O-2020-3796 Amending the City Council Rules of Procedure and Ethics Policy, in reference to face masks

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ORDINANCE NO. 2020-3796 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE CITY COUNCIL'S ADOPTED RULES OF PROCEDURE FOR CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS; FINDING COMPLIANCE WITH THE TEXAS OPEN MEETINGS ACT; CONTAINING A REPEALING CLAUSE; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE HEREOF. WHEREAS, Section 2.07. Meetings. b. Rules. of the City Charter of the City of La Porte provides that "City council shall determine its own rules and order of business."; and WHEREAS, Section 6.09. Decorum. A. By Councilpersons. of the City Charter of the City of La Porte provides that"6.09. Decorum. (A) By Councilpersons. While the Council is in session,the members must preserve order and decorum, and a member shall neither, by conversation or otherwise, delay or interrupt the proceedings or the peace of the Council nor disturb any member while speaking or refuse to obey the orders of the Council or its Presiding Officer, except as otherwise herein provided."; and WHEREAS,considering issues related to the spread of COVID-19 and the ensuing local,county, state,and national disaster declarations and the State of Texas and Harris County restrictions concerning face masks and face coverings and the protection of those participating in Council meetings; and WHEREAS, the passage of time has allowed for additional review of legislation and consideration of suitable rules and guidelines for the procedures of City Council meetings and the conduct of members of Council at all times; NOW,THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA PORTE: Section 1. The Rules of Procedure for the City Council of the City of La Porte are hereby amended as attached,to provide for the addition of a second paragraph to Section 6.09.A.During any period in which face masks or face coverings are required in public by a local disaster declaration or other law, all Councilpersons in the Council chamber must wear an appropriate face mask or face covering during City Council meetings. Section 2. Open Meetings Act Notice. The City Council officially finds, determines, recites, and declares that a sufficient written notice of the date, hour, place and subject of this meeting of the City Council was posted at a place convenient to the public at the City Hall of the City for the time required by law preceding this meeting,as required by the Open Meetings Act,Chapter 551,Texas Government Code;and that this meeting has been open to the public as required by law at all times during which this ordinance and the subject matter thereof has been discussed, considered and formally acted upon. The City Council further ratifies, approves and confirms such written notice and the contents and posting thereof. Section 3. Repeal.All ordinances or parts of ordinances in conflict herewith are hereby repealed to the extent of such conflict only. Section 4. Effective Date. This ordinance shall take effect immediately upon its passage and approval.