After a lengthy back-and-forth debate between Mayor Pro Tem Trilby Lenfant and Councilman Jerry Coogan, a resolution approving the creation of a committee to develop a code of conduct for the city was passed at Thursday night’s City Council meeting.
Introduced by Lenfant earlier this week, the measure comes after a state audit released earlier this year revealed misuse of large sums of taxpayer money via city-issued credit cards, recreational outings taken by city officials but paid for by city contractors and misuse of city-issued vehicles.
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“While we do have a state code of ethics, apparently that is not enough in this city,” Lenfant said. “We need a local layer of oversight.”
Coogan rebuked Lenfant’s efforts.
“The state code of conduct is a viable document that holds each city employee accountable,” he said. “I am in support of enforcing the state code of conduct.”
Coogan also referenced the city’s home rule charter, saying the code of conduct of the employees and administration is “clearly the responsibility of the mayor.”
Additionally, Coogan lashed out at Lenfant for presenting the resolution two days before Thursday’s meeting.
“It’s unfair to the council and ultimately the citizens of Mandeville to submit documents that are to be voted on, a couple of days or immediately prior to any council meeting,” Coogan said. “In the future, I will vote against any legislation that comes before me without first having that document for review within a reasonable amount of time.”
The resolution ultimately passed with a 3-1 vote, with Coogan voting against it.
Councilwoman Adelaide Boettner was absent do to illness.
The approved committee will consist of the city attorney, two appointments by each councilman at large, one appointment by each district councilman, one appointment by the mayor and two council people.
The appointments will be made at the council’s second meeting set in October.
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