For the purpose of this subchapter, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.
APPOINTED TOWN OFFICIAL.
Any officer of the town appointed by the Town Council, the Town Manager, or the Town Magistrate.
ELECTED TOWN OFFICIAL.
The Mayor and Members of the Town Council, whether serving by election or appointment.
EXPENDITURE.
A payment, distribution, loan, advance, deposit, or gift, and includes a promise or agreement, whether or not legally enforceable, to make an expenditure that provides a benefit to an elected town official that is incurred by or on behalf of a lobbyist.
FAMILY GIFT.
A gift to an elected town official or a member of his or her household from a lobbyist who is a relative of the elected town official or a member of his or her household if the donor is not acting for someone not covered by this paragraph.
GIFT.
Money, real property, or tangible personal property. For purposes of this subchapter,
GIFT
does not include:
(1) A gift or inheritance from a spouse, child, parent, grandparent, grandchild, brother, sister, parent-in-law, brother-in-law, sister-in-law, nephew, niece, aunt, uncle, or first cousin or any such person's spouse if the donor is not acting for someone not covered by this paragraph and gifts of a personal nature were customarily received from such person before becoming an elected town official.
(2) The value of meals, entertainment, or lodging that is reported or exempt from reporting under this subchapter.
(3) Salary, compensation, or employer-reimbursed expenses lawfully paid to an elected town official.
(4) The value of professional or consulting service not rendered to obtain a benefit for any lobbyist or lobbyist's client.
(5) Expenses relating to an event to which all members of the Town Council or any Town Council committee or subcommittee are invited.
(6) A plaque or similar item given to an elected town official in recognition of service or notable accomplishment.
(7) Informational material such as books, reports, pamphlets, tapes, calendars, or periodicals.
(8) An unused item that is returned to the donor or delivered to a charitable organization within 15 days of receipt and is not claimed as a charitable contribution for tax purposes.
(9) A campaign contribution that is properly received and reported as required by law.
(10) An item given to an elected town official if an item of similar value is given by the elected town official at the same time, or on a similar occasion under similar circumstances.
LOBBY.
Communication with any elected town official for the purpose of influencing official action.
LOBBYIST.
Any person who is compensated to lobby for a person other than him- or herself.
OFFICIAL ACTION.
The action or non-action of the Town Council.
PERSON.
An individual, partnership, committee, association, limited liability company, or corporation and any other organization or group of persons.
PERSONAL HOSPITALITY.
Meals, beverages, transportation, or lodging furnished non-commercially by a person on his or his or her family's property or facilities.
PUBLIC OFFICIAL.
A person holding an elected government office.
(`87 Code, Art. 19-1) (Am. Ord. 96-17, passed 11-4-96)