Loading...
CITY COUNCIL CODE OF ETHICS
The stability and proper operation of democratic representative government depends upon the continuing consent of the governed, upon the public confidence in the integrity of the government and upon responsible exercise of the trust conferred by the people. Government decisions and policy must be made and implemented through proper channels and processes of the governmental structure. The purpose of this code is to establish guidelines for ethical standards of conduct for city council members. City council members must act in a manner that maintains their integrity and independence, yet is responsive to the interests and needs of those they represent. City council members must act in a fair and impartial manner. City council members must be aware of their obligation to conform their behavior to standards of ethical conduct that warrant the trust of their constituents.
(1992 Code, App. E) (Ord. 34-00, passed 4-11-2000)
(a) A city council member shall honor the letter and spirit of the law.
(b) City council members shall support the constitution of the United States, the constitution of the state, the charter of the city and the laws enacted by the congress of the United States, the state and the city pursuant thereto.
(1992 Code, App. E) (Ord. 34-00, passed 4-11-2000)
(a) A city council member should uphold the integrity and independence of his or her office.
(b) City council members should demonstrate the highest standards of personal integrity, truthfulness, honesty and fortitude in all their public activities in order to inspire public confidence and trust in city government. City council members should participate in establishing, maintaining and enforcing, and should themselves observe, high standards of conduct so that the integrity and independence of their office may be preserved. The provisions of this Code should be construed and applied to further these objectives.
(1992 Code, App. E) (Ord. 34-00, passed 4-11-2000)
(a) A city council member should avoid impropriety and the appearance of impropriety in all his or her activities.
(b) It is essential that city government attract those citizens best qualified and willing to serve. City council members have legitimate interests (economic, professional and vocational) of a private nature. City council members should not be denied, and should not deny to other city council members or citizens, the opportunity to acquire, retain and pursue private interests, economic or otherwise, except when conflicts with their responsibility to the public cannot be avoided.
(c) City council members should conduct themselves at all times in a manner that promotes public confidence in the integrity of their office and of city government.
(d) City council members should not allow family, social or other relationships to unduly influence their conduct or judgment and should not lend the prestige of the office of city council member to advance the private interests of others; nor should they convey or permit others to convey the impression that they are in a special position to influence them.
(1992 Code, App. E) (Ord. 34-00, passed 4-11-2000)
(a) A city council member should perform the duties of the office diligently.
(b) City council members should, while performing the duties of the office as prescribed by law, give precedence to these duties over other activities. In the performance of these duties, the following standards should apply.
(1) City council members should actively pursue policy goals they believe to be in the best interests of their constituents within the parameters of orderly decision-making, rules of the city council and open government.
(2) City council members should respect the legitimacy of the goals and interests of other city council members and should respect the rights of others to pursue goals and policies different from their own.
(3) City council members should be faithful to the general and local laws pertaining to the office and strive for professional competence in them. They should be unswayed by partisan interests, public clamor or fear of criticism.
(4) City council members should demand and contribute to the maintenance of order and decorum in proceedings before the city council.
(5) City council members should be honest, patient, dignified and courteous to those with whom they deal in their official capacity, and should require similar conduct of their staff and others subject to their direction and control.
(6) City council members should accord to every person who is legally interested in a proceeding before the city council full right to be heard according to law.
(7) City council members should dispose promptly of the business of the city for which they are responsible.
(8) City council members should diligently discharge their legislative responsibilities.
(9) City council members should exercise their powers of advice and consent diligently. The council should not recommend the appointment of unnecessary employees and should exercise the power of advice and consent on the basis of merit, avoid favoritism and refrain from illegal discrimination and nepotism. They should not approve compensation of employees beyond the fair value of services rendered.
(1992 Code, App. E) (Ord. 34-00, passed 4-11-2000)
Loading...