Council debates joining North Carolina League of Municipalities ‘Commit to Civility’ program; staff follow-up requested

Council member Thompson asked Monroe City Council on Oct. 14 to consider participation in the North Carolina League of Municipalities’ “Commit to Civility” program, saying the training has been well-reviewed and could help the council with conduct and leadership development.

“Something we should certainly seriously consider and be willing to do,” Thompson said, describing the program as a trainer-led course that can certify a municipality if 75% of the governing body agrees to participate. Several council members expressed support for training; one member raised concerns about enforcement and whether an outside pledge would add anything beyond current council rules.

Council discussion covered whether the training is delivered in person, whether participation would be individual or collective, and whether the program’s content would supplement existing rules. City attorney and other council members noted the program is offered to municipalities and has been completed by other local boards.

A council member offered a motion that the city participate and seek certification; the motion was seconded. Council members asked the maker of the motion to obtain program details on timing, in-person requirements and participation parameters. A council member volunteered to contact the League trainer and return information to the council.

The transcript records a motion and second but does not show a roll-call tally or a recorded final vote in the meeting minutes. City staff were asked to provide details on participation and time commitments as the next step.