HomeMy WebLinkAbout020626 TC GUIDELINES
DATE: February 6, 2026
TO: Mayor and Town Council
FROM: Tai Williams, Town Manager
SUBJECT: Town Council Guidelines – Annual Review & Updates
Service as an elected official carries the responsibility of public trust. The decisions made
by the Town Council affect the Town, its residents, and the organization in lasting ways.
While outcomes matter, the process and manner by which decisions are reached are
equally important. Over time, the way the Council conducts its work shapes both its
effectiveness and the quality of its working relationships internally and externally.
The Town Council Guidelines (Attachment A) were originally drafted by the Town
Council in 2003 to support effective governance by articulating values and expectations
for how the Council works with one another, with the public, and with staff. Over time,
the document has evolved into a combination of intentions, behavioral norms, and
references to adopted policies and operating practices. For example, the annual Mayoral
rotation, which is procedural in nature, is embedded deep within the document. This
format worked well under prior leadership that relied on deep institutional knowledge
developed over many years.
As the organization evolves, it has become clear that the current structure of the
Guidelines is less helpful for newer staff and for a Town Manager who, while having long
tenure with the Town, was not directly involved in the development or application of
many of these understandings. In their current form, the Guidelines can blur the
distinction between guidance, expectations, and formal authority.
This discussion item is intended to create greater clarity going forward. Specifically, the
purpose of this discussion is to:
1. Organize the Guidelines to distinguish between three governance areas:
a. Purpose and intent, which articulate shared values and expectations.
b. Rules of conduct and behavioral norms, which guide how Councilmembers
interact with one another, staff, and the public.
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c. Operating Procedures which describe how specific actions or processes are
carried out. This distinction is intended to ensure expectations are clear,
appropriately applied, and easy to understand and implement.
As part of this organizational update, the Guidelines would incorporate adopted
policies and procedures not currently reflected in a consolidated manner,
including but not limited to:
i. Annual Mayoral Rotation (Attachment B).
ii. Proclamations, including procedures for requesting special recognition
(Attachment C):
(1) by the Town Council presented at a Town Council meeting;
(2) by the Town Council *not* presented at a Town Council meeting; and
(3) Certificate of Mayoral recognition.
The first two categories are signed by all five Councilmembers whereas the
third category is signed only by the Mayor.
iii. Flag Display, guided by adopted policy including which flags may be
considered to be raised on an annual basis (Attachment D).
iv. Town Council Meeting Procedures, which will be updated consistent with
direction provided by the discussion related to implementation of SB 707.
The current meeting procedures are included Attachment E for reference.
2. Seek Council feedback on several specific governance questions that have been
raised over the past year. Council direction would be included in the updated
Guidelines, as appropriate:
a. Role of the Mayor during public hearings. When questions arise from the public,
should responses be handled based on each Mayor’s preferred meeting style, or
should there be a more consistent approach across meetings?
The Council may also wish to consider a hybrid approach, including when it may be helpful
for staff to clarify responses as needed.
b. Role of Councilmember liaisons to advisory commissions. For clarity, is the
liaison role intended to be primarily observational and informational, or should
Councilmembers actively participate in discussion and provide feedback?
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The Council may wish to consider that liaison input can be perceived differently depending
on the commission, topic, or context. It may at times be welcomed as helpful guidance or,
in other instances, viewed as unduly influential.
c. Attendance at non-Town Events: How should the Council approach attendance
at private or invitation-only events when all Councilmembers are invited, but the
event is not a duly noticed meeting?
This discussion is intended to consider public perception and whether there is shared
comfort among Councilmembers regarding how such participation may reasonably be
viewed by an outside observer.
d. Shared Discretionary Costs: How would the Town Council like to handle shared
or discretionary costs associated with Council activities? What steps, if any, should
be agreed upon in advance before such costs are incurred?
This discussion is intended to promote transparency and shared understanding regarding
financial or time commitments, and to clarify what, if any, steps should be agreed upon in
advance before such commitments are made.
e. Business Reimbursement Policy: Government Code Section 53232.2, enacted as
part of Assembly Bill 1234 and effective January 1, 2006, governs expense
reimbursement for local agency officials. The area generating the most questions
for those traveling is meal reimbursement.
In light of inflation and regional variation in travel costs, the Council may wish to consider
aligning the Town’s per diem rates with those established by the U.S. General Services
Administration (GSA), used by many cities and state agencies to provide administrative
simplicity, as the GSA provides annual updates that reflect regional cost differences.
RECOMMENDATION
Consider the information and direct staff to update the Town Council Guidelines to:
a. Reaffirm Town Council Guidelines and re-organize as described in Section 1.
b. Confirm 2026 Mayoral Rotation (Attachment B)
c. Provide direction on governance questions in Section 2.
Attachments
A – 2025 Town Council Guidelines
B – Annual Mayoral Rotation
C - Proclamation Guidelines (updated 2021)
D – Outdoor Flag Policy
E – Town Council Rules of Procedures (Reso 42-2018)
TOWN COUNCIL GUIDELINES
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PURPOSE
These Town Council Guidelines were initially drafted by the Town Council in 2003, for
the purpose of establishing parameters that would be used to guide Council conduct and
support positive governance. The efficacy of these ground rules is entirely dependent
upon the personal commitment made by each council member. These Guidelines are
revisited and reviewed annually by the Town Council to allow for discussion of changes
or updates that the Council feels may be warranted.
I. GROUND RULES
The Town Council will follow four basic ground rules in order to work effectively
together on an ongoing basis:
1. Keep focused!
2. Use inquiry vs. judgment - hear all points!
3. Be respectful of one another
4. Focus on issues not people
II. VALUES
The top three values identified by the Town Council are:
1. Honesty, Integrity, Trust, Ethics
2. Leadership/Clear Direction/Vision
3. Fiscal Responsibility
III. EXPECTATIONS, NORMS & COMMITMENTS
A. For meetings:
1. Be prepared; read the packet thoroughly before the meeting.
2. Ask questions or provide questions of staff in advance of the meeting so staff
can prepare.
3. Give credit and positive feedback.
4. Challenge issues rather than personalities; don’t criticize fellow council
members.
5. Be mindful of negative body language; eye rolling; audible sighing.
6. Give speakers three minutes without responding; make sure due attention is
given. Show respect.
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7. Keep feedback constructive.
8. At meetings, disclose information that you have that is relevant.
9. Avoid the following:
a. surprises d. personal attacks
b. grandstanding e. condescending/sarcastic tone
c. side conversations f. emotional escalation
10. The Town Manager will manage the agenda process. Councilmembers may
request placement of items on the agenda, but only the Town Council may
direct placement of items. Video recordings of public meetings constitute a
public record and cannot be edited.
