Kamloops council is expected to update its code of conduct during next Tuesday’s meeting.
A staff report explains that the province made amendments to the Community Charter in 2022 which states that within six months after the first regular council meeting following the general local elections, the council must decide whether to adopt or review a code of conduct for the council members.
The City of Kamloops approved its initial code of conduct in late June 2022.
In a Committee of the Whole meeting in mid-February of this year, Maria Mazzotta, the city’s corporate officer, is recommending council consider a new code of conduct that includes clearly defined processes for resolution or enforcement of conflict issues. It also includes remedies Council may choose to implement.
The latest amendments to the Community charter include a handful of new expectations.
Those expectations include the need for council members to carry out duties with integrity, hold themselves accountable for decisions, be respectful of others and demonstrate leadership and collaboration.
In addition, Mazzotta says the update can foster healthy relationships among council members, their constituents, and city staff and can provide a strong foundation for the leadership Council offers the organization and the broader community.
The update includes several remedies for misconduct. Mazzotta says Council Code of Conduct Bylaw No. 53 would include the following:
A letter of reprimand from council addressed to the member
A request from council that the member issue a letter of apology
A publication of those two letters
Directions, including terms and conditions, in which members may receive council or other city documents
Mandatory training on city businesses, the Community Charter or this bylaw
Mandatory training on respectful workplace communication
Restriction or conditions on access to certain city facilities
suspension or removal of the
Member from some or all Committees and bodies to which the Member was
appointed
Prohibition from representing the city at events
Suspension or removal from appointment as deputy mayor
Reduced remuneration, travel expenses, insurance, communications allowance
Referral to a prosecutor or police
Public censure of a member
Mazzotta adds a final remedy to misconduct: “Any other sanctions, corrective actions, and other measures recommended by the Investigator or considered appropriate by Council, so long as those sanctions, corrective actions, and other measures are within Council’s authority.”
If council chooses to give all three readings to the new bylaw, it would be effective immediately upon its adoption, which would be done during the May 2, 2023 meeting
However, under the Community Charter, city councils are allowed to not review its code of conduct. If Kamloops council decides to go that route, they would need to make its reason available to the public.
This matter will be discussed during the regular meeting on Tuesday, April 18 at 1:30 pm.
