Glendora council adopts code of conduct for councilmembers with edits; policy effective immediately

The Glendora City Council adopted a code of conduct resolution establishing expectations for councilmember behavior, communications and remedies for violations, and made two staff‑directed wording changes before adopting the policy effective immediately.

City Manager (reporting) said the draft policy was informed by existing city rules, Rosenberg’s Rules of Order and the Brown Act, and that it would formalize expected conduct towards colleagues, staff and the public. “The policy itself provides some core values for how the council operates and communicates,” city manager staff said during presentation of the item.

Council discussion focused on a one‑voice provision that aims to make the city’s official policy position clear to staff and the public, while protecting an individual member’s right to express dissenting personal views. Councilmember Michael (surname not specified in record) sought assurance the provision would not restrict a member’s free speech; staff replied the policy includes a minority‑view provision to protect individual expression while clarifying the city’s official position.

Councilmembers also requested two edits that staff incorporated by reference before the vote: replacing the phrase “other penalties” with “other remedies” in the remedies section, and splitting a paragraph that staff agreed could be confusing so it more clearly distinguishes giving a brief policy overview from making promises of specific city action.

Motion and vote: A motion to adopt the resolution (mover: recorded as “Mister Alawas”; second: “Mister Thompson”) passed after adjustments. The clerk recorded the final action as carried with a majority and one abstention; staff confirmed the policy would be effective immediately and incorporated the agreed wording changes.

Why it matters: The resolution is intended to codify best practices used in other cities and provide an escalation pathway (verbal warning, formal resolution, facilitated discussion and other remedies) if council conduct departs from the policy. Staff emphasized the policy is intended as a governance tool, not a punitive instrument.

What’s next: With the resolution adopted, staff will implement the policy and incorporate the two agreed edits; council members said they expect further minor language refinements may be made in future updates.