HomeMy WebLinkAboutEXHIBIT A
EXHIBIT A
Bremerton City Council
Rules&Procedures
Page 1
ResolutionNo.3414
th
CITY COUNCIL 345 6Street, Suite 100, Bremerton, WA 98337 Phone (360) 473-5280
4 ¡«¤ ®¥ #®³¤³²
RULE 1 -MEETINGS.........................................................................................................................................3
RULE2-PRESIDINGOFFICER-DUTIES................................................................................................4
RULE 3-COUNCILMEMBERS.......................................................................................................................5
RULE4-AGENDACONTROL........................................................................................................................6
RULE5-REGULARCOUNCILMEETINGS-ITEMSOFBUSINESS................................................7
RULE6-DEBATES..........................................................................................................................................8
RULE7-PARLIAMENTARYPROCEDURE.............................................................................................8
RULE8-ORDINANCES-RESOLUTIONS.................................................................................................8
RULE9-MISCELLANEOUS...........................................................................................................................9
RULE11-QUASI-JUDICIALHEARINGS................................................................................................12
RULE12-CLOSEDRECORDHEARINGS..............................................................................................13
RULE 13 –STANDING COMMITTEES....................................................................................................13
ADDENDUM A: COUNCILMEMBER ROLE..............................................................................................14
ADDENDUM B: BREMERTON CITY COUNCIL CODE OF CONDUCT...............................................16
2
RULE 1 -MEETINGS
1.RegularMeetings: The CityCouncil shallmeetinaccordance withRCW 42.30.077
and Rule 5,except as follows:
a)ThereshallbenoregularmeetingoftheCityCouncilduringtheweekof
Thanksgiving.
b)IfatanytimeanyregularmeetingoftheCityCouncilfallsonalegalholiday,then
pursuant to RCW 42.30.070 such regular meeting shall be held on the next business
day.
i.Uponamotion,andmajority vote,theCouncil mayrecessfroma meeting to a
certain time and place set forth in the motion.
ii.Meetingsmayberelocatedtoaccommodatespecialneedsorcircumstances.
2.Special Meetings: Special Meetings orany change in the time or location of a regular
meeting shallbecalledbytheCouncil President, oramajority ofthemembers oftheCityCouncil,
bydeliveringpersonally orbymailore-mail, writtennoticetoeachmemberoftheCouncil; andto
eachlocalnewspaper ofgeneral circulation, and toeach local radioortelevision station which has
on file with the City a written request to benotified of such Special Meeting or ofall Special
Meetings. The notice must bedelivered personally or bymail, ore-mail at least twenty-four hours
before the time of the meeting asspecified inthe notice. The call and notice shall specify the time
and place of the Special Meeting and the business to betransacted. Final disposition shall not be
taken on any other matter atsuch meetings. Written notice may be dispensed with:
a)Ifamember, priortotheconvening ofthemeeting,fileswaiverofnotice with the City
Clerk, either written or by e-mail; or
b)Ifamemberisactuallypresentatthetimethemeetingconvenes;or
c)IftheSpecial Meeting iscalledtodealwithanemergencyinvolving injuryor damage to
persons or property, or the likelihood ofsuch, where these requirements would increase the
likelihood of such injury or damage. (RCW 42.30.080).
3.Quorum:FourCouncilmembers shallconstitute aquorum forthetransaction ofbusiness
and in the absence of a quorum the members present may adjourn themeeting to a later date.
4.OpenPublicMeetingsAct:AllCouncilmeetingsshallbeconductedinconformitywith
the Open Public Meetings Act (RCW 42.30).
5.AppearanceofFairness/Conflictof interest: Inall itsdealings,the Counciland its
individualmembersshallbegoverned byRCW42.36(AppearanceofFairnessDoctrine); RCW
42.20(MisconductofPublicOfficers)andRCW42.52(EthicsinPublicService)andChapter
2.96BMC(CodeofEthics).
6.ExecutiveSessions:TheCouncilmayholdExecutiveSessionsduringaregularorSpecial
Meeting to consider matters allowed under RCW 42.30.110 asit now exists or is hereafter
amended.
3
SeeRCW42.30.110forcompleteitemizationofExecutiveSessiontopics.
Before convening in Executive Session, the presiding officer shall announce thepurpose of the
sessionandtheanticipated lengthofsuchsession, andwhetherfurtheractionisanticipated. Should
thesession require more time, apublic announcementshall be made that the session will be
extended.The Council will return to the open meeting, asapplicable, for Adjournment of the
meeting.Confidential discussions duringExecutiveSessions shallnotbedisclosed byany
Councilmember orCity official in attendance toany person unless confidentialityiswaived bya
majority oftheCouncil. Violation ofconfidentialitymay resultin a censure motion bytheCouncil
duringa regular meeting.
7.Remote Attendance: Councilmembers may participate remotely in Study Session meetings in accordance
with state law and these Rules and Procedures. Remote participation should support effective Council
operations, public accessibility, and full participation in Council business.
Because Regular Council Meetings involve formal legislative action, public hearings, ceremonial functions,
and official voting of the Council, remote participation will generally not be permitted for Regular Council
Meetings except as approved by Council President or otherwise required by RCW 42.30.070..
