TROY – A Troy Alderman failed in his attempt to overturn a controversial Code of Ethics policy one month after telling another alderman to shut up during a contentious argument over filling a vacant seat on the board.

David Norman, who made the comment to Gary Leifert at the December meeting, advocated for repealing the conduct policy, passed in April after Mayor Ron Sconce broke a 3-3 board vote.

Norman argued the policy, which sets guidelines on how aldermen interact with each other and the public in and outside of meetings, is a violation of the board’s first amendment rights.

“You can’t even speak to your opinion. It’s just a gross violation of our first amendment rights,” he said. “No matter how you look at it, no matter what you say, that’s my opinion.”

Alderman Rachel Dunard stated the policy has been violated several times and nothing happens, proving it’s useless.

“The person that created this and brought it to the group is one of the first persons to roll their eyes, look down, not make eye contact, be disrespectful, tap their pen, and nothing is done, nothing is said,” Dunard said, referencing Leifert. “So if we’re going to pass something and not live by it, then it should be gone.”

While he didn’t defend himself against the accusations Dunard levied, Leifert did defend the policy he sponsored.

“Why would anyone want to do away with conducting this meeting and city business in an ethical manner,” he asked. “Why would anyone want to do away with having standards of behavior in our dealings with each other?”

Leifert wasn’t the only one opposed to repealing the policy. In addition to Stephen Jones who initially supported its passage, Harold Horner opposed its repeal, as he did its passage.

Horner stated this is a decision that needs to be made by a full board after the April election, a sentiment echoed by Jones, resulting in a 3-2 vote to keep the policy.

Provisions of the policy state aldermen and members of all city boards, committees and commissions shall:

– Avoid posting to social media about any adjudicative matters pending before the body.

– Never demean or personally attack an employee regarding the employee’s job performance.

– Not use public resources not available to the general public.

– Not interfere with the administrative functions of the City or the professional duties of City staff.

– Practice civility and decorum in discussions and debate while avoiding “belligerent, personal, impertinent, slanderous, threatening, abusive or disparaging comments.”

– When dealing with the public in meetings, treat them with “care and gentleness” and practice “active listening” while limiting cell phone usage.

Under the sanctions provision of the policy, repeated violations could result in a “reprimand” by the Mayor or formal censure, the loss of committee assignments or “other privileges.” Additional sanctions imposed could include requiring the offender to “attend and successfully complete training related to the nature of the violation” and being required to issue a “formal, sincere apology.”

“It’s eight pages of how to be an adult,” is how Dunard described it at the recent meeting. “And we’re all adults, and we should all be able to talk respectfully amongst ourselves and do what is best and do the business for the city.”

During his initial comments, Norman recognized the repeal likely wouldn’t receive the needed four votes, and promised to bring it back up to the full board after the April election.

Also at the meeting:

– Julie Rodgers, the executive director of the Lincoln County Economic Development office, introduced Sarah Scronce, who she said would be working on a part-time basis with the office, replacing Tessa Thompson.

– The board approved requesting a price quote that increases the pension paid to municipal employees. Currently, the city provides an L3 pension, which is the lowest level compared to L6, L7, L9 and L12.