Ithaca Common Council adopts city code of conduct; asks attorney to clarify edge cases

The Ithaca Common Council unanimously adopted a city code of conduct and rules of procedure at its April 22 meeting, directing the city clerk to maintain the policy and requiring each councilmember to acknowledge receipt.

Councilmember Su, who moved the resolution, said the measure "is intended to be consistent with and operate in conjunction with the city's rules of procedure, code of ethics, open meetings laws, and all other applicable state and local laws." The resolution takes effect immediately upon adoption and includes post-service confidentiality obligations.

Members debated whether the code could limit ordinary criticism of city operations. Councilmember Kirby said, "That would not be my interpretation of this," and others urged that legal counsel provide a definitive opinion on hypothetical edge cases before enforcement. Council also noted an intent to create a standing committee on rules and ethics as part of broader procedural updates.

The motion was seconded and carried unanimously (9–0). The resolution directs the city clerk to publish the code as an official council policy and requires the council to be apprised of related updates to rules of procedure before any implementation that would alter members' substantive rights or duties.

Next steps: council asked the city attorney to supply formal guidance on borderline scenarios (for example, when criticism of a staff member might intersect with confidentiality or personnel provisions) before any enforcement action.