04/28/1997 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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COUNCIL MINUTES APRIL 28, 1997 Mayor Landers then read in full the letter from Mr. Sulem which indicated there is little that the City can do to control a council member other than to issue public reprimands but they should take steps to protect the City from potential liability for damages to an employee and on behalf of the employee. Mr. Sulem suggested the Council should make it clear that the City does not condone the council member's allegedly abusive behavior, should adopt a policy recognizing that no one council member has the authority to order a City employee to do anything or to take any action against an employee, and that it might be advisable to consider a general code of conduct for council members. He also suggested the City establish a procedure whereby any employee feeling abused by a council member or public official can report the perceived abuse and that the policy include a provision that after the perceived abuse has been reported, the employee may seek permission to avoid contact with the person creating the problem (hanging up phone, walking away from personal confrontation). Mayor Landers then read in full the letter he wrote addressed to Council Member Lyden which informed Council Member Lyden that he (Mayor Landers) would not tolerate this type of behavior and advising of the need to get permission from the chair if he (Council Member Lyden) wishes to speak at a meeting. The letter also addressed the need for professional behavior without the use of intimidation and urged Council Member Lyden to review the City's harassment policy and State data privacy rules. The letter concluded by urging Council Member Lyden to work together with the Council as a team on issues that are facing Lino Lakes. Mayor Landers stated this Council does not condone Council Member Lyden's behavior or harassment towards some City employees and City officials. He stated he talked with the City Attorney prior to the meeting tonight about these letters and he indicated it falls within what the League of Cities is recommending. Mayor Landers said the letter has also been approved by the other two Council Members. Council Member Kuether asked when she approved it. Mayor Landers stated he showed this letter to her at the Town Center Meeting. Council Member Kuether stated the letter was mentioned but she did not see it or approve it. Mayor Landers apologized for this misrepresentation. Council Member Neal stated he has no comment. Council Member Kuether stated it does not do anyone any good for the Council to argue. She noted the Council will not always agree but it is counter productive to fight or have conflict that is evident to the public. She stated this is not healthy for the Council and they won't be as productive if they have to work under those conditions. Council Member Neal stated the Mayor is to be in charge of the meetings and if this is not happening, steps should be taken. Mayor Landers suggested Council Member Lyden "play by the rules" and advised there is a lot of good information from the League and seminars that would be worthwhile to attend. PAGE 20