Resolved

code of conduct

Rules for how elected officials act with the public, staff, and each other

What to Watch
How the adopted 4-page code handles complaints and enforcement in practice compared with the prior, more formal process.
Coming Up

Typically discussed at City Council. Check back when the next agenda is published.

The Story

On April 6, Council voted 9-0 to adopt a new 4-page code of conduct for elected officials, down from 14 pages. One notable edit: they removed a line that discouraged councilmembers from using devices during meetings for non-city business.

Key Decisions
  1. passed 9-0 City Council Reorganizational · Apr 21, 2026

    Code of Conduct for Elected Officials

    Motion to approve the Code of Conduct and have all councilmembers sign the Code of Conduct

    Mark Bittner Yes
    Doug Brandt Yes
    Katherine Dahlke Yes
    Shannon Derby Yes
    Bill LeClair Yes
    Darla LeClair Yes
    Tim Petri Yes
    Scott Stechmesser Yes
    Adam Wachowski Yes
  2. passed 9-0 City Council · Apr 6, 2026

    26-059 Code of Conduct for City of Two Rivers Elected Officials

    Motion to waive the reading and adopt the 2026 Code of Conduct (26-059), with the removal of the line under Section 6.A.1: “but Council Members should not use their devices during meetings for things not related to City business.”

    Mark Bittner Yes
    Shannon Derby Yes
    Bill LeClair Yes
    Doug Brandt Yes
    Tim Petri Yes
    Bonnie Shimulunas Yes
    Scott Stechmesser Yes
    Adam Wachowski Yes
    Darla LeClair Yes
Record

  1. A public hearing was held on the Code of Conduct.

    Code of Conduct Public Hearing

  2. An agenda item appeared titled “Alleged Code of Conduct Violation Section 5: Elected Official Conduct Towards the Public.”

    City Council

  3. Council and staff reviewed a shortened rewrite of the elected-official Code of Conduct intended to replace a longer, more legalistic complaint process with a more day-to-day usable document.

    City Council Work Session

  4. During discussion, Council raised concerns about vague language and about attempting to regulate phone/device use during meetings due to potential enforcement disputes.

    City Council Work Session

  5. Council supported removing or changing sections tied to penalties (including language about removing a member) and asked for a tighter rule limiting who can speak during any complaint hearing to the complainant and witnesses only.

    City Council Work Session

  6. Council adopted the 2026 Code of Conduct for City of Two Rivers elected officials.

    City Council

  7. The adopted revision reduced the code of conduct document from 14 pages to 4 pages.

    City Council

  8. As part of the revision, Council removed a line that discouraged councilmembers from using devices during meetings for non-city business.

    City Council

  9. Council adopted the code of conduct by a 9-0 vote.

    City Council
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