Rules of Conduct

PCAC Rules of Conduct 

It is critical to the mission of the PCAC that its members’ actions foster cooperative and productive relationships among PCAC members and between the PCAC and the MTA, its agencies, and other external entities, organizations, officials, and individuals. Accordingly, members must uphold the following standards both in meetings and whenever they act on behalf of the PCAC or in their capacity as PCAC members. 

1. Members must treat each other with courtesy and respect. This includes allowing fellow members to finish speaking before adding comments to the discussion. Likewise, personal attacks, derogatory remarks, harassment or intimidation will not be tolerated. 

2. Members must treat members of the public with courtesy and respect similar to that accorded fellow PCAC members. 

3. Members must treat MTA and PCAC staff with courtesy and respect similar to that accorded fellow PCAC members. 

4. At PCAC meetings, members must raise their hands to be recognized by the Chair before speaking. 

5. Members speaking at meetings should be succinct and state their point efficiently, so as to allow time for others who wish to speak on the topic. 

6. Members must treat non-members who are invited or recognized to speak before the PCAC with courtesy and respect. Members may express disagreement if they don’t agree with or believe something that a speaker says, but must do so without rancor or hostility. 

7. Members must ensure that during meetings cell phones and other personal electronic devices are set to “vibrate” or another setting that will not disrupt the meeting or that they are turned off. 

8. Members must use normal speaking volumes at meetings. Members must refrain from raising their voices in consideration both of others attending the meeting and of individuals in offices and workplaces near the meeting space. 

9. Members must conduct themselves with the understanding that they represent the riding public and that any discourtesies, insults, or other instances of unprofessional behavior detract from the work of the PCAC and its Councils. 

Failure to comply with these guidelines will result in disciplinary action, which may include an oral or written reprimand, formal censure by the PCAC, or other action deemed appropriate by the Chair of the PCAC, acting in consultation with its Executive Committee. Members subject to disciplinary action who would like to discuss the matter with the Executive Committee will be given an opportunity to do so.