Leavenworth city council discusses code of ethics and social media presence

During a meeting on May 13, the Leavenworth City Council updated its code of ethics, following recommendations from ethics officer Danielle Marchant. The revisions clarified that meals or coffee are not considered gifts and modified the complaint process, requiring initial review by the city clerk. City Clerk Andrea Fischer explained that they would investigate complaints before forwarding them to the ethics officer. The council also discussed social media engagement, with City Administrator Matthew Selby indicating that personal accounts of council members could be subject to public records requests. Councilmember Travis McMaster emphasized the importance of maintaining open dialogue with constituents about city issues.

However, other members cautioned against commenting online, suggesting that it could create potential conflicts of interest. They advocated for direct in-person discussions and greater participation in public meetings. The council aims to balance transparency with the ethical responsibilities of its members.