If participating in a Study Session remotely, Councilmembers shall adhere to the following:
a)Notice of remote attendance should be provided to the City Council Office not less than twenty-four hours
before the scheduled start time for the meeting. The Legislative Office Manager shall immediately advise
the presiding officer of the remote participation.
b)Councilmembers participating remotely shall be considered present for quorum and voting purposes to the
extent permitted by law.
c)Remote participation may occur through telephone, video conference, or other technology that allows
Councilmembers, staff, and the public to hear one another in real time. Councilmembers participating
remotely are expected to participate to the same extent as if physically present.
d)The Council President may establish reasonable expectations and procedures related to remote
participation, including technology standards, decorum, camera usage, voting procedures, and executive
session participation.
e)If technical difficulties prevent effective remote participation, the meeting may continue so long as a
quorum remains present and the meeting otherwise complies with applicable law.
RULE 2 - PRESIDINGOFFICER - DUTIES
1.Conduct ofMeeting: The presiding officer at all meetings of the Council will be the President
of the Council, or in the absence of the President, the Vice President of the Council, who shall conduct
the business and deliberations of the Council under these rules. Reference herein to Council President
shallalso apply to the Councilmember acting inthe Council President's place as presiding officer. The
President/mayorpro tempore and Vice Presidentshall be electedby amajority of the Councilmembers
at the start of the first meeting of each year, or at the next Council Meeting following a vacancy. If both
the President and Vice President are absent and a quorum is present, the Chair of the Parks, Finance,
Investment,& Parking Committee shall act as Presiding Officer. If the Chair of that Committee is
unavailable, the Chair of the Public Works Committee shall act as presiding officer.
4
The Council President shall:
a)Preserve order and decorum during meetings; and
b)Observe and enforce allrules adopted by the Council for its government; and
c)Decide all questions on order,inaccordance with these rules, subject toa challenge as
provided in Rule 6 Subsection 4, below; and
d)Recognize members of theCouncil in the order inwhich they request the floor except priority may
be given to Committee Chairs towhich the item under discussion originated. No member shall be
recognized and given the floor to speak on the same matter more than once until all other
members of the Council have had an opportunity to be recognized and be heard; and
e)The presiding officer,as a member of theCouncil, shallhaveonly those rights, and shall be
governed inallmattersand issues by thesame rulesand restrictions asother Councilmembers.
2.Check Register: The Council President shall be assigned the responsibility for signing off on
the Check Register, following Council approval.
3.Council Committees: The Council President shall make allcommittee assignments, aswell
as Intergovernmental Representative assignments. To the degree possible, assignments will be
consistent with special skills, interests, and time constraints. Assignments will be made to the
following:
a)Standing Committees:
I.Parks,Finance, Investment & ParkingCommittee(FIP)toserve as directed by
the Council President; and
II.PublicWorksCommitteetoserveasdirectedbytheCouncilPresident; and
III.PublicSafety& ParksCommitteetoserveasdirectedbytheCouncilPresident; and
IV.Audit Committeeper the City Charter and Chapter 2.18BMC; and
V.Lodging Tax Advisory Committee(LTAC)per Chapter 67.28 RCW and Chapter 3.64 BMC
Theabovelistedstandingcommitteesmayberestructuredorreorganized asauthorizedand
approved by the City Council without formal amendment ofthese rules and procedures. More
about Standing Committee function, purpose, and operation can be found in Rule13
b)Special and Ad Hoc Committees - Maybeestablished for a specific purpose or a specific time
frame to serve as authorized by the Council President.
c)Intergovernmental Committees. Commissions. and Boards - Established committees,
boards and councils (e.g., Kitsap Regional Coordinating Council).
RULE 3- COUNCILMEMBERS
1.Comments:CouncilmembersshalladdressallcommentstotheCouncilPresident,except
when a member moves to adopt aresolution, or when amember seconds a motion.
2.LeavingPlace:Nomember shallleavehisorherplacewhile a question isbeing putora
count is being taken.
3.Voting:A voteonanymattershall betaken byrollcall,andanymember mayabstainfrom
voting.
5
4.Questioning: Any member oftheCouncil, including theCouncil President, shall havethe
right to question any individual, or staff member, on matters germane tothe issue before the
Council.Suchquestioning shallnotbeconductedsoastoridicule ordenigrate theindividual being
questioned.
5.InformationRequests: ACouncilmembermayseekclarification oradditional information
before voting on an issue. If such request delays consideration to another date, approval of a
majority of the Council is required.
RULE4-AGENDACONTROL
1.AdministrationInitiated Legislation:Considerationofanysubject,matter,orcommunicationby
theCouncil may beinitiated by the Mayor inaccordance with the Agenda Bill Policy.TheCouncil
Presidentmayrejectanyagenda itemnotcomplyingwiththepolicy orallowitems tobeadded with
exceptionsgrantedonacase-by-case basis.Uponpresentation ataStudySession, theCouncilasawhole
may(a)decline furtherconsideration,(b)request information orchanges before furtherconsideration,or
(c)placetheitemonaRegularBusinessmeetingagendawithorwithoutrequestedchanges.
