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 Lawrence
 Code of Ordinances
 Appendix A. RULES OF THE LAWRENCE CITY COUNCIL

  RULE 7 - DECORUM  

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  • I.

    Every member, when about to speak, may rise, address the chair and confine himself or herself to the question under debate, avoiding personalities.

    (a)

    No member in debate shall mention another member by name but may describe him or her by such designation as may be intelligible and respectful.

    (b)

    No member shall speak or vote out of his place without leave of the presiding officer.

    (c)

    No member shall interrupt another while speaking, except by rising to a point of order, to a point of personal privilege, to a question of parliamentary procedure, or to doubt the presence of a quorum.

    (d)

    A member may rise to a point of personal privilege by leave of the presiding officer, but, shall not discuss pending questions and shall confine his or her remarks to statements which have been made regarding his rights, reputation, or conduct in his capacity as a City Councillor.

    (e)

    A member may rise to ask questions of parliamentary inquiry by leave of the presiding officer, but, shall not discuss pending questions.

    (f)

    When a member is ruled out of order, he or she will immediately take his seat, unless permitted to explain, and the Council, if appealed to, shall decide on the case without debate, and if the decision is against the member, he shall not be permitted to speak.

    (g)

    No member shall speak to the same question more than once until all members choosing to speak, have spoken.

    (h)

    The members of the Council shall not leave their place on adjournment until the presiding officer declares the Council adjourned.

    (i)

    When two or more members rise at the same time, the presiding officer shall name the member who is to speak first.

    II.

    Proper Decorum within the City Council Chamber during Meetings.

    (a)

    In order to preserve the public safety and proper decorum during Council Meetings, there shall be no signs within the Council Chambers during Council Meetings and Council Subcommittee Meetings. The intention of this Rule is to ensure that civility shall be maintained and enforced at all times within the chamber walls. The action that takes place is by and for the residence of Lawrence and deserves respect at all time.

(Doc. 339/2010, appr./eff. 5-24-11)