11. Each councilmember has the opportunity to be heard and to present their
respective views. Once a matter has been discussed and the Town Council
renders a decision (vote taken), that decision becomes the Town Council
position. It is expected that individual councilmembers will respect this
process and represent individual decisions that have been made by the full
Town Council to the community and elsewhere as appropriate, regardless
of their individual views.
12. To facilitate quality video recording for public meetings:
a. make sure that your microphone is turned on and speak directly into
the microphone.
b. be mindful of verbal and non-verbal communication.
13. At the conclusion of study sessions or regular meetings, the Town Council
will summarize and clarify direction (action items/next steps).
B. In General:
1. When invited to meet with a constituent or advocate to discuss a specific
issue or project, inform the Town Manager and encourage the constituent
or advocate to meet with all councilmembers to provide similar
information.
2. In situations where conflicts arise that impede the function of the Town
Council, councilmembers will attempt to resolve issues on a one-on-one
basis. Depending upon the circumstances, it may also be appropriate for
the Town Manager to facilitate resolution among the affected members.
C. When dealing with the Town Manager and staff…
1. Treat staff as professionals; don’t publicly criticize an individual staff
member.
2. The Town Council takes action as an elected body, rather than
individually. Allow staff to handle administrative functions and limit
individual requests for staff support.
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3. When interacting with the Town staff, remember:
a. Staff may be contacted for the purpose of asking questions or seeking
information (asking). Whenever possible, direct questions to
department heads or senior staff.
b. Work requests or assignments should only be directed to the Town
Manager (directing).
c. Comments or concerns regarding staff should be directed to the Town
Manager in private.
4. As an individual council member, do not ask the Town Manager to do
something that is contrary to the direction of the Town Council.
5. Do not draw staff members into disagreements among councilmembers.
6. Do not solicit political support from staff or involve staff in any political
activity.
7. Try to give credit and positive feedback (on behalf of the Council).
8. When dealing with the press, the public or anyone external to the Town
government, staff’s role is to communicate the policy, direction or action
determined by the Town Council. Staff does not speak for the Town
Council, nor will the staff speculate as to what action the Town Council may
take on any issue or subject.
9. Staff occasionally conducts or attends working meetings that
councilmembers are not invited to attend due to the nature of the meeting
(e.g. - meetings to discuss development proposals and/or conditions and
special event wrap-up meetings). Should other meeting participants invite
a member of the Council, that councilmember should talk to the Town
Manager before attending. (Please refer to Attachment A for additional material describing the roles of the Town
Council and Town staff)
D. When dealing with media and public…
1. State your view, avoid repeating a reporter's terms.
2. Try to speak in sound bites.
3. Clarify the position: "the Town's decision is….", "my opinion is…."
4. Once a decision is made, don't discredit the decision, or criticize your
colleagues for having made it. Also, don't influence the media to.
5. Identify issues where it may be appropriate to develop a “party line” for
presentation to the press or public to assure that a consistent message is
delivered, and key points are covered.
6. Inform the Town Manager when you've spoken to the media.
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E. When representing the Town in other forums…
1. Present and support decisions or positions made by the full Town Council
– e.g. "the Town Council's position is X, and this issue been decided."
2. If you are presenting a personal point of view or opinion, make it clear: "the
Town Council hasn't discussed or decided this issue, my opinion is Y."
3. When appointed to or assigned a sub-committee, committee, or liaison role,
councilmembers are representing the Town rather than themselves.
4. Make sure to distinguish between political activity and Town business.
5. If invited to attend a function as a Town representative, don't campaign.
F. The role of the Mayor
1. The Mayor always represents the Town and the Town Council.
2. At the beginning of their mayoral term, the Mayor makes/coordinates
Town liaison appointments.
a. The Mayor first meets or speaks with each councilmember to determine
areas of interest.
b. If more than one councilmember is interested in a specific role or
position, and it is not possible to resolve the matter through
compromise, the Mayor may take the appointment to the full Town
Council at a study session.
3. Designate alternates for external committees/liaisons to provide exposure
to subject matter and experience in preparing for the primary position.
4. Consider rotation of assignments every couple of years to afford other
councilmembers the opportunity to serve in different capacities. Consider
the impact to the Town of rotation.
5. Every councilmember has the right and obligation to serve as
representatives.
6. Time permitting, the Mayor will bring issues back to the full Town Council
for direction or a vote (e.g., appointments by the Mayors’ Conference or
positions taken by the Mayors’ Conference).
7. Mayoral Rotation
a. The position of Mayor is rotated annually. Each councilmember has the
right to serve (barring Council changes) every five years.
b. The Vice-Mayor is next in line of succession.
c. Mayoral Rotation for the next 5 years is agreed upon as follows:
2025 – Renee Morgan 2028– Karen Stepper
2026 – Newell Arnerich 2028 – Mark Belotz
2027 – Robert Stroer
d. If one new councilmember is elected or appointed, they are placed at the
end of the rotation and incumbent members move up one year.
e. If more than one new councilmember is elected, they are placed at the
end of the rotation in an order determined by the number of votes that
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each new councilmember received (highest # of votes goes first, etc.)
Incumbent councilmembers move up by a number of years equivalent
to the number of new councilmembers elected (i.e. 2 new members
means that the others move up 2 years).
8. Provides direction to the Town Manager on use of the annual ‘Mayor’s
Discretionary Fund’, which is intended to be used for a public
improvement, program, or event that is located within the town, and
accessible to the general public.
G. Appointments of advisory commissions and boards; Council appointments;
Council resignations. 1. The Town Council will adhere to Resolution No. 11-2005, regarding
selection and appointment of Town commissioners. 2. The Town Council expects that commissioners will abide by the same
ground rules for dealing with the Town staff as have been agreed to herein.
The Town Council will use the annual Town Council/Commission
workshop to review and reinforce these expectations.
3. The Town Council agrees that the selection process used to fill prior Town
Council vacancies in 2003 and 2009 was appropriate and effective. The need
to fill future Town Council vacancies will be dealt with on a case-by-case
basis, considering the circumstances and conditions present at that time,
and the need to adhere to all applicable laws.
H. Orientation of new councilmembers
1. A successful orientation process can facilitate the transition of new council
members into their roles as elected officials. The following items were cited
as being helpful in this process.
a. Good documentation f. Visit commission meetings
b. Tours g. Overview of regional issues
c. Historical perspective h. Opportunity to observe meetings
d. Legal orientation i. Provide calendar of meetings
e. Meeting with incumbents j. “Buddy System” mentoring
by other council members
I. Town Council Expenses and Reimbursements
Certain expenses are necessary in order to assist council members in discharging
the duties of their office. Events or activities for which the Town may expend
funds are described and listed in Attachment B (excerpted from Resolution No.
17-2006). The Town Council will consider such needs on an annual basis, as part
of adopting the annual operating budget.
