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Council debates agenda‑submission rules and a proposed pledge; city attorney to circulate model ethics ordinance
Summary
Council discussed a proposed agenda‑submission policy to require timely submission of agenda items and supporting documents and debated whether the mayor or city manager would have undue gatekeeping authority. Councilor Ruby introduced a pledge for respectful conduct and city counsel agreed to circulate a model ethics ordinance for the council to review.
Councilmember Pete presented a proposed meeting agenda submission policy intended to improve transparency by requiring items and backup materials be submitted by a set deadline so councilors and the public have adequate notice. Members debated whether the policy’s review gate (mayor, city clerk or city manager or designee) amounted to an improper veto; counsel said state open‑meetings law requires advertised notice and allows emergency additions only in stipulated circumstances.
Councilor Ruby presented a short pledge to encourage respectful conduct and offered a '50 surviving tips' booklet to accompany the pledge. "I wanted to bring this pledge and give you all the opportunity to look at it and see if this is something that we can adopt," Ruby said. City attorney Rick said he would circulate a model ethics ordinance; council asked staff to prepare a draft ordinance or pledge language for circulation before the next meeting.
