Shakopee council reaffirms annual norms of behavior emphasizing respect for staff and majority rule

The Shakopee City Council on Jan. 7 unanimously adopted its annually reaffirmed "norms of behavior," a set of guidelines first adopted in 2015 that stress respectful conduct, working through the city administrator and deference to majority decisions.

City staff member Mister Reynolds presented the document to the council, saying the norms have been reconciled with only minor adjustments since 2015 and are intended as guidance for future council conduct. "Please remember that the power from an individual council member comes from your vote as part of the majority of the council itself," Reynolds said, urging members not to speak for each other unless specifically tasked to do so.

The norms include direction not to criticize staff or other council members in public, to work through the city administrator rather than through line staff, and to avoid "loitering in work areas" where a council member's presence can influence operations. "Do not attend staff meetings, trainings or group functions unless specifically invited or scheduled through administration," Reynolds said.

Councilmember Whiting moved to adopt the norms; Councilmember Delaney seconded. The council approved the norms by voice vote with no recorded opposition.

During discussion, members asked about how to assess compliance and whether the body was meeting the standards; Reynolds replied that the document is for the council's self-review and that staff has no role in enforcement. The council left the norms otherwise unchanged and directed that the reaffirmed document stand as the guidance for the coming year.