2. Council Initiated Legislation:Topromotetheorderlydevelopmentandconsiderationofproposed
legislation and the efficient use of staff and Council time, Council will initiate legislation asfollows: at the joint
request of twoormore Councilmembers, theymayseek legaladvice from theCity Attorney for them to draft an
outline oftheirproposed legislation forconsideration ataCouncil Study Session. Uponsubmissionto the
Legislative Office Manager, theCouncil President shall place theitem onthe next feasible Study Session
agenda. Following Council discussion at Study Session, the City Attorney will prepare adraft ordinance or
resolutionifarequest is made by three or more Councilmembers, and the item does notviolate State law or the
City Charter. Once the legislation has been prepared, the Council President shall place it on the next feasible
StudySession.UponpresentationataStudySession,the Councilasawholemay(a) decline further
consideration,(b)requestinformationorchangesbeforefurtherconsideration,or(c)placethe itemona
RegularBusinessmeetingagendawithorwithoutrequestedchanges.
3.Removing Item s: At the Briefing, orat any time prior to the start of a meeting, any item may be
removed from the Agenda for any reason upon the request ofanyCouncilmember. However, two
Councilmembers maydemandtheitembereinstatedtotheAgenda.Theitemshall bebrought beforethe
Council as regular business on the Agenda and only tabled, continued, or rejected by majority vote.
6
RULE5-REGULARCOUNCILMEETINGS-ITEMSOFBUSINESS
1.Regular Business Meeting:A Council Briefing to discuss the Agenda and/or General
Council Business may be held at 5:00 PM inthe Council Conference Room unless adifferent
location isdesignated.The Council Meeting shallmeet inthedesignated First Floor Meeting
strd
Chambers,unlessadifferent location issodesignated,on the1and3Wednesdayofeachmonth
at 5:30 PMor at such other day and time asdesignated by ordinance. The Council Meeting may
consist of thefollowing items with the sequence and any other items added or removed as
determined by the Council President:
(a)CalltoOrder
-PledgeofAllegiance(forspecialoccasions)
(b)ConsentAgenda
(c)PublicHearings
(d)GeneralBusiness
(e)Mayor'sReport
(f)CouncilmemberReports(3 minutesperCouncilmember)
(g)CommunityComments
(h)Adjournment
2.Study Session:TheStudy Session shallmeet inthedesignated Council Conference Room,
ndth
and4Wednesday ofeachmonth at5:00 PM
unlessadifferent locationissodesignated, onthe2
or at such other day and time as designatedby ordinance. The Study Session shall consist of the
following items with thesequence and any other added items asdetermined by the Council
President:
(a)BriefingsonAgendaItems
(b)Committee Updates
(c)OtherGeneralCouncilBusinessasauthorizedbytheCouncilPresident
(d)Adjournrnent
3.Executive Session/Recess:Theagenda may be interrupted for astated time toadjourn to
ExecutiveSessionorrecessattheprerogativeoftheCouncil President, unlessoverruledbyCouncil
majority.
4.ConsentAgendaItems:AnyCouncilmembermayrequestaConsent AgendaItembe
moved to the regular agenda, for which no second is required.
5.AgendaRearrangement:TheCouncilPresident mayrearrange, change thesequence,or
add to orremove items from the Agendas outlined in Rule 5,Subsections (1) and (2) above.
6.RegularCouncilMeetingsTelevised:TheRegularCouncil meetingsshallbetelevised
unless otherwise directed by Council.
7
RULE6-DEBATES
1.Interruption:Nomember,includingtheCouncil President, shallinterruptorarguewith
any other member while such member has the floor.
2.Courtesy: All speakers, including Councilmembers, during comments, discussion, or
debateofanyissue,shalladdresstheircomments totheCouncil President withcourtesy andproper
deportment. Comments shall notcontain personalities,derogatory remarks, orinsinuations toward
any member ofthe Council, Staff, or Public, but shall beconfined to factsthat aregermane and
relevant to the issue.
3.Transgression:Upon transgression of these rules, the Council President shall call such
persontoorder,inwhichcasethatpersonshall besilent except tocontinue inorder.IftheCouncil
President transgresses these rules, orfailstocall a transgressor toorder, anyother member ofthe
Council may, under a point of order, call the transgressor to order.
4.Challenge toRuling: Any member ofthe Council shall have the right to challenge any
actionorrulingoftheCouncil President, ormember,asthecasemay be,inwhich casethedecision
of themajority ofthe members of the Council present, including the Council President, shall
govern.
RULE7-PARLIAMENTARYPROCEDURE
1.Procedure Guide: Robert's Rules of Order shall be used asa guide to govern theconduct of
business of the City Council while in Legislative session. However, the Council President shall
have the authority to make a final ruling on all issues of procedure, subject to Rule 6,
Subsection 4 of these Rules.
2.Parliamentarian. The CityClerkshall act as the City’s parliamentarian and shall advise the
Presiding Officer on all questions of interpretations of these rules which may arise.
RULE8-ORDINANCES-RESOLUTIONS
1.Actions:AnyactionoftheCouncil shallbebyordinance,resolution ormotionandshallbe
conducted only inopen public meetings unless otherwise providedby law. Such action shall be
deemed approved byan affirmative vote of amajority of those Councilmembers present, unless
otherwise providedbylaw.Anysuchactionshallcontainonlyasinglesubject matterandmay not
be amended to include a different subject.
