Deputy mayor Sophie Barker and Cr Jim O’Malley submitted the complaint to Dunedin City Council chief executive Sandy Graham yesterday.
The complaint centres on an RNZ interview in which Mr Radich described a racial slur used by Strath Taieri Community Board chairman Barry Williams as "a relatively minor thing".
It has since emerged Mr Williams called a Strath Taieri Hotel worker a "stupid black b...." after she mixed up a food order.
A council spokesperson said Ms Graham would begin the code of conduct process on Monday and council staff would make no further comment until it was completed.
Crs Barker and O’Malley both declined to comment yesterday, saying they did not want to interfere with the process. Mr Radich could not be reached for comment.
Mr Radich’s comments on RNZ contradicted the council’s position, outlined in a letter of censure he sent to Mr Williams saying: "Council is appalled by your behaviour, which is a clear breach of the code of conduct and a serious failure to uphold the standard of behaviour expected of an elected community representative."
When interviewed later on radio he said: "It happened in a pub and he didn’t even remember that it had happened, so it was just a relatively minor thing."
After the interview aired he admitted minimising the slur, as questions mounted about his judgement.
"I have learned a valuable lesson over the past 24 hours about the power of my words."
In an opinion piece, Otago Daily Times city council reporter Grant Miller outlined that Mr Radich’s comments could breach the council’s code of conduct on three counts, including disclosing information presented at a non-public council meeting by revealing the incident happened at a pub.
Clause 5.3 of the code says members are required to "act in a way that upholds the reputation of the local authority".
Clause 6.2 says "media comments which are contrary to a council decision or policy must clearly state that they do not represent the views of the majority of members".
Clause 7.1 says "members agree not to use or disclose confidential information for any purpose other than the purpose for which the information was supplied to the member".
The fallout from the comments has continued this week, with fellow community board member Robin Thomas condemning Mr Williams’ slur as "reprehensible".
Mr Williams also faced condemnation from his employer, Power Farming, with its chief executive, Tom Ruddenklau, flying down for a meeting with him yesterday after saying he was "really disappointed".
