(A) Council members should act with integrity, independent from improper influence and respect for others as they exercise the duties of their offices.
(B) Characteristics and behaviors consistent with this standard include the following:
(1) Adhering firmly to a code of sound values;
(2) Behaving consistently and with respect toward everyone with whom they interact;
(3) Exhibiting trustworthiness;
(4) Living as if they are on duty as elected officials regardless of where they are or what they are doing;
(5) Using their best independent judgment to pursue the common good as they see it, presenting their opinions to all in a reasonable, forthright, consistent manner;
(6) Remaining incorruptible, self-governing and unaffected by improper influence while at the same time being able to consider the opinions and ideas of others;
(7) Disclosing contacts and information about issues that they receive outside of public meetings and refraining from seeking or receiving information about quasi-judicial matters outside of the quasi-judicial proceedings themselves;
(8) Treating other Council members, staff and the public with respect and honoring the opinions of others even when the Council member disagrees with those opinions;
(9) Not directing or interfering with staff in the performance of their duties recognizing that staff performs their roles under general direction from the governing board;
(10) Understanding and respecting the role of Council members, citizens and staff in governance and operations;
(11) Not reaching conclusions on issues until all sides have been heard;
(12) Showing respect for their offices and not behaving in ways that reflect badly on those offices;
(13) Recognizing that they are part of a larger group and acting accordingly;
(14) Recognizing that individual Council members are not generally allowed to act on behalf of the Council, but may only do so if the Council specifically authorizes it, and that the Council must take official action as a body; and
(15) Avoiding conflicts of interest.
(Ord. passed 12-9-2013)