Resident guide
Elected-Official Conduct and Website Policies
Find the controlling conduct policy, complaint process, legal disclaimer and website terms without treating summaries as legal text.
What the policy is and who may complain
The policy applies to City elected officials and requires them to follow federal and state law, City ordinances and resolutions, the oath of office, and the decorum of the office. It also covers statements about City business on social media or in other forums when an official directly or indirectly suggests that a personal position is the City’s position. Under the published policy, a complaint is an internal elected-official process: an elected official may file a fact-supported complaint against another elected official. The policy does not describe a resident-filed complaint procedure.
Conflicts, disclosure and protected deliberations
Prohibited conduct includes having a direct or indirect interest in a matter that may come to the City Council for final action; failing to disclose in writing to the Mayor an interest that could create an appearance of impropriety; revealing matters discussed in a lawfully closed executive session, even in general terms; becoming involved in a matter that implicates an official’s adjudicatory role; and outside commentary that could compromise legislative responsibilities involving matters such as zoning, special uses, regulated-facility siting or City Code amendments. An official must also disclose in writing participation in an organization with a City matter pending and interests in an organization doing business with or seeking relief from the City.
Speech, representation and treatment of staff
The policy prohibits unauthorized commentary on City-managed social media; using an official title to imply Council endorsement; speaking for the City without Council authorization; presenting unverified City information; and failing to seek accurate information from staff. It identifies slanderous, libelous, disparaging or demeaning statements, conduct that a Council majority determines brings the City into disrepute, vulgar language in City facilities and other misconduct connected with office. It also bars disruptive, harassing, inappropriate, frequent or excessive contact with employees, non-emergency contact outside business hours, public criticism of employees, and involvement in administrative functions assigned to the City Administrator or staff, including staff meetings, recruitment and employment decisions.
Resources, operations and other prohibited conduct
Officials may not misuse City resources, property, personnel, facilities, equipment, supplies or the employee directory for private or non-City purposes. The policy limits use of the City Attorney’s Office without advising the City Administrator of the general subject, except where that is infeasible or the matter concerns the Administrator. It also identifies conduct that harms City operations or efficiency, official acts intended to directly and adversely affect a local business except through legitimate official action, and conduct unbecoming or otherwise adverse to Council, staff or City operations.
Initial review and the official’s rights
A written complaint goes to the Mayor; a complaint about the Mayor goes to the mayor pro tem and follows the same process. The Council convenes a closed executive session under the Illinois Open Meetings Act to discuss the complaint and possible discipline. A Council majority must allow the matter to advance toward a sanctions hearing; if it does, the complaint is presented to the accused official. That official has the right to respond, participate in an informal resolution, receive a hearing, and address a contemplated sanction. The complainant and accused are not to receive unjust treatment because of the filing or allegation. Extensions require agreement and good cause, and the complainant may request withdrawal in writing.
Deadlines, notice and hearing
The written complaint is to be presented within 10 working days after the complained-of conduct, or as soon afterward as practicable given the Council meeting schedule. The Mayor presents it to the Council in closed session. The accused official must receive the complaint notice and meeting notice at least 48 hours before that session and may respond; discussion is limited to pertinent information. If informal Council discussion does not resolve the matter and discipline may be warranted, the Mayor schedules a closed-session hearing at a time convenient for the accused official, no later than 30 days unless good cause supports an extension. The Council presents its information and evidence, the accused may answer and offer defense evidence, and the Council deliberates in the accused official’s presence.
Findings, sanctions and final decision
A violation requires a two-thirds vote of Council members present, including the Mayor, after the accused official has an opportunity to be heard. The sanction requires the same two-thirds vote, and the Council may separately decide by two-thirds vote whether discipline occurs in open or closed session. Options are oral reprimand or censure for conduct affecting Council operations, relations or Council-staff interaction; written reprimand for more serious or continuing conduct; and suspension from one specifically identified City Council or Committee of the Whole meeting for a serious or repeated violation with serious operational or relational effects. The published policy says the two-thirds decision is final; it does not publish a separate appeal procedure. Required minutes of executive and open sessions are retained as required by law.
Controlling source and legal warning
This local explanation is for navigation and understanding, not legal advice or a substitute for the adopted policy. The official wording controls, particularly who may file, timing, notice, voting, closed-session treatment and sanctions. Confirm the current policy and filing arrangements with the City Clerk or City legal staff before acting.
Website disclaimer and terms
The official disclaimer says City web information is provided as a public service, without warranties as to accuracy, completeness, timeliness or fitness, and that users should verify information before relying on it. External links are provided for convenience and do not imply endorsement; linked operators control their own content and privacy practices. The terms restrict misuse of site materials and explain that online information does not replace formal notices, records, ordinances or legal requirements. Requests for controlling public records should use the City’s official records process.
Source coverage: Legal Disclaimer
Website and Social Media Legal Disclaimer With respect to all information available at this site or its social media accounts, the City of West Chicago, its officers, employees, agents and assigns make no warranty, express or implied, including the warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose, and assume no legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, completeness or usefulness of any information, apparatus, product or process disclosed, nor does the City of West Chicago make any representation that the use of said information will not infringe privately owned rights. The City of West Chicago, its officers, employees, agents and assigns will not be liable for any damage or injury caused by the use of this site or its social media accounts, including but not limited to failure of performance, error, omission, interruption, defect, delay in operation or transmission, computer virus, or on-line failure. This local guide preserves this stable context; use the official source for changing forms, dates, fees, rosters, availability, legal documents and current operations.
Source coverage: Terms of Use
This website is provided as an information source for public use. The City of West Chicago strives to maintain the integrity of this site and to present information which is accurate and timely. The information is subject to periodic updates, revisions, deletions and additions without prior notice. Material provided at this site is gathered from many sources. The City of West Chicago is not responsible for errors or omissions contained in the information, and makes no representations as to the accuracy of the information. The material at this site is provided for informational purposes only and should not be relied on in lieu of professional advice. Where an official printed document differs from text which may be provided at this site, the official printed document takes precedence. The Freedom of Information Act provides that all messages received by the City of West Chicago at this This local guide preserves this stable context; use the official source for changing forms, dates, fees, rosters, availability, legal documents and current operations.