Resolution No. 2024-01 Amending the Governance Manual with Respect to Remote Public Comment - Approved 021324Page 1 of 3
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RESOLUTION NO. 2024-01
A RESOLUTION of the City of Bainbridge Island, Washington,
Amending the City of Bainbridge Island Manual of City
Governance Policies, Procedures and Guidelines.
WHEREAS, the City Council desires that the City’s government be transparent and
accountable to the public; and
WHEREAS, written principles, policies, and procedures best assure an atmosphere
conducive to principled, accountable, and transparent governance; and
WHEREAS, the City Council seeks to govern in a manner that is responsive to the
community, in collaboration with City management, and in a business-like and professional
manner; and
WHEREAS, on July 12, 2022, the City Council adopted Resolution No. 2022-21,
adopting the most recent version of the “City of Bainbridge Island Manual of City Governance
Policies, Procedures and Guidelines” (“Governance Manual”); and
WHEREAS, during COVID and post-COVID years, City Council meetings have been
interrupted with verbal communication that expresses hatred, prejudice, or hostility towards
individuals or groups based upon race, ethnicity, nationality, and other characteristics. All of
these communications have occurred remotely over Zoom. Remote communications are limited
in their ability to verify a speaker's identity, and research has shown that anonymity is a factor in
un-civil behavior; and
WHEREAS, the City Council would also like to clarify the public topics that may be
commented on during public comment;
WHEREAS, on January 23, 2024, City Council discussed limiting remote public
comment in accordance with State law and clarifying the public topics that may receive
comment.
NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BAINBRIDGE
ISLAND DOES HEREBY RESOLVE AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1. The City Council hereby amends Subsections 5.6.1(e) and (l) of the “City of
Bainbridge Island Manual of City Governance Policies, Procedures and Guidelines” to read as
follows:
(e) Speaking on an issue that is not within the jurisdiction of the City Council or is
otherwise irrelevant to Council business a public topic, in violation of Section
9.12.2.
…
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(l) Using racial slurs or other slurs directed at the color, creed, religion, ancestry,
gender, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, national origin, citizen
or immigration status, or mental, physical, or sensory disability of any individual
or group, or any other words considered under circumstances where such words
constitute “fighting words” under constitutional law.
Section 2. The City Council hereby amends Section 9.12.2 to the “City of Bainbridge
Island Manual of City Governance Policies, Procedures and Guidelines” to read as follows:
9.12.2 Subjects - Whether or Not on the Current Agenda
Public comments received during a public comment period may be on any public topic,
whether or not on the agenda, but a comment on a subject that is covered by a public hearing at
that meeting must be made during the period of the public hearing. All public comment shall be
made consistent with Section 5.6.
Section 3. The City Council hereby adds a new Section 9.12.6 to the “City of Bainbridge
Island Manual of City Governance Policies, Procedures and Guidelines” to read as follows:
9.12.6 Remote Public Comment
Remote public comment is allowed with advance notice to the City Clerk, provided, that
all remote commenters shall be required to display their true name and to keep their camera
turned on to show their true uncovered face while delivering their comments.
Section 4. The City Council hereby amends Section 9.13.3 to the “City of Bainbridge
Island Manual of City Governance Policies, Procedures and Guidelines” to read as follows:
Section 9.13.3 Other Rules
The rules applicable to a Public Comment period under Sections 5.6, 9.12.3, 9.12.4, and
9.12.5, and 9.12.6 shall likewise apply to legislative public hearings.
Section 5. If any one or more sections, subsections, or sentences of this resolution are
held to be unconstitutional or invalid, such decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining
portion of this resolution and the same shall remain in full force and effect.
Section 6. Effective Date. This resolution shall take effect and be in force immediately
upon its passage.
PASSED by the City Council this 13th day of February, 2024.
APPROVED by the Mayor this 13th day of February, 2024.
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Joe Deets, Mayor
ATTEST/AUTHENTICATE:
Christine Brown, MMC, City Clerk
FILED WITH THE CITY CLERK: January 19, 2024
PASSED BY THE CITY COUNCIL: February 13, 2024
RESOLUTION NUMBER: 2024-01