Promoting Civility, Decorum, and Effective Public Participation In Public Meetings
MORENO VALLEY CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION
MAY 12, 2026
Patty Rodriguez, City Clerk
Steven Quintanilla, City Attorney
The Objectives for Today:
Orderly ProceedingsSupports organized meetings through speaker management, time tracking, and maintaining meeting structure.
Transparency & Public TrustEnsures agendas, minutes, and official records are accurate, accessible, and properly preserved.
Equal Opportunity for ParticipationPromotes fair and consistent public participation in compliance with legal requirements.
Professionalism:
Decorum helps ensure meetings remain professional and welcoming to all members of the community.
What is Civility?In the context of a democratic debate, Civility is simply about how people treat each other. Civility involves a balance of values: Value of respect for those who have different opinions&Value of Free Expression
Why should we care? Promotes Broader Civic Engagement Promotes Diversity of ViewsPromotes Creative Thinking Promotes Problem SolvingPromotes Rational Decision Making
Is there a case against CIVILITY? While civility is an “indispensable prerequisite to a democratic society,” it can also reinforce the status quo in terms of power relationships.Promoting Civility at Public MeetingsInstitute of Local GovernmentExample:Women could violate the norms of civility simply by attempting to engage in any form of political activity. At the time, there simply was no way for women to advance their interests through politics in a civil manner.Same with other disenfranchised groups.
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Promoting Civility requires an understanding of why some don’t come across as being civil. Do they feel excluded from the decision-making process? Solution: Encourage inclusion?Do they believe they have been deprived of relevant information?Solution: Provide easier access to information?
Do they express an extraordinary level of compassion about a certain issue?Solution: Try to understand the source of their compassionBOTTOMLINETry to understand what motivates certain individuals and appreciate the underlying democratic principle they represent, although it may not conform to your own notion of civil behavior.
What is Decorum?Decorum refers to the set of formal rules, procedures, practices, and common courtesies to ensure orderly and productive proceedings.
OBJECTIVE: To maintain a dignified atmosphere so that all attendees—whether officials, staff, or the public—can engage in the discussion without disruption.
Key Elements of DECORUMRespect & CourtesyFollowing the AgendaProper and Consistent Speaking ProceduresTime Limits
Why Decorum Matters?Supports the purpose of the meeting and the integrity of the Public decision-making process by:1. Ensuring an equal opportunity for all to speak and be heard.2. Maintaining focus so that important business can be conducted efficiently.3. Building trust and professionalism in the public decision-making process.4. Protecting the safety of all participants.
Effective Public Participation
Why does this matter?1. Tax dollars are involved with practically every decision made.2. Decisions affect individuals and the public in general.3. Fairness, Equity & Transparency.4. Constructive criticism and different perspectives.5. Sound reasoning which leads to rational decision making.
ConclusionPolitics Involves The Art of Compromise.
Core Elements of Compromise?Mutal ConcessionsCommon GroundActive Cooperation Open CommunicationsActive ListeningGood FaithCreative Problem-SolvingEmpathyPragmatism Trust Building Understanding