2.Submittal:NoordinanceshallbesubmittedtotheCouncilforconsiderationuntilapproved
astoform and legality by theCity Attorney and copieshave beenfurnished toCouncilmembers
and the City Clerk. No such ordinance shall contain any interlineationsor marginal notes.
3.Presentations:Reading ofordinances and resolutions atall Council meetings shall be
deemed sufficientby the reading of a brief synopsis ofthe titleof theordinanceor the purpose of
theresolution. Thefulltextofanordinance orresolution underconsiderationbytheCouncil willbe
8
provided to any member of the public upon request.
4.ReadingofOrdinances: Everyordinance shall haveone reading except that,upona
request ofaCouncilmember, anordinance shallhavetwoormorereadingsunlessotherwise
directed by the Council.
RULE9-MISCELLANEOUS
1.Agenda:BydirectionoftheCouncilPresident,theLegislativeOfficeManagershallprepare
the Agenda for each session of theCouncil inregular order in accordance with these rules, which
order shall not bedeparted from, except asprovided inthese rules. Such Agenda shall include all
resolutions, ordinances andmattersrequestedbyanyCouncilmember, ortheMayor,withnoitems
deleted from the Agenda except as provided in Rule 4 of these rules.
2.Limited Oral Public Forum: TheCouncilwelcomesoral feedback in a variety of
accessible and culturally responsive formats
A. There are two categories of feedbackavailable to the community at a Regular City Council
meeting.
i.Public CommentonAgendaItems:Anypersonisprovided anopportunity to
comment on the Consent Agenda or any Agenda item at the time the item isdiscussed
and prior toavote by the Council. Public Comment may also beaccepted when an
amending motion ismade by amember of Council and seconded, at the discretionof
the Council President. Such remarks must be confined tothose that are germane and
relevant to the item being discussed and shall be subject toa time limit. If numerous
speakers areaddressing theissue,theCouncil President mayfurther restrictspeaker
time. Written comments shall,to all intents and purposes, beconsidered the same as
oral comments.
ii.Community Comment:Any person is provided withan opportunity to address the City
Council during the Community Comment portion of the meeting. This opportunity is
intended for remarks related to matters within the jurisdiction and work of the City
Council that are not otherwise included on the meetingagenda. Comments must be
relevant to City business and shall be subject to a time limit. If numerous speakers wish to
address the Council, the Council President may further limit individual speaking time to
ensure all have an opportunity to be heard. Written comments shall, to all intents and
purposes, be considered the same as oral comments.
B. Oral Comment Process:The following applieswhether in person or remote:
1.Time limit-90 seconds per speaker.
2.In Person–in the Chambers there is a sign-in sheet indicating name and specific agenda item.
3.Remote Participation-advance registration required via online form submitted by Tuesday at
noon.
iii.C. Oral Comment Rules:When addressing the City Council, speakers must adhere to the following
guidelines:
9
I.When the Council President opens Public Comment and Community Comment, speakers
in the room will be recognized in order of who signed up.
II.Only those on Zoom who completed the online registration process by noon on Tuesday
prior to the regular meeting will be called upon to speak.
III.When recognized to speak, state your name clearly for the record.
IV.Atimer system will be usedto time set by the Council President.
V.Please address all comments to the Council President.
VI.Speakers may not cede their time to another speaker.
VII.Speakers shall refrain from comment or behavior that involves:
advertising or promoting the sale of products, services, or for-profit enterprise; promoting
candidates for public office or upcoming ballot measures; or disrupting the meeting.
These guidelines are applied in a viewpoint-neutral manner and are intended to ensure this part of the
business meeting remains focused on City Council business.
D. Remote Oral Comments:If attending the meeting in person is difficult due to disability, limited mobility, or
other barriers, participants may request to provide their comments remotely. Advance registration is required to
arrange this accommodation, which requires completion of anonline request form by the Tuesday before the Regular
Business meeting. The form and instructions can be found on the City Council webpage.
E Written comments: Any person is welcome to provide written comment at any time
atCity.Council@bremertonwa.gov. To be distributed to Councilmembers in advance of the Business
meeting, written comments must be received by noon on the day before the Council meeting.
3.Ballot Issues:During the election period, beginning on the deadline for elective office or
ballot issues, orfrom the time anindividual announces candidacy, whichever comesfirst, through
the November General Election, all announcements or advertising concerning candidates are
prohibited. Discussion of ballot issues is prohibited after the issue has qualified for the ballot.
Meetings for political parties may be announced, with the exception of fundraising events (e.g.,
dinners, drawings, etc.) ormeetings where thetitleofthefunction expresses support oropposition
for any candidate, political party, or issue.
4.PublicHearings:TheCouncilPresidentmayallocatethetimeallottedtoPublicHearing
equally among the members of the public who wish to speak.
5.Complaints: Personal complaints, especially those ofa derogatory nature against any
official or employee ofthe City,shouldnot be discussed at aCouncil meeting. A councilmember
wishing to make such complaints shall first address the complaintthrough the Mayor's office.
