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Ethical Practices Board F AQ and answers Page 2 of 3 Ethics Officer for the Ethical Practices Board 333 South 7th Street, Suite 300 Minneapolis, MN 55402 Phn: (612) 673-2473 Fax: (612) 673-3362 susa n. tra m mell@ci.minneaQQlis.mn.us ~tp-R>- What is a "conflict of interest," and how do I address a potential "conflict of interest?" "A local official or employee, whether paid or unpaid, shall avoid any situation that might give rise to a conflict of interest. A conflict of interest is present when, in the discharge of official duties, a local official or employee participates in a governmental decision, action or transaction in which he or she has a financial interest, except when that financial interest is no great than that of another member of his or her business classification, profession or occupation. A financial interest is any interest, including loans, which shall yield, directly or indirectly, a monetary or other material benefit to the local official or employee (other than monetary or other material benefits authorized by the city)." M.C.O. ~ 15.40 (a). This means that a local official or employee should remove themselves from participating in any action where a conflict of interest exists. For more information on how to address conflicts of interest read M.C.O. ~ 15.40 (a)-(c). <top> What constitutes a "gift," and under what circumstances am I unable to accept a "gift"? "A local official or employee shall not solicit or accept any gift from an interested person, lobbyist, or principal who has a direct financial interest in a decision that the local official or employee us authorized to make." M.C.O. ~15.50 (a). This means that a local official or employee may not accept any type of gift (i.e. a meal, a prize, a vacation) from any person or group that has a direct financial interest in a matter that the city official or employee may take part in. Read M.C.O. ~ 15. 50 (b) for more information. <top> What type of post-employment could potentially be a violation with the City's Ethics Code? "A former local official or employee shall not disclose or use any confidential, private, non public, privileged or proprietary information gained by reason of his or her city employment." M.C.O. 9 15.90 (a). A former local official or employee who ha s left the City of Minneapolis within 1 year may not work on behalf of any person or organization which has matters before the city. Read M.C.,O. ~ 15.90 (b) and (c) for more information. <top> http://www.ci.minneapolis.rnn.us/ep b/ ethics boardfaq sanswers. asp 5/15/2006