Crowley Mayor Tim Monceaux says he is committed to restoring order at city council meetings going forward.
This comes after a committee meeting of the Crowley City Council ended with a physical confrontation between two council members after an argument broke out concerning the city's finances.
Before Wednesday's meeting, Monceaux apologized for the council's actions and then listed off rules for council members as well as audience present to abide by. The Mayor's office provided Monceaux's statement during the meeting.
"I want to extend an apology to the citizens of Crowley for the lack of decorum that has plagued our city council meetings. Effective immediately, I will maintain order in this chamber. As the presiding official, I am charged with the responsibility of making sure all business is conducted in a respectful manner," Monceaux's statement read. "Respect for this legislative body, respect for me as Mayor, and respect for one another should not be goals we strive to attain, they should be deeply rooted in who we are as elected officials and citizens of this great city. Let me be perfectly clear---Council and Committee meetings will be conducted in an orderly fashion. It is only with proper decorum and respect for everyone that the business of this City can be conducted in a timely manner with everyone given fair and equal treatment."
The paper provided that list below:
- The agenda will be followed and anyone deviating from the agenda without it being properly amended will be called out of order.
- Do not interrupt the person who has the floor. You are not to speak unless recognized by the presiding official, whether that be a committee chair during a committee meeting or the Mayor during a Council Meeting.
- Outbursts from the public will not be tolerated. You will be called out of order. Any further outburst will be cause for removal from the meeting. Public input is welcome, however public disruption of a meeting is not allowed. When called upon to address a committee or the full council, the individual must be recognized by the presiding official before approaching the podium to speak.
- The use of vulgar language is inappropriate and disrespectful. It will not be permitted in this chamber, but if used, by anyone, you will be called out of order and immediately escorted out of the chamber.
- Threats and aggressive behavior from any one in this chamber, either verbal or physical, will result in immediate removal from the chamber.
- Weapons of any kind are not allowed inside this chamber unless you are on duty as a commissioned officer. Proof of being on duty and being duly commissioned are required to be presented to the presiding official prior to the start of the meeting.
- If you are called out of order you are to immediately cease your action or behavior, otherwise you will be called out of order again and escorted out of this chamber.
- A 3-minute rule will be strictly enforced for all who have been granted the floor to speak by the presiding officer. Discussion will be germane to the topic and only the presiding official is allowed to interrupt the speaker.
"While in this Chamber, I am asking each member of this Council to respect each other; respect me as Mayor; respect all City employees; and respect guests who are here to witness and/or participate in the proceedings of this body. Nothing less than your full cooperation is acceptable and nothing more is given than my full commitment to see to it that you abide by my instructions," his statement concluded.
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