Then, ifthecouncilmemberfeelsappropriateaction hasnot been taken,itshall beproper for the
complaint to be communicated in writing to the members of the Council. Complaintsagainsta
Councilmembershallbesubmitted totheCouncilPresident.Ifthecomplaint is against the Council
President, the complaint shall besubmittedto the Vice-President. AcceptancebytheCouncil ofa
writtencomplaint shallnot,however, giverise topublic discussion thereon.The City Attorney
should be consulted regarding confidentiality,rights to privacy and other legal concerns.
6.AmendmentstoRules&Procedures:Amendmentstotheserulesshallbemadeby
resolution of the Council.
10
7.TheCityClerk: The City Clerk, orduly authorized representative,shall attend all business
meetingsoftheCityCouncil and maintainapermanentjournal ofitsproceedings.Allvotesshall be
recorded bycallingthenamesofeachmemberonapositional rotationbasiswithCouncilPresident's
vote called last.
8.Maintain Record: Alloftheregular andspecial meetings oftheCity Council andeach and
everypartthereof shall berecorded electronically.Theserecords shall bemaintained foraperiod in
conformance with Chapter 40.14 RCW.
9.Prepare Minutes: Subsequent to eachmeeting, theLegislative Office Manager shall
preparebriefandconcise actionminutesofallCouncil meetings andsubmitthesametotheCouncil
for approval. Such minutes shall contain anaccurate resume ofofficial Council actions, with
reference to all matters before it.
10.Verbatim Transcript: No member ofthe Council, nor any member of the administrative
staff of the City,shall be empowered or authorized to require the Legislative Office Manager to
insertinsaidofficial minutesanyverbatim transcript ofalloranypartoftheproceedings.Verbatim
transcriptsshall bemadeapartoftheminutes onlywhenauthorizedbyamajority voteoftheentire
Council, made at the meeting wherein such verbatim request is made.
11. Non-CompliancewithrulesandWaiver: Failure ofa Councilmember to challenge the
non-complianceofCouncil proceedingswithany rule orprocedureherein, prior tothe vote or
other action taken on the item under consideration,shall constitute a waiver and such non-
complianceshallnotaffecttheoutcomeofanyactiontakenbytheCouncil unlesssuchcompliance
is requiredby law.
12.CouncilComments:NoCouncilmember mayadvertiseorpromoteaprivatebusinessor
enterprise during Council meetings except that Councilmembers may make announcements to
welcome a new business or announce special events regarding a private business or enterprise.
RULE 10 -COUNCIL EXPENSE REIMBURSEMENT
Members of the City Council shall observe the Expense Reimbursement Claim Policies that have been
established by ordinance or resolution. Reimbursement for travel by any member of the Council outside the
State of Washington shall be made only with the prior approval of the majority of the Council. All
Councilmember expenses shall be subject to approval by the Council President.
11
RULE11-QUASI-JUDICIALHEARINGS
1.Quasi-Judicial Body: Inhearing matters requiring application oflaw and determination of
facts which predominantly affect particular parties rather than the public generally or a class or
group,theCouncilsitsasaQuasi-Judicialbody.Itwillconduct thehearing inaccordance withRule
11 and 12.
(a)CouncilPresidentconveneshearing.
(b)ItemisintroducedbyCityClerk.
(c)CouncilPresidentinquires:
i."All Councilmembers should now give considerationasto whether
they have: 1)a demonstratedbiasor prejudice for or against any party tothe proceedings;2)a
directorindirect monetaryinterest intheoutcome oftheproceedings;3)aprejudgmentoftheissue
prior to hearing the facts on the record; or 4)exparte contact with anyindividual, excluding
administrativestaff, with regard to an issue prior to the hearing.If any Council member should
answer inthe affirmative, then the Councilmember should state the reason fortheir answer at this
timesothattheChairmayinquire oftheCityAttorney asto whetheraviolation oftheAppearance
of Fairness Doctrine or a Conflict of Interest exists."
ii."Ifanymemberofthepublic believesanyCouncilmembershould
excuse themselves dueto aconflict with the Appearanceof Fairness doctrine, orfor another
concern, please state the reasons now."
(d)Council President calls upon Administrative Staff to present the
recommendationordecisionoftheAdministrativeHearing Examiner,orotherapplicable
commission orboard, toprovide ageneral background andtoanswer Council questions.
(e*)CouncilPresident designatesthelengthofargument toaffordafairhearing
of the issues. Correspondenceis read and testimony taken from proponents, then opponents and
those neutral. Council may ask questions of those testifying.
Limitedquestioning ofopposing witnessesontechnicalmattersbyeitherside
(f')
may be allowed in thediscretion of the Council President.The City Attorneywill advise the
Council President when such questioning may be a lawful requirement ofthe hearing.
(g*)Presidentclosesthepublictestimonyportionofthehearing. Council deliberates
and may ask questions of the presenters.
(h)Adecision bymotion ismade. TheCouncil mayaccept, reject, ormodify a
recommendationor decision based upon itsapplication of code criteria and appropriatefindings.
(i)Nomotiontorescind orreconsider theinitial quasi-judicialdecision may be
brought by any Council member following close of the meeting.
*Notapplicabletoclosedrecordhearing.
