HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023-085-09/05/2023-APPROVING A CODE OF CONDUCT FOR CITY COUNCILMEMBERS AND BOARD AND COMMISSION MEMBERSRESOLUTION 2023-085
OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FORT COLLINS
APPROVING A CODE OF CONDUCT FOR CITY COUNCILMEMBERS AND BOARD
AND COMMISSION MEMBERS
WHEREAS,the City Council is committed to preserving standards of integrity and
ensuring that the City Council and board and commission members are respectful,impartial and
fair in their judgment and actions while carrying out their duties;and
WHEREAS,the City Council is committed to ensuring that Councilmembers and board
and commission members make decisions based on merits of an issue before them,while treating
all persons in a respectful manner and conducting business in a way that exemplifies transparency
and open communication;and
WHEREAS,interpersonal issues arise among board members and Councilmembers that
are outside the scope of the City’s Respectful Workplace Policy or the ethical provisions of the
City Charter;and
WHEREAS,on November 15,2023,the City Council adopted Resolution 2022-122
creating an ad hoc committee on boards and commissions (“Committee”)to consider and make
recommendations to improve efficiency and consistency of board and commission processes and
reduce barriers to participation;and
WHEREAS,the Committee directed City staff to develop a code of conduct to address the
City Council’s values and address interpersonal issues (“Code of Conduct”)and considered several
versions during its meetings;and
WHEREAS,on July 19,2023,the Committee approved a recommendation that the City
Council formally adopt the Code of Conduct.
NOW,THEREFORE,BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
FORT COLLINS as follows:
Section 1.That the City Council hereby makes and adopts the determinations and
findings contained in the recitals set forth above.
Section 2.That the policy statements contained in the attached Code of Conduct
accurately reflect the City’s policies on these issues.
Section 3.That the City Council hereby approves the Code of Conduct,attached hereto
as Exhibit “A,”incorporated herein by reference.
Section 4.That the City Council hereby directs that the Code of Conduct be included
as an appendix to the City Council-approved Boards and Commissions Manual.
Passed and adopted at a regular meeting of the Council of the City of Fort Collins this 5th
ay of September,2023.
a
May’
AflEST:
a S WA SyrCityClerk
EXHIBIT A TO RESOLUTION 2023-085
CityofFortCoLLins 300 Lapo~rL Avenue
Fort Collins CO 80521
Code of Conduct
Purpose:
Fort Collins aspires to be a city that addresses the needs of all members of our community and
strives to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to thrive.As a community,we commit to
building a healthy,equitable,and resilient city for our families,for our neighbors,and for future
generations.The high quality of life we enjoy requires a city that is safe and where all individuals
are treated with dignity and respect.The Mayor and City Council are committed to providing an
environment that exemplifies the highest standards of behavior and is known for its honesty,
inclusivity and transparency.Our elected officials and those they appoint believe that how they
treat others is a direct reflection of our collective character.
Application:
This policy applies to board and commission members appointed by the City Council.The Council
also adopts this policy to establish standards for Councilmember interactions with board and
commission members,staff,and amongst Councilmembers.The term “Appointees”refers to
appointed board and commission members.The term “Members”refers to both appointees and
City Council.
The City Council appoints individuals who:
•Comply with both the letter and the spirit of the laws and policies affecting operations of
boards and commissions.
•Are independent,impartial,and fair in their judgment and actions.
•Participate in assigned duties and functions for the public good.
•Conduct public deliberations and processes openly,unless legally confidential,in an
atmosphere of respect and civility toward each other,City staff,and members of the public.
•Learn and understand the legal and ethical requirements that apply to public officials and
processes.
Therefore,members commit to the following:
1.To uphold the standards of integrity and honesty with the intention of using true and
accurate evidence and/or statements in the decision-making process,and making decisions
based on the best interest of the city and its residents.
EXHIBIT A TO RESOLUTION 2023-085
2.To conduct business of their board or commission that is within the scope of the specific
board or commission functions as described in the Fort Collins Municipal Code.
3.To perform Council liaison assignments and duties as described in the Fort Collins
Municipal Code.
4.Familiarize themselves with,adhere to,and comply with established policies and laws,as
applicable:
•The City of Fort Collins Boards and Commissions Manual
•Colorado’s Sunshine Laws regarding open meetings and public records —as outlined in
the Council Resource Guide
•The City of Fort Collins Charter and Municipal Code;specifically,the ethical rules of
conduct and the open meetings,remote meetings,notice and minutes of meetings,
board or commission action and attendance requirements (see Fort Collins Municipal
Code §~2-71 through 2-79)
•The City Council-adopted Anti-Discrimination and Anti-Harassment Policy,which
prohibits harassment,discrimination and retaliation based on a person’s protected
characteristics.
