The City of Burlington could amend an ordinance related to sharing confidential information, including those obtained through closed sessions, at a Common Council meeting set for this week.
The Westine Report from Union Grove covered the possible action in its April 9, 2026 issue. According to the story:
City Administrator Carina Walters presented the proposal at a Committee of the Whole meeting on March 17, when she called the item a housekeeping item, stating the changes look to clarify staff and elected official responsibilities for handling confidential information.
She said the ordinance amendment looks to align with Wisconsin Public Records Law and Wisconsin Open Meetings Law. She said the ordinance acknowledges that closed sessions emphasize maintaining confidentiality while offering more concise language about when information could be shared with the public.
Additional changes include an update to conduct, reinforcing ethical standards for city officials and employees, Walters said. Most specifically, under the scope of authority, officials and employees cannot exceed their authority, breach the law, or ask others to do so.
In addition, elected officials, like the mayor or alderpersons, and employees cannot disclose confidential information obtained through their official position or activities within the City of Burlington.
Burlington Mayor Jon E. Schultz II said the ordinance amendments should serve as a reminder for any city official.
