72-24 Ordinance Amending Chapter Two, Article One, Section 2-12(13) of the South Bend Municipal Code

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Filed in Clerk's Office BILL NO. NV V 2 0 2024 ORDINANCE NO. Bianca Tirado City Clerk, South Bend, IN AN ORDINANCE OF THE COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA,ADDING SUBSECTIONS (A) THROUGH AND INCLUDING (N) TO CHAPTER 2, ARTICLE 1, SECTION 2-12(13) "PRIVILEGE OF THE FLOOR" STATEMENT OF PURPOSE AND INTENT Some form of"Privilege of the Floor" has been a part of South Bend Common Council meetings since at least 1973. Expectations of those speaking during "Privilege of the Floor"were first added to the Municipal Code in 1998 and have not been substantially changed since that time. Increased public participation in Common Council meetings through in person, and more recently virtual, attendance has increased participation in "Privilege of the Floor." Restated and revised expectations of speakers have become necessary to promote the opportunity to express opinions and bring important matters to the attention of the Council while encouraging proper decorum and civil discourse. This ordinance repeals, supersedes and replaces Chapter 2, Article 1, Section 2-12(13) of the South Bend Municipal Code and clarifies the expectations of those speaking at Council meetings during the "Privilege of the Floor." The Council believes that adherence to these expectations is in the best interest of all residents of South Bend. NOW,THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA, as follows: Section I. South Bend Municipal Code Chapter 2, Article 1, Section 2-12(13) is repealed, superseded, and replaced in its entirety as follows: Sec. 2-12(13) Privilege of the floor: (a) Individuals who wish to address the Council must state their name and residential address. (b) Individuals speaking on behalf of organizations shall state their name followed by the name and principal office address of the organization. (c) Individuals who are residents of South Bend, as established by their residential address will be given first priority, followed by all others. (d) Individuals will be limited to three (3) minutes only and shall refrain from making comments that have already been made by other speakers. The maximum time limit for this portion of the meeting shall be thirty (30) minutes, unless the Council, by a two-thirds (2/3) vote shall suspend the rules.