12
RULE 12 - CLOSED RECORD HEARINGS
1. Hearing Procedure:
a) Closed record hearings on land use applications shall be conducted in
accordance with this rule. The provisions of Rule 11 are applicable to closed
record hearings except as otherwise noted therein. After the appearance of
fairness inquiry, the President or staff will announce that the decision will be
based on materials received in evidence at the previous open record hearing of
the Administrative Hearing Examiner or other applicable commission or board;
minutes of the prior hearing; and the recommendation or decision from the
open record hearing.
b) The Council may consider the following limited evidence not set forth in the
record:
I. The Council may take official notice of information such as any law, ordinance,
resolution, rule or other fact generally known and verifiable from reliable sources.
II. Councilmembers may view the area in dispute, but shall note the
time, manner and circumstances of such view on the record.
III. Council deliberates and may ask questions of the staff.
IV. A motion incorporating the decision is made. The Council may
accept, reject, or modify the Administrative Hearing Examiner's
recommendation based upon its application of code criteria and
appropriate findings.
RULE 13 – STANDING COMMITTEES
1. Standing Committees. The standing committees of the Council shall consist of
three voting Councilmembers each for Public Safety & Parks, Public Works, and
Parks Finance Investment, and Parking. The Audit Committee shall consist of two
voting Councilmembers, and LTAC shall consist of one voting Councilmember. As
referenced in Rule 2 (3), the Council President shall annually appoint the
membership of each committee.
2. Function and Purpose. The primary role of council committees is to take up
matters where City Directors and staff need input from Councilmembers before
bringing forward to the full Council; however, Committee review is not required for
an item to be taken to the full Council. At times, the Council may refer an item to
the Committee for research and consideration. The standing committees are
advisory in nature and shall have no power or authority to commit the City or to
take any binding action on behalf of the City Council except as established in
ordinance or city policy.
Staff shall include materials related to items scheduled for Committee discussion
with the agenda packet to allow Councilmembers adequate time to review
information in advance of the Committee meeting.
3. Quorum. Two voting members shall constitute a quorum in the case of those with
three voting Councilmembers. Upon agreement of a majority of the Committee, a
meeting can be rescheduled or cancelled if there are no items to discuss or for the
lack of a quorum.
13
4. Reports. Standing committees shall report to the Council through the Committee
Chair or Vice-Chair, either orally or in writing. Committee reports should
summarize key discussions, stakeholder input, and any direction or feedback
provided during the committee meeting to inform Councilmembers and support
efficient consideration at the Study Sessions following.
5. Duties of the Committee Chair. Each standing committee shall elect a Chair and
Vice Chair at its first meeting of the year. Councilmembers accepting a Chair
assignment acknowledge the additional leadership responsibilities and time
commitment associated with preparing for and facilitating Committee meetings. In
addition, the level of responsibility and workload may vary by Committee. To
support continuity, meeting management, and consistency in Committee operations,
a Committee Chair should not have more than two (2) excused absences during the
calendar year.
i. The chair of the respective Council Committees shall have the
following responsibilities:
1. Schedule and attend meetings of the committee, which shall
be open to members of the public.
2. Determine the need to cancel a scheduled committee
meeting.
3. Work with other committee members and the Legislative
Office Manager to develop the agenda for each meeting so
that it can be shared at least 24 hours in advance of the
meeting.
4. Ensure that the committee adheres to the defined scope of
business for that committee.
6. Staff Support to Committees. The Committee Chair, in coordination with the
Legislative Office Manager and assigned department staff, where appropriate, shall
help ensure that agendas and supporting meeting materials are prepared and
distributed to the Committee by the Friday preceding scheduled Committee
meetings.
The Legislative Office Manager, shall also be responsible for ensuring the following for all Council
Committees:
a. Timely preparation of meeting minutes; and
b. Posting Committee materials to the City’s website.
ADDENDUM A: COUNCILMEMBER ROLE
14
Role Summary
City Councilmembers serve as part-time elected officials responsible for setting policy,
providing legislative oversight, and representing the interests of Bremerton residents.
Working collaboratively with fellow Councilmembers, the Mayor, and City staff,
Councilmembers help shape long-term priorities, ensure transparent governance, and
support the overall health and vitality of the community.
Core Responsibilities (As a Legislative Body)
Policy & Governance
Establish, review, and adopt City policies, ordinances, and resolutions.
Align legislative priorities with the City’s strategic goals, financial capacity, and
community needs.
Ensure compliance with the City Charter, Bremerton Municipal Code (BMC), and
applicable Washington State and federal legal authority.
Budget & Fiscal Oversight
Approve the budget and amendments.
Review and authorize contract expenditures.
Monitor financial performance and long-term fiscal health.
Meetings & Decision-Making
Actively engage in discussion in a manner that is informed, constructive, and
respectful.
Support efficient and focused meetings by adhering to agendas and established
procedures.
Focus on policy direction rather than operational management.
Once the Council has taken action, support and uphold the decision of the body, even
if your individual position differed during deliberation.
Avoid raising new, substantive issues during meetings that have not been previously
reviewed.
Engage in collaborative, respectful deliberation in accordance with public meeting
laws.
District-Specific & Individual Responsibilities
Constituent Engagement
Check City email and City-issued phone on a regular (generally daily) basis and
respond to constituent inquiries in a timely manner.
