08/10/2005 P&Z Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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07-'22/2005 FRI 15:43 FAX CITY OF HUG o City Council and Planning Commission Meetings Public Meeting Guidelines Adopted June 3, 2002 16002/005 I. Listen Learn to listen so that you hear clearly what your fellow commissioners have to say, what citizens have to say, and what staff has to say. Fours on listening. rather than on what you will say in response. State what you think you heard and ask for clarification before responding, in an effort to enhance understanding. Listen with respect for the individual speaking and for what is being said in order to build trust. Listen with an open mind. Urge persons of various points of view to speak and promise to listen to these positions seriously. If. Seek Consensus By listening with an open mind, it is possible to discern common ground among many competing viewpoints. Seeking this common ground and creating a consensus means that the process may be more important than the product, Sometimes more study on an issue helps to create consensus and may offer opportunities for finding commonalities of interest. III. Disagree A grceably Reasonable people with good intentions may disagree with one another. Disagreement is not bad as long as the opinions of others are treated with respect. Don't lose sight of the issue at hand during a heated debate. Avoid grandstanding -- reasonable arguments clearly backed up by careful homework mayy win a debate rather than making other commissioners uncomfortable with hyperbole. Conflicts can be an opportunity for new insights, learning, and individual and organization growth. Disagreements can illuminate a topic in helpful ways and can present solutions to problems that previously had not been seen. The successful resolution of conflict can bind people together in powerful ways. IV. Respect the Will of the Majority Live with the results of a vote on an issue. Debate may be lively and heated, but once a decision is made and a vote taken, it is important to recognize this decision as the intent of the majority of the commission and take no actions to undermine this decision. Move on, without rancor. V. Respect the Rights of the Minority Be sensitive to the feelings and concerns of those who do not agree with the majority. Respect their rights of conscience. VI_ Treat Everyone with Respect Do not publicly embarrass or humiliate fellow commissioners, citizens, or staff. While disagreements ace expected and acceptable, always maintain an atmosphere of good will and respect, no -'natter who is speaking. Focus on ideas and suggestions instead of questioning people's motives, intelligence or integrity. Do not ask questions or make statements in a way that will intimidate or judge others_