Reasonable seating facilities shall be provided for the general public at all sessions and public meetings, and the general public is encouraged to attend. During a session or meeting, time may be provided at the discretion of the president, or upon request of a majority of the council present, for members of the public to address the council on pertinent matters. Persons seeking to address the council on a specific subject should state reasons for an appearance in writing prior to the fixing of the agenda for the council; provided, that this rule may be suspended by a majority of the council members present. Public hearings upon pending legislation or the budget are convened for the express purpose of obtaining public participation and comment. Such hearings shall not constitute a legislative session. At all times, order and decorum shall be maintained in keeping with the dignity of the governmental process, and no person or groups shall interfere with this process, and the council shall take all necessary steps required to maintain order.
No signs, placards, posters or attention devices of any kind or nature shall be carried or placed within the council offices, hearing or conference rooms, nor within any building in which is located the council office or in which the council is meeting or conducting a public hearing. This prohibition shall not apply to armbands, emblems, badges or other articles worn on the personal clothing of individuals; provided, that such armbands, badges or emblems are of such a size and nature as not to interfere with the vision or hearing or other persons at a meeting nor extend from the body as may cause injury to another. Any person who shall violate the provision above, relating to signs, or who shall willfully interrupt or disturb council proceedings, after warning to desist, may be removed from the premises and shall be subject to punishment for a class A violation as set forth in section 1-19 of chapter 1 of the County Code. (1970 L.M.C., ch. 23, § 1; 1983 L.M.C., ch. 22, § 4.)