Coordinate with Council staff to ensure consistent and accurate responses.
Ensure out-of-office messages are set on Outlook and voicemail when traveling or
away for an extended period, including expected return and alternate contact
information if applicable.
Boards, Commissions & Committees
Serve on boards or committees as assigned by the Council President.
15
Represent the Council on intergovernmental bodies, advisory groups, and regional
partnerships.
Report back to the full Council on relevant developments and decisions.
Community Representation
Attend public events, neighborhood meetings, and community functions, as
appropriate, and report back to the Council with relevant updates.
Represent the City in a professional, ethical, and non-partisan manner.
Strengthen relationships with community organizations, partner agencies, and civic
groups.
Expectations for Success
Skills & Competencies
Ability to communicate clearly and professionally in both written and verbal formats.
Comfort reviewing complex information, including legal documents, financial reports,
and policy proposals.
Willingness to collaborate, problem-solve, and engage in constructive dialogue.
Ability to maintain confidentiality where required and adhere to ethical and legal
standards.
Develop and maintain proficiency in using Outlook for email and calendar
management, with a willingness to learn and utilize available tools and support.
Participation and Preparation
Maintain an up-to-date Outlook calendar to support scheduling, quorum tracking, and
awareness of planned absences.
Attend Council meetings, committee meetings, and assigned intergovernmental
meetings.
Review meeting materials in advance and arrive prepared to actively participate in
discussion and decision-making.
Although the Councilmember role is part-time, those serving as Officers or Committee
Chairs are expected to commit additional time to agenda preparation and
coordination with staff to ensure readiness for discussion and decision-making.
Maintain availability for constituent communication and City-related responsibilities.
Professional Conduct
Councilmembers are expected to adhere to certain standards, as detailed in the Code of
Conduct. In summary, general expectations revolve around the following tenants:
Avoid conflicts of interest and disclose potential conflicts in accordance with
applicable laws.
Do not use position for personal or political gain.
Respect confidentiality of executive session and sensitive information.
Model transparency, accountability, and ethical decision-making.
Uphold public trust and prioritize the well-being of Bremerton residents.
ADDENDUM B: BREMERTON CITY COUNCIL CODE OF CONDUCT
16
Purpose and Guiding Principles
The Bremerton City Council is committed to conducting the public’s business with
professionalism, respect, transparency, and integrity. This Code of Conduct (CoC) establishes
expectations regarding how Councilmembers interact with one another, with City staff, and with
the public. It should be read alongside the most recently adopted Council Rules and Procedures.
Where procedural questions arise, the Rules and Procedures shall govern.
1. Conduct Among Councilmembers
Our shared responsibility is to uphold public trust and ensure that decision-making reflects the
best interests of the entire community.
1.1 Commitment to Respectful Deliberation
Each Councilmember brings unique experiences, perspectives, and priorities. Healthy
disagreement is part of democratic governance, but it must occur in a manner that
maintains civility, avoids personal attacks, and supports productive dialogue.
Councilmembers will:
Focus critiques on ideas, not individuals.
Avoid hostile, disparaging, or inflammatory comments.
Speak to one another with professionalism, even in moments of strong
disagreement.
Demonstrate patience and active listening.
Uphold decorum, including refraining from interruptions or side conversations.
1.2 Decorum in Public Meetings
Councilmembers shall preserve order during meetings and follow the direction of the
Chair. Members must confine their remarks to the agenda item under discussion and help
maintain a constructive environment for deliberation.
Councilmembers will always maintain professional language, including avoiding profanity
or language that could reasonably be considered offensive, intimidating, or disrespectful.
1.3 Role of the Chair
The Chair is responsible for keeping debate focused and ensuring adherence to
parliamentary procedure. Disagreements with the Chair’s handling of an item may be
raised respectfully through the appropriate procedural motion.
1.4 Addressing Personal Concerns
If a Councilmember believes their integrity or motives have been questioned, they may
request a “point of personal privilege.” Such matters should be handled briefly,
respectfully, and under the Chair’s direction.
1.5 Ethical Expectations
17
Councilmembers must act in a manner that upholds the dignity of the office, protects the
public trust, and reflects fairness, equity, and impartiality.
2. Conduct With City Staff and City Attorney
The governance of the City of Bremerton requires the coordinated efforts of both the City Council,
in its role as policymaker, and City staff, who administer and implement those policies.
Accordingly, all parties are expected to work cooperatively and demonstrate mutual respect for
each other’s roles, responsibilities, and contributions to the community.
2.1 Professionalism and Mutual Respect
Councilmembers shall treat the Mayor and all City employees with courtesy and
professionalism. Staff must have a safe and respectful work environment free from
intimidation or undue pressure.
2.2 Clear Communication Channels
To ensure consistent information sharing and avoid duplicative work:
Questions or requests for information should be brought to Study Session for
discussion with all Councilmembers. If the matter is time-sensitive, the request
should be routed through the Council President with a copy to the Legislative Office
Manager (or Legislative Assistant). This process is especially important when a
request may require staff time, involve input from a consultant or contractor, or be
relevant to all Councilmembers.
Department Directors should be copied on inquiries relevant to their operations.
