HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025.05.05 CCP STUDYCOUNCIL STUDY SESSION
MEETING
City Hall Council Chambers
May 5, 2025
AGENDA
1. Call to Order - 6:00 p.m.
2. Council Miscellaneous Discussion Items
a. Closed Session - Pursuant to M.S. 13D, Subd. 3.c.3.
b. Reopen Closed Session
c. Resolution No. 2024-138 Amendment - Community Safety and Violence
Prevention Commission
d. Code of Conduct Resolution 2024-128
e. Budget Schedule
3. City Manager Miscellaneous Discussion Items
4. Adjournment
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Council Regular Meeting
DATE: 5/5/2025
TO: Council Study Session
FROM:
THROUGH:
BY: Reggie Edwards, City Manager
SUBJECT: Resolution No. 2024-138 Amendment - Community Safety and Violence
Prevention Commission
Requested Council Action:
Background:
The City of Brooklyn Center has six council advisory commissions. Advisory
commissions serve as opportunities for residents to civically engage in their city and
provide learned, developed, and lived wisdom to the city.
Over the past two years, the City Council has deliberated over the establishment of the
Community Safety and Violence Prevention Commission (CSVP).
On December 9, 2024, the City Council passed resolution 2024-138 establishing CSVP.
On January 13, 2025, the City Council voted to freeze implementation of the
commission for 45 days to permit additional discussion and address any unresolved
concerns regarding the newly established commission.
On March 24, 2025, the City Council voted down Resolution 2024-138, which proposed
modifications to enabling resolution to establish CSVP.
On March 24, 2025, and subsequently, a council member requested that the City
Council revisit the originating resolution establishing the CSVP.
On April 14, 2025, the City Council tabled this agenda item until April 28, 2025 for
purposes of revisiting , reviewing, and voting upon Resolution 2024-138.
Attached are mocked-up and clean versions of the amended resolution for City Council
deliberation and consensus building.
Budget Issues:
Inclusive Community Engagement:
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Antiracist/Equity Policy Effect:
Strategic Priorities and Values:
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Clean Version Resolution 2024-138 Amended 4.28.2025
2. Resolution 2024-138 Amended 4.28.2025
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Council Regular Meeting
DATE: 5/5/2025
TO: Council Study Session
FROM:
THROUGH:
BY: Reggie Edwards, City Manager
SUBJECT: Code of Conduct Resolution 2024-128
Requested Council Action:
Background:
The City Council has deliberated on the issue of conduct by the council, public, staff,
and appointed city officials.
On December 9, 2024, the City Council adopted Resolution 2024-128 (City Council
Code of Conduct).
On January 13, 2024, the City Council repealed Resolution 2024-128.
On April 14, 2025, the City Council via consensus agreed to revisit, modifying and
adopting a "code of conduct".
Attached are:
- Resolution 2024-128 (Proposed BC Council Code of Conduct)
- LMC Article "Does Your City Have a Code of Conduct?" Dec. 2024
- LMC Template for City Codes of Conduct
- City of Rochester Council Code of Conduct
- City of Edina Council Code of Conduct
- City of Brooklyn Park Code of Conduct
Staff is seeking council direction regarding "pros and cons" or "likes and dislikes" among
the various policies. Based upon the discussion, staff and the city attorney will draft out
a "code of conduct" for council consideration at a following council meeting.
