. The City Council also discourages profane remarks or <br />personal attacks or insults to any member of the Council, staff, other attendees or <br />speakers, or the general public. Accordingly, the City Council requests the <br />cooperation of all in maintaining a meeting environment where persons can feel <br />comfortable participating in the public process and expressing their views and <br />opinions, and an atmosphere of respect for all. <br />2. Maintaining Order. The following behaviors when they cause actual disruption of a <br />City Council meeting are prohibited, and provide grounds for the Presiding Officer to <br />9.A. - Page 7 of 19 <br />144