Council adopts code of conduct for public meetings after debate over public access and decorum

After extended discussion the Carpinteria City Council on March 10 adopted Resolution No. 6370 establishing a code of conduct for council meetings and council advisory groups. The new rules clarify expectations for elected officials, staff and the public and spell out enforcement steps for disruptive behavior.

City staff presented the code as a measure to encourage civility, clarify Rosenberg’s Rules usage and provide a set of predictable steps for handling disruptions, including warnings, recess, designation of a sergeant-at-arms to carry out removals, and procedures to replace a presiding officer who refuses to enforce the rules.

"Members of the audience shall not engage in disorderly or boisterous conduct that would disturb, disrupt, impede, or otherwise render the orderly conduct of the meeting unfeasible," staff summarized in outlining the public rules. The code also preserves public comment time (three minutes per speaker) and requires written copies be made available when distributed to the dais.

Council members debated how to balance openness and orderly process. Suggestions included reinforced announcements to the public about meeting rules, a taped line or tape on the floor to discourage private conversations at the dais during meetings or recess, and potential placement of a sergeant-at-arms table.

Why it matters: The code assigns clear authority to the presiding officer and provides an enforcement ladder intended to limit disruptions and document adjournments, while emphasizing that the Brown Act and Rosenberg’s Rules remain the procedural backbone.

Ending: Council voted unanimously to adopt the code and asked staff to return with a municipal code amendment removing references to Robert’s Rules of Order where appropriate and to consider signage or modest physical cues and scripted announcements to reduce off‑record dais-side interactions.