RPVCCA_SR_2011_03_01_12_Request_for_InstructionMEMORANDUM
TO:
FROM:
DATE:
CITY COUNCIL AND STAFF
COUNCIL MEMBER CAMPBELL
March 1,2011
SUBJECT:REQUEST FOR INSTRUCTION TO STAFF TO DEVELOP A
POLICY FOR COUNCILMEMBERS AND CITY STAFF TO FOLLOW IN
RESPONDING TO INAPPROPRIATE OR THREATENING BEHAVIOR
Recommendation
The City Council is asked to instruct City staff to study existing policies in other cities
and to propose a Council policy for protocol to be followed by City Council members,
appointed committee and commission members,and City staff in responding to
inappropriate or threatening behavior by individuals or organizations.
Discussion
I have had a recent experience involving confrontational and threatening conduct by a
resident,which resulted in my initiatir'lg a police report.The Mayor was apprised of this
incident and joins me in asking the Council for policy direction.
In addition to my own experience,there have been threats in the past against a City
Council member (former Mayor Susan Brooks)and an entire City commission (the View
Restoration Commission).Further,I am aware that staff sometimes is pressured and
subjected to coercive behavior by members of the public.
While these incidents are fortunately rare,over the past year they have increased in
frequency.They can be disruptive to the conduct of municipal business-as well as
disturbing to the individuals involved.I believe it would be helpful to have a Council
policy outlining a protocol for public officials and public employees to follow and also
outlining the manner in which the City will provide assistance to individuals who are
confronted with such behavior.
I believe that preserving a professional and courteous atmosphere and rapport between
the city staff and members of the public is an important foundation to preserve a
vigorous--but professional tone of political discourse in Rancho Palos Verdes and is key
to encouraging a broad base of community participation in the political process.The
tenor of political discussion in this country has been deteriorating for some time.I hope
that the development of a policy as to how Council members,appointed committee
members and commission members,and City staff respond to inappropriate or
threatening conduct will help this community to better maintain a positive atmosphere
for the discussion of political issues and with their interaction with City staff.
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