BELLE — After failing to pass Ordinance 632, “Code of Conduct,” on May 13 with a split 3-2 vote, both aldermen who voted against the policy have proposed a new version of the bill.

While the original proposal for Ordinance 632 has yet to be posted on the door at City Hall, Aldermen Rebecca Withouse and Seth Klein plan to suggest the following revised ordinance during the June 10 board meeting.

“I still don’t like everything that’s in it, but that’s what a compromise is,” Withouse said on June 3 when she provided a copy of the proposed ordinance to The Advocate.

According to revised Ordinance 632, the board of aldermen, elected officials of the city of Belle, wish to amend the proposed bill by adding one new section.

“Section 115.085 Code of Conduct for the Board of Aldermen and Mayor describes how Belle’s city officials treat each other and work together in the best interest of the community and conduct the city’s business in an atmosphere of common courtesy, civility, honesty and transparency.

“City officials are responsible for encouraging each other to model the ideals expressed in the code. City officials will also be responsible for holding one another accountable for actions that violate the code of conduct. They will strive for high standards of behavior and performance that will benefit all of Belle. To help accomplish these goals, the board of aldermen and mayor agree to the following set of principles.”

All references to the board include the aldermen and mayor.

Section B outlines the Spirit of Cooperation.

The board emphasizes working together as a team to find the best ways to meet the needs of Belle. Members agree to:

Work first for the betterment of Belle; work as a team to meet the city’s needs; assure fair and equal treatment of all people; appreciate differing opinions from fellow board members.

Listen to all public discussions courteously; look for, recognize and promote the positive contributions of board member.

Seek ways to compromise when disagreements arise.

Watch for ways to improve the city policies, ordinances for a better future.

Section C outlines Adherence to Principles.

To accomplish the above list of principles, the board agrees to treat all staff with respect and courtesy, not purposefully interfere with the duties of other staff. If directives are needed for specific employees, a courtesy notice will be sent to the city clerk to allow a record to be kept. While the board is responsible for acting on behalf of the citizens, not all concerns are emergent or the city’s responsibility. City employees will be trusted to use their best judgment. If an employee is unsure how to handle a request made by the board, they will speak to their direct supervisor.

Alderman shall refrain from public personal criticism, such as personal appearance and private matters; publicly discussing issues until after the involved parties have been notified; not use their positions to improperly influence the decisions or committees improperly; not use their positions to improperly influence the decisions of city staff, boards, commissions, or committees; not use city resources that are not available to the public, such as equipment or supplies, for private or personal purposes; refrain from negotiating for the city or making commitments for the city without the board’s involvement or knowledge; and shall treat others with common courtesy during all interactions, including refraining from intimidating behaviors, vulgar language and profanity.

Section D outlines Planning, goal setting and accountability.

The board is committed to a comprehensive planning process leading to mutually developed goals and accountability. All members of the board must participate fully in city meetings, workshops, and events to ensure the necessary commitment of all members to the planning process. To help with this, members of the board shall:

Request that regular meeting agenda additions be made in writing to the city clerk, and provide a reason and any relevant documents at least 72 hours before any regular meeting.

Section E outlines Abstentions.

Each alderman has a duty to vote and shall not abstain unless they feel it is required. When an alderman feels it is necessary to abstain, they shall state publicly their reason for doing so at the time of the vote.

Section F outlines Communications.

Board members are free to express their individual views to the media at any time, however:

Media comments must not disclose confidential information.

If a public statement from the board is requested, the board as a whole will agree on a specific statement.

Comments to the media will be treated as individual statements from board members

Section G Closed sessions:

Missouri State Law allows for aldermen to close meetings for special circumstances. It is the responsibility of the board to respect and preserve the confidentiality of information that is provided to them concerning the confidential matters of the city of Belle, until it the time it becomes public record.

The board:

Shall not use any information learned in closed session to advance their personal, financial or private interests.

Shall give a complete and comprehensive list of reasons to enter closed session per Missouri statutes.

Shall not discuss any other subjects not listed in the agenda.

Section H outlines Enforcement.

A violation of the code of conduct may result in censure from other members of the board and may include being asked to leave the meeting or being required to make a public apology. To keep the process fair and impartial, the process involves the following:

If an alderman feels that a member of the board deserves to be censured for their behavior, they will make a motion stating what action they feel warrants a censure as well as what they believe the punishment should be. For example, an alderman makes a motion that another alderman be asked to give a public apology for making a false statement about an action that the city took. The alderman facing censure will be allowed to make a statement defending their actions, and then a vote will be called.

Section two outlines Conflicting Ordinances.

If the code of conduct conflicts with another code, the board should discuss how to proceed.

Section three states the ordinance shall be in full effect from and after the date it is passed.

Section four outlines Severability.

The provisions of the ordinance are severable, and if any provision hereof is declared invalid, unconstitutional, or unenforceable, such determination shall not affect the validity of the remainder of this ordinance.