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.
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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:
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