City adopts ‘Code of Civility’ for meetings

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The Elk River City Council has laid out some ground rules for behavior at its meetings in a new “Code of Civility” adopted May 2.

The code will be posted in the two rooms at city hall where council meetings are held — the council chambers for regular meetings and the Upper Town Conference Room for work sessions.

The code includes:

• All electronic devices are to be turned off or silenced.
• Disruptive behavior is prohibited. Don’t interrupt others who have the floor.
• Refrain from side discussions.
• Be respectful of others.
• Wait to be recognized by the council.
• Speak at the podium so everyone can hear you.
• Come prepared and speak to the issue. Be brief and to the point.
• Address your comments to the board as a whole.

Mayor John Dietz said of the code: “It’s nice and simple and to the point.”

The code indicates that the city’s goal is to foster an environment which encourages a fair discussion and exchange of ideas without fear of personal attacks.

Anyone whose behavior is disruptive is subject to removal from the meeting, according to the code.