City council to discuss code of conduct, other topics during retreat

Among the topics the Yuma City Council will discuss during a retreat this week is a code of conduct that outlines how the members function with each other, city staff, constituents and others they come into contact with as representatives of the city.

The retreat, which is open to the public, will be held at 3 p.m. Thursday at the Yuma Main Library, 2951 S. 21st Drive.

No action will be taken at the retreat. Any items requiring further discussion or formal vote will be placed on a future work session or regular meeting agenda.

The council also will review and discuss guidelines to assist members in their performance of their duties as policy makers and representatives of their constituents, as well as guidelines for general office protocol for office holders.

During the retreat, the council also will look at:

• Jaywalking — Review current policies for pedestrian crosswalks and evaluate their enforcement to determine if they are effective.

• False alarms — Review the Yuma Police Department's response to false alarms. Since 2009, YPD averages a response to approximately 5,000 alarm calls for service annually, with more than 99 percent being false. The current ordinance regulating false alarms was adopted in 1978.

• Flying or feather banners — Address the use of flying or feather banners along streets by businesses as a possible public safety concern, and whether the current sign regulations need to be amended to include them.

• Street naming policy — Discuss the commemorative street naming policy to honor heroes such as fallen officers.

• Rate study — Review background information of the water and wastewater rate study, the importance of a rate study and other information to determine if a rate study is necessary in the future.

• State parks — Discuss possible approaches to the development and redevelopment of state parks in Yuma. The nature of the long-term relationship with the state regarding two state historic parks, particularly if the city considers investing capital funds in the parks if finances permit.

In addition, the mayor, council members and the city administrator will have an opportunity to present ideas for future discussion and action.

The retreat is expected to adjourn at about 7:30 p.m.

Joyce Lobeck can be reached at jlobeck@yumasun.com or 539-6853. Find her on Facebook at www.facebook.com/YSJoyceLobeck or on Twitter at @YSJoyceLobeck.