5.Avoid all ex pane communications (communications with anyone about a pending issue
including communication with City staff)about quasi-judicial matters.
6.To be aware of the open records requirement that applies to written notes,calendars,
voicemail messages,and e-mail.All written or recorded materials including notes,
voicemail,text messages,and e-mail that discuss or touch on public business or the
functions of the board or communication will likely be subject to disclosure to a requesting
party.
7.Appointees are encouraged to meet with their Staff or City Council liaison to discuss any
concerns regarding work that may be outside the scope of designated functions,conflicts
of interest,appearance of impropriety,exparte communications,or gifts.Appointees must
make disclosures to the City Clerk’s Office as appropriate under the circumstances.
8.Make decisions based on the merits of the issue,while treating all persons and decisions
in a respectful and equitable manner and committing to conducting business in a way that
exemplifies transparency and open communication.
9.Respect the legitimacy and authority of decisions that have been finalized regardless of
personal position on the matter.
10.(For Appointees)Strive to represent the official policies and positions of their board or
commission when serving in the member role.When presenting their personal opinions or
positions in a public meeting,such as a City Council meeting,Appointees shall explicitly
state that they are not representing their board or commission or the City.
2
EXHIBIT A TO RESOLUTION 2023-085
11.(For Appointees)Avoid actively participating in matters that interfere with a quasi-
judicial commission member’s ability to remain impartial in making decisions.
12.Continue respectful behavior among Members and City staff when communicating in
private.The same level of respect and consideration of differing points of view should be
maintained in private conversations.
13.To use public resources (e.g.,staff time,equipment,supplies,or facilities)appropriately
and in a manner that fosters stewardship of the taxpayer and ratepayer dollar.
14.Attend meetings of your board or commission.Because contemplation,deliberation,and
decision-making require collaboration and participation,Appointees are expected to attend
their meetings.Appointees must comply with attendance requirements described in Fort
Collins Municipal Code §2-79.Appointees commit to attend any required trainings and
even suggested trainings that enhance a member’s ability to serve.
15.To respect fellow Members,staff,and the public by treating all with patience,courtesy,
and civility at all times during the performance of official duties,regardless of differences
of opinion.
16.Avoid making personal,profane,vulgar,slanderous,humiliating,intimidating,or
harassing remarks that disturb,disrupt,or impede the conduct of the meeting or the
completion of the meeting agenda.Similarly,abusive language,intimidation,threats of
violence or harm,or racial or ethnic slurs directed at any person or group of persons are
prohibited.Members are expected to know that problematic behavior can cause the targets
of behavior to feel threatened,humiliated,or intimidated and such conduct is detrimental
to the proper functioning of a public body.Members are expected to avoid publicly
ridiculing or insulting fellow Members,members of the public,and City staff.
17.Act in furtherance of the principle that healthy discourse occurs when individuals of all
backgrounds and personalities are allowed to respectfully speak candidly about matters of
interest,ask difficult questions,challenge ideas and propositions,and work together toward
optimal solutions in a respectful manner.
18.Explain to a person who engages in disrespectful treatment that the behavior is
disrespectful and,if the person who is the target of the behavior feels comfortable doing
so,ask that they discontinue the behavior.If this does not change the behavior the person
who believes they are being treated disrespectfully is strongly encouraged to report the
behavior using the process described in Fort Collins Municipal Code §2-580.
19.Report behavior that is disruptive,humiliating,intimidating,or threatening or otherwise in
violation of this Code of Conduct in the performance of City business,at City-sponsored
events,and in all interactions between members,City staff,or the public to the staff liaison
and the Boards and Commissions Coordinator.Complaints of such behavior will be
processed following procedures in the Fort Collins Municipal Code.
EXHIBIT A TO RESOLUTION 2023-085
Appointees may not be reappointed and are subject to censure or dismissal by the appointing
authority for misconduct,nonperformance of duty,or failure to comply with this Code of Conduct,
applicable policies,and the Fort Collins City Charter and Municipal Code.
I have read and understand the City of Fort Collins Code of Conduct and agree to abide by and
uphold this code to the best of my ability at all times while serving as an appointed or elected
official of the city.
I understand that I may not be reappointed,and may be suspended,censured or removed from my
appointment if my conduct falls below these standards.
Signature:—Date:
Printed Name: