Committee Report - Rules - 10-4-21 — File 212513

Rules Special Committee Page 1 of 2 Printed 10/14/2021 October 4, 2021 REPORT OF THE RULES SPECIAL COMMITTEE Attendee Name Title Status Arrived William A. White Jr. Chair Present Mary Jo Rossetti Vice Chair Present Lance L. Davis Ward Six City Councilor Present The meeting was held virtually and was called to order at 6:02 p.m. by Chairperson White and adjourned at 6:32 p.m. Approval of the May 11, 2021 Minutes RESULT: ACCEPTED 205107: That the Administration work with this Board to implement a Code of Conduct policy and discuss training all staff and Aldermen. RESULT: KEPT IN COMMITTEE 212232: That this Council adopt a code of conduct and anti-harassment policy. With regard to the proposed code of conduct, Chair White stated that President McLaughlin had submitted the item with the goal of having a code of conduct in place for the next City Council. The document had been prepared by a consultant hired by the City. Councilor Davis stated he has significant concerns about this document as drafted, especially with respect to its impact on the current manner in which City Councilors directly deal with City staff in addressing problems. Councilor Rossetti supported Councilor Davis’ concerns and requested information as to the source of the document and rationale. Chair White agreed with the concerns of the members. Chair also suggested the need for some sort of provision in the rules so that it is clear that the president is free to reassign committee members. Councilor Rossetti stated this is the committee rules to set as they see fit. She feels the need for a deeper conversation to understand where the document came from and the intent behind the documents.

Rules Special Committee Page 2 of 2 Printed 10/14/2021 Chair White stated that the item will be kept in committee and that he will schedule a follow up meeting, to invite the President of the City Council and anyone else who can provide background information on this document. With regard to the Anti-Discrimination and Anti-Harassment Policy, Councilor Davis had the same questions as those raised during the code of conduct discussion. The Councilor requested information as to its source and intent. He also stated that this document has an interesting approach and not sure if this should be treated as a city council policy or as a policy for all of City government. Again, he stated that there should be representatives available to speak to the purpose of this document. Chair White stated that he would schedule a follow up meeting before the end of October and invite the city solicitor’s office, director of human resources and the administration. Additionally, he would like the outside consultant who may have drafted this document to attend the meeting. Councilor Davis stated the city solicitor be asked to review the document for appropriateness. Chair White would like to have this finalized before the end of the year to address the concerns of the President of the City Council. RESULT: KEPT IN COMMITTEE