(A) City officials themselves have the primary responsibility to ensure they understand and adhere to ethical standards, and that the public can continue to have full confidence in the integrity of government. The Mayor and Council Members have additional responsibility to intervene when actions of officials that appear to be in violation of this Code of Ethics and Conduct are brought to their attention.
(B) City officials who intentionally and repeatedly do not follow proper conduct as outlined in this Code of Ethics and Conduct are subject to one or more of the following:
(1) Public reprimand or censure by the City Council;
(2) Loss of committee, commission or other assignments (both within the city or other intergovernmental agencies);
(3) Removal from appointed office by the City Council;
(4) Loss of appointment or removal from the Vice Mayor or Mayor position; or
(5) Other sanctions as deemed appropriate by a majority vote of the City Council.
(C) City officials should point out to the offending official any infractions of the Code of Ethics and Conduct. If the offenses continue, then the alleged violations should be referred to the Mayor. Once it is brought to the attention of the Mayor, it is the responsibility of the Mayor to initiate action if a city official's behavior may warrant sanction. If no action is taken by the Mayor, or the Mayor is the individual whose actions are being challenged, then the alleged violation(s) can be brought up by any official with the full City Council in a public meeting. If violation of the Code of Ethics and Conduct is outside of the behaviors observed by the City Council, then subsequent investigation should be referred by the City Council to the City Manager to undertake appropriate action.
(Ord. 3348 § 1, 2022; Ord. 3078 § 1 (part), 2011.)