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J. Follow up Actions
The Town Council may re-visit these guidelines annually to see how the process
is working and determine whether any additional steps are appropriate to
further facilitate how council members work together in an appropriate manner
to conduct the Town’s business.
Attachments:
A – Roles and Responsibilities of the Town Council and Town Manager/Staff
B - Events and Activities qualifying for reimbursement (Resolution No. 17-2006)
2025 TC Guidelines – updated 1/31/2025
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ATTACHMENT A
(This material has been assembled from various sources and is provided to the Town Council
for information purposes).
ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES OF TOWN COUNCIL, TOWN MANAGER &
TOWN STAFF
The degree to which policy and administration mix in a given community can
sometimes become an issue. There is no clear demarcation between the two – but
there is the need for everyone involved to be cognizant of roles. The opportunity to
periodically revisit this subject provides an opportunity to ask questions, address
issues and better define the process for the Town Council and the Town Manager.
As the elected body who represents the community, the Town Council must be able
to communicate the vision of the Town and set the tone. The Town Manager and staff
are responsible for seeing that the vision is carried out.
A. Role of the Town Council:
1. Representational: The Town Council is directly accountable to constituents.
The Town Council must balance individual and group demands with the needs
of the entire community.
2. Governmental: The Town Council makes policy, adopts legislation,
establishes/adopts budgets and adjudicates issues. The Town Council sets the
mission and goals for the organization. They explain and promote programs.
Individual council members are expected to:
a. Interact with constituents
b. Serve on Town Council sub-committees
c. Serve in a liaison role
d. Attend public events and ceremonies
3. Financial Oversight: The Town Council adopts an annual operating and
capital budget and is responsible for appropriating funds and approving
contracts pursuant to Town policy. The Town Council adopts an investment
policy and assures adherence to that policy.
4. Intergovernmental: Council members represent the Town on various
intergovernmental and regional boards.
5. Supervisorial: The Town Council appoints and evaluates the Town Manager
and City Attorney, as well as advisory commissions and boards.
6. Business Management: Council members sit as members of the Financing
Authority and Civic Improvement Corporation.
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B. Role of the Town Manager:
1. Communication: The Town Manager must develop a rapport with council
members through maintaining frequent contact with each member. The Town
Manager must provide equal information to each member and provide early
warning on problems.
2. Policy Implementation: The Town Manager assists the Town Council in
identifying and focusing on goals. The Town Manager is responsible for
interpreting policies set by the Town Council for staff and making sure Town
Council intent is implemented after a decision is made.
3. Professionalism: The Town Manager (through the Town staff) is responsible
for:
a. Providing professional recommendations and making sure that all viable
options are presented for Town Council consideration.
b. Maintaining a professional position despite political pressure.
c. Providing good customer service and follow-up.
4. Organizational: The Town Manager is responsible for developing leadership
abilities among the staff, building a decisive and responsive management team
and holding staff accountable for results. The Town Manager is also expected
to maintain good relationships with employee groups.
5. Foster Teamwork: The Town Manager fosters teamwork with the Town
Council by becoming knowledgeable on key issues that are important to the
Town Council, expressing views and providing perspective to the Town
Council on key issues. The Town Manager can also coach council members
and help to refine their skills, and buffer the Town Council when appropriate.
6. Financial Stewardship: The Town Manager submits an annual budget for
Town Council consideration and is responsible for keeping the Town in sound
financial condition.
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ATTACHMENT B
Events and Activities Qualifying for Reimbursement
Government Code Section 53232.2(b) requires that each local agency adopt a written
policy specifying the types of events or activities qualifying for reimbursement of
expenses. Following is a list of events and activities for which the Town Council
may expend Town funds or seek reimbursement:
1. Attending educational seminars or conferences designed to improve
officials’ skill and information levels regarding municipal governance;
2. Participating in and attending meetings of regional, state and national
organizations whose activities affect the Town’s interests (including, but not
limited to, the League of California Cities, the National League of Cities, the
U.S. Conference of Mayors and the Contra Costa Mayors’ Conference);
3. Meeting with representatives of regional, state and national government to
present information or testimony related to proposed or pending legislation
or administrative actions that may impact the Town and its operations;
4. Attending functions of local civic or community organizations where there
is a clear nexus between the event and the official’s function or job, i.e., not
purely social events;
5. Attending meetings, seminars or similar functions regarding economic
development or attracting or retaining businesses to the Town where there
is a clear nexus between the event and the official’s function or job and the
event is consistent with Town policy; and
6. Any other event or activity related to the public official’s duties and
approved in advance by the Town Council at a public meeting.
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TWENTY WAYS TO OFFEND TOWN COUNCIL COLLEAGUES
The responsibility for the effectiveness and success of an elected body ultimately lies
with the members of that body. If you don’t really care about working cooperatively
with your colleagues, here are some surefire ways to agitate them:
1. Attempt to dominate meetings.
2. Cut off statements of colleagues.
3. Magnify errors of colleagues.
4. Make fun of colleague’s statements.
5. Tell colleagues they are wrong.
6. Insist upon pontificating.
7. Appeal directly to the audience.
8. Amend a motion and then don’t vote for it.
9. Don’t show up at scheduled events.
10. Request a special meeting or meeting time and fail to attend.
11. Commit to a position before the meeting.
12. Take individual credit for group accomplishments.
13. Fail to actively listen to colleagues.
14. Pressure colleagues to take a position before the meeting.
15. Pack the meeting for pressure purposes.
16. Violate a colleagues’ confidence.
17. Covertly use the media to achieve your agenda.
18. Force a vote on a key issue before the group is ready.
19. Criticize staff in public.
20. Fail to prepare for meetings.
Excerpted from the “Elected Officials Little Handbook.”
DANVILLE MAYORAL ROTATION
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Excerpt from the Town Council Guidelines:
2026 Mayoral Rotation
a. The position of Mayor is rotated annually. Each councilmember has the right to
serve (barring Council changes) every five years.
b. The Vice-Mayor is next in line of succession.
c. Mayoral Rotation for the next 5 years is agreed upon as follows:
2026 - Newell Arnerich
2027 - Robert Storer
2028 - Karen Stepper
2029 - Mark Belotz
2030 - Renee Morgan
d. If one new councilmember is elected or appointed, they are placed at the end of
the rotation and incumbent members move up one year.
e. If more than one new councilmember is elected, they are placed at the end of the
rotation in an order determined by the number of votes that each new
councilmember received (highest # of votes goes first, etc.) Incumbent
councilmembers move up by a number of years equivalent to the number of new
councilmembers elected (i.e. 2 new members means that the others move up 2
years).
