Mayor Lou Maieron’s bid to have an independent consultant brought in to review the town staff code of ethics was met with resistance at council on Nov. 19.
Initially, there was no seconder for the motion.
Maieron’s comment was, “I’ll go fishing for one.”
He asked that an independent consultant or qualified professional be engaged to review and revise the staff code of ethics to bring it into conformity, where applicable, to the councillor code of ethics and that the staff code of ethics possibly include a standard of public service component.
Councillor John Brennan had problems with the motion because he was unclear what the differences were that concerned the mayor.
“And before we go spending money and hire consultants to look at this thing, I would like to see what are the areas of concern,” said Brennan.
“Maybe they are simple enough that we don’t need to bring someone in.”
Maieron said he was uncertain a consultant was needed, but he wanted to see a comparison.
The mayor argued he did not want a debate since the motion did not have a seconder at that point.
Maieron contended, “there are some parts of the code of conduct which are exclusive only to council, because of the positions we hold.”
However other parts of that code direct interactions with the public.
Brennan commented that staff are subject to penalties – which councillors are not, “such as being fired.”
“We’re subject to penalties as well,” Maieron contended.
“Not in the same way,” Brennan clarified.
Maieron said he recently reviewed both the staff and the council codes of conducts.
He argued the councillor code of conduct is much more onerous.
Councillor Barb Tocher asked for clarification from staff as she understood that this would be looked at the same time as the personnel policy.
Brennan said it was part of the personnel policy.
“Then why don’t we wait until the personnel policy is before us?” Tocher said.
“Because that is not what I’m asking for,” Maieron said.
He said he wanted the staff code of conduct to mirror that of council, where applicable.
“I don’t think we should be held to a higher standard than our staff,” said Maieron.
However, he believed certain aspects of the code should be applied across the board.
Brennan questioned why this could not be done as part of the overall review of the personnel policy.
CAO Kathryn Ironmonger said that report is to come before council by the end of the year.
Maieron said since no one on council supported his motion, it was defeated.
