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RIVERSIDE PUBLIC UTILITIES Board Memorandum PUBLIC UTILITIES BOARD OF PUBLIC UTILITIES DATE: FEBRUARY 20, 2015 ITEM NO: 9 SUBJECT: REVISIONS TO RIVERSIDE PUBLIC UTILITIES BOARD POLICY GUIDE, INCLUDING THE STANDING RULES ISSUE: That the Board of Public Utilities consider adoption of revisions to the Board Policy Guide, including the Standing Rules. RECOMMENDATION: That the Board of Public Utilities adopt the revised Standing Rules of the Board of Public Utilities of the City of Riverside. BACKGROUND: Can January 27, 2015, the City Council revised its Rules of Procedure and Order of Business (see attached Resolution 22796). The Board has previously expressed a desire that the Standing Rules of the Board of Public Utilities conform to the City Council rules. Accordingly, staff has prepared an amendment to the Board standing rules to add the following: 1. Section 7.13, "Oral Communications from the Audience" has been revised to conform to Section X.0 of the City Council rules (as set forth in City Council Resolution 22796, page 21), including that speaker cards will be accepted at any time prior to the close of public comment on the particular agenda item and to delineate actions that the RPU Board members may make in response to public comment without violating the California Brown Act {Government Code sections 54950 et seq.} 2. Section 7.D has been added to incorporate by reference the City Council rules of decorum, as they are amended from time to time. This addition will inform the Board members and the general public as to the expected conduct during a RPU Board meeting, with a process to remedy any violations. Here are the current City Council rules of decorum (as set forth in City Council Resolution 22796, pages 23-24, sections XII.B and C): "B. DECORUM It is the policy of the City Council that the right to express one's views at a City Council meeting is fundamental to a free society; however, it is not absolute and is subject to valid regulations. The public has a right to address the City Council at any meeting on any subject that is within the City Council's subject matter jurisdiction and further, the public has the right to express its criticism of the policies, procedures, programs or services of the City or its acts or omissions. We must balance the right of the public to address the City Council with the need to ensure that public comment does not hinder the smooth and efficient legislative function of the City Council. No member of the public shall approach the speaker's podium while the City Council is in session, unless specifically requested to do so by the presiding officer. Unruly conduct, such as undue noise, hissing, profanity, insult or physical disturbance which disrupts, disturbs or otherwise impedes the orderly conduct of the City Council meeting shall not be permitted. Any