City Council members are expected to vote during their next meeting on a resolution that will adopt guidelines for conduct of its members.
“It’s something that we probably should have adopted a couple of years ago when, during the mayoral race, we outlined the mayor’s duties,” said Ward 1 Councilman Monty Jordan on Thursday.
Jordan, who presented a draft to City Council members Monday, said much of the resolution is both common sense and courtesy.
“It’s about working together, coming together for the common good of the people of Rolla,” Jordan said Thursday evening. “It’s basic stuff, but it will help new council people know what to expect.”
Jordan said he requested information from the City of Ellisville about public officials’ conduct and made some amendments to the draft presented Monday.
“There will probably be some things added, but I look for it to be approved by council next (Aug. 4) meeting,” Jordan said.
Ward 4 Councilman Lou Magdits called Jordan’s effort worthwhile.
“I think it’s a good thing. I applaud Monty, and I know he thought about it some time ago. I’ve read it, and I will wholeheartedly endorse it,” said Magdits, who is mayor pro-tempore.
Jordan’s draft includes an introduction and nine Sections. Excerpts of those Sections include:
1. Positive Leadership: “... strive to see the good in others; promote positive contributions,” part of Section One reads.
2. Council Cooperation: “The council must work as a team to find the best ways to meet the needs of our residents... “The draft goes on to read, “Each individual must have the freedom and opportunity to express his/her beliefs ...”
3. Responsibility of City Council Members: “Each person is accountable to the City Council for his/her actions,” the draft document states.
4. Planning, Goal Setting and Accountability: “... It is imperative that all members of the City Council participate ... in workshops and retreats to ensure necessary commitment to the strategic planning  process.”
5. Human Resource Development: “The council is committed that the city will strive to hire the most qualified employees for the city staff,” the draft reads.
6. Communications: “The council believes in open communication and the public’s right to know. Open channels of communication must be maintained among all members of the council,” it reads.
7. Handling of Public Concerns: “Listen to the individual’s concern; affirm the desire to reach a satisfactory solution; assure the person appropriate action will be taken; and follow up to determine if appropriate action has been taken,” the Jordan draft document states.
8. Council Decision-making: The draft includes a nine-step process in for decisions, among them to “make a collective, not a unilateral, decision, which will determine the course of action.”
9. Meeting Agendas: “Council meeting agendas will be open and publicized. Surprises at meetings from the council members or sate are unwelcome and counterproductive. Information upon which decisions are to be made must be communicated to all members equally...”
“I think it’s a good idea,” Magdits said. “In this day and age as we relate to the world of ethics and the environment, it can only make our meetings more productive.”