Members
of Council requested clarification on the current Code complaint process and
the number of complaints currently held in abeyance.
Discussion
ensued regarding the sections of the draft Code of Conduct related to
definitions of gifts and removal of the provision for cash gifts, inclusion
of a definition of community groups, obligations with respect to
confidentiality and the enforcement of such, undue use of influence and which
influences, if any, would be precluded, clarity around what would be
considered criticism of staff, reduction in the market value of a gift
accepted by any Member of Council, clarity on use of official titles and when
approval of Council shall be sought, inclusion of social media guidelines and
the complaint process as it relates to election periods. Further refinements
were recommended to ensure clarity, particularly in areas of the Code where
compliance with other legislation is required, and discussion ensued
regarding permitting a Member of
Council
to file a complaint regarding the conduct of another Member of Council and
annual reporting mechanisms.
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