Council to modify rules of decorum to allow clapping during recognitions
Those attending Cape Coral City Council meetings will be able to clap for awards and recognitions but not during citizen’s input or council reports if a rules modification given a nod Wednesday passes final muster.
City Attorney Aleksandr Boskner said council rules identify what can and cannot be done during a business meeting with its rules structured and consistent with federal and case law.
“What is permissible and what is not permissible in a public forum — that is how we have identified our rules,” he said at the council workshop.
The discussion came forward because there is clapping at recognition and awards, which has been pointed out by several council regulars who consistently utter or criticize during certain portions of the meeting, Boskner said.
Awards should be celebrated, but, based on current council rules, clapping is not permissible at any time.
“I brought the discussion to see if you want me to modify the rules to allow celebration that includes clapping and presentation that involves a reward or recognition,” Boskner said, adding that he can create an exception. “In order to avoid continued statements from small select individuals — amend the council rules and that way we don’t have to endure those commentaries.”
Council agreed by consensus to add language to allow for clapping during recognitions and awards.
“I think it would be better black and white and spelled out,” Mayor John Gunter said of characterizing that clapping can be had at the beginning of the meeting during achievements and recognitions.
Councilmember Rachel Kaduk said that clapping should also be allowed during citizen’s input, something often pointed out by those gaveled for doing so.
“Let them clap. I don’t see the big deal. It is their time,” she said.
Council deadlocked 4-4, so clapping will continue to be prohibited except for the recognitions period.
Kaduk and council members Keith Long, Laurie Lehmann and Jennifer Nelson-Lastra were in favor of allowing clapping during citizen input.
“When we get to citizen’s input, it’s part of the business meeting. I treat it as such and take notes when citizen’s input is given,” Councilmember Bill Steinke said, adding that decorum should be held on both sides.
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