Hughson City Council waives first reading of code of conduct ordinance, sets May 26 second reading

Hughson City's council on Monday introduced Ordinance 2026-02, a proposed addition of Chapter 2.05 to the municipal code establishing a code of conduct for elected officials, and voted to waive the formal first reading so the measure can return for a second reading on May 26.

City staff member Mr. Rainy told the council the ordinance is prospective only and would not apply retroactively to conduct that occurred under the city's prior resolution. He said the proposal is tailored to the city's status as a general-law city and therefore limits the range of enforceable penalties to actions such as censure, removal from committees, and required trainings rather than removal from office. Mr. Rainy also described acknowledgement language for council members, and said the ordinance incorporates training expectations already required by statute (ethics and sexual harassment) and may include a forthcoming financial-literacy training.

On social media and speech, Mr. Rainy said the ordinance is written to respect First Amendment protections while allowing the council to address conduct between members in a political context; he explained a distinction in enforcement authority for personal accounts versus city-managed accounts.

Council member McFaden moved to introduce and waive the first reading; Council member Strain seconded. The roll call recorded members voting in the affirmative and the motion to waive the first reading was approved as recorded in the meeting (vote recorded in the transcript as "Motion passes 4-0"). No adoption occurred tonight; staff said the ordinance would return for a second reading and potential adoption at the May 26 meeting, and if adopted would take effect 30 days after that date.