Longmont could adopt a council ethics code

On Tuesday night, the Longmont City Council discussed a proposed code of ethics for council members to follow. 

The draft was created by Mayor Joan Peck and the city of Longmont’s legal team. It specified the process for handling ethical complaints made against council and board members. It also created an understanding of how these public officials should conduct themselves. 

The topic was discussed a year ago, however, no progress was made due to concerns about how often a committee would meet and who would serve on the committee. 

According to the draft, council and board members would not be allowed to disclose or use confidential information obtained during their official capacity to further their “personal or financial interests.” The code would also prevent public officials from “discussing with, or otherwise attempting in any capacity to influence, directly or indirectly, any city officer or employee,” topics that pose as a conflict of interest.

The Longmont City Council is a self-policing agency that has never had a process of dealing with public accusations and complaints. However, Longmont elected officials are bound by state laws that require them to act in the public’s interest. Violations of these laws can result in criminal penalties. 

According to the proposed ethics plan, complaints would be filed with an independent hearing officer that could be contracted with the city. The hearing officer would review the matters presented and suggest action to the city council. 

The decision would still come down to the members of the city council who would also determine any penalty, if applicable. Those penalties could include reprimand, censure, suspension or removal of the appointed individual from a board, commission or committee. Those involved in the matter would not be able to vote on the topic. The city staff would not be involved in the decision.

Tuesday night’s meeting was a work session, so no official vote was made on the matter. The proposed ethics plan could appear on an upcoming city council meeting.