Budget Issues:
Inclusive Community Engagement:
Antiracist/Equity Policy Effect:
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Strategic Priorities and Values:
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Brooklyn Center Code of Conduct Resolution 2024-128
2. LMC Article Code of Conduct Dec.2024
3. LMC Code of Conduct Template
4. Code of Conduct City of Rochester
5. Brooklyn Park Code of Conduct
6. Code of Conduct City of Edina
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BR291-4-982190.v5
TABLE OF CONTENTS
SECTION II: CITY COUNCIL CODE OF CONDUCT AND ETHICS
A. Council Conduct with One Another
1. In Public Mee�ngs
2. In Private Encounters
B. Council Conduct with City Staff
C. Council Conduct with the Public
1. In Public Mee�ngs
2. In Unofficial Se�ngs
D. Council Conduct with the Media
E. Council Conduct with Other Public Agencies
F. Council Conduct with Boards and Commissions
G. Accountability Measures
1. Types of Accountability Measures
(a) Admoni�on
(b) Reprimand
(c) Censure
2. Conduct
3. Conduct Viola�ons During a Council Mee�ng
4. Repor�ng a Poten�al Viola�on
5. Alterna�ve Repor�ng
6. Inves�ga�on Procedure
(a) Triage
(b) Fact Finding
(c) Possible Outcomes
(d) No�ce and Hearing
H. Ethics
1. Open Mee�ng Law
2. Gi� Law (Exis�ng in 2.95 (1))
3. Conflict of Interest (Exis�ng in 2.95 (2))
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SECTION II. CITY COUNCIL CODE OF CONDUCT AND ETHICS
A. Council Conduct with One Another
Councils are composed of individuals with a wide variety of backgrounds, personali�es, values, opinions, and
goals. Despite this diversity, all have chosen to serve in public office in order to preserve and protect the
present and the future of the community. In all cases, this common goal should be acknowledged even as
Council may "agree to disagree" on conten�ous issues.
1. In Public Mee�ngs
(a) Council Member Interac�on. Council Members should seek to prac�ce civility, professionalism and
decorum in discussions and debate. Difficult ques�ons, tough challenges to a par�cular point of view,
and cri�cism of ideas and informa�on are legi�mate elements of a free democracy in ac�on. Council
Members can promote camaraderie and collabora�on by refraining from making belligerent, personal,
imper�nent, slanderous, threatening, abusive, or disparaging comments. Shou�ng or physical ac�ons
that could be construed as threatening will not be tolerated. Council Members should make every effort
to conduct themselves in a professional manner at all �mes, including listening ac�vely during Council
mee�ngs.
(b) Deference to Order. Council Members should honor the role of the Mayor, Mayor Pro Tem, or Ac�ng
Mayor Pro Tem in maintaining order by deferring to their direc�on and guidance. It is the responsibility
of the Mayor, Mayor Pro Tem, or Ac�ng Mayor Pro Tem to keep the comments of Council Members on
track during public mee�ngs. Council Members should honor efforts by the Mayor, Mayor Pro Tem, or
Ac�ng Mayor Pro Tem to focus discussion on current agenda items. If there is disagreement about the
agenda or the Mayor, Mayor Pro Tem, or Ac�ng Mayor Pro Tem’s ac�ons, those objec�ons should be
voiced politely and with reason, following procedures outlined in parliamentary procedure.
(c) Se�ng a Posi�ve Example. One prominent goal of every council mee�ng should be to demonstrate a
posi�ve example of decorum and respect for cons�tuents. To accomplish that goal, Council Members
should avoid comments that personally atack other Council Members. If a Council Member is personally
atacked by the comments of another Council Member, the offended Council Member should make
notes of the actual words used and may call for a "point of order" to challenge the other Council Member
to jus�fy or apologize for the language used. The Mayor, Mayor Pro Tem, or Ac�ng Mayor Pro Tem will
maintain control of this discussion.
(d) Collabora�ve Problem Solving. Another goal of the council mee�ng should be to demonstrate effec�ve
problem-solving approaches. Council Members have a responsibility to show how individuals with
disparate points of view can find common ground and seek a compromise that benefits the community
as a whole.
(e) Timeliness. To ensure smooth and �mely execu�on of each council mee�ng, Council Members should
make best efforts to be punctual and keep comments rela�ve to topics discussed. Every Council Member
has made a commitment to atend mee�ngs and par�cipate in discussions. Therefore, it is important
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that Council Members be punctual and that mee�ngs start on �me. It is equally important that
discussions on issues be rela�ve to the topic at hand to allow adequate �me to fully discuss scheduled
issues.
