Council finds no ethics code violation after review of Strachan recusal and motion to table

The Roseville City Council on June 2 concluded there was no violation of the city’s ethics code by Council member Strachan after an investigation by the city attorney and a recommendation from the ethics commission.

City Attorney Rachel Tierney summarized the investigation and the legal standard under the code. The allegation centered on whether Council member Strachan took official action — specifically a motion to lay over (table) a right-of-way vacation — to benefit a relative (a sister-in-law who had testified at the public hearing). Tierney reviewed the record from the initial hearing, identified the factual bases for council discussion and considered the meaning of “benefit” and “family relationship” under the code. She said the code’s causation standard requires “clear and convincing evidence” that but for the family relationship the official would have acted differently. Tierney concluded that the record did not meet that higher burden.

The ethics commission reviewed the attorney’s report and unanimously recommended concurrence with the finding. Council member Graf moved, and Council member Schroeder seconded, a motion that there was no violation of the ethics code. Council member Strachan abstained; the motion passed 4–0 with one abstention.

Council discussion acknowledged the difficulty elected officials face when their roles as neighbors and decision makers intersect. Several council members said they expect members to explain their perspectives when voting but agreed that, under the code and on the facts here, the conduct did not amount to a violation.