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Boards, Commissions, and Committees' Handbook <br />City of Reds 6.1. F. - Page 26 <br />• Please be aware that any messages posted on Social Media may become a <br />public record and releasable if requested. <br />• Start the meetings on time. Keep the agenda in mind in order to give each <br />item the appropriate time. <br />• Announce at the start of a meeting if the order of agenda items is to be <br />rearranged for convenience, for response to those attending for only certain <br />items, or for better pacing of the agenda. <br />• Let the Chair run the meeting. <br />• Be fair, impartial, and respectful of the public, staff, and each other. <br />• Give your full attention when others speak. <br />• You may abstain due to a potential conflict of interest (in this case it is <br />customary to specify what is the nature of the potential conflict and to exit the <br />meeting while the vote takes place). Then the member can re -enter the room. <br />• Learn to trust your own judgment on decisions. <br />• Remember that people may be attending a meeting for the first time, and may <br />be unfamiliar with your procedures. In your discussion, either avoid or <br />explain technical terms or verbal shorthand. <br />• Listen to audience concerns. ME <br />• Do not engage in side conversations or otherwise be distracted during public <br />testimony. The opportunity for public testimony is central to the strength of <br />democracy, and is therefore encouraged. Active listening, however, does not <br />mean engaging the public in debate. Your response is appropriately saved <br />for after the public testimony is closed. <br />• Close the public testimony before you begin serious deliberation on an issue. <br />• Sometimes questions can most effectively focus discussion and direct <br />decision - making. For example: <br />■ What is the history behind this item? <br />■ What are the benefits and drawbacks? <br />■ What other alternatives did you consider? <br />➢ Decorum at Meetings: <br />• Discourage outwards signs of agreement or disagreement from the audience such <br />as applause or statements from the floor. Such demonstrations can intimidate <br />those with an opposing view and unintentionally discourage open public <br />discussion of all the issues and points of view. <br />• Limit your own comments to the issues before the BCC. Avoid the appearance of <br />straying from the subject or "grandstanding." <br />23 <br />