(f) Endorsement of Candidates. Council Members have the right to endorse candidates for all Council seats
or other elected offices. It is inappropriate to men�on endorsements during Council mee�ngs or other
official City mee�ngs or func�ons.
(g) Council Decisions. Once a majority decision of the governing body has been made, Council Members
should endeavor to “speak with one voice,” respect the official posi�on of the Council, and defend it if
needed.
2. In Private Encounters
(a) Respec�ul Workplace Values. Council Members should con�nue to model respec�ul behavior in private.
The same level of respect and considera�on of differing points of view that is deemed appropriate for
public discussions should be maintained in private conversa�ons.
(b) Data Prac�ces. Council Members should remember at all �mes that writen notes, voicemail messages,
social media and email may be public informa�on. Technology allows words writen or said without much
forethought to be distributed wide and far. Consider how you, your family and/or friends would feel if
this voicemail message was played on a speaker phone in a full office? Or broadcast on the nightly news.
What could the consequences be if this email message was forwarded to others? Writen notes, social
media pos�ngs, voicemail messages and email should be treated as poten�ally “public” communica�on.
(c) Public-Private Considera�ons. Even private conversa�ons can have a public presence. Elected officials
are always on display – their ac�ons, mannerisms, and language are monitored by people around them
that they may not know. Lunch table conversa�ons will be eavesdropped upon, parking lot debates will
be watched, and casual comments between individuals before and a�er public mee�ngs noted.
(d) Personal Comments. Council Members should refrain from making personal comments about other
Council Members. It is acceptable to publicly disagree about an issue, but it is unacceptable to make
derogatory comments about other Council Members, their opinions and ac�ons.
B. Council Conduct with City Staff
The rela�onship between Council Members and administra�ve personnel is dependent on the par�cular
form of government. Governance of the City is a coopera�ve effort, including elected officials, who set policy,
and City staff, who implement and administer the Council’s policies. Therefore, every effort should be made
to be coopera�ve and show mutual respect for the contribu�ons made by each individual for the good of
the community. Council Members should be careful to restrict that rela�onship to the defined channels.
Unofficial Council interference in administra�ve affairs can disrupt business, weaken employee morale, and
create antagonis�c rela�onships between administrators and Council Members.
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Council Members should not atempt to exert any influence over the hiring and firing of administra�ve
personnel, except for those people whose appointment they are responsible, namely the City Manager, City
Atorney, and City Prosecutor.
Federal, State, and local laws have made personnel administra�on a very complex affair, with mishandlings
cos�ng public employers hundreds of thousands of dollars in li�ga�on, claims, and damages. The City of
Brooklyn Center has a very strong commitment to providing its employees with a fair, accountable, and
uniform system of personnel administra�on including procedures to address employee grievances.
1. Respec�ul Workplace Values. Council Members should treat all staff as professionals. Council Members
should engage in clear, honest communica�on that respects the abili�es, experience, exper�se, and
dignity of each individual. Bera�ng, personal, imper�nent, slanderous, threatening, abusive, or
disparaging comments toward staff are not acceptable and are automa�c grounds for a code of conduct
viola�on.
2. Limited City Staff Contact. Pursuant to Brooklyn Center Charter Sec�on 6.02, Council Members should
limit contact with City staff. Ques�ons of City staff and/or requests for addi�onal background informa�on
should be directed to the City Manager or City Atorney. The City Manager should be copied on or
informed of any request. Except in extraordinary circumstances, Council Members should avoid
disrup�ng City staff while they are in mee�ngs, on the phone, or engrossed in performing their job
func�ons.
3. Council Direc�on to staff. In accordance with Charter Sec�on 2.09, individual Council Members cannot
give direc�on to City staff either publicly or privately. The Council as a body may provide staff direc�on
on maters that come before the Council.
