In a significant move during a recent city council meeting, members voted to adopt a resolution of censure against Council Member Lori Soroya following findings from an independent investigation into employee complaints. The investigation, which was initiated at Soroya's request, concluded that she violated the Blaine City Council Code of Conduct, particularly regarding her interactions with city staff.

The council received a redacted report detailing three key findings: Soroya's conduct was deemed inappropriate in her dealings with city employees, while her inquiries into staff decisions were not found to violate the code. Additionally, the investigation found no evidence that Soroya had been intentionally excluded from city events or communications.

As part of the censure, the council outlined several restrictions on Soroya's future interactions with city staff, including a ban on direct communication with all employees except the city manager. Furthermore, she is prohibited from representing the city at public events and is required to issue a written apology to city staff and planning commission members for her past conduct. The resolution will be reviewed periodically to ensure compliance.

Council Member Robertson expressed concern over the treatment of city staff, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a respectful working environment. She highlighted that the complaints leading to the investigation were filed by city employees, underscoring the seriousness of the situation.

The council's decision to make the resolution publicly available was also discussed, with members agreeing that transparency is crucial for public trust. The investigation, which faced delays due to scheduling conflicts with Soroya, was ultimately completed and presented to the council for the first time during this meeting.

This censure marks a pivotal moment for the Blaine City Council, reflecting ongoing efforts to uphold ethical standards and foster a collaborative atmosphere within the city's governance.