In a heated Westminster City Council meeting on October 23, 2024, council members engaged in a contentious debate over proposed rules of decorum aimed at improving meeting conduct. The discussions highlighted ongoing tensions among council members, particularly regarding the role of the mayor and the enforcement of these new rules.

The primary focus of the meeting was a proposed ordinance that sought to establish clear guidelines for council behavior during meetings. Council members expressed concerns about interruptions and the need for all members, including the mayor, to adhere to the same standards. One council member suggested that the ordinance should explicitly include the mayor in its provisions, arguing that the mayor should not be exempt from the rules governing decorum. This proposal sparked a back-and-forth exchange, with members questioning the mayor's willingness to uphold the standards expected of others.

The debate intensified as members raised issues about the potential for bias and unequal treatment within the council. Some members voiced concerns that the proposed rules could be used to target specific individuals, particularly those in the minority. The city attorney clarified that the rules would apply equally to all council members, including the mayor, and emphasized that any violations would need to be substantiated by evidence of disruption.

Additional topics discussed included the need to address disruptive behavior, such as leaving the dais for extended periods and engaging with the public during meetings. Council members debated the implications of these behaviors on the overall decorum of the council and the effectiveness of the proposed rules in maintaining order.

Ultimately, the council voted on the ordinance, which passed with a narrow margin of 3-2. The new rules are intended to foster a more professional environment during meetings, but the contentious nature of the discussions suggests that challenges in council dynamics may persist.

As the council moves forward with implementing these rules, the effectiveness of the new decorum standards in promoting respectful discourse and collaboration among members remains to be seen. The meeting underscored the importance of maintaining civility in local governance, as well as the ongoing struggle to balance authority and accountability within the council.