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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2022-093CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS RESOLUTION 2022-93 CENSURE AND DIRECTION OF COUNCIL MEMBER KT JACOBS WHEREAS, the members of the Columbia Heights City Council have agreed to abide by the City Council Handbook; and WHEREAS, a citizen read a statement at the July 25, 2022 council meeting regarding what he indicated was a verbal telephone communication with an individual at a phone number later identified as associated with existing Council member KT Jacobs. The citizen indicated that the communication included inappropriate comments regarding his race and upbringing; and WHEREAS, Councilmember Jacobs later responded with what they referenced as a public statement. The statement was: "On Monday, July 25, Justice Spriggs reported a concerning conversation he had recently with an individual who called him from my personal cell phone. While the call to [citizen] was made by an extended family member who should not have had access to my phone and had no authorization to use it, I understand that I am ultimately responsible for the consequences. As an elected official in this community, I take my duties very seriously. Words expressed by my family member to [citizen] do not in any way reflect my own opinions or values. The behavior of my family member is unacceptable. I'm deeply sorry that the incident took place, and I contacted [citizen] prior to the July 25th City Council meeting to extend my apologies for any distress caused to him and his family. I also extend apologies to my colleagues on the council, and the residents of Columbia Heights." WHEREAS, the City Council ordered an outside investigation into the matter on August 1, 2022; and WHEREAS, the City retained Red Cedar Consulting to perform the investigation; and WHEREAS, the investigation resulted in a report dated September 23, 2022; and WHEREAS, the report made two findings: 1) Based on a preponderance of the evidence, the allegations against KT Jacobs regarding the July 24, 2022 phone call to Justice Spriggs are sustained; and 2) Based on a preponderance of the evidence, KT Jacobs has been untruthful regarding the July 24, 2022 phone call; and WHEREAS, the City Council finds that Councilmember Jacobs violated Chapter 13 titled Code of Conduct providing that: The mayor and council members are dedicated to promoting values and integrity of local government and democracy, and are committed to governing efficiently and effectively. After taking the oath of office as a city council member, they agree to conduct themselves in accordance with the following code of conduct: The professional and personal conduct of council members must be above reproach and avoid the appearance of impropriety. Members should refrain from abusive conduct, personal charges, or verbal attacks upon the character or motives of other members of the council, boards, commissions, staff or the public intended to disrupt and not further the City's business; and WHEREAS, the Councilmember's actions in being untruthful are outside the reasonable expectations of the citizens of Columbia Heights; and WHEREAS, the City Council must operate as a body and the conduct of a single City Council member may bring disrepute on the entire body; NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, the City of Columbia Heights, through its City Council, hereby issues a censure to Council Member Kt Jacobs for: • engaging in harassing and offensive communications with a citizen; • engaging in abusive conduct, personal charges, or verbal attacks upon the character of the citizen in violation of the Columbia Heights City Council Handbook, Chapter 13 titled Code of Conduct; and • being untruthful regarding the July 24, 2022 phone call. NOW THEREFORE BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, the City of Columbia Heights, through its City Council, hereby removes Council Member Kt Jacobs from all existing appointed positions on boards and commissions other than boards and commissions where membership is automatic based on the Council Member's position as an elected Council Member (such as HRA and EDA). NOW THEREFORE BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, the Columbia Heights City Council exercises its powers, supervises administrative officers and formulates policies as a body and that individual council members have no independent administrative authority and the City Council as a whole offers its apology and regret that a member of the public would be subjected to the level of inappropriate communications detailed by the citizen in a conversation with a City Council member. 2 ADOPTED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS THIS 1 OTH DAY OF OCTOBER, 2022. Offered by: Novitsky Seconded by: Buesgens Roll Call: All Ayes, Jacobs Abstaining ATTEST: City erk APPROVED: r