HomeMy WebLinkAboutO-2021-3820 Amending the City Council's Adopted Rules of ProcedureORDINANCE NO.2021-3820
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 Rules of Procedure for 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. During any period in which face mask or face
coverings are required 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"; and
WHEREAS, considering issues related to the spread of COVID-19 and the ensuing local, county, state, and
national disaster declarations and applicable restrictions and/or guidelines concerning face masks and face
coverings and the protection of those participating in Council meetings; and
WHEREAS, the Governor for the State of Texas has issued Executive Order GA-34, which states "nothing
precludes businesses or other establishments from requiring requiring employees or customers to follow
additional hygiene measures, including the wearing of face covering"; 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 hereto on Exhibit A, to provide for changes to the second paragraph to Section 6.09.
A. to read as follows: "All Councilpersons in the Council chamber must wear an appropriate
face mask or face covering over both the nose and mouth during City Council meetings until
the City Council deems it appropriate to rescind this requirement."
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.
PASSED AND APPROVED, this day of 2021.
ATTEST:
Lee
�OF.LA
CITY OF LA PORTE, TEXAS
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Lou i R. igby, Ma or
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
Clark T. Askins, Assistant City Attorney