Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Workplace Conduct topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Council discusses workplace conduct policy and protections for city employees
Summary
Councilors raised concerns about staff treatment, asked whether a citywide code of conduct or positive workplace policy should be strengthened, and directed staff to consult with the city’s insurance pool about best practices for protecting employees.
Several council members raised employee-protection concerns at the Feb. 12 meeting and discussed whether the city should adopt a clearer, citywide code of conduct to guard against hostile-workplace claims and to protect staff who interact with the public and council members.
Why it matters: Council members said city employees who interact regularly at public meetings have experienced difficult interactions, and that protecting staff and reducing liabilities is a priority. One council member noted a prior city manager had quit and said the city narrowly avoided potential legal exposure.
Discussion and proposals: Council member Putz and others suggested a code of conduct that covers elected officials, staff and the public. Staff recommended consulting the California Joint Powers Insurance Authority (CJPIA), the city’s insurer, to learn recommended practices the insurer considers important to reduce liability and to protect staff. Eric said CJPIA often provides actionable recommendations, similar to previous work by the city on cybersecurity standards.
Council direction and limits: Councilors asked staff to explore CJPIA guidance and return with recommendations for a workplace-conduct policy that could be adopted citywide; some councilors also noted existing language in the council policy manual (chapter 2, page references cited during the meeting) that addresses positive workplace expectations and norms. The meeting did not produce a formal policy adoption; instead staff will research best practices and potential draft language.
Next steps: Staff will consult with the CJPIA and return with policy options and draft language to address conduct toward employees and workplace norms. No formal action was taken Feb. 12.
