NASHUA — Legislation that would fine aldermen who behave disrespectfully to each other got a unanimous thumbs-up from the Personnel and Administrative Affairs Committee Monday night.

The proposal — which still has to clear a number of hurdles before coming to a vote of the full board — would carry a $10 fine for misbehavior in the aldermanic chambers, and $25 for subsequent offenses.

“I think this is something that is probably long overdue,” said Alderman Arthur Craffey, Ward 4. “This should have been done a while ago.”

Alderman Paul Chasse Jr., Ward 6, is sponsoring the legislation in an attempt to stop rude outbursts and disruptions during public meetings. Chasse is chairman of the Personnel and Administrative Affairs Committee.

“We never, ever should have gotten to this point,” Chasse said Monday. “I’m not trying to make a mountain out of a molehill here ... but it is an embarrassment.”

Chasse said the board should be able to debate issues and reach common agreements without excess drama or personal attacks.

“We should be allowed to state our opinion and be professional about it,” agreed Craffey.

According to the proposal, the fines would be contributed to the aldermen’s Sunshine Fund, used to buy sympathy flowers or congratulatory gifts for board members.

If inappropriate behavior or an alleged violation to the Code of Conduct takes place, all of the aldermen involved will be asked to appear before the Personnel and Administrative Affairs Committee. The committee will then decide if a violation occurred and a fine is necessary.

“I agree that we need to do something,” said Alderman Kathy Vitale, Ward 1, adding she is pleased the legislation was brought forward.

Alderman-at-Large Barbara Pressly said it is incredibly difficult for boards and organizations to reprimand or chastise their own board members. It is not easy to police yourself, she said, describing the legislation as “interesting.”

She stressed that the presiding officer of the board is in charge of the decorum for meetings, reminding aldermen that a gavel is available and should be used if people are deemed to be out of order.

“There are some of us that have hotter tempers than others,” she said, agreeing with Vitale that aldermen need to remind each other during the heat of the moment to avoid direct attacks and redirect the conversation.

Although no one spoke in opposition of the proposal Monday, several aldermen said last month that they have reservations about the fines, explaining the approach may be a little heavy-handed.

“I don’t know that I am in favor of it, but I am in favor of people being more cognizant of their behaviors and what they do,” Brian McCarthy, board president, said previously. He said he is hopeful that a healthy discussion on the issue will encourage elected officials to be a little more understanding.

khoughton@newstote.com