Agenda Item: 10a_supp
Meeting Date: January 23, 2024
2024 Commission Bylaws and Rules of
Procedure Policy Directive Amendment
January 23, 2024

                  Time for Review
• Purpose of the 3-Year Review
Transparency
Efficiency
Predictability
Flexibility
Structure/Organization
Accuracy – Consistent with State Law, Port Policy,
Parliamentary Procedure, and Practice of the Commission
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             Amendment Package
• Amending Rules of Public Comment
• Other Proposed Substantive Amendments
• Updates/‘Practice’ Amendments
• Technical Clean-Up


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              Article VI – Rules of Order, Section (10)
Rules Governing Public Comment
• Goal 1: Add more specificity about when a speaker disrupts a
meeting and more clearly define behavior that is considered
disruptive.
• Goal 2: Add progressively stronger consequences if a speaker
repeatedly disrupts meetings, including an allowance for a
speaker to be banned for 180 days or for one year.

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              Article VI – Rules of Order, Section (10)
Rules Governing Public Comment
• Key Elements of Updated Disruption Definition that applies to
both individuals providing public comment and individuals in
attendance who are not providing public comment:
– Individuals must follow the direction of the presiding officer or
security personnel.
– Public comment cannot support or oppose a campaign or ballot
measure. 

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              Article VI – Rules of Order, Section (10)
Rules Governing Public Comment
• Key New Elements of Updated Disruption Definition:
– Abusive and Harassing Behavior definition is broader and more
specific.
• Derogatory remarks based on age, race, color, national origin/ancestry,
religion, disability, pregnancy, sex/gender, sexual orientation,
transgender status, marital status or any other category protected by
law.


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              Article VI – Rules of Order, Section (10)
Rules Governing Public Comment
• Key New Elements of Updated Disruption Definition:
– The use of obscene or profane language and gestures.
– Assaults or other threatening behavior.
– Sexual misconduct or sexual harassment.

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              Article VI – Rules of Order, Section (10)
Rules Governing Public Comment
• Progressive Consequences for Repeated Disruptions.
1.  First disruption results in a warning.
2.  Second disruption within 90 days of the first disruption results in
losing speaking privileges at the meeting.
3.  Third disruption within 180 days of losing speaking privileges results
in being excluded from attending commission meetings for 180
days.
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              Article VI – Rules of Order, Section (10)
Rules Governing Public Comment
• Progressive Consequences for Repeated Disruptions.
4.  A Fourth or subsequent disruption after being excluded for 180
days results in being excluded from attending commission meetings
for one year.
5.  A speaker who has been excluded from commission meetings and is
thus subject to a heightened standard that allows further exclusion
without warning can end that status by having no further
disruptions for a period of 3 years.
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          Bylaws and Rules of Procedure Policy Directive
Amendment Package
• Other Proposed Substantive Amendments
Ethics provisions – codifying Commissioner’s commitment to
fostering a safe, healthy, and respectful work environment; and
creating an ethics, bylaws, and Port values training within 90 days of
being sworn into each term in office.
Additional bylaws revisions may be needed in the future after review
and update of the Code of Ethics for Commissioners.
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          Bylaws and Rules of Procedure Policy Directive
Amendment Package
• Other Proposed Substantive Amendments
(c) Commissioners are committed to fostering a safe and healthy work 
environment  for  all,  guided  by  the  commission’s  commitment  to 
treat one another, port staff and others with respect.
(d) Commissioners shall receive training on the Code of Ethics for Port 
Commissioners, these bylaws, and the Port’s Statement of Values 
within ninety days of being sworn into office for each term they 
serve. 
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          Bylaws and Rules of Procedure Policy Directive
Amendment Package
• Other Proposed Substantive Amendments
Strikes requirement that one Commissioner be physically present to
preside over public meeting.
Addresses Executive Session procedures.
Provides for a formal sponsorship process for Commissioners.
Provides for the appointment of alternates to Commission committees.
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          Bylaws and Rules of Procedure Policy Directive
Amendment Package
• Other Proposed Substantive Amendments
Codifies the Governance Committee as a Standing Committee.
Provides a special rule for limitations on debate to be set by the
President, or designated presiding officer, when needed to ensure
the efficiency of meetings.

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          Bylaws and Rules of Procedure Policy Directive
Amendment Package
• Updates and Practice Amendments
Other proposed amendments to clean up language and update
sections to reflect Commission practice.
 External Relations media policy – Commissioners coordinate media inquiries
with External Relations Communications Director and the Commission Chief
of Staff.
 Signing practice of Commission on resolutions and proclamations.
Clerk’s authority to affix digital signatures for Commissioners within six days
of passage of actions.
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          Bylaws and Rules of Procedure Policy Directive
Amendment Package
• Updates and Practice Amendments
Other proposed amendments to clean up language and update
sections to reflect Commission practice.
Reflecting the cancellation process for regular meetings falling on a holiday.
No signatures required for committee summaries.
Clarifying the ceremonial nature of proclamations.
Other general clean-up.
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         DISCUSSION/QUESTIONS?

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