Weston Selectboard adopts municipal Code of Ethics investigation ordinance

The Weston Selectboard voted unanimously Sept. 22 to adopt a Code of Ethics Investigation and Enforcement Ordinance modeled on VLCT guidance, designating Town Clerk Kim Seymour as the Designated Complaint Recipient.

The ordinance outlines investigative steps — notification to the accused, evidence gathering, fact-finding, analysis and a written report to the legislative body with findings and recommended discipline. The ordinance states, for example, that the “Designated Complaint Recipient” is the municipal officer or body designated to receive complaints and that findings must include the factual bases for conclusions. The ordinance also lists enforcement options for elected officers, including informal meetings, legislative review and, when appropriate, executive-session analysis. The minutes record the motion to adopt the ordinance (moved by Brian Gehlich; seconded by Katie Fitzpatrick) and note the board will post the ordinance on the town website.

Selectboard discussion left the ordinance’s effective date mechanics tied to state petition rules: the ordinance will become effective 60 days after adoption unless a petition under 24 V.S.A. §1973 alters the schedule. The board’s adoption follows earlier public comments calling for clearer ethics procedures; the ordinance gives the legislative body a written process for adjudicating complaints and recommending remedies.