4. Follow-up Requests or Direc�ves. Requests for follow-up or direc�ons to staff should be made only
through the City Manager or the City Atorney when appropriate. When in doubt about what staff
contact is appropriate, Council Members should consult with the City Manager. Addi�onally, requests for
addi�onal staff support – even in high priority or emergency situa�ons – should be made to the City
Manager who will work to allocate city resources. Materials supplied to a Council Member in response
to a request for informa�on of interest to all Council Members will be made available to the en�re
Council so that all have equal access to the informa�on. Limit requests for staff support. (see Brooklyn
Center City Chater Sec�on 2.09).
5. Staff Cri�cism. Council Members should not publicly cri�cize an individual employee. Council should not
express concerns about the performance of a City employee in public, to the employee directly, or to the
employee’s manager. Comments about staff performance should only be made to the City Manager
through private correspondence or conversa�on.
6. City Administra�ve Func�ons. Pursuant to Sec�on 6.02 of the City Charter, the administra�ve func�ons
of the City are the responsibility of the City Manager. To avoid the appearance of bias or to avoid viola�ng
the ethics code, Council Members should not atempt to influence City staff on the making of
employment or personnel decisions, the awarding of contracts, the selec�ng of consultants, the
processing of development applica�ons, or the gran�ng of City licenses and permits.
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7. City Staff Mee�ngs. If City Council Members desire to atend a staff mee�ng, consult with the City
Manager. Council Member atendance at mee�ngs could imply support, show par�ality, in�midate staff,
and could impede staff’s ability to do their job objec�vely/effec�vely.
8. Poli�cal Solicita�on. Council Members should not solicit any type of poli�cal support (financial
contribu�ons, display of posters or lawn signs, name on support list, etc.) from City staff.
9. Council, EDA and Commission agendas. Staff’s responsibility is to provide Council Members the
informa�on needed for informed decision making. Every effort should be made to ask staff ques�ons
regarding Council, EDA and commission agendas before the mee�ng.
10. Personal Comments. Council Members should refrain from speaking ill of other Council Members to
staff. This puts staff in an uncomfortable and compromising posi�on because staff have the responsibility
to treat all Council Members equally and with respect.
11. Poli�cal Gamesmanship. Council Members should avoid pu�ng colleagues in awkward or
disadvantageous posi�ons in an effort to capitalize on another colleagues’ vulnerability or to embarrass
them publicly for poli�cal gain. And Council Members should make every atempt to submit ques�ons
or concerns prior to formal mee�ngs to surprising Council Members or staff at said mee�ngs.
C. Council Conduct with the Public
1. In Public Mee�ngs
(a) Create a Welcoming Environment. Making the public feel welcome is an important part of the
democra�c process. No signs of par�ality, prejudice or disrespect should be evident on the part of
individual Council Members toward an individual par�cipa�ng in a public forum. Every effort should be
made to be fair and impar�al in listening to public tes�mony.
(b) Speaking Time. Council as a body should be fair and equitable in alloca�ng public hearing �me to
individual speakers. Pursuant to Council Procedure, the Mayor, Mayor Pro Tem, or Ac�ng Mayor Pro Tem
will determine and announce limits on speakers at the start of the public hearing process and ensuring
those with Brooklyn Center addresses have an opportunity to speak. Generally, each speaker will be
allocated two minutes to speak. Applicants or their designated representa�ves may be allowed more
�me. If many speakers are an�cipated, the Mayor, Mayor Pro Tem , or Ac�ng Mayor Pro Tem may shorten
the �me limit and/or ask speakers to limit themselves to new informa�on and points of view not already
covered by previous speakers.
(c) Public Hearing Speakers. No speaker will be turned away unless the speaker exhibits inappropriate
behavior. Each speaker may only speak once during the public hearing unless the Council requests
addi�onal clarifica�on later in the process. A�er the close of the public hearing, no more public
tes�mony will be accepted unless agreed upon by the Council.
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(d) Avoid Public Debate. Council Members should avoid debate and argument with the public. Only the
Mayor, Mayor Pro Tem, or Ac�ng Mayor Pro Tem – not individual Council Members – can interrupt a
speaker during a presenta�on. However, a Council Member can ask the Mayor, Mayor Pro Tem, or Ac�ng
Mayor Pro Tem for a point of order if the speaker is off the topic or exhibi�ng behavior or language the
Council Member finds disturbing. Council Members may request that the Mayor, Mayor Pro Tem, or
Ac�ng Mayor seek clarifica�on from the speaker.
