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Council discusses codifying code of conduct into ordinance; no vote taken
Summary
City Attorney presented a draft code-of-conduct ordinance that would replace the existing resolution-based policy, add a complaint process, training requirements and limited sanctions; council gave direction to bring the ordinance back for introduction but took no action tonight.
The council discussed a proposed ordinance to codify the council's code of conduct and to replace the existing resolution-based approach. City Attorney Mr. Annie said the draft strengthens the complaint and review process, clarifies definitions for harassment and discrimination aligned with state guidance, and describes available council-level remedies — from censure to committee removal and training recommendations — while noting the limited civil remedies available for elected officials.
Mr. Annie explained the draft is intentionally forward-looking (it would not retroactively apply to past conduct) and contains procedural safeguards and "saving provisions" to protect the rest of the ordinance if any portion is later found unlawful. He asked council to provide direction on timelines, required training, investigation procedures and recusal rules.
Council members expressed general support for moving the ordinance forward as an ordinance rather than a resolution; staff said the city could return the item at the next meeting for introduction (first reading) if there were no substantive modifications. No vote or adoption occurred tonight, and there were no public comments on this agenda item.
