Powell River city councillors approve code of conduct workshop

City of Powell River staff have been directed to schedule a workshop session with all members of council to develop a code of conduct.

At the May 2 committee of the whole meeting, interim chief administrative officer Alex Bjelica said the Community Charter requires council to consider establishing a code of conduct for its members. He said at the March 14 committee of the whole meeting, members of council resolved to establish a code and directed staff to propose a development process that involves city council participation.

“Staff are proposing a half-day workshop session, facilitated by the interim chief administrative officer and deputy corporate officer, where an outline of a code of conduct is presented, discussed and expanded on in detail by members of council with staff support,” said Bjelica. “Staff would then compile the results of the session and bring a final product to council for adoption.

“Once completed, the code of conduct would be available to the public on the city’s website and for viewing in person at city hall.”

City councillor Cindy Elliott moved that staff be directed to schedule the workshop session.

Councillor George Doubt said development of a code of conduct is a great idea and a good process.

“I don’t think it mentions in here that there are some documents from the Union of British Columbia Municipalities about creating a code of conduct with some recommendations,” said Doubt. “It is important to take that into account.”

The motion for scheduling the workshop session for a code of conduct carried.