(e) Mayor to Focus Discussion. If speakers become flustered or defensive by Council ques�ons, it is the
responsibility of the Mayor, Mayor Pro Tem, or Ac�ng Mayor Pro Tem to calm and focus the speaker and
to maintain the order and decorum of the mee�ng. Ques�ons by Council Members to members of the
public tes�fying should seek to clarify or expand informa�on. It is never appropriate to belligerently
challenge or belitle the speaker. Council Members’ personal opinions or inclina�ons about upcoming
votes should not be revealed un�l a�er the public hearing is closed.
(f) Avoid Personal Atacks. Council Members should not personally atack, under any circumstance, a
member of the Public. Council Members should be aware that their body language and tone of voice, as
well as the words they use, can appear to be in�mida�ng or aggressive.
(g) Parliamentary Procedure. Council Members should follow parliamentary procedure (outlined in the
Council Procedure) in conduc�ng public mee�ngs. The City Atorney serves as advisory parliamentarian
for the City and is available to answer ques�ons or interpret situa�ons according to parliamentary
procedures. Final rulings on parliamentary procedure are made by the Mayor, Mayor Pro Tem, or Ac�ng
Mayor Pro Tem subject to the appeal of the full Council.
2. In Unofficial Se�ngs
(a) No Promises. Council Members should refrain from making promises on behalf of the Council. Council
Members may be asked to explain a Council ac�on or to give their opinion about an issue as they meet
and talk with cons�tuents in the community. It is appropriate to give a brief overview of City policy and
to refer to City staff for further informa�on. It is inappropriate to overtly or implicitly promise Council
ac�on, or to promise City staff will do something specific (fix a pothole, plow a specific street, plant new
flowers in the median, etc.).
(b) Personal Comments. Council Members should refrain from making personal comments about other
Council Members to cons�tuents. It is acceptable to publicly disagree about an issue, but it is
unacceptable to make derogatory comments about other Council Members, their opinions and ac�ons.
(c) Public-Private Considera�ons. Council Members are constantly being observed by the community every
day that they serve in office. Their behaviors and comments serve as models for proper conduct in the
City of Brooklyn Center. Honesty and respect for the dignity of each individual should be reflected in
every word, communica�on, (whether in social media or otherwise), and ac�on taken by Council
Members, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. It is a serious and con�nuous responsibility.
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D. Council Conduct with the Media
Council Members may be contacted by the media for background and quotes.
1. Official Spokesperson. The Mayor is the official spokesperson for the representa�ve on City posi�on.
The Mayor is the designated representa�ve of the Council to present and speak on the official City
posi�on. If an individual Council Member is contacted by the media, the Council Member should be clear
about whether their comments represent the official City posi�on or a personal viewpoint.
2. When Speaking to the Media. Council Members should choose words carefully and cau�ously.
Comments taken out of context can cause problems. Be especially cau�ous about humor, sardonic
asides, sarcasm, or word play. It is never appropriate to use personal slurs or swear words when talking
with the media.
3. Best Advice. The best advice for dealing with the media is to never go "off the record."
E. Council Conduct with Other Public Agencies
Council Members should be as clear as possible when represen�ng City or personal interests. If a Council
Member appears before another governmental agency or organiza�on to give a statement on an issue, the
Council Member must clearly state:
1. If his or her statement reflects personal opinion or is the official stance of the City;
2. Whether this is the majority or minority opinion of the Council. Even if the Council Member represents
his or her own personal opinions, remember that this s�ll may reflect upon the City as an organiza�on.
If the Council Member is represen�ng the City, the Council Member must support and advocate the official
City posi�on on an issue, not a personal viewpoint.
F. Council Conduct with Boards and Commissions
The City has established several Boards and Commissions as a means of gathering more community input.
