The purpose of the Rules of Decorum and Civility Policy is to promote mutual respect, civility, and orderly conduct among elected and appointed City officials, City staff, and members of the public. This policy is not intended to deprive any person of his or her right to freedom of expression, but to promote, to the extent possible and reasonable, open dialogue and positive communications while discouraging intimidating, demeaning, volatile, hostile or aggressive actions. The City expects locally elected and appointed officials and its employees to comply with this policy, and also seeks cooperation from members of the public.

Rules of Decorum and Civility Policy for City Officials and Employees

The City holds numerous public meetings, such as meetings of the City Council and City commissions, boards and committees (hereinafter "Public Meetings"). In order to safeguard participatory democracy in Laguna Beach, all elected officials, appointed officials and City employees (hereinafter "City Officials") are expected to adhere to the following standards of conduct:

• Treat everyone courteously;
• Listen to others respectfully;
• Exercise self-control;
• Give open-minded consideration to all viewpoints;
• Focus on the issues and avoid personalizing debate;

Embrace respectful disagreement and dissent as democratic rights that are inherent components of an inclusive public process and tools for forging sound decisions and allow all members of the public to speak without intimidation or interruption; and provide fair and equal treatment for all persons and matters coming before City bodies.