Plan Commission backs updated code of conduct for elected and appointed officials

The Madison Plan Commission unanimously recommended that the Common Council adopt an updated code of ethical conduct for elected and appointed officials during its May 12 meeting.

The update, presented by Karen Kapusta Popal, chief of staff to the Madison Common Council, adds clarified expectations for conduct toward city staff, the public and the media, guidance on use of points of order under Robert's Rules, an expanded conflict-resolution section and a more detailed process for council censure. "My name is Karen Kapusta Popal. I'm the common council chief of staff," she told commissioners as she explained the proposed revisions and the timeline for council consideration.

The commission was asked to provide an advisory recommendation and to share any feedback the council should consider. Several alder members who took part in earlier drafting discussions encouraged commissioners to send written comments to Kapusta Popal; staff said the council hopes to consider adoption in August. Alderman Duncan—who said she referred the code to commissions for input—told the commission the referral was intended to give board and commission members a chance to review proposed language and suggest additions or removals before council action.

Commissioners asked clarifying questions about logistics for submitting feedback and whether the proposal was a resolution or an ordinance; city staff corrected that the change would be handled via resolution updating a policy rather than an ordinance. After discussion, a commission member moved to recommend adoption to the Common Council; the motion was seconded and approved unanimously.

The proposal retains the existing harassment protections adopted previously and incorporates a harassment appendix added last year. Kapusta Popal told commissioners the revised document includes examples of expected conduct and a clearer reporting and investigatory path for alleged harassment involving elected and appointed officials. The draft also provides guidance about when informal conflict resolution is appropriate and identifies who can assist when informal processes are used.

The commission’s recommendation is advisory; final adoption rests with the Common Council. Kapusta Popal said staff are collecting feedback from all boards and commissions before council consideration. The commission also agreed that recommending adoption did not preclude sending additional comments to council staff between now and the council’s scheduled consideration.

The Plan Commission recorded its recommendation as a unanimous vote in favor of forwarding the updated code and any advisory comments to the Common Council for action.

Going forward, commissioners were asked to send written feedback to Kapusta Popal; staff said the council office will incorporate comments from the various boards and commissions into its August materials for the council.