Aurora council adopted a code of conduct Tuesday night on the heels of Councillor Grace Marsh’s resignation.

Mrs. Marsh quit late last month, saying she could no longer tolerate council’s dysfunction.

“I’m still determined to bring decorum back to the table,” Aurora Mayor Phyllis Morris said in an effort to get things back on track at council. “I’m fighting back. I’m not going to be polite anymore.”

Meetings, plagued by angry outbursts, accusations of wrongdoing, threats and a complete disregard for the mayor’s rulings, have forced her hand, Mrs. Morris said.

Because of changes to the municipal code, every municipality is looking at codes of conduct,
Councillor Alison Collins-Mrakas said.

Common criticism of codes of conduct is parts can be open to interpretation because the language is too vague, too narrrow or  can be difficult to enforce, Ms Collins-Mrakas said.

The code of conduct:

• Is enforced through an integrity commissioner who investigates complaints about breaches of conduct by members of council;

• Is a public declaration of the principles of good conduct and ethics;

• Identifies expectations of council members;

• Establishes guidelines for appropriate conduct;

• Ensures public office is not used for personal gain; and

• Outlines expected conduct at meetings.

The code goes to council May 13 to be formally adopted.