Williams Lake city council will be taking a look at their code of conduct, after it came up for its annual review.
The code of conduct was adopted in May of 2023, in line with updated provincial requirements for local governments.
No challenges have been raised to staff under the code since it was put in place, but Coun. Joan Flaspohler read out some of the parts of the code she wanted to highlight and proposed an amendment.
She focussed on sections requiring councillors treat one another, staff and the public with respect, give accurate communication of council decisions, and refrain from making disparaging comments about other councillors or council process, even when they disagree. She also discussed the role of social media to report on city matters.
Mayor Surinderpal Rathor proposed council take the discussion, along with a recommendation Flaspohler put forward, to the committee of the whole, in order to be able to discuss the issue more openly amongst themselves.
Coun. Scott Nelson seconded the motion to take the discussion to the committee and it was passed unanimously.
Rathor cautioned council not to get personal after Nelson accused Flaspohler of wanting to “gag, gag, gag.”
Nelson shot back at the chair, saying it was a policy statement.
Members of council also wanted to have everyone present for the discussion of the code of conduct, as Coun. Angie Delainey was away for the April 16 meeting.
Flaspohler said miscommunications last year took place after posts were made which she did not feel were accurate before council decisions were final. She said she felt these types of miscommunications can cause turmoil, confusion and anger in the community.
She proposed the code be made more explicit and ask councillors not to report council decisions until the city has released formal communication to avoid confusion.
It was also pointed out council had not actually signed and acknowledged the code of conduct yet individually, which was meant to take place.
The discussion will continue at an upcoming committee of the whole meeting.
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