Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Code Of Conduct topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Capitola council adopts revised code of conduct after debate on complaint handling and mediation
Summary
The Capitola City Council on Oct. 23 adopted an updated code of conduct covering council and commission members. Revisions clarified permitted use of city letterhead, streamlined complaint intake and added an optional mediation step; the council approved the revised policy by roll-call vote.
The Capitola City Council adopted a revised code of conduct on Oct. 23 that updates rules for elected members and boards and clarifies the city’s process for handling complaints about member behavior.
Key changes included more explicit language limiting use of official city letterhead to city business; a streamlined complaint intake process that directs complaints to the council; an acknowledgment notice timeframe; a 45‑day guideline for agendizing a complaint if the council chooses to consider it; and language making mediation an encouraged but optional step before a council discussion. The revised procedure also provides that if a complaint is discussed by council, the subject of the complaint will have an opportunity to respond and that any response will be allowed in materials published with the agenda packet.
Council members debated whether complaints should be placed on the consent calendar or announced by the mayor when a complaint is dismissed; the council directed staff that, when possible, the mayor (or vice mayor if the mayor is the subject) will announce receipt and dismissal of complaints. The revised code also includes guidance on recusal and on procedures if a subject elects to recuse themselves during council discussion; council discussion established that recusal is preferred but not legally enforceable if a member chooses to remain on the dais.
After deliberation and small revisions at the dais, council adopted the updated policy by roll‑call vote.
