Fairview adopts code of conduct to centralize staff communications and clarify roles

The Fairview Board of Commissioners adopted Resolution 19‑26 on April 16 to establish a code of conduct and governance guidelines for board members under the city manager‑commission charter.

City attorney Mr. Carter explained the resolution is intended to ensure consistent, timely communications and to empower the city administrator as the day‑to‑day leader of city staff. The resolution instructs that most requests or supervisory communication should be routed through the city administrator so staff receive consistent direction and the administrator can coordinate responses; Mr. Carter clarified that the board may still contact the city attorney directly because the attorney is an employee of the board in a distinct capacity.

During discussion commissioners asked for clarity about what constitutes appropriate direct contact with staff and exceptions for emergency or time‑sensitive matters. Mr. Carter and other speakers said the new guidance is intended as a starting protocol and that the city administrator’s management style may refine practices over time. The board approved the resolution by unanimous vote.

The resolution seeks to reduce duplicate outreach to staff and to improve the flow of information to the full board through the city administrator so all commissioners receive the same information without creating unofficial interim meetings that could implicate open‑meetings rules.