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Westminster council adopts ordinance setting conduct rules for members after heated debate
Summary
The Westminster City Council on Jan. 8 adopted Ordinance No. 2615, adding a rules-of-decorum section for council members. The 3-1 vote followed extended debate about vagueness, enforcement and whether the rules would limit minority voices.
The Westminster City Council adopted Ordinance No. 2615 on second reading Jan. 8, adding section 2.04.065 to the Westminster Municipal Code to establish rules of decorum for council members during meetings.
Council members debated whether the ordinance’s language — including phrases such as “long period of time” away from the dais and prohibitions on intentionally missing closed sessions — was too vague to enforce. Councilwoman Fan West (District 1) said she was concerned the measure did not define key terms and asked, “How do you judge someone’s intention for missing a meeting?” Vice Mayor Monzo said the rules reflected “common sense and common courtesy,” adding the council should expect adults to follow Robert’s Rules of Order and basic decorum.
Council Member Mark Nguyen said occasional short absences were understandable but added, “If you purposely disappear… stay in the restroom, you know, that's uncalled for. I'm willing to support this ordinance.” Mayor Wynne and Vice Mayor Monzo moved and seconded the ordinance for second reading and adoption; the motion to adopt passed 3-1 with Fan West voting no.
City staff read the ordinance title into the record and said council findings included that the measure was not subject to the California Environmental Quality Act. The city attorney explained the text aimed to separate general courtesy language from definitions of disruptive conduct that could carry enforcement implications.
Critics at the dais said the ordinance risked being used against dissenting council members; supporters said it was necessary after multiple meetings in the prior year where members repeatedly left the dais or interrupted proceedings. The ordinance will become part of chapter 2.04 (City Council) of the Westminster Municipal Code.
Council actions on Jan. 8 included several other routine approvals and votes; the council also moved to defer appointments to the Westminster Community Foundation and directed staff actions on homelessness (see separate items).
