Mayor Biss leads rules committee in amending ethics complaint ordinance

The Evanston City Council's Rules Committee convened on July 10, 2025, to discuss significant amendments to the city's ethics code and ongoing revisions to council rules. A key highlight of the meeting was the unanimous approval of Ordinance 46-025, which now includes a crucial amendment regarding the handling of anonymous ethics complaints.

The committee, led by its chair, emphasized the importance of maintaining integrity within the council's operations. The amendment, proposed by Council Member Kelly, aims to exclude anonymous complaints from being published on the city’s website. This decision stems from concerns that allowing anonymous submissions could lead to misuse and undermine the credibility of the ethics process. The committee agreed that while anonymous complaints would still be reviewed by special counsel, they would not be published, ensuring that only verified complaints are made public.

Council Member Burns raised questions about the investigation process for anonymous complaints, clarifying that such complaints typically do not proceed to formal investigations under current rules. The committee's decision to amend the ordinance reflects a commitment to transparency while safeguarding the integrity of the ethics review process.

In addition to the ethics discussion, the committee continued its review of city council rules, aiming to finalize revisions that will enhance the council's operational efficiency. The chair noted the importance of addressing feedback from previous meetings to ensure that the rules reflect the needs and expectations of the community.

The unanimous vote of 10-0 on the ordinance amendment signals a strong consensus among council members on the importance of ethical governance. The revised ordinance will now move forward to the full city council for further consideration.

As the committee progresses with its review of council rules, residents can expect a more structured and transparent governance process, aligning with the city’s broader goals of accountability and community engagement. The next steps will involve further discussions and potential final votes on the revised rules in upcoming meetings.