§ 36.01 PURPOSE.

   This code of ethics establishes the ethical standards for elected officials and employees of the City of Madison, Indiana.

(Ord. 2016-7, passed 5-16-16)

§ 36.02 DEFINITIONS.

   For the purpose of this chapter, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.

   “BOARD.” The City Council and any city administrative board (e.g., Planning Board, Zoning of Board of Appeals), commission or body comprised of two or more elected officials or employees.

   “CODE.” This code of ethics.

   “ELECTED OFFICIAL OR EMPLOYEE.” A paid or unpaid officer or employee of the city, including but not limited to, the members of any municipal board.

   “INTEREST.” A direct or indirect financial or material benefit, but does not include any benefit arising from the provision or receipt of any services generally available to the residents or taxpayers of the city or an area of the city, or a lawful class of those residents or taxpayers. An elected official or employee is deemed to have an “INTEREST” in any private organization when he or she, his or her spouse, or a member of his or her household, is an owner, partner, member, director, officer, employee, or directly or indirectly owns or controls more than 25% of the organization’s outstanding stock.

   “MUNICIPALITY.” The City of Madison, Indiana. The word “MUNICIPAL” refers to the City of Madison, Indiana.

   “RELATIVE.” A spouse, parent, stepparent, sibling, step-sibling, sibling’s spouse, child, stepchild, uncle, aunt, nephew, niece, first cousin, or household member of an elected official or employee, and individuals having any of these relationships to the spouse of the officer or employee.

(Ord. 2016-7, passed 5-16-16)

§ 36.03 APPLICABILITY.

   This code of ethics applies to the elected officials and employees of the city. The provisions of this code of ethics shall apply in addition to all applicable state and local laws relating to conflicts of interest and ethics, and all rules, regulations, policies and procedures of the city.

(Ord. 2016-7, passed 5-16-16)

§ 36.04 BOARD OF ETHICS.

   (A)   The City Council shall establish a Board of Ethics for the city. The Board of Ethics shall consist of three members, a majority of whom shall not be officers or employees of the city, but at least one of whom must be an elected official or employee of the city. The members of the Board of Ethics shall be appointed by the Mayor and approved by the Common Council to serve at the pleasure of the City Council, and to receive no salary or compensation for their services as members of the Board of Ethics.

   (B)   The Board of Ethics shall render advisory opinions to the officers and employees of the city with respect to this code. Such advisory opinions must be rendered pursuant to the written request of any such officer or employee under such rules and regulations as the Board of Ethics may prescribe. The Board of Ethics shall have the advice of legal counsel by the city’s legal counsel. The Board of Ethics may make recommendations with respect to the amendments to the code of ethics upon the request of the City Council.

(Ord. 2016-7, passed 5-16-16)

§ 36.05 PROHIBITION ON USE OF MUNICIPAL POSITION FOR PERSONAL OR PRIVATE GAIN.

   An elected official or employee shall not use his or her municipal position or official powers and duties to secure a financial or material benefit for himself or herself, a relative, or any private organization in which he or she is deemed to have an interest.

(Ord. 2016-7, passed 5-16-16)