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Conduct r.. ask speakers to limit themselves to new information and points of view not already covered by previous speakers. No speaker will be turned away unless he or she exhibits disruptive behavior. Each speaker may only speak once during the public hearing unless the chair requests additional clarification later in the process. After the close of the public hearing, no more public testimony will be accepted unless the chair reopens the public hearing for a limited and specific purpose. Give the appearance of active listening It is disconcerting to speakers to have members not look at them when they are speaking.Avoid facial expressions that could be interpreted as smirking, disbelief, anger, disrespect, or boredom. Maintain an open mind Members of the public deserve an opportunity to influence the thinking of public officials. To express an opinion prior to the close of a public hearing casts doubt on the body's fairness. This is particularly important when officials are serving in a quasi-judicial capacity. Ask for clarification, but avoid debate and argument with the public Only the chair—not individual members—can interrupt a speaker during a presentation. However, a member can ask the chair for a point of order if the speaker is off the topic or exhibiting behavior or language the member finds disturbing. If speakers become flustered or defensive by questions, it is the responsibility of the chair to calm and focus the speaker and to maintain order and decorum. Questions by members to the public testifying should seek to clarify or expand information. It is never appropriate to belligerently challenge or belittle the speaker. No personal attacks of"any kind, under any circumstance Members should also be aware of their body language and tone of voice, as well as the words they use, can appear to be intimidating or aggressive. Follow parliamentary procedure in conducting public meetings The City Attorney serves as advisory parliamentarian for the City and is available to answer questions or interpret situations according to parliamentary procedures. The Mayor or Chair, subject to the appeal of the full City Council or board/commission makes final rulings on parliamentary procedure. 3(b). In Unofficial Settings Make no promises on behalf of•the Council, board/commission or City Members will frequently be asked to explain a Council or board/commission action or to give their opinion about an issue as they talk with community members. It is appropriate to give a brief overview of City policy and to refer to City staff for further information. It is inappropriate to overtly or implicitly promise Council or board/commission action, or to promise that City staff will do something specific (fix a pothole, remove a library book, plant new flowers in the median, etc.). For ease of reference in the Code of Ethics and Conduct, the term "Hember"refers to any member of the S:mn}n ale City Council or the City's boards and commissions established by the City Charter, City Ordinance or Council policy. Page 9 of 15 Approved by Cite Council on 2/14/2023