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Lake Wales (Current through Ordinance 2023-17, Adopted 7-05-2023) |
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Code of Ordinances |
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Chapter 2. Administration |
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Article I. Public Meetings |
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Division 1. General Provisions |
| § 2-1. Scope and interpretation. |
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Latest version.
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(a) Scope. The rules and policies provided herein shall govern the conduct of all public meetings held for the purpose of engaging in the official business of the City of Lake Wales and shall be implemented to ensure fair and open deliberations and decision making. (b) Interpretation. These rules and policies are intended to supplement and shall be interpreted to conform with the statutes of the State of Florida and the ordinances of the City of Lake Wales. |
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(Ord. No. 98-02, § 1, 1-20-98) |
| § 2-2. Legislative intent and statement of policy. |
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Latest version.
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(a) It is the intent of the city commission to establish a standard of behavior to be applied to the conduct of all public meetings held for the purpose of engaging in the official business of the City of Lake Wales. It is also the intent of the city commission to establish general rules and procedures to be observed by commissioners, appointed board members, officers and employees in the conduct of all public meetings. (b) It is the policy of the city commission to establish a set of core values which shall govern the manner in which city commissioners, appointed board members, officers and employees interact with the public and with each other while engaging in the official business of the City of Lake Wales. This set of core values shall include: (1) Fairness. We shall have compassion, respect and sensitivity for all and shall be impartial and objective when making decisions, always seeking to attain the greatest common good. (2) Responsiveness. We shall deliver public services in an equitable, efficient and effective manner. (3) Ethics. We shall be open, responsible and accountable for our decisions and actions. (4) Professionalism. We shall comport ourselves with dignity in a manner which exceeds the expectations of those we serve, and we shall strive to gain the knowledge which enables us to perform our official duties without the intrusion of personal bias. (5) Excellence. We shall work together cooperatively and unselfishly while striving for the best results. (6) Initiative and innovation. We shall plan, anticipate, take reasonable risks and try new approaches with a positive attitude. (7) Decorum. We may disagree but we shall be respectful of one another, and we shall not engage in personal attacks. (8) Pride. We shall take pride in our community, ourselves, and the accomplishments attained. |
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(Ord. No. 98-02, § 1, 1-20-98) |
| § 2-3. Standard of behavior for public meetings; display of standard. |
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Latest version.
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(a) A standard of behavior for public meetings shall be established and expressed as follows: (1) We may disagree, but we will be courteous and respectful of one another. (2) We will not engage in personal attacks. (3) We will direct all comments to the issue under consideration. (b) A sign displaying the standard of behavior shall be placed in commission chambers during all public meetings so that the standard may be read from the dais and from the public podium. If meetings are held in other locations, the sign should be displayed so that it can be viewed by all persons attending the meeting. |
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(Ord. No. 98-02, § 1, 1-20-98) |