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A. False Statements. City officials shall not knowingly make false statements to influence official action.

B. Inappropriate Use of Title or Authority. No city official shall use the implied authority of office or position for the purposes of unduly influencing the decisions of others, or promoting a personal interest within the community. Unless duly appointed by council to represent the interests of the full council, council members shall refrain from implying their representation of the whole by the use of their title.

C. Representing Private Interests. No city official shall, for compensation, represent or assist those representing private business or personal interests before council, administration, or any city board, commission or agency. Nothing in this subsection shall prevent an official from making verbal or written inquiries on behalf of constituents or the general public to elements of city government or from requesting explanations or additional information on behalf of such constituents. No official may solicit or accept a benefit or anything of value from any person for having performed this service.

D. Confidential Information. No city official may disclose information that official knows to be confidential concerning employees of the city, city property, city government, or other city affairs, including but not limited to confidential information disclosed during an executive session, unless authorized or required by law to do so.

E. Gratuities. No city official shall accept a gratuity from any person engaging in business with the city or having a financial interest in a decision pending with the city. No city official shall give a gratuity to another city official for the purpose of influencing that person’s opinion, judgment, action, decision or exercise of discretion as a city official. This subsection does not prohibit accepting:

1. A meal under $75.00 in value;

2. Discounts or prizes that are generally available to the public or large sections of the public;

3. Gifts presented by an employer to its employees in recognition of meritorious service, or civic or public awards;

4. A lawful campaign contribution made to a candidate for public office;

5. An occasional nonpecuniary gift less than $75.00 in value; or

6. Any gift which would have been offered or given to them if they were not a city official.

F. Use of City Property. No city official may use, request or permit the use of city vehicles, equipment, materials or property for any non-city purpose, including but not limited to private financial gain, unless that use is available to the general public on the same terms or unless such use is included in the compensation package provided to the specific official. This subsection does not prohibit de minimis personal use.

G. Political Activities – Limitations of Individuals. A city official may not take an active part in a political campaign or other political activity when on duty. Nothing in this subsection shall be construed as preventing city officials from exercising their right to vote, contribute to a campaign or candidate or expressing that official’s political views when they are not on duty or engaging with the public in their capacity as a city official.

H. Improper Influence Over Another City Official’s Vote. A city official may not contact the employer of other city officials or threaten financial harm to other city officials in an attempt to influence their actions, votes or positions.

I. Duty of Impartiality. City officials shall act impartially when conducting city business.

J. Prohibition Against Harassment and Discrimination and Retaliation. At all times during performance of their official duties, city officials shall comply with the city’s personnel policies against harassment, retaliation, and discrimination. A copy of these policies and procedures shall be provided to all city officials when elected or appointed. City officials shall be provided with any updates or revisions to these policies and procedures. (Ord. 22-13(AM) § 2, 2022)