Resolution No. 2021-08 Relating to Updating the Governance Manual-Approved 052521
RESOLUTION NO. 2021-08
A RESOLUTION of the City of Bainbridge Island Amending the Manual
of City Governance Policies, Procedures and Guidelines for the Council-
Manager Form of Government.
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 14, 2020, the City Council adopted Resolution No. 2020-15, adopting the
most recent version of the “City of Bainbridge Island Manual of City Governance Policies, Procedures
and Guidelines”; and
WHEREAS, constitutional law identifies certain speech or behavior as disruptive to City
business; and
WHEREAS, in 2019, the Washington State Legislature found, among other findings set forth
in RCW 9A.36.078, that crimes and threats against persons because of their race, color, religion,
ancestry, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, or mental, physical,
or sensory disabilities are serious and increasing; and
WHEREAS, disruptive speech or behavior discourages inclusion and participation of all
members of the community at City Council meetings; and
WHEREAS, disruptive speech or behavior prevents the City Council from carrying out its
duties to the members of the community of Bainbridge Island at City Council meetings; and
WHEREAS, disruptive speech or behavior is not relevant to good governance of the
community of Bainbridge Island.
NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BAINBRIDGE
ISLAND DOES HEREBY RESOLVE AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1. The City Council hereby amends the “City of Bainbridge Island Manual of City
Governance Policies, Procedures and Guidelines” as follows:
5.6 Respect and Decorum
It is the duty of the Presiding Officer and Councilmembers to maintain dignity and respect for their
offices, City staff, and the public. While the Council is in session, the Councilmembers shall preserve
civility, order, and decorum. No member of the public shall, by conversation or otherwise, delay,
disrupt, or interrupt the proceedings of the Council, nor disparage any person while speakingengage in
any of the prohibited behavior described below. Councilmembers and the public shall obey the proper
orders of the Presiding Officer of the meeting.
5.6.1. Orderly Behavior and Civility in Remarks
Any person disrupting the business of the Council, either while addressing the Council or attending the
proceedings, shall be asked to leave, or be removed from the meeting. Continued disruptions may
result in a point of order by the Presiding Officer or a Councilmember pursuant to the Council’s
parliamentary rules, or a recess, forced removal, or adjournment as described elsewhere in this manual.
Disruptive behavior includes, but is not limited to, the following:
(a) Speaking without being recognized by the Presiding Officer.
(b) Continuing to speak after the allotted time has expired.
(c) Speaking on an item at a time not designated for discussion by the public of that item, such as
speaking on a quasi-judicial item at a time other than during a public hearing or closed record
proceeding on the matter.
(d) Throwing objects.
(e) Speaking on an issue that is not within the jurisdiction of the City Council or is otherwise
irrelevant to Council business.
(f) Speaking in favor of or in opposition to a ballot proposition or a candidate for public office,
provided, that public comment is allowed when the City Council is considering taking a
collective position in favor of or in opposition to a ballot proposition as authorized in RCW
42.17A.555.
(g) Impersonating a City Councilmember or a member of the City staff.
(h) Shouting or otherwise engaging in loud or boisterous behavior.
(i) Continuing to make repetitive remarks after being requested not to do so by the Presiding
Officer or a majority of the City Council.
(j) Attempting to engage the audience rather than the Council, e.g., asking audience members to
stand, clap, boo or otherwise express collective support or opposition to any matter.
(k) Booing, hissing, or otherwise disrupting the comments of another speaker.
(l) Using racial slurs or other slurs directed at the color, creed, religion, ancestry, gender, sexual
orientation, gender expression or identity, national origin, citizenship or immigration status, or
mental, physical, or sensory disability of any individual or group, or any other words
considered “fighting words” under constitutional law.
(m) Refusing to modify conduct after being advised by the Presiding Officer that the conduct is
disrupting the meeting or disobeying any other lawful order of the Presiding Officer or a
majority of the City Council.
5.6.2. Permission Required to Address the Council
Persons other than Councilmembers and Administration shall be permitted to address the Council only
upon recognition and introduction by the Presiding Officer of the meeting.
Section 2. This resolution shall take effect immediately upon its passage.
PASSED by the City Council this 25th day of May, 2021.
APPROVED by the Mayor this 25th day of May, 2021.
Rasham Nassar, Mayor
ATTEST/AUTHENTICATE:
FILED WITH THE CITY CLERK: May 6, 2021
PASSED BY THE CITY COUNCIL: May 25, 2021
RESOLUTION NUMBER: 2021-08