Council votes to initiate censure proceedings against council member after conduct concerns

On Jan. 8, the Loveland City Council directed staff to initiate censure proceedings against Councilor Black after a motion citing repeated conduct that council members said injured the organization’s reputation and hindered its work. The motion — which proponents said was narrowly focused on repeated disrespect toward Police Chief Duran and other conduct — passed on a simple majority vote after legal guidance from the city attorney about Robert’s Rules of Order and due process.

Councilor Olson introduced the measure, asking staff to begin the formal process contemplated by Robert’s Rules. The city attorney advised that disciplinary action other than immediate, prompt censure requires charges and a formal trial and that removing a council member from boards or imposing sanctions should be tied to a formal proceeding. He recommended the council initiate the process and return at a later meeting with a full agenda item that outlines procedure and allows the accused member to respond.

Several council members expressed concern about precedent, fairness and the absence of an adopted council code of conduct. Some argued the initiation was necessary to protect the city’s operational integrity; others urged caution and stressed that the council should ensure a transparent, documented procedure that preserves the accused member’s right to defend herself. Councilor Black was present and a majority voted to initiate the censure process; the city attorney said staff will prepare written guidance and an agenda item for a future meeting describing the next steps and procedural protections.

Next steps: city staff (with the city attorney) will prepare a notice and a proposed censure process for council consideration; council will hear the matter again with a formal record and opportunity for the accused member to respond and for the council to decide any sanction.