PROCEDURES REGARDING REQUESTS
FOR SPECIAL RECOGNITION
The Town may receive requests for special recognition via the public or the Town
Council. Requests may include proclamations, designating a day in someone’s honor,
months, or presentation of a Key to the Town. These requests may be considered in
connection with individuals and/or organizations who are Danville residents or Danville
based. All such requests should be directed to the Town Manager’s office for review,
approval and processing as spelled out below.
PROCLAMATIONS
Section 1: General Criteria for consideration of a Town Proclamation:
Requests must:
A. Fall into the broad category of “promoting the public good,” as part of the
mission of local government.
B. Be consistent with Danville’s role as a local government agency responsible to
the citizens of the Town; and represent a purpose upon which Town Council
action is appropriate or necessary.
1. Recognize individual Danville citizens or Danville-based organizations
whose extraordinary contributions and achievements have community -
wide significance;
2. Call public attention to a significant community event, service, or program
in support of a Danville based non-profit; (e.g., Discovery Counseling
Center – Alcohol Awareness Month)
3. Requests for proclamations received in support of non-profit organizations
based outside of Danville may be considered if the organization has a broad
reach on Danville citizens and the local community (e.g., cancer awareness,
hospice, parks, and recreation month, etc.).
4. Recognize community services provided to the Town of Danville at the
request of county and/or state government agencies. (e.g., National Red
Cross Month)
C. Not be political in nature; or generate demands to provide “equal time” to interests
or organizations whose views may be contrary to the organization making the
request.
D. Not be issued as marketing, advertisement, or commercial promotion of a for-
profit business.
E. Not be inconsistent with previous policy or past actions taken by the Town
Council.
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Section 2: Types of Proclamations
Proclamations may fall into one of three categories:
A. Proclamations that are requested for placement on a regular Town Council
Agenda
B. Proclamations that are not requested for placement on a regular Town Council
Agenda; and
C. Certificates of Mayoral Recognition
A determination as to the appropriate category for a proclamation request shall be made
by Town staff and may involve consultation with the Mayor if appropriate.
A. Proclamations that are requested for placement on a regular Town Council
Agenda
These proclamations meet all identified criteria and are presented as part of a regular
Town Council meeting under “Presentations and Proclamations”. These proclamations
are signed by the entire Town Council. Proclamations may include requests to proclaim
weeks or months in honor of certain specific causes.
B. Proclamations that are not requested for placement on a regular Town Council
Agenda
These are proclamations that are not requested for placement on a regular Town Council
Agenda (e.g., Operation Welcome Home, Eagle Scout). This determination may be made
by staff, or upon consultation with the Mayor. These proclamations shall contain the
signatures of all five council members, either via original signature, or if constrained by
time, via electronic signature. A copy of the proclamation shall be provided to all five
members of the Council so that all members are aware of all proclamations.
C. Certificates of Mayoral Recognition
A Certificate of Recognition is similar in appearance to a proclamation but is less
formal. Certificates of Recognition are issued at the discretion of the Mayor and signed
by the Mayor. Individual Councilmembers may request through the Mayor that a
Certificate be prepared and issued. Certificates of Recognition are used to acknowledge
an individual or group achievements, contributions to the community, or to recognize a
noteworthy event or occasion (e.g., celebrating a 100th birthday; 50th wedding
anniversary, recognizing a local business for a specific achievement ). A copy of all such
certificates shall be provided to all five members of the Council so that all members are
aware of all such certificates.
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Section 3: Requesting a Proclamation
Danville residents may request a proclamation through Danville Connect or via e-mail to
Diane Friedmann, dfriedmann@danville.ca.gov. All proclamation requests require
completing a “Request for Proclamation” form or, in the case of an Eagle Court of Honor,
an Eagle Court Questionnaire.
Approximately three weeks are required to receive and process a proclamation request
to completion. If a resident requests placement of a proclamation on a specified Town
Council meeting date, the Town Manager’s staff will make every effort to accommodate
the request. Residents will be informed that Town Council meetings are held on the
1st and 3rd Tuesday of each month, except for January and August when the Town
Council meets once per month. The Town Council dates and times are available on the
Town website. (www.danville.ca.gov). This also applies to requests asking the Town to
mail proclamations.
When a proclamation has been prepared and placed on a town council agenda, a follow-
up proclamation e-mail is sent to the resident containing the following information:
• Date the proclamation has been placed on the Town Council agenda
• Town Council meeting start time and location.
• Request for the name, title and organization of the person who will be accepting the
proclamation at the Town Council meeting.
HONORARY DAYS AND KEYS TO THE TOWN
A Proclamation or Certificate of Mayoral Recognition may be used to proclaim an
honorary day for an individual or organization to commemorate a significant personal
or professional achievement (i.e., a 100th birthday, a retirement, etc.).
The Town Council or the Mayor, in their discretion, may also present the recipient with
a Key to the Town. This recognition may be appropriate in circumstances that include,
acts of heroism, meritorious service, or other types of outstanding community service,
significant athletic or academic achievements, or other actions deemed worthy by the
Town Council.
The Mayor shall inform all members of the Council when either of these honors are
bestowed.
The supply of Keys to the Town shall be maintained by Town staff. Any mayor wishing
to present a key shall obtain the key from staff. So that the Town can track the supply of
keys and determine when additional supply is required.
Attachment A – Proclamation Form
Attachment B – Eagle Court of Honor Questionnaire
ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF REPORT 7.1
TO: Mayor and Town Council June 16, 2020
SUBJECT: Resolution No. 46-2020, adopting an Outdoor Flagpole Display Policy; and
Resolution No. 47-2020, approving the display of the Rainbow Flag during
the month of June
BACKGROUND
The Town of Danville's unwritten practice has been to fly the American and California flags
at all Town facilities equipped with one or more flagpoles (these facilities are the Town
offices, the Library/ Community Center, the Veterans Memorial Building and the Town
Meeting Hall). In addition, the Town flies the POW/MIA flag at flagpoles located at the
Veterans Memorial Building and the All Wars Memorial at Oak Hill Park.
The Town of Danville does not have a policy addressing the display of commemorative flags
at Town facilities. In light of requests to display the Rainbow flag as part of Pride Month,
the Town Council requested information regarding how such policies work, particularly
whether allowing some commemorative flags means that the Town would need to allow all
requests for such flags. The Town Council discussed this item at a public study session on
March 10,2020 and directed staff to prepare a draft policy for consideration.
DISCUSSION
The display of the United States and California flags is largely governed by federal and state
law. There are also federal and state laws addressing the display of the POW/ MIA flag on
specified dates, but not year-round as the Town has displayed it. The display of other
commemorative" flags is left to the discretion of local jurisdictions, subject only to First
Amendment concerns, because such flags and the messages they convey are considered a
form of speech. Those cities which desire to display commemorative flags have adopted
local policies declaring that the city's flagpoles are "non-public forums," meaning that they
are not intended to serve as a forum for anyone other than the city itself to speak. Under
the government speech doctrine, the government itself may "speak" or express opinions
without creating a public forum where others may demand the right to display a flag.
