Resolution No. 21-07RESOLUTION NO. 21-07
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF ATLANTIC BEACH, FLORIDA,
ADOPTING A CIVILITY PLEDGE FOR THE ATLANTIC BEACH CITY
COMMISSION; AND ESTABLISHING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
WHEREAS, the open exchange of public discourse is essential to the democratic system of
government; and
WHEREAS, civility can assist in reaching consensuses on diverse issues and enhances the
opportunities to establish and maintain mutually respectful ongoing relationships; and
WHEREAS, Section 286 of the Florida Statutes (Government -in -the -Sunshine Law)
establishes a basic right of access for our citizens to City Commission meetings and
business; and
WHEREAS, in Florida Attorney General Opinion 08-07, it was concluded that the use of a
website blog or message board to solicit comment from other members of a board or
commission by their response on matters that would come before the board would trigger
the requirements of the Sunshine Law; and
WHEREAS, the City Commission desires to adopt the following pledge of civility:
In order to promote civility and respect in our community (whether in person, media, or
online) and to respect the time and availability of our citizens, we will:
1. Listen respectfully to people who have views different than our own, be mindful to avoid
stereotyping, and not use language that may be insulting or derogatory to others.
2. Encourage and support efforts to bring people of different points of view together in our
community to have civil and respectful conversations.
3. Execute due diligence in review and research of matters, agendas, and relevant topics and
confer with staff regarding such matters before formal discussion in Commission
meetings.
4. Exercise caution in discussing Commission business across online platforms in order to
maintain our commitment to transparency, avoid potential Sunshine Law issues, and by
favoring publicly noticed forums, reaffirm the right of all citizens to participate in
Commission business.
5. Make a conscious effort to conduct Commission business promptly and succinctly with a
desire to adjourn meetings on a timely basis.
NOW THEREFORE, be it resolved by the City Commission of the City of Atlantic Beach as
follows:
SECTION 1. The City Commission hereby approves the adoption of a pledge of civility as
provided in this Resolution; and
SECTION 2. This Resolution shall take effect immediately upon its passage and adoption.
PASSED AND ADOPTED by the City of Atlantic Beach, this 8th day of February, 2021.
Attest:
1>gd,ze,
Donna L. Bartle, City Clerk
Approved as to form and correctness:
M. d n, City Attorney
Ellen Glasser, Mayor
Resolution No. 21-07 page 2 of 2
A Pledge for the City Commission of Atlantic Beach
Submitted by Commissioner Norris
In order to promote civility and respect in our community (whether in person, media, or
online) and to respect the time and availability of our citizens, we will:
1. Listen respectfully to people who have views different than our own, be mindful
to avoid stereotyping, and not use language that may be insulting or derogatory to
others.
2. Encourage and support efforts to bring people of different points of view together
in our community to have civil and respectful conversations.
3. Execute due diligence in review and research of matters, agendas, and relevant
topics and confer with staff regarding such matters before formal discussion in
Commission meetings.
4. Exercise caution in discussing Commission business across online platforms in
order to maintain our commitment to transparency, avoid potential Sunshine Law
issues, and by favoring publicly -noticed forums, reaffirm the right of all citizens
to participate in Commission business.
5. Make a conscious effort to conduct Commission business promptly and succinctly
with a desire toadjournmeetings on a timely basis.
Signed on February O , 2021.
L 6 (‹22 -
Ellen Glasser, Mayor
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Candace y, Commissioner
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Bruce Bole, Commissioner
Michael L. Waters, Commissioner