City Council has 9 commandments

The City Council has created nine commandments they want to permanently post on a wall in council chambers.

The norms, originally passed in July 2005, were reviewed earlier this year. All five council members agreed with the revisions, which will be incorporated on the back of the speaker cards as well as being displayed at the entrance to the council chambers.

1. Treat each other and staff respectfully.

2. Follow the rules (Standards of Operation) and adhere to the rules. Mayor to hold speakers accountable and mayor pro tem to hold speakers addressing mayor accountable, while recognizing a resident's right to address his/her elected representatives.

3. Speak only for yourself, not for other council members, including during campaign cycles.

4. Do not speak for other council members in the press at all times, including campaign cycles.

5. Do not criticize the city staff in public.

6. Keep comments from wandering into being indirectly critical of other council members.

7. Do not encourage supporters to come to city hall to criticize other council members.

8. Do not make assumptions.

9. Do not question the motivations of others.

The norms were approved by the City Council during its March 24 meeting.

—Nancy Needham