Brantford city Coun. John Bradford's pay will be suspended for 90 days for violating municipal code of conduct rules following a complaint from a female staff member.

Laurie Schunk, an administrative assistant in the city clerk's office, brought a complaint against Bradford in late summer, detailing several incidents that resulted in her work environment "being soured" because of harassment.

"I think we have to send a message that this council will not stand for it," Coun. Vince Bucci said, after councillors voted to hand down the suspension on Monday.

Bradford was found guilty of violating four sections of the municipal code of conduct, resulting in findings of harassment, failure to treat the staff member with dignity, respect and equality, failure to respect confidential information and intention to demean and humiliate the staff member.

"I think it's important that we be seen to be doing the right thing," Coun. Greg Martin said. "We cannot lower our standards because one member of council is harassing a staff member."

The city staff member had entered into a personal relationship with the husband of Bradford's daughter, a relationship she and the man had recently made public, according to an integrity commissioner's report.

One part of the complaint said Bradford alleged the staff member sent him nude pictures of herself, which was found to be untrue, according to the report.

The councillor also sent e-mail correspondence to the staff member saying he couldn't work with her because of the relationship she was in, the report said.

Council voted against a recommendation in the integrity commissioner's findings that would have allowed the staff member to accept a written apology from Bradford and excused him from the 90-day pay suspension.

The only councillors to vote against suspending Bradford's pay were Richard Carpenter, Marguerite Ceschi-Smith and Mark Littell.

Click Here to view "Report By The Integrity Commissioner Of The City Of Brantford" in its entirety.