SUBJECT:
Title
An Ordinance of the Town Council of the Town of Erie Repealing Section 1-5-5 of the Erie Municipal Code and Repealing and Reenacting Chapter 7 of Title 1 of the Erie Municipal Code, All Regarding the Town Code of Conduct and Ethics
Department
DEPARTMENT: Administrative Operations
Presenter
PRESENTER(S): Meredyth Muth, Director of Administrative Services and Operations
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Time
TIME ESTIMATE: 0 minutes
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Fiscal
FISCAL SUMMARY:
N/A
Policy
POLICY ISSUES:
Section 3.01 of the Home Rule Charter requires the Town Council to adopt and maintain by ordinance a Code of Conduct and Ethics, which shall address Town Council conflicts of interest and behavior.
Recommendation
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Adopt the attached ordinance and Code of Conduct.
Body
SUMMARY/KEY POINTS
• Both the Code of Ethics and the Code of Conduct apply to the Mayor, Town Council, and all members of Town boards, commissions, and committees.
• The Code of Ethics is contained in the ordinance and will be codified. It covers issues including conflicts of interest; gifts; requisite disclosures; the appearance of impropriety; advisory opinions; and complaints.
• The Code of Conduct is adopted with the Code of Ethics; however, it is a separate document that is not codified. It covers items including roles and responsibilities as well as policies and protocol related to conduct with councilmembers, board members, staff, and members of the public.
BACKGROUND OF SUBJECT MATTER:
Prior to the adoption of the Home Rule Charter, the Town of Erie had a codified Code of Ethics and a separate Code of Conduct; however, the Board of Trustees adopted the Code of Conduct by resolution, not ordinance. The proposed ordinance and Code of Conduct meet the requirements of the Charter.
priorities
TOWN COUNCIL PRIORITY(S) ADDRESSED:
☐ Traffic & Road Infrastructure
☐ Growth & Development
☐ Water Cost & Availability
☐ Affordable & Diverse Housing
☐ Increased Commercial Development
☐ Responsible Oil & Gas Development
☐ Preservation of Open Space
☐ Recreation & Community Amenities
☐ Multi-Modal Focus
attachments
ATTACHMENT(S):
1. Ordinance No. 036-2025
2. Town Council, Boards, Commissions, and Committee Code of Conduct