For the purpose of this chapter, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.
BOARD OF ETHICS. The Northern Kentucky Ethics Enforcement Committee as created by the Northern Kentucky Regional Ethics Authority and vested by this chapter with the responsibility of enforcing the requirements of the city's code of ethics.
BUSINESS ASSOCIATE. This term includes the following:
(1) A private employer;
(2) A general or limited partnership, or a general or limited partner within the partnership;
(3) A corporation that is family owned or in which all shares of stock are closely held, and the shareholders, owners, and officers of such a corporation;
(4) A corporation, business association, or other business entity in which the city government officer, employee or agent serves as a compensated member or representative.
BUSINESS ORGANIZATION. Any corporation, partnership, sole proprietorship, firm, enterprise, franchise, association, organization, self-employed individual, holding company, joint stock company, receivership, trust, professional service corporation, or any legal entity through which business is conducted for profit.
CANDIDATE. Any individual who seeks nomination or election to a city government office covered by this code of ethics. An individual is a CANDIDATE when the individual:
(1) Files a notification and declaration for nomination for office with a City Clerk or the Secretary of State; or
(2) Is nominated for office by a political party under KRS 118.105, 118.115, 118.325, or 118.760.
CITY GOVERNMENT AGENCY. Any board, commission, authority, non-stock corporation, task force or other entity formed by the city government or a combination of city governments.
CITY GOVERNMENT AGENT. Any person, whether compensated or not, whether full-time or part-time, employed by or serving a city government agency who is not a city government officer or employee, but shall not mean any employee of a school district or school board.
CITY GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEE. Any person, whether compensated or not, whether full- time or part-time, employed by or serving the city government who is not a city government officer, but shall not mean any employee of a school district or school board.
CITY GOVERNMENT OFFICER. Any person, whether compensated or not, whether full- time or part-time, who is elected or appointed to the city government office covered by this code of ethics.
MEMBERS OF IMMEDIATE FAMILY. A spouse, an unemancipated child residing in an individual's household, a person claimed by the individual or individual's spouse as a dependent for tax purposes, or a person with whom the individual maintains a close economic or personal association.
RULE OF NECESSITY. The city government, agency or district may make or enter into a contract in which an officer, employee, agent or members of his/her immediate family or a business associate has an economic interest if the nature of the transaction and the nature of the interest is publicly disclosed on the record prior to the time it is engaged in; and a specific finding is made by the city government, agency, or district and is so entered on the official record of the proceedings of the governing body that, notwithstanding the conflict, it is in the best interest of the local government because of limited supply, price, or documented emergency.
(Ord. 94-013, passed 12-12-94; Am. Ord. 2004-004, passed 7-12-04)