(a) All individuals shall comply \vith the requirements and prohibitions applicable to public officials and employees, as stated in Ohio Revised Code Section 102.03
(b) No elected official, employee, or board or commission member shall solicit or accept any gift where:
(1) The gift is intended to influence the elected official, employee, or board or commission member in the performance or non-performance of his or her official powers or duties;
(2) The gift is intended to reward for any official action on the part of the elected official, employee, or board member in violation of Ohio Revise Code Section 2921.43.
(c) Presumption of influence. Subject to the exceptions listed in subsection (d), the following presumptions shall apply:
(1) A gift or multiple gifts from a contractor or lobbyist within the same calendar year having an annual aggregate face value of seventy-five dollars ($75.00) or more are presumed to influence an elected official, employee, or board or commission member in the performance or non-performance of his or her official powers or duties.
(2) A gift to an elected official, employee or board or commission member is presumed to be intended to influence the performance or non-performance of his or her official powers or duties when the gift is from a private person or organization that seeks City action involving the exercise of discretion by or with the participation of the individual.
(3) A gift to an elected official, employee, or board or commission member is presumed to be intended to reward for official action when the gift is from a private person or organization that has obtained City action involving the exercise of discretion by or with the participation of the individual during the preceding twelve months.
(d) Notwithstanding the provisions in subsection (b), the following gifts shall not carry a presumption of influence:
(1) Gifts made to the City;
(2) Gifts given on special occasions, such as marriage, illness, or retirement, which are reasonable and customary, and which do not otherwise constitute a substantial and improper influence on the recipient;
(3) Meals and refreshments provided when an elected official, employee, or board member is in his or her professional capacity a speaker or participant at a job-related conference or program, and the meals and refreshments are made available to all participants;
(4) Invitations to or attendance at charitable fundraisers or community events that provide meals of an ordinary character and do not include entertainment of a significant value;
(5) Anything for which an elected official, employee, or board member pays face value, or at a discount available to all City employees or the general public;
(6) Any campaign contribution that is otherwise lawfully received and reported under this Code and general law.
(Ord. 34-2017. Passed 9-12-17.)