Cape Council modifies rules to address clapping
Applause allowed during recognitions but not during business portions of its meetings
Cape Coral City Council approved a modification to its council rules, which do not permit clapping outside of recognitions and achievements.
“I believe let them clap,” Councilmember Rachel Kaduk said of meeting attendees. “Earlier this evening everyone clapped. I did not. It was not in our rules yet.”
In addition to Kaduk, Councilmembers Jennifer Nelson-Lastra and Keith Long voted against the amended council rules.
The new verbiage for audience conduct states that all portions of the city council meeting shall be deemed a business meeting, and must be conducted in a professional manner.
“Notwithstanding anything herein, clapping and cheerful expressions shall only be permitted during the Recognitions/Achievements portion of the agenda, and only to the extent that such expression remain brief and do not materially interrupt, delay, hinder, or prevent the City Council from proceeding with the remainder of the business meeting,” the amended rule of decorum states.
It goes on to say that during a City Council meeting it will neither be tolerated or permitted to shout, yell, whistle, chant, sing, dance, clap, foot stomp, cheer, jeer, or use artificial noise makers or musical instruments, or engage in any other display of excessive noise, sounds, or movements.
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