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Jan 12 10 04:30p Caroline Dahl 651-4844781 p.2 Charter Commission December 3, 2009 Page 2 45 46 A. Code of Conduct 47 48 Commissioners Sutherland and Gunderson reviewed the current situation of bringing forth 49 language for a Code of Conduct. Instituting a Code of Conduct for the Charter Commission has 50 been previously brought up for discussion, but has not been taken up because of more important 51 issues the Commission has had to work on. 52 53 Commissioner Vacha, stating that he was not at the last meeting of the Charter Commission, 54 asked why a Code of Conduct was being brought forward now. Commissioner Sutherland stated 55 that Chapter 12.03 of the Charter states "the City Council shall cause a code of conduct for all 56 elected, appointed and hired officials and employees of the City to be established." "Further, such 57 code shall include the appropriate responses to violations of its provisions." 58 59 The current code of conduct does not follow the Charter due to an apparent lack of due process 60 and consequences of alledged violations. 61 62 Commissioner Storberg stated she believes that the Commission can conduct business without 63 such a code. Commissioner Gunderson stated there are three points that came up while 64 researching the issue of code of conduct. 1. The 12.03 chapter of the Charter 2. The question of 65 if the City is following Chapter 12.03 of the Charter with the current code it has in place. 3. Does 66 the current code of conduct cover the Charter Commissioners because the Charter states 67 "appointed" officials. 68 69 Commissioner Drennen stated he believes that now is a good time to approach the subject and 70 that the Commission needs something like this. 71 72 Commissioner Stockman Maher stated she believes that a Code of Conduct is not the 73 responsibility of the Charter Commission. Chair Dahl reminded the Comrnission that 74 Commissioners Sutherland and Gunderson were directed by the body to research this issue and 75 this meeting was motioned into action. 76 77 Commissioner Bretoi asked out the Commission deals with the Council if they are not followin4, 78 the current code of conduct. Commission Gunderson states in response to both Commissioners 79 Stockman Maher's point and Commissioner Bretoi's question that in ordinance form, the citizens 80 of Lino Lakes have something to take to the City Council body if a violation occurs or is 8] suspected. 82 83 Commissioner Carlson stated he supports putting forward something to the City Council. 84 Commissioner Trehus stated he feels the Commission is overstepping, bounds by putting forward 85 an example to the City Council. Commissioner Vacha thanks Commissioners Gunderson and .e rvae ('nmmi ccinner Trahiic