Two former citizen-led commissions in the city of Langley are officially on their way to being disbanded.

During a meeting Dec. 16, the city council approved first readings of an ordinance amending Langley’s ethics code and another dissolving the Lodging Tax Advisory Commission.

Last month, council members decided it was in the city’s best interests to replace the Ethics Advisory Commission with administrative process to handle complaints about ethics.

According to the new ordinance, violations of the city’s ethics code will be directed to the mayor, who will consult with city attorneys for advice on how to proceed. If the issue involves the mayor, the mayor pro tempore will consult with the city attorneys. Final actions, if required, will be approved by the city council.

Councilmember Craig Cyr wondered if it should be made more clear that the mayor is the one driving the ethics process.

“This is a theoretical thing — an ethics violation by a staff member. There could be a performance improvement plan,” he said. “There could be any number of things that are certainly not appropriate for the city council to approve.”

Councilmember Harolynne Bobis suggested that the city attorney review the ordinance. Changes may be presented at the second reading of the ordinance during a future council meeting.

The mayor will also implement administrative procedures in lieu of the Lodging Tax Advisory Commission, which is not required for cities in Washington with populations under 5,000.

“Thank you for their service,” Councilmember Chris Carlson said.

Mayor Kennedy Horstman said she’s committed to a very similar process and that it’s important to have community engagement.