City Council updates library bylaws, introduces code of conduct for city officials

Victoria, Texas -  City council members voted to adopt codes of code for those serving on city boards and commissions.

At yesterday's Victoria City Council meeting they also updated a set of by laws pertaining to the Library Advisory Board.

The updated bylaws follow a non-city sanctioned board meeting hosted by the Library Advisory Board on April 10th, that violated a city ordinance.

The meeting to discuss the library's mission statement did not follow city procedures, meaning the meeting was not scheduled in proper coordination with city staff, and violated standards for open meeting acts  noted by sate law for governmental bodies.

“The role of boards such as the Library Advisory Board is to provide general guidance in tandem with the expertise and decisions of City staff, not to provide oversight on day-to-day decisions and policymaking that are appropriate to City staff and Council,” Victoria Mayor Duane Crocker said.

Prior to adopting new bylaws for the Library Advisory Board, in 2020 the city made an effort to update bylaws citywide to clarify roles, but the library was never updated.

During the May 14 meeting the council heard a presentation form Victoria Public Library Director Berger regarding the library’s mission statement.

The Library Advisory Board shared the library’s new mission statement at a Feb. 21 meeting.

They introduced their mission statement as…

“Our mission is to enhance our community’s wellbeing by providing a welcoming space that prioritizes improving access and technology, fostering strong community support, inspiring personal development, and serving as a reliable anchor for our diverse community.”

Following feedback from city management the statement was changed to focus on the library’s role in promoting literacy.

The mission now states, “The Victoria Public Library supports lifelong literacy by providing a welcoming space, services, and programs that prioritize access to technology and resources; fostering community support for learning, reading, and personal development; and serving as a reliable anchor for the diverse heritage and culture of our community.”

Also discussed in the meeting was the adoption of codes of conduct for elected and appointed officials to establish standards of good conduct, integrity and respect for city processes.

The council along with city staff began developing the codes in the fall of 2023 to ensure the best practices for elected and appointed officials that represent the city.

City staff will also be required to follow a code of conduct.

Mayor Crocker says creating a code of conduct for city councils, boards and commissions, ensures, all parties involved will abide by a similar set of expectations when conducting the City’s business.

The council approved several amendments to the proposed codes, including clarification of officials’ freedom to express opinions and ability to communicate with designated staff other than the city manager.

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