City Council Norms

At their March 4, 2024, meeting, the Florence City Council unanimously voted to reaffirm their City Council Norms document. The purpose of these Norms is to promote a culture of respect, professionalism, and transparency within the Council, and to ensure that all members have the opportunity to participate fully in the Council's decision-making processes.

Mayor Rob Ward opened the agenda item stating “One of the things I am most proud of is what we accomplished as a Council when we developed these Norms.” He continued by reflecting on the previous year. “I think it has done amazing things for how we have not only been able to move forward as a group and explore all of the ideas that exist, but we’ve been able to present ourselves as a unified body that works well together on behalf of the City and the City’s best interest.”

Council President Sally Wantz outlines the importance of the Norms. "The City Council Norms remind me that the community is watching. When the Council walks the talk, we set an example for others to follow."

“The members of our Florence City Council have been operating in a smooth and productive manner while using the Norms we adopted at the start of 2023.  I am honored to serve on this Council,” states Council Vice President Bill Meyer.

Prior to the meeting, the City Council had reviewed the Norms during their February retreat and discussed any need for alterations. The general consensus during that discussion was the Norms had provided a good foundation for the City Council to build a working relationship and there was a desire to reaffirm the existing Norms without changes.

During the City Council retreat, each member of the Council expressed appreciation for the Norms document and gratitude to their fellow members of the Council for being committed to creating a working body that is supported by mutual respect and working together for Florence.

“The development of the City Council Norms is a cornerstone of fostering a thriving and vibrant community. It sets the foundation of communication and trust with each other – inside and outside the Council Chambers. We are leading by example. This document stands as a testament to our collective wisdom and love of Florence, leading a path forward towards shared prosperity. I am especially thrilled for Council that we continue to honor this policy and reaffirm to each other this important pledge to ourselves and the community,” stated Councilor Jo Beaudreau.

Following the reaffirmation of the City Council Norms, Mayor Ward stated that the City Council would “continue to ask any member of a Council committee or commission to acknowledge that they understand these Norms and how we as a City are going to present ourselves.”

Councilor Robert Carp emphasized the sentiment of his fellow Councilors and the desire for all City committee and commission members to adhere to them in stating that “the City Council Norms are good and we request everyone follow them.”

Learn more about the Florence City Council at www.ci.florence.or.us/council/florence-city-council. Meetings are usually held the first and third Mondays of each month at 5:30 p.m. at Florence City Hall, 250 Highway 101, with the option to view virtually. The Florence City Council agenda and meeting link is published on the Thursday afternoon the week preceding the meeting.

Background:

In February 2023, the City of Florence City Council voted to adopt the 2023 City Council Norms Document. The purpose of these Norms is to promote a culture of respect, professionalism, and transparency within the Council, and to ensure that all members have the opportunity to participate fully in the Council's decision-making processes.

The list of Norms arose from a consultant-led training and retreat for the Florence City Council and City Management Team Staff at the Florence Events Center on February 9 and 10, 2023.

The City Council adopted the Norms to establish a set of guidelines and procedures to govern the interaction of City Council members during Council meetings and other official Council business. Each Councilor and the Mayor signed the document at the February 27, 2023, meeting of the Florence City Council.

The adoption of City Council Norms can have a significant impact on the efficiency and effectiveness of local government. By promoting a culture of respect and accountability, the Council can build public trust, facilitate productive dialogue, and ensure that decisions are made in the best interests of the community.

In Spring 2023, Florence City Hall installed a poster version of the Norms document for all who attend City events and functions to read. Additionally, the City Council Norms will be distributed to all City of Florence committees, commissions, and boards this year.