(A) General policy statement. It is the policy of the city that all city officials and employees shall conduct themselves both inside and outside the city's service so as to give no occasion for distrust of their integrity, impartiality or devotion to the best interest of the city and the public trust which the city holds.
(B) Appearance of impropriety. Public service is a public trust. All city officials and employees are stewards of the public trust. They have a responsibility to the citizens of the city to administer and enforce the City Charter and city ordinances. To ensure and enhance public confidence in city government, each city official and employee must strive not only to maintain technical compliance with the principles of ethical conduct set forth in this chapter and in state law, but also to avoid the appearance of impropriety at all times.
(C) This Code of Ethics has five purposes:
(1) To encourage ethical conduct on the part of city officials and employees;
(2) To encourage public service with the city;
(3) To establish standards for ethical conduct for city officials and employees by defining and prohibiting conduct that is incompatible with the interests of the city;
(4) To require disclosure by city officials and employees of their economic interests that may conflict with the interests of the city; and
(5) To serve as a basis for disciplining those who fail to abide by its terms.
(D) This Code of Ethics is not intended to be used as a political weapon or to intimidate or embarrass affected persons. The officials charged with administration of this Code of Ethics shall administer it in a manner that avoids any such use of this Code of Ethics.
(Ord. 2019-01-O, passed 1-15-2019)