A copy of this code of ethics shall be provided to all elected officials, appointed officers and appointed commissioners/committee members upon beginning their term of office. A copy of this code of ethics shall be provided to all employees upon its passage and to new employees upon employment. All appointed officers, employees, and commission and committee members shall sign a receipt acknowledging delivery of the code of ethics in a manner to be determined by the village administrator. Notwithstanding the foregoing, failure to receive a copy of same shall not constitute a defense for any violation of this code of ethics. (2016 Code)