For the purpose of this subchapter, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.
BUSINESS ENTITY. A sole proprietorship, partnership, firm, corporation, holding company, joint-stock company, receivership, trust, or any other entity recognized by law.
CITY OFFICIAL. The Mayor, every member of the City Council, City Administrator, Assistant City Administrator, City Secretary, department heads, and members of the Board of Adjustment, Zoning Commission, and other committees appointed by the City Council. Neither the applicability of any provision of this subchapter to any CITY OFFICIAL who is also an employee of the city, nor any reprimand or other remedy imposed on any such employee pursuant to this subchapter shall operate to limit any other discipline or action that may be taken by the city with respect to such person's employment with the city.
CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION. Any information that a city official would be privy to because of the official's position but otherwise is not available to the public under the provisions of the Texas Public Information Act (Tex. Gov't Code Ch. 552).
GIFT. A favor, hospitality, or economic benefit other than compensation but which does not include campaign contributions reported as required by state law, gifts received from a relative if given on account of kinship.
SUBSTANTIAL INTEREST. An interest in a business entity if a city official (a) owns 10% or more of voting stock or shares of the business entity; (b) owns 10% or more or $15,000 or more of the fair market value of the business entity; or (c) if funds received from the business entity exceed 10% or more of the person's gross income for the previous year. A city official has a SUBSTANTIAL INTEREST in real property if he or she has a legal or equitable interest in the property and the interest has a market value of $2,500 or more. A city official also has a SUBSTANTIAL INTEREST as defined herein if a person related to the city official in the first degree of consanguinity or affinity, as determined under Tex. Gov't Code Ch. 573, has a SUBSTANTIAL INTEREST.
VENDOR. A person, business, or corporation who sells goods or services.
(Ord. 120508, passed 5-8-2012)