(a) It shall be the constant duty of each council member to maintain respect for each other, the staff and the public. Likewise, the council shall require corresponding respect from all persons who attend a meeting.

(b) While the council is in session, all members must preserve order, decency and decorum at all times and no member shall, 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 order of the presiding officer. Members of the city council shall not leave their seats during a meeting without first obtaining the permission of the presiding officer except in an emergency. No member of the city council shall use any impertinent, degrading or other slanderous language or impugn the integrity of any other member, employee of the city or the public. The city council may punish any member for violation of this section upon first notifying the councilmember of the specifics and giving the accused councilmember an opportunity to respond at a council meeting.

(c) Members of the city staff and employees shall observe the same rules of order and decorum as are applicable to members of the city council, with the exception that members of the city staff may leave their seats during the meeting without first obtaining the permission of the presiding officer. (Ord. 972, § 34, 1989.)