The draft policy attached to this report is modeled on those adopted by other cities
throughout the Bay Area and includes the following elements:
The policy addresses the display of the flags of the United States, California, and the
Town (the Town does not currently display the Town flag on outdoor flagpoles but
plans to do so in the future).
The policy identifies that the POW/ MIA flag shall be flown at the Veterans Memorial
Building and the All Wars Memorial whenever the United States flag is flown,
consistent with longstanding practice.
The policy states that commemorative flags are "an expression of the Towri s official
sentiments" and their display must be requested by a member of the Council itself.
This requires approval by adoption of a resolution.
The policy states that any commemorative flag shall be flown for no longer than 31
days and shall be flown only at the Library/ Community Center flagpole. At the
March 10 Council study session, this location was identified as the most appropriate.
Consideration of Request to display the Rainbozn Flag for the month of June
As indicated above, the Town has received several requests to display the Rainbow flag for
the month of June in recognition of LGBTQ Pride Month. At the Council's March study
session to discuss the flag policy, several members of the Council asked to have this request
considered by the Council if a policy was adopted allowing such flags. Those requests
satisfy the requirement of the draft policy to have the item requested by a member of the
Town Council. Given the delay in bringing the flag policy itself to the Council for action
and the fact that June is Pride Month, both resolutions are being presented at the same time.
If the Council adopts a flag policy allowing for commemorative flags, the Council may then
consider the request to display the Rainbow flag. The proposed resolution contains findings
outlining what Pride Month and the Rainbow flag represent.
PUBLIC CONTACT
Posting of the meeting agenda serves as notice to the general public.
FISCAL IMPACT
None.
Flag Policy 2 June 16, 2020
RECOMMENDATION
Adopt Resolution No. 46-2020, adopting an Outdoor Flagpole Display Policy; and, adopt
Resolution No. 47-2020, approving the display of the Rainbow Flag during the month of
June.
Prepared by:
z6e4r---. e-:(—
Robert B. Ewing
City Attorney
Attachments: A -Resolution No. 46-2020
Exhibit 1 - Town of Danville Flag Policy
B -Resolution No. 47-2020
Flag Policy 3 June 16, 2020
DocuSign Envelope ID: A3C6D5E8-FIEF-4974-B6CD-4227D55352F1
RESOLUTION NO. 46-2020
ADOPTING AN OUTDOOR FLAGPOLE DISPLAY POLICY
WHEREAS, the Town of Danville displays the United States Flag, the California State
Flag and the POW/ MIA Flag on various Town -owned flagpoles; and
WHEREAS, the Town does not have a written policy regarding the display of such flags
or the display of any commemorative flags on Town -owned flagpoles; and
WHEREAS, the Town Council desires to establish a flagpole policy for the outdoor
display of flags on Town -owned flagpoles, including commemorative flags other than
the United States and California flags, in a manner which does not create a public forum;
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the Danville Town Council hereby adopts the Outdoor Flagpole
Display Policy attached hereto as Exhibit 1.
APPROVED by the Danville Town Council at a special meeting on June 16, 2020 by the
following vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSTAINED:
ABSENT:
kJ •
APPROVED AS TO FORM: ATTEST:
F
DocuSigned by:
Fwd
CITY ATTORNEY CITY CLERK
ATTACHMENT A
DocuSign Envelope ID: A3C6D5E8-F1EF-4974-B6CD-4227D55352F1
TOWN OF DANVILLE
OUTDOOR FLAGPOLE DISPLAY POLICY
The Danville Town Council hereby establishes a flagpole display policy regarding: 1) the
outdoor display of the flags of the United States, the State of California, the Town of
Danville, and the National League of Families POW/MIA flag on flagpoles at Town -
owned facilities; and 2) the outdoor display of commemorative flags on flagpoles at
Town -owned facilities.
In adopting this policy, the Town Council declares that the Town's flagpoles are not
intended to serve as a forum for free expression of the public, but rather for the display
of Federal, State, and Town Flags, and any commemorative flag as may be authorized by
the Town Council as an expression of the Town Council's official sentiments. The
purpose of this flagpole policy is to provide procedural guidance for the outdoor display
of flags on Town -owned flagpoles.
Policy
Standards.
Flags shall be displayed in accordance with Federal and State statutes, including, but not
limited to, Title 4, Chapter 1 of the United States Code; Sections 430 through 439 of the
California Government Code; and this policy.
II. Procedure.
A. United States Flag, California State Flag, and Town of Danville Flag
1. When flags are displayed on a single pole, the order from top to bottom shall be:
the United States Flag, the National League of Families POW/MIA flag (where flown, see
Section 13.3 below),the California State Flag, and the Town of Danville Flag.
2. When the flags are flown from adjacent flagpoles, the United States Flag shall be
flown at the highest point of honor, which is either the tallest flagpole or the flagpole the
furthest to the left from the standpoint of the observer. The California State Flag shall be
placed in the second position of honor. The Town of Danville Flag, if displayed, shall be
placed in the third position of honor.
3. Where both the United States Flag and the California State Flags are flown, they
shall be of the same size. No flag displayed shall be larger than the United States Flag.
4. Flags shall be displayed during operating hours on all days on which the Town is
open for business, and on national and state holidays, at a minimum. Flags may be
displayed twenty-four (24) hours a day so long as they are illuminated during darkness.
EXHIBIT 1
DocuSign Envelope ID: A3C6D5E8-F1EF-4974-B6CD-4227D55352F1
B. Commemorative Flags
1. The Town's flagpoles are not intended to serve as a forum for free expression by
the public. The Town shall display commemorative flags only if authorized by the Town
Council as an expression of the Town's official sentiments. Any such authorization shall
be given at a duly noticed meeting of the Town Council. The Town Council shall only
consider a request to display a commemorative flag if the request is made by a member
of the Council.
2. The National League of POW/MIA Families flag shall be flown at the following
locations at all times when the United States Flag is flown: the Veterans Memorial
Building and the All Wars Memorial at Oak Hill Park.
3. Commemorative flags (other than the POW/MIA flag) shall be displayed
exclusively on the flagpole at the Town Library/ Community Center. They shall be
displayed for a period of time that is reasonable or customary for the subject that is to be
commemorated, but generally no longer than thirty-one (31) continuous days. Such flags
shall be displayed in the last position of honor.
