Caney council tables landbank sale items and delays ordinance on code of conduct

A set of landbank-related agenda items and an ordinance on employee and elected-official conduct were tabled for further review at the June 15 Caney City Council meeting.

Council Member Becky Dye read a text message alleging the landbank properties for an RV park "had already been awarded under a previous Administrator" and that the bidders had not been contacted. Mayor Josh Elliott and Council Member Elizabeth Burch said Planning & Zoning had previously approved a bid but that the Council had not accepted the plan because it would have relied on tiny homes on skids rather than permanent foundations. Mayor Elliott said the city would not transfer property until the purchaser completed the proposal and asked staff to provide a resolution setting a timeframe for completion. Council Member Elizabeth Burch moved and Council Member Becky Dye seconded tabling Resolution 2026-23 and the memorandum of understanding for the sale; motions carried 4-0. The record notes the real estate contract was also considered and the transcript records motions carried 4-0 though mover/second were not specified for that item.

Separately, staff presented Ordinance 2026-11 to establish a formal code of conduct for staff and elected officials. Council Member Elizabeth Burch objected to applying the code to elected officials and requested a workshop to discuss penalties and scope. Council Member Becky Dye and others said standards for both staff and officials make sense; Council Member Becky Dye moved and Council Member Jesse Hilyard seconded a motion to table the ordinance pending a workshop. The motion carried 4-0. Staff offered to hold a workshop after the July 6 council meeting.