(A) The City of Big Rapids adopts this written code of standards of conduct governing the performance of its officers and employees engaged in the award and administration of contracts. No officer, employee, agent, contractor, or subcontractor of the City of Big Rapids shall participate in the selection or in the award or administration of a contract supported by federal funds if a conflict of interest, real or apparent, would be involved. Such a conflict would arise when:
(1) The City officer, employee, agent, contractor or subcontractor;
(2) Any member of his or her immediate family;
(3) His or her partner; or
(4) An organization which employs, or is about to employ any of the above, has a financial or other interest in the firm selected for award. The City's officers, employees, agents, contractors and subcontractors will neither solicit nor accept gratuities, favors, or anything of monetary value from bidders, contractors, potential contractors or parties to sub-agreements on City jobs. An unsolicited gift of nominal intrinsic value shall not be a violation of this section.
(B) A violation of this section may result in disciplinary action against any City officer or employee up to and including discharge from employment or removal from office, depending on the nature and extent of the violation. A violation of this section may result in barring any agent, contractor, or subcontractor from administering, obtaining or performing a City contract, as well as a claim for civil damages for any increased cost incurred by the City as a result of the violation.
(Ord. 657-03-13, passed 3-4-13)