Resolution Number 01-23

RESOLUTION NUMBER 01-23

CENSURING COUNCILMEMBER EDMUND ROSKOSKI

WHEREAS, the City Council for the City of Mountain Iron (“City Council”) has adopted a Code of Conduct and adopted a resolution confirming a commitment to service and civility to clarify the conduct expectations of Council members and the Mayor; and

WHEREAS, the Code of Conduct describes the manner in which the Mayor and Council members should treat one another, city staff, consultants, constituents, and others with whom they have contact while representing the City of Mountain Iron; and

WHEREAS, the Code of Conduct reflects the work of the Mayor and City Council in defining more clearly the behavior, manners, and courtesies that are suitable for various occasions; and

WHEREAS, the constant and consistent theme through all of the Code of Conduct guidelines is “respect;” and

WHEREAS, the Code of Conduct notes that despite the pressures of making decisions that impact the lives of citizens, elected officials are called upon to exhibit appropriate behavior at all times; and

WHEREAS, the Code of Conduct specifically states in part that all Councilmembers are:

• To conduct themselves in both their official and personal actions in a manner that is above reproach and in the discussion of City business to refrain from personal attacks upon or disparagement of any other member of the discussion and at all times to respect the authority of the Mayor to maintain order within the City’s meetings.
• To be accountable for their actions and behaviors and accept responsibility for their decisions.
• To oppose all forms of harassment and unlawful discrimination.
• To be respectful of citizens, city staff, officials, volunteers, and others who participate in or come into contact with the city’s government and to never disparage another’s lifestyle, religion, culture or history.

WHEREAS, the City Council and members of the public observing Council meeting have observed that Council member Edmund Roskoski violates the Code of Conduct by failing to observe and respect the authority of the Mayor in the control of the meeting in that he fails to move discussion forward or refrain from interruption and delay within the meetings, has made personal attacks in discussion, to wit, referring to the Mayor as “ a bitch” which conduct can be observed approximately twenty-four and one half minutes into the regular Council meeting held January 3, 2023; and

WHEREAS, said complaint is documented in the recording of the proceedings of the January 3, 2023 meeting; and

WHEREAS, the City Council has considered all evidence presented to it with respect to the aforementioned complaint, all of which is hereby incorporated into this Resolution; and

WHEREAS, Councilor Roskoski has previously been censured by the Council during the fall of 2022.

NOW, THEREFORE, the City Council of the City of Mountain Iron hereby resolves as follows:

1. That during his tenure as a member of the Mountain Iron City Council, Councilmember Roskoski violated the Code of Conduct through his actions at City Council meetings as outlined and described above.
2. That pursuant to its authority under the rules of procedure, Councilmember Roskoski is censured and it is specifically noted that conduct such as alleged above is not in line with the expectation or tradition of the City of Mountain Iron.
3. That Councilmember Roskoski is once again directed to henceforth abide by the Code of Conduct. Without limitation, Councilmember Roskoski is specifically directed to observe and respect the authority of the Mayor, to refrain from personal attacks including calling names and the use of foul language and to treat members of the Council, staff, and those working for and with the City of Mountain Iron with respect and free from harassment and intimidation.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this resolution shall be effective immediately upon passage.

DULY ADOPTED BY THE CITY COUNCIL THIS 17^th DAY OF JANUARY, 2023.

____________________________________

Mayor Peggy Anderson

ATTEST:

__________________________________

City Administrator