Commission approves edits to conflict-of-interest policy on second reading

The Livingston City Commission on Monday approved edits to a proposed conflict-of-interest ordinance and passed the item on second reading.

City staff brought forward Ordinance 3,057, which would add a conflict-of-interest policy to Chapter 2 (Government and Administration) of the Livingston Municipal Code. The ordinance returned to the commission after the first reading for revisions inspired by public feedback and earlier commissioner comments.

Commissioners suggested small but definitive wording changes during the second reading. One amendment inserted “and the appearance of impropriety” into the policy’s purpose language to make explicit that both actual conflicts and appearances of improper conduct are covered. Commissioners also asked staff to normalize capitalization where the municipal code references “City” and to tighten phrasing in a provision discussing outside employment so it reads “no use shall be made of city-owned materials” when a covered employee undertakes outside work.

Clerical corrections were also noted: a numbering typo in the draft ordinance was pointed out during the meeting and will be fixed before final codification. After a roll-call vote on the amended ordinance text, commissioners approved the second reading and directed staff to proceed with the drafting corrections.

Why it matters: The ordinance places conflict-of-interest language into the city code, clarifies expectations for officials and employees, and adds explicit language about appearances of impropriety — a point commissioners said was important for public trust. The action represents the second reading; the ordinance will follow the city’s adoption procedures before it becomes codified into the municipal code.