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City Council created the board in 2014. Ethics board members are refining a process to handle complaints.

On Wednesday, the board agreed to add mediation to the list of ways board members can handle a complaint, and allow those faced with a complaint to file a response up front.

The board could consider both the complaint and a response during the screening process. This would take place in executive session.

When the board votes on how to handle a complaint, it becomes public, City Attorney Dirk Nelson said.

When complaints are submitted, the board can decide to dismiss it, ask for an investigation or set it for a hearing.

Mediation would be added to this list. This could be facilitated by an ethics board member or a professional mediator.

“Some of these things that are a private dispute between two people might be resolved by getting them in a room and letting them talk,” Nelson said.

Durango City Council voiced concerns in a previous meeting about the cost of investigations done by a third party, Nelson said.

The independent investigation into Councilor Sweetie Marbury, which was dismissed, cost $1,763.75, said Mary Beth Miles, assistant to the city manager.

But there is value in having an outside investigation, board members said.

“I think it should be our decision if we want an investigation,” board member Patricia Hall said.

The board likely will vote on proposed changes to the code of conduct in December.

City Council is expected to consider the changes next year.

mshinn@durangoherald.com