AMY PHAN WEST, Westminster Councilmember.

By Jim Tortolano/Orange County Tribune

An ordinance establishing standards for decorum and civility from the mayor and city council was approved by the Westminster City Council on Wednesday night on a 3-1 vote.

It was the second and final vote on the ordinance first introduced in October.

The sole dissenting vote was cast by Amy Phan West (District 1), who has been the subject of concerns about her conduct at meetings. Mark Nguyen, the newly-elected council member, joined Vice Mayor Carlos Manzo and Mayor Chi Charlie Nguyen in supporting the ordinance.
Councilmember NamQuan Nguyen was absent.

Wednesday’s vote was the latest in a series of efforts by a majority of the council to bring order to a long stretch of marathon and chaotic meetings.

Censures, sanctions and even a lawsuit have been attempted, with West – and sometimes NamQuan Nguyen – accused of disruptive conduct.
West began her comments by challenging the wording of the terms “intentional” and “disruptive,” calling them “vague.”

Manzo said “A lot of it is common courtesy and common sense.” Mark Nguyen, speaking of the disorder at previous council meetings, said “It’s embarrassing to say the least” and said that the requirements of the ordinance were rules of conduct that “any elected official should comply with.”

West also challenged the issue of “intentionally missing” council meetings – especially closed sessions – asking “how can you prove someone’s intentions?”

Mayor Nguyen grew angry at the point, saying “You have missed seven closed sessions in a row!”

The ordinance becomes effective in 30 days.

The next regular meeting of the council will be on Wednesday, Jan. 22.