The city of Fulshear is moving forward with a formal code of conduct and ethics policy for those appointed to its various boards, commissions and committees.
The overview
At its July 21 meeting, Fulshear City Council approved an ordinance to adopt a code of conduct and ethics policy to promote professionalism, integrity, collaboration and public service for each appointed member, according to agenda documents.
The new ordinance comes after City Council directed staff in May to prepare a formal code of conduct, per agenda documents.
Diving in deeper
The code aims to establish clear expectations for board, commission and committee members to ensure volunteers remain respectful, transparent and effective, per agenda documents. It also aims to reinforce public confidence in the city’s advisory boards.
Some regulations include:
1. Representation of the city
Members are expected to represent Fulshear in a respectful manner, knowing their actions are held to a higher standard than the average citizen.
2. Communication protocols with city staff and elected officials
When serving the city, members must use the proper communication channels. This includes working with designated staff liaisons, respecting the confidentiality of executive sessions, not lobbying for individual council members and honoring final council decisions.
3. Public conduct
Appointed members are to treat residents fairly and separate personal opinions from official statements.
Though members are allowed to maintain their rights as private individuals, they cannot use their position or title to support personal advocacy and clarify when speaking for themselves or the city.
4. Social media conduct
Members must use sound judgment and professionalism regarding social media activity. Members are not permitted to post personal opinions as official city positions or participate in online conduct that erodes public trust or negatively affects the city.
Additionally, members must follow positive community engagement, communicate respectfully and responsibly, and also keep in mind public perception of their conduct reflects back on the city.
5. Conflicts of interest and ethics
Members are to value community welfare over personal interest by disclosing and recusing themselves when conflicts take place.
6. Meeting conduct and commitment to service
Members are to appropriately prepare for meetings ahead of time. During meetings, members must stay engaged, be respectful while having discussions, place the interests of the city above personal agendas, respect the outcome of votes and not speak out during public comment or public hearings.
Next steps
The code of conduct and ethics policy went into effect immediately following its July 21 approval, per agenda documents.
All appointed members will be required to acknowledge the code of conduct upon appointment or reappointment. Violations may be reviewed by City Council and can lead to possible removal from service.
