[HISTORY: Adopted by the Mayor and Council of the City of
New Castle 9-10-2019 by Res. No. 2019-31. Amendments noted where applicable.]
As representatives for the City of New Castle, we agree to these
principles of conduct:
A.
We will demonstrate professionalism, respect, and civility in working
for the greater good of New Castle.
B.
We will strive to provide fair and equal treatment to all people
in performing our respective public responsibilities.
C.
We listen courteously and attentively to public comments delivered
in a civil manner, respecting the different views of other people.
D.
We refrain from abusive conduct, personal charges, or verbal attacks
on the character or motives of the Mayor, Council members, Commissioners
or board members, staff, and the public.
E.
We are mindful that we are perceived as public officials even when
not engaged in City business and will endeavor to behave in a manner
reflective of the trust placed in us by the public.
F.
We will strive to hold efficient meetings designed to achieve constructive
solutions for the public benefit.
G.
We will strive to solve problems and render decisions based on the
merits of each issue.
H.
We will refrain from hindering the administrative functions and duties
of City staff.
I.
We will treat City staff with respect and not publicly criticize
staff, but privately communicate any concerns to the City Administrator.
J.
Council members will not publicly discuss personnel issues or other
matters discussed in Executive Session.
K.
We will not make unilateral decisions or take individual actions
beyond our permitted authority.
L.
When asking for information, assistance or follow-up, we will communicate
directly with the City Administrator, and will provide the City Administrator
with advance notice before communicating directly with staff, contractors
or other governmental bodies in regards to City business.
The presiding officer has discretion in enforcing these guidelines
for the orderly, efficient, and civil conduct of City Council meetings
and public hearings.
A.
Public comment periods are provided at the discretion of the presiding
officer.
B.
In the interest of maintaining proper records, anyone wishing to
speak must sign in on the sheet provided. Attendees may not sign in
on behalf of others.
C.
Comments should be confined to issues within the jurisdiction of
the body conducting the hearing.
D.
For the public comment periods and public hearings, each speaker
is allowed three minutes. The public comment periods may be adjusted
by the presiding officer.
E.
Meeting attendees may not "donate" their speaking time to another
person.
F.
Speakers are not permitted to comment during public comment periods
on topics that are scheduled as a public hearing item.
G.
All comments should be addressed to Council or other body conducting
the hearing as a whole.
H.
Members of the audience may not disrupt another person speaking on
an issue by cheering, booing, or otherwise making it difficult for
others to hear the speaker.
I.
Speakers shall refrain from comment or behavior that involves:
(1)
Disorderly speech or action; name-calling or personal attacks; obscene
or indecent remarks; and derogatory comments on personalities;
(2)
Advertising or promoting the sale of products, services, or private
enterprise;
(3)
Promoting any contest or lottery; and
(4)
Promoting candidates for public office or any upcoming ballot measures.
J.
In accordance with 29 Del. C. § 10004(d), any person who
is willfully and seriously disruptive of the conduct of the meeting
may, at the discretion of the presiding officer, be subjected to the
following actions:
