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Council renews call for decorum, asks members to follow existing code of ethics
Summary
Councilmembers discussed enforcement of decorum and the city’s code of ethics during public meetings after complaints; the mayor and mayor pro tem urged respect, avoidance of personal attacks and preparation before meetings.
Several councilmembers revisited a request to reinforce the council’s existing decorum and code-of-conduct rules after prior complaints about personal remarks during sessions.
Mayor Pro Tem Katrina Manning said state law prevents the council from addressing that specific request in closed session and asked for an in-dais discussion. Manning and other members urged debate of ideas, not personalities, to maintain public trust. The mayor reminded colleagues that a previously adopted decorum resolution exists and recommended adherence to its rules.
Councilmembers recommended limiting interruptions, using the mayor to obtain the floor, preparing for meetings in advance and making points succinctly. One councilmember asked colleagues to consult a confidential legal memorandum previously provided on council conduct. Multiple members emphasized that staff and residents attending long meetings deserve respect and that walking out during discussion can deprive the public of a full hearing.
No new ordinance or formal enforcement mechanism was adopted; the council asked members to follow existing rules and to use the city attorney’s legal guidance on conduct when needed.
