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Residents urge Fergus Falls council to put code of conduct and fundraising review on the agenda
Summary
Several residents used open forum to press the council to place a code of conduct on a future agenda and ask staff to review past fundraising and donation practices for the fire department and other projects under state auditor guidance.
During open forum at the start of the meeting, residents asked the Fergus Falls City Council to take two accountability steps.
Robin Foss of Fergus Falls said she had concerns about donations and fundraisers for the fire department and how the state auditor expects those activities to be conducted. She asked the council to have city staff (Rolf) review recent fundraisers — including those tied to the Splash Pad and Speese Park — and to place the city's code of conduct on a future meeting agenda; she suggested possible consequences such as censure if conduct crossed legal lines.
Deborah Zachman asked that letters and council responses be read aloud so all residents have access, and Debbie Smith urged council members to remember the cumulative impact of levies and fees on taxpayers when approving new charges.
Mayor Anthony Hicks said staff would follow up and directed that materials be given to Rolf for review.
Why it matters: Public commenters asked for formal review of fundraising practices and for the council to set clearer expectations for conduct. The council directed staff follow‑up, which could lead to future agenda items or policy clarifications.
What comes next: Staff was asked to review material provided and the request was to place the code of conduct on a future agenda for council consideration.
