1-4B-6: VIOLATION:

   A.   Disclosing confidential information may have detrimental effects on the city including its finances and reputation, elected officials individually, staff members, and citizens. Elected officials and employees are encouraged to ask questions and seek and heed the advice of city staff, insurance providers, and legal counsel when involved in matters that are confidential in nature.

   B.   Complaints alleging violation of this article shall be reported in writing to the mayor, or if the mayor is involved, to the mayor pro tem. The complaint shall include specific, detailed information to support the allegation. The complaint shall then be referred to the city attorney or appropriate staff member for investigation.

   C.   Violations of this article may include but are not limited to the following penalties:

      1.   Censure: Censure may apply to elected officials and proceedings shall be conducted in accordance with Article 1-4D of this code. Censure should only be exercised when members can objectively prove a violation of the policy has occurred and can ensure that further disclosure of confidential information will not take place as a byproduct of censuring an elected official.

      2.   Personal Liability: An elected official may be personally liable if acts in the performance of a duty are performed with intentional misconduct or knowing violation of the law, or for a transaction from which the person derives an improper personal benefit. (Ord. 5662, 9-19-2022)

ARTICLE C. CODE OF ETHICAL CONDUCT

SECTION:

1-4C-1: Purpose

1-4C-2: Definitions

1-4C-3: Scope

1-4C-4: Standards Of Conduct

1-4C-5: Ex Parte Communications

1-4C-6: Disclosure Of Interest And Recusal Procedures

1-4C-7: Advisory Opinions

1-4C-8: Reporting Of Ethics Violation Of A Member

1-4C-9: Penalties, Forfeited Position, Exemptions; Injunctions

1-4C-10: Distribution Of Code Of Ethics

1-4C-1: PURPOSE:

Accepting a position as an elected official or appointed member of a governmental body of the City of Waterloo carries with it the acceptance of trust placed on that individual by the public to strive to further the interest of all citizens and operate an effective local government. This article establishes a common set of principles and standards by which elected and appointed members of a governmental body of the City of Waterloo shall conduct themselves in order to garner and preserve public trust. The City of Waterloo believes ethical misconduct is a serious violation of public trust and therefore this article establishes disciplinary measures to deter such misconduct. (Ord. 5662, 9-19-2022)

1-4C-2: DEFINITIONS:

This article shall apply to all elected and appointed members of governmental bodies of the City of Waterloo. This article shall not apply to city employees serving on governmental bodies of the City of Waterloo. (Ord. 5662, 9-19-2022)