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Draft code of ethics draws mixed feedback; residents press for enforcement details
Summary
City Manager Ellen Glass presented a draft Code of Ethics and public commenters raised concerns about enforcement, confidentiality and free-speech implications. Councilors were split on whether it should be an ordinance or a procedural policy and agreed to discuss the draft with the City Attorney.
City Manager Ellen Glass summarized feedback on a draft Code of Ethics and asked whether the council preferred adopting it as an ordinance or implementing it via Council Rules of Procedure. Residents questioned how the code would be enforced, who would receive complaints and whether the draft infringed on civil rights. One commenter described sections as potentially profiling and asked for clearer complaint mechanisms.
Mayor Danielle Cusson read sections of the draft addressing compliance, enforcement procedures, violations, meeting conduct, gifts and confidential information and said the intent was to increase transparency and outline standards for elected officials. Councilor Pam Howd said the draft closely follows the Michigan Municipal League (MML) Code of Ethics Handbook and is similar to policies in other governments. Councilor Brad Dick said state law already covers public officials, suggested the issue could be handled in policy or procedures rather than as an ordinance, and recommended revisiting after the next election. Councilor Elizabeth Armstrong deferred technical questions to the City Attorney.
The council and City Manager agreed to discuss the feedback with the City Attorney and leave the item on the agenda as unfinished business for further review.