DocuSign Envelope ID: 6A1A95A4-7E48-4AC4-8533-808FC4FDA5F9
RESOLUTION NO. 47-2020
APPROVING THE DISPLAY OF THE RAINBOW FLAG DURING THE
MONTH OF JUNE
WHEREAS, the Town of Danville has a diverse Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and
Questioning ("LGBTQ") community, whose members live, attend school and work in
Town: and
WHEREAS, the Town of Danville is committed to supporting visibility, dignity and
equity for all members of the community and preventing discrimination and bullying
based on sexual orientation and gender identity; and
WHEREAS, June has become a symbolic month in which the LGBTQ community and
supporters come together in various celebrations of pride, with cities across the country
recognizing and celebrating June as LGBTQ Pride Month; and
WHEREAS, on June 2, 2020, the Danville Town Council presented a proclamation
declaring June 2020 as LGBTQ+ Pride Month in Danville; and
WHEREAS, the Rainbow flag has been recognized since the 1970s as a symbol of LGBTQ
pride; and
WHEREAS, the Town has adopted a policy regarding the display of commemorative
flags on Town -owned outdoor flagpoles which allows individual councilmembers to
request that commemorative flags be displayed or flown as a means of reflecting the
Town's viewpoint; and
WHEREAS, members of the Town Council have requested that the Town Council
approve the flying of the Rainbow Flag for the month of June to further symbolize the
Town's official recognition of June as LGBTQ Pride Month and to symbolize the Town's
viewpoint in celebrating the diversity of and support for the Towri s LGBTQ community;
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the Danville Town Council approves the display of the Rainbow Pride
Flag for the month of June in a manner consistent with the Town's Outdoor Flagpole
Display Policy.
ATTACHMENT B
DocuSign Envelope ID: 6A1A95A4-7E48-4AC4-8533-808FC4FDA5F9
APPROVED by the Danville Town Council at a special meeting on June 16, 2020 by the
following vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSTAINED:
ABSENT:
MAYOR
APPROVED AS TO FORM: ATTEST:
DocuSigned by:
neD.
aC40ADBF4BF...
CITY ATTORNEY CITY CLERK
PAGE 2 OF RESOLUTION NO. 47-2020
RESOLUTIONNO422018AMENDINGTHEDANVILLETOWNCOUNCILRULESOFPROCEDUREWHEREAStheDanvilleTownCouncilhasadoptedRulesofProcedurewhichgoverntheconductofTownCouncilmeetingsandWHEREASthoseRulesofProceclurehavebeenreviewedandamendedasnecessaryandappropriateovertheyearsthemostrecentarnendmentbeingin2000andWHEREAStheTownCouncillequestedareviewoftheRulesofProcedurewhichreviewwascompletedbyTownstaffandWHEREAStheproposedamendmentstotheRulesofProcedureaddresschangesinstatelawchangesintechnologyandchangesincouncilpracticenowthereforebeitRESOLVEDthattheTownCouncilamendstheTownCouncilRulesofProcedureasshowninattachedExhibit1tothisresolutionAPPROVEDbytheDanvilleTownCouncilataregularmeetingonApril172018bythefollowingvoteAYESArnerichBlackwellMorganStepperStorerNOESNoneABSTAINEDNoneABSENTNoneAPPROVEDASTOFORMATTESTCITYATTORNEYCITYR
DANVILLETOWNCOUNCILRULESOFPROCEDURE1REGULARMEETINGSuTimeRegularmeetingsoftheTownCouncilshalltypicallybeheldonthefirstandthirdTuesdaysofeachmonthatthehourof730pmTheTownCouncilshallnotscheduleregularmeetingsuponadaydesignatedasaholidayoranelectiondayTheTownCouncilshallannuallysetthedatesforallregularmeetingsforthesucceedingyearbyresolutionbPlaceAllregularmeetingsoftheTownCouncilshallbeheldintheplacedesignatedbyordinancePublicAllmeetingsoftheTownCouncilshallbeopentothepublicprovidedhowevertheTownCouncilmayholdclosedsessionsasprovidedbythelawsoftheStateofCalifornia2STUDYSESSIONSTheTownCouncilshallmeetinastudysessiorytypicallyonthesecondTuesdayofeachmonthThesemeetingsshalltypicallybeginat900amandbeheldattheTownOfficesat5L0LaGondaWuyTheTownCouncilshallannuallysetthedatesforallstudysessionsforthesucceedingyeñbyresolutionStudysessionsshallbeopentothepublicandagendasshallbepostedasrequiredbytheRalphMBrownActtheBrownActStudysessionsshallbeheldtoallowtheTownCounciltoconsidertopicsforpossiblefutureactionortogatherinformationontopicsofinteresttotheTownNoactionshallbetakenonitemsappearingonastudysessionagenda3AGENDAREVIEWTheMayorandoneCouncilmemberrotatingmonthlywillattendtheagendareviewmeetingat830amintheTownOfficesonthedayofeachregularlyscheduledTownCouncilmeetingThepurposeofthismeetingistoreviewtheagendaandmeetingpacketwiththeTownManagerCityAttorneyandreportauthors4SPECIALMEETINGSAspecialmeetingmaybecalledinaccordancewiththeprovisionsoftheBrownAct1RevisedApril172018EXHIBIT1
5TELECONFERENCINGlfamemberoftheTownCouncilparticipatesinaTownCouncilmeetingviateleconferencetheagendamustincludetheteleconferencelocationbeaccessibletothepublicandprovideanopportunityformembersofthepublictoaddresstheTownCouncilattheteleconferencelocationAllvotestakenduringateleconferencedmeetingshallbebyrollcall6AGENDATheTownManagershallberesponsibleforapprovingtheplacementofallitemsontheagendaforallCouncilmeetingsItemsmaybeaddedtoanagendabyamajorityoftheTownCouncilatadulynoticedmeetingTheCityClerkshallberesponsibleforensuringthatthedescriptionofagendaitemsconformstotherequirementsoftheBrownActandthattheagendaispostedandallmaterialsmadeavailabletotheTownCouncilTownstaffandthepublicatleast72hoursinadvanceofallmeetingsTheagendashallbepostedattheDanvilleTownOffices510LaGondaWayandontheTownswebsiteIntheeventthatmaterialsrelatedtoanyitemontheagendaarereceivedbytheTownaftertheagendaispostedtheCityClerkshallmakethemavailabletotheTownCouncilandthepublicasrequiredbyGovernmentCodeSection549575AsrequiredbythatstatutetheplacewheresuchrecordsmaybeviewedbythepublicshallbetheTownOfficesat510LaGondaWayPersonswhowishtoreceivecopiesoftheregularmeetingagendabymailmaydosobysubmittingawrittenrequesttotheCityClerkandpayingafeeasestablishedintheTownsMasterFeeSchedule7THEPRESIDINGOFFICERTheMayorshallpresideatallTownCouncilmeetingsandperformsuchotherdutiesconsistentwiththeofficeasmaybeimposedbytheTownCouncilTheMayorshallberecognizedastheofficialheadoftheTownforallceremonialpurposesbythecourtsforthepurposeofservingcivilprocessandbytheGovernorformilitarypurposesTheMayorshallpreservestrictorderanddecorumatallregularandspecialmeetingsoftheTownCouncilTheMayormayannouncespecialrulesfortheconsiderationofaparticularitemontheagendasuchasbutnotlimitedtothelengthoftimePersonsmayspeakrequirethatifdesirableaspokesmanaddresstheTownCouncilonbehalfofagroupofpersonsandintheeventofahearingprovidetimeforargumentsandrebuttalsfromproponentsandopponentsTheMayorshallstateeveryquestioncomingbeforetheTownCouncilcallforthevotearìnouncethedecisionoftheTownCouncilonallsubjectsanddecideallquestionsofordersubjecthowevertoanappealtotheTownCouncilin2RevisedApril172018
whicheventamajorityvoteoftheTownCouncilshallgoverhandconclusivelydeterminesuchquestionoforderTheMayorshallsignallordinancesandresolutionsadoptedbytheTownCouncilduringtheMayorstermofofficeIntheeventoftheabsenceoftheMayortheViceMayorshallsignordinancesandresolutionsasthenadopted8CALLTOORDERTheMayororintheMayorsabsencetheViceMayorshalltakethechairpreciselyatthehourappointedforthemeetingandshallimmediatelycalltheTownCounciltoorderIntheabsenceoftheMayororViceMayortheCityClerkshallcalltheTownCounciltoorderwhereuponatemporarychairmanshallbeelectedbythemembersoftheTownCouncilpresentUponthearrivaloftheMayororViceMayorthetemporarychairmanshallimmediatelyrelinquishthechairupontheconclusionofthebusinessimmediatelybeforetheTownCouncil9ATTENDANCEBeforeproceedingwiththebusinessoftheTownCounciltheCityClerkshallenterintotheminutesthenamesofthememberspresenabsentorexcused10QUORUMAmajorityofthemembersoftheTownCouncilshallconstituteaquorumforthetransactionofbusinessTheTownCouncilmayadjournanyregularadjournedregularspecialoradjournedspecialmeetinginaccordancewiththeprovisionsoftheBrownActAfter1L00pffiagendaitemswillnotbeconsideredunlesstheTownCouncilvotesbyasimplemajoritytodoso11ORDEROFBUSINESSPromptlyatthehoursetonthedayofeachregularmeetingthemembersoftheTownCouncilCityClerkTownManagerandCityAttorneyshalltaketheirregularstationsintheCouncilChambersandthebusinessoftheTownCouncilshallbetakenupforconsiderationanddispositioninthefollowingorderexceptthatupontheorderoftheChairmattersmaybetakenupoutoforderCalltoOrderPledgeofAllegiancetotheFlagChangestotheOrderoftheAgendaFortheGoodoftheTownPresentationsandProclamationsConsentCalendarTownManagersReport1234567aJRevisedApril17208
8Communications9PublicHearings10AdministrativeStaffReports1lInformationalStaffReports12CouncilReports13AdjournmentTheCityClerkshallmarkwiththewordConsentthoseitemsontheagendaregardingwhichitcanreasonablybeexpectedthattherewillbenodiscussionbymembersoftheTownCounciltheTownstafforinterestedpersonsintheaudienceTheTownCouncilshallconsideralloftheitemsontheagendamarkedconsentatonetimebyvoteafteramotionhasbeendulymadeandsecondedIfanymemberoftheTownCouncilorTownstafloranyinterestedpersonintheaudiencerequeststhataconsentitemberemovedfromthelistofconsentitemssuchitemshallbetakenupforconsiderationanddispositionintheorderinwhichitislistedontheagendaCitizensmayaddresstheTownCouncilonmattersnotcontainedontheagendaduringtheportionoftheagendadesignatedFortheGoodoftheTownTheTownCouncilshallnottakeanyactionduringthisportionoftheagendaAmajorityoftheTownCouncilmayorderthatamatterraisedduringtheFortheGoodoftheTownportionbeplacedontheagendaofasubsequentmeetingforconsiderationandactionbytheTownCouncil72READINGOFMINUTESUnlessthereadingoftheminutesofaTownCouncilmeetingisrequestedbyamemberoftheTownCouncilsuchminutesmaybeapprovedwithoutreadingiftheCityClerkhaspreviouslyfurnishedeachmemberwithacopythereofRegularmeetingsoftheTownCouncilshallberecordedbytheCityClerkwhoshallretaintherecordsforfiveyearsfollowingthemeetingatwhichtheywererecordedTheaudioandvideorecordingsshallconstituteasupplementtotheCityClerkswrittenminutes13uRULESOFDEBATEOfficerMaTheMayororsuchothermemberoftheTownCouncilasmaybepresidingmaymovesecondanddebatefromtheChairsubjectonlytosuchlimitationsofdebateasareimposeduponallmembersTheMayorshallnotbedeprivedofanyoftherightsandprivilegesofaCouncilmemberbyreasonofactingasthePresidingOfficerbGettingtheFloorEverymemberdesiringtospeakshalladdresstheChairanduponrecognitionbythePresidingOfficershallconfineremarkstothequestionunderdebate4RevisedApril172018
InterruptionsAmemberoncerecognizedshallnotbeinterruptedwhenspeakingunlessitbetocallthatmembertoorderorashereinotherwiseprovidedIfamemberwhilespeakingbecalledtoorderthemembershallceasespeakinguntilthequestionoforderbedeterminedandifinordershallbepermittedtoproceeddMotiontoReconsiderAmotiontoreconsideranactiontakenmayonlybemadeatthemeetingatwhichtheactionwastakenoratthenextsucceedingregularmeetingoftheTownCouncilAmotiontoreconsideranyactiontakenbytheTownCouncilmaybemadebyamemberoftheprevailingsidebutmaybesecondedbyanymemberandmaybemadeatanytimeandhaveprecedenceoverallothermotionsorwhileamemberhastheflooritshallbedebatableRemarksoftheCouncilmemberACouncilmembermayrequestthroughthePresidingOfficertheprivilegeofhavinganabstractofhisstatementonanysubjectunderconsiderationbytheTownCouncilenteredintotheminutesIftheTownCouncilconsentstheretosuchstatementshallbeenteredintotheminutesÐRulesofOrderExceptasotherwiseprovidedinthisresolutionthecurrenteditionofRobertsRulesofOrdershallgoverntheconductofthemeetingoftheTownCouncilGContinuanceAnyitemontheagendamaybecontinuedtoasubsequentmeetingbyamajorityvoteofthosememberspresentandeligibletovoteonthematter74ADDRESSINGTHECOUNCILAnypersondesiringtoaddresstheTownCouncilonanitemappearingontheagendamustobtainrecognitionbythePresidingOfficeruWrittenWrittencommunicationsshallbedeliveredtotheCityClerknolaterthan500pmontheWednesdayimmediatelyprecedingtheregularTownCouncilmeetingforwhichthewrittencorrununicationisintendedinordertobeincludedinthemeetingpacketIntheeventthatmaterialsrelatedtoanyitemontheagendaarereceivedbytheTownaftertheagendaispostedtheCityClerkshallmakethemavailabletotheTownCouncilandthepublicasrequiredbyGovernmentCodeSection549575AsrequiredbythatstatutetheplacewheresuchrecordsmaybeviewedbythepublicshallbetheTownOfficesat510LaGondaWaybVerbalCommunicationsInterestedpersonsintheaudienceortheirauthorizedrepresentativesmayaddresstheTownCouncilbyverbalcommunicationsonanymattersoverwhichtheTownCouncilhascontrolUnlessotherwisemodifiedbytheMayorasprovidedforinSection5aboveeachspeakershallbelimitedtothreeminutesperitemonwhichtheyaddresstheTownCouncil5RevisedApril172018
HandoutsAudiovisualPresentationsMembersofthepublic maybringprintedoraudiovisualmaterialstopresentfortheCouncilsconsiderationItisrequestedthatforanyprintedmaterialsaminimumofeightcopiesbeprovidedtotheCityClerkfordistributiontotheTownCouncilInordertoensurecompatibilityandsecuritywiththeTownssystemsanyaudiovisualpresentationshouldbeemailedtotheCityClerkatleast24hourspriortotheTownCouncilmeetingSpeakersbringingaudiovisualpresentationstotheCouncilmeetingmayalsohanddelivertheirpresentationinanacceptablefileformatonaUSBflashdrivetotheCityClerknolaterthanL5minutespriortothemeetingDuetopotentialerrorsintechnologyorcompatibilitytheTowncannotguaranteethatpresentationswillbefunctionalontheTownsequipmentInadditiontimespentsettingupthepresentationoncethespeakeriscalledshallcounttowardsthespeakersallottedtimePrintedhandoutsarehighlyrecoûunendedasabackupAnyprintedoraudiovisualpresentationsshallbecomeapartofthepublicrecordandshallberetainedbytheCityClerkInordertoensurethisifthespeakerdoesnotprovideacopyofthepresentationtheCityClerkmayneedtokeepanyflashdrivepresentedatthemeetinginordertomakeacopyafterwhichtheoriginalwillbereturnedtothespeaker15ADDRESSINGTHECOUNCILAFTERMOTIONMADEAfteramotionismadebytheTownCouncilnopersonshalladdresstheTownCouncilwithoutfirstsecuringthepermissionofthePresidingOfficer76MANNEROFADDRESSINGCOUNCILEachpersonaddressingtheTownCouncilshallbeaskedtogivehisorhernameandaddressfortherecordAllremarksshallbeaddressedtotheTownCouncilasabodyandnottoanymemberthereofNopersonotherthantheTownCouncilandpersonhavingthefloorshallbepermittedtoenterintoanydiscussioneitherdirectlyorthroughamemberoftheTownCouncilwithoutthepermissionofthePresidingOfficerNoquestionshallbeaskedaCouncilmemberexceptthroughthePresidingOfficerNoPersonmayaddresstheTownCouncilformorethanthreeminutesunlessthePresidingOfficerallowsmoretime17VOTINGuMembersoftheTownCouncilshallvotebyvoicevoteonallordinancesresolutionsandothermattersunlessarollcallvoteisrequiredbylaworisrequestedbyaCouncilmemberSilenceshallberecordedasanaffirmativevoteThePresidingOfficershallannouncetheresultsofthevoteTheCityClerkshallshowonordinancesandresolutionsthenamesofCouncilmembersvotingAyeandNoAbstainedorAbsent6RevisedApril172018
u bThevoteonanymatterbeingconsideredbytheTownCouncilmaybedelayedbythePresidingOfficeruntilallmembersoftheTownCouncilpresentforameetingandnotexcusedarepresentattheCounciltableAmemberoftheTownCouncilwhohasaconflictofinterestregardinganymatterbeingconsideredbytheTownCouncilshalldeclaretheconflictandexcusehimselforherselffromparticipatingintheTownCouncilsdeliberationsanddecisionregardingthatmatterasrequiredbylaw18ORDERANDDECORUMByCouncilmembersuVhiletheTownCouncilisinsessionthemembersmustpreserveorderanddecorumandamembershallneitherbyconversationnorotherwisedelayorinterrupttheproceedingsorthepeaceoftheTownCouncilnordisturbanymemberwhilespeakingorrefusetoobeytheorderoftheTownCounciloritsPresidingOfficerexceptasotherwisehereinprovidedbBOtherPersonsAnypersonmakingpersonalimpertinentorslanderousremarksorwhoshallbecomeboisterouswhileaddressingtheTownCouncilorwhoshallbyconversationsorotherwisedelayorinterrupttheproceedingsorthepeaceoftheTownCouncilordisturbanymemberwhilespeakingorrefusetoobeytheordersoftheTownCounciloritsPresidingOfficershallbeforthwithbarredbythePresidingOfficerfromfurtheraudiencebeforetheTownCouncilunlesspermissiontocontinuebegrantedbyamajorityvoteoftheTownCouncilEnforcementofOrderandDecorumThePresidingOfficermaydesignateaTownemployeeasSergeantatArmsThePresidingOfficershallcarryoutallordersandinstructionsgivenattheTownCouncilmeetingUponinstructionofthePresidingOfficeritshallbethedutyoftheSergeantatArmsastoanypersonwhoviolatestheorderanddecorumofthemeetingtoremoveandbarsuchpersonfromtheTownCouncilmeetingViolationoftheorderanddecorumofaTownCouncilmeetingisamisdemeanordSmokingSmokingasdefinedinSection722oftheDanvilleMunicipalCodeshallnotbepermittedintheCouncilChambersduringthemeetingsoftheTownCouncil19SPECIALCOMMITTEESAllspecialcommitteesoftheTownCouncilshallbeappointedbythePresidingOfficerwiththeapprovaloftheTownCouncil7RevisedApril172018
20PROTESTSAnyCouncilmembershallhavetherighttohavethereasonsforhisdissentfromorprotestagainstanyactionoftheTownCouncilenteredintotheminutes27TERMSOFTHEMAYORANDVICEMAYORBeginningwiththefirstregularmeetinginDecemberthetermofofficeoftheMayorandViceMayorisoneyearTheelectionorremovalofaMayororViceMayorrequiresthreeaffirmativevotes22ADJOURNMENTAmotiontoadjournshallalwaysbeinorderanddecidedwithoutdebate8RevisedApril172018