Responses provided to one Councilmember will be made accessible to all
Councilmembers.
2.3 Appropriate Role and Boundaries
Councilmembers shall not direct staff work, become involved in personnel matters, or
attempt to influence operational or administrative decisions.
Concerns about staff performance must be directed privately to the HR Director and not
raised publicly or directly with the employee.
2.4 City Attorney
General legal questions should be routed through the Council President, with a copy to the
Legislative Office Manager, to ensure work can be coordinated and documented.
Individual Councilmembers may contact the City Attorney directly only for confidential,
city-business matters that require legal confidentiality. The City Attorney’s duty is to the
municipal corporation, not any individual.
3. Conduct With the Public
Welcoming the public and ensuring they feel heard is central to meaningful democratic
engagement. Councilmembers should conduct themselves without any sign of bias or disrespect
toward those who come forward to speak, and should make every effort to listen with fairness,
openness, and impartiality.
3.1 Creating a Welcoming Environment
18
Community members who participate in meetings, whether to provide testimony, ask
questions, or observe, should feel respected and heard.
Councilmembers will:
Greet speakers courteously.
Demonstrate attentive listening.
Avoid debating or belittling community members who participate in meetings.
3.2 No Promises or Commitments
Councilmembers must not make assurances of specific outcomes (e.g., solving a
constituent issue) or commitments on behalf of the Council, Mayor, or City staff.
Constituents should be referred to Bremerton1 for service requests.
3.3 Speaking With One Voice
When discussing Council actions in the community or with media, Councilmembers shall
present the collective decision of the Council accurately and respectfully, even when they
personally disagree with the outcome.
Personal opinions should be clearly identified as such.
4. Digital Communication and Social Media
Digital communication offers valuable opportunities to engage with the public, but it also carries
risk when not approached thoughtfully. Online interactions should reflect the same
professionalism and standards of conduct expected during in-person dialogue. Councilmembers
must exercise care, knowing that emails, texts, and social media content are public-facing and
often considered public records.
4.1 Navigating Digital Platforms
Digital platforms extend the public’s access to elected officials but also increase the risk of
misinterpretation, misinformation, and public record violations. Councilmembers will:
Conduct themselves online with the same professionalism expected in person.
Avoid posting defamatory, disrespectful, or misleading commentary.
Not disparage the Mayor, City staff, colleagues, City projects, or the public.
Treat emails, texts, and social media messages as potential public records.
Clearly distinguish personal opinions from official City positions.
5. Harassment, Discrimination, and Retaliation
A safe, respectful environment is essential for effective governance. The Council has zero
tolerance for conduct that creates fear, exclusion, or hostility. All Councilmembers, Mayor, City
staff, and the public are entitled to be treated with dignity.
5.1 Social Interaction
Councilmembers shall not engage in or tolerate behaviors that constitute harassment,
discrimination, or retaliation based on any protected class. Allegations shall be handled in
accordance with City policies and referred to the Director of Human Resources.
19
6. Conflicts of Interest
Councilmembers are entrusted with public authority and must act exclusively in the interest of the
community they serve. To maintain public trust, Councilmembers must avoid decisions or actions
that could create, or appear to create, personal benefit or preferential advantage. Transparent
disclosure and recusal, when appropriate, reinforce fairness and accountability.
6.1 Identifying Conflict of Interest
Councilmembers must comply with RCW 42.23, Code of Ethics, and avoid real or
perceived conflicts of interest. Councilmembers must:
Disclose any potential conflict on the record.
Recuse themselves when required.
Seek legal advice when uncertain.
7. Violations and Consequences
Adherence to this CoC reflects a commitment to Bremerton’s values and to the integrity of its
governing body. When conduct falls short of expectations, the Council must have a clear,
consistent structure for response.
7.1 Ethical Conduct
Alleged violations of this CoC will be reviewed in accordance with the Council’s published
Rules and Procedures. Potential corrective actions when violations occur include:
Verbal admonition
Written reprimand
Censure
Required training
Removal from officer or chair role, and/or committee assignments
8. Media Communications
Public communication helps shape community understanding of government actions.
Councilmembers should ensure that their engagement with media is accurate, respectful, and
clear in distinguishing personal views from official positions. Consistency in messaging protects
the credibility of the Council and supports public trust.
8.1 Communication Standards
When speaking to the media, Councilmembers must clarify whether they are sharing
personal views or Council-approved positions. Official City statements are issued by the
Mayor or a designee, unless otherwise directed.
9. Generally Agreed to Principles of Conduct
These principles represent the shared behavioral standards the Council strives to demonstrate in
all interactions. This extends to interactions with each other, with staff, and with the community.
They reflect core values that guide daily conduct and long-term service, contributing to a culture
of respect, responsibility, and ethical decision-making.
Keep promises. Demonstrate patience.
Be dependable. Show empathy.
Participate and be available. Hold onto ethical principles under stress.
20
Listen attentively. Respect the democratic process.
Be Prepared. Respect the community we serve.
Keepintegrityintact.Respect diversity, equity, and inclusion in
Overcome discouragement. public service and policymaking.
Commit to ongoing professional
Model a professional manner.
development, ethics training, and
Respect one another as individuals.
accountability to the public
Respect validity of different opinions.
21