The Council appoints members to all commitees, boards, and commissions which serve in a purely advisory
role to the Council. These commissions/commitees/boards are as follows:
• Cultural and Public Arts Commission,
• Financial Commission,
• Housing Commission,
• Park and Recrea�on Commission,
• Sister Ci�es Commission, and
• Planning Commission.
The Council also appoints representa�ves to Visit Minneapolis Northwest Tourism, Watershed Commissions,
and Northwest Suburbs Cable Communica�ons Commission.
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The Charter Commission is a statutory commission appointed by the Chief Judge of the District Court. The
terms of Commission members are staggered for two or three years with appointments ending on December
31 of each year.
Residents who serve on Boards and Commissions are a valuable resource to the City’s leadership and should
be treated with apprecia�on and respect.
1. Council Liaison. If atending a Board or Commission mee�ng in the role as liaison. “Liaison” means non-
vo�ng member of a commission who shall speak on behalf of the Council (or staff) as a whole, not as an
individual, thus providing a communica�on link between the commission and Council (or staff).
2. Limited Contact. Council Members should endeavor to limit contact with Board and Commission
Members. It is inappropriate for a Council Member to contact a Board or Commission member to lobby
on behalf of an individual, business, or developer. Council Members may contact members of the
Commission and staff liaison in order to clarify a posi�on taken by the Board or Commission.
3. Commission Service. Council Members should keep in mind that Boards and Commissions serve the
community, not individual Council Members. The City Council appoints individuals to serve on Boards
and Commissions, and it is the responsibility of Boards and Commissions to follow the policy established
by the Council. But Board and Commission members do not report to individual Council Members.
Council Members should not threaten to remove Board and Commission members if the par�es disagree
about an issue.
4. Respect Diverse Opinions. Council Members should be respec�ul of diverse opinions. The primary role
of Boards and Commissions is to represent many points of view in the community and to provide the
Council with advice based on a full spectrum of concerns and perspec�ves. Council Members should be
fair and respec�ul of all residents serving on Boards and Commissions.
G. Accountability Measures
1. Types of Accountability Measures
A poten�al ac�on for failing to comply with this code of conduct may include the following measures:
(a) Admoni�on. An admoni�on shall be verbal and made by the Mayor to the Council Member.
(b) Reprimand. A reprimand shall be administered to the Council Member by leter. The leter shall be
approved by the City Council and shall be signed by the Mayor, or by the Mayor Pro Tem or Ac�ng Mayor
Pro Tem if the Mayor posi�on is vacant, or if the mater involves the Mayor.
(c) Censure. A censure shall be administered pursuant to a formal resolu�on adopted by the Council.
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2. Conduct
(a) City Council Members who violate the code of this conduct are subject to admoni�on, reprimand, or
censure. Any viola�ons that poten�ally cons�tute criminal conduct shall be handled by the criminal
jus�ce system.
(b) Factors that will be considered in determining the appropriate consequence include but are not limited
to the following: seriousness of the viola�on and number of preceding viola�ons.
3. Conduct During Mee�ngs
(a) For inappropriate statements or conduct by Council Members occurring during a Council mee�ng, a
verbal correc�on by the Mayor (or Mayor Pro Tem or ac�ng Mayor Pro Tem) will normally be the first
step to address the mater, either during or outside of the Council mee�ng.
(b) Further incidents may be addressed by subsequent verbal correc�ons accompanied by use of the gavel.
Repeated incidents can give rise to the Mayor not recognizing the offending Council Member to speak.
A Council Member can request that the Mayor take any of these ac�ons against an offending Council
Member if the Mayor has not done so on her/his own.
4. Repor�ng a Poten�al Viola�on
(a) A member of the Brooklyn Center City Council may report a poten�al Code of Conduct viola�on by a
member of the City Council by bringing the mater to the aten�on of the official of their choice, Mayor,
City Manager, or City Atorney.
(b) A Brooklyn Center staff member may report a poten�al code of conduct viola�on by a member of the
City Council by bringing the mater to the aten�on of the City Manager or Human Resources Manager.
