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Council Code of Conduct Review

At a glance

  • What: The Council's review of its own Code of Conduct and what to do about a potential external investigation of allegations that led to a working group earlier in May 2026.
  • Where it stands: On May 19, 2026 the Council voted 6-0 to redirect the working group from commissioning an independent investigation to reviewing the existing code of conduct policy and preparing amendments with the City Attorney's Office.
  • Open: Amendments to the Code of Conduct have not yet been brought forward in the minutes read so far.

Detail

The agenda item was titled "Code of Conduct Review and Investigation Status" and was taken under New Business at the formal meeting. The motion by Carlsen, seconded by Young, updated the purpose of the working group established earlier in May to focus on reviewing the existing code of conduct policy, identifying opportunities for improvement, and working with the City Attorney's Office (Mark Kittrell) to consider options and prepare amendments. The motion states that the original intent to investigate was a response to serious allegations, but that using Council resources to retain an independent investigator was no longer an appropriate role for the Council.

Motion

Moved by Carlsen, seconded by Young. AYE: Petro, Dugan, Wharton, Puy, Young, Carlsen. Final result 6-0, passed. The minutes record no discussion and no public comment on the item, and do not describe the allegations.

Sources

Log

2026-05-05 - LBA, CRA and Council Formal Meeting

Working group established (Council Members Carlsen, Dugan and Wharton) to retain an independent investigator to aid an investigation of allegations regarding Council Member Lopez Chavez and any potential Code of Conduct violations, expected over the coming months and to conclude before the end of July. Moved by Young, seconded by Wharton; AYE Dugan, Wharton, Puy, Young, Lopez Chavez, Carlsen; ABSTAIN Petro (recorded as 6-0). A second motion (Young/Wharton) temporarily suspended Lopez Chavez's duties during the investigation: conducting formal meetings, her CRA leadership role, City-related travel, speaking on behalf of the Council, and using the communications budget about the investigation. AYE Dugan, Wharton, Puy, Young, Carlsen; ABSTAIN Petro and Lopez Chavez; 5-0. The minutes record no discussion.

2026-05-19 - LBA, CRA and Council Formal Meeting

Working group repurposed to review the Code of Conduct instead of retaining an independent investigator; passed 6-0.