(c) If the poten�al viola�on involves the Mayor, it should be brought to the aten�on of the Mayor Pro Tem ,
City Manager or City Atorney.
(d) A community member may report poten�al code of conduct viola�ons by a member of the City Council
to the Mayor, City Manager or any member of the City Council.
5. Alterna�ve Repor�ng
If the Mayor, Mayor Pro Tem, or Ac�ng Mayor Pro Tem are unable to be involved in reviewing the code of
conduct complaint for any reason, the mater will be reviewed by the next most senior member of the
Council that is not involved in the complaint.
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6. Inves�ga�on Procedure
(a) Triage. The Mayor and City Manager will gather ini�al informa�on, consult with the City Atorney if
necessary and decide how to move forward.
(b) Fact Finding. If necessary, the mater will be referred to the criminal jus�ce system. The Mayor and City
Manager will determine whether to pursue independent fact-finding or internal fact-finding.
(c) Possible Outcomes. As is referenced above, (i) a verbal admoni�on may be given to the Council Member
by the Mayor, (ii) a reprimand may be administered to the Council Member by a leter approved by the
Council, or (iii) a censure may be administered pursuant to a formal resolu�on adopted by the Council.
(d) No�ce and Hearing. A�er vo�ng to issue a reprimand or censure, the City Council will provide writen
no�ce to the Council Member at least fourteen (14) days prior to the Council’s formal ac�on upon the
reprimand or censure. The no�ce may be served by mail and shall specify the grounds for the reprimand
or censure and state the date the Council will take ac�on upon the reprimand or censure. At any �me
prior to the Council’s formal ac�on, the Council Member may, in wri�ng, request a hearing before the
City Council, which shall be held at the next regular City Council mee�ng. A�er the hearing, the City
Council shall decide whether or not to proceed with the reprimand or censure.
H. Ethics
1. Open Mee�ng Law
(a) State law requires that, with certain excep�ons, mee�ngs of the City Council be open to
the public. A mee�ng is a gathering of a majority of City Council Members at which City
business is discussed. It is not necessary that ac�on be taken for a gathering to cons�tute
a “mee�ng.”
(b) A mee�ng does not include chance, social gatherings as long as public business is not
discussed.
(c) A majority of Council Members should not communicate with each other by phone, email, in-person, or
otherwise, to discuss City business.
(d) Use of social media does not violate the open mee�ng law as long as social media use is accessible to all
Members of the public.
See Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 13D, for further informa�on regarding the Open Mee�ng Law.
2. Gi� Law
A City Council Member cannot accept a gi� from someone who has an interest in any mater
involving the City. A “gi�” includes money, property, a service, a loan, forgiveness of a loan, or
a promise of future employment. A “gi�” does not include:
• Campaign contribu�ons;
• items cos�ng less than $5;
• items given to members of a group; the majority of whose members are not local officials;
• gi�s given by family members; or
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• food or beverages given at a recep�on, meal or mee�ng at which a Council Member is making a
speech or answering ques�ons as part of a program
See Minnesota Statutes, Sec�on 471.895 and City Charter, Sec�on 14.04(A) for further informa�on regarding the
Gi� Law.
3. Conflict of interest
(a) City Council Members cannot have a personal financial interest in a sale, lease, or contract with the City.
(b) City Council Members cannot par�cipate in maters in which the Council Member’s own personal
interest, financial or otherwise, is so dis�nct from the public interest that the
(c) Council Member cannot be expected to fairly represent the public’s interest when vo�ng on the mater.
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Council Regular Meeting
DATE: 5/5/2025
TO: Council Study Session
FROM:
THROUGH:
BY: Shannon Pettit, Deputy City Clerk
SUBJECT: Budget Schedule
Requested Council Action:
Background:
A council member asked that this item be discussed.
Budget Issues:
Inclusive Community Engagement:
Antiracist/Equity Policy Effect:
Strategic Priorities and Values:
ATTACHMENTS:
1. 2025 Budget Schedule
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