Commission Handbook2017 mid pages

Home

13City of Roseville y Commissioner’s Handbook Appendix E. Ethics Code CITY OF ROSEVILLE CODE OF ETHICS FOR PUBLIC OFFICIALS PURPOSE Officials in the public service must maintain the highest possible standards of ethical conduct in their transactions of public business. Such standards must be clearly defined and known to the public as well as to the Public Officials. Violations of the ethical standards in this ordinance are punishable by the City Council and are not to be deemed criminal misdemeanors of any other type of crime except as those behaviors or activities may separately be determined to be criminal under state or federal law. SECTION 1. DECLARATION OF POLICY The proper operation of democratic government requires that Public Officials be independent, impartial and responsible to the people; that government decisions and policy be made in the proper channels of the government structure; that public office not be used for personal gain; and that the public have confidence in the integrity of its government. In recognition of these goals, there is hereby established a Code of Ethics for all Public Officials of the City of Roseville. The purpose of this Code is to establish ethical standards of conduct for all such officials by setting forth those acts or actions that are incompatible with the best interests of the City, and by directing disclosure by such officials of private financial or other interests in matters affecting the City. The provisions and purpose of this Code and such rules and regulations as may be established are in the best interests of the City of Ros- eville. Recognizing that education on ethics in government is the key to having good government, this code requires that annual training be held to discuss the meaning of this code with Public Officials, and in addition such training shall involve trained experts on government ethics. The City Manager shall be the coordinator for the annual training. The training will keep the subject of ethics in government fresh in everyone’s mind. (amended 5-23-2011) To increase the awareness and understanding of the importance of ethical considerations and behavior among the public as well as government employees, communication of the role of the ethics commission and this Code must occur at least annually in local newspapers and the Roseville website as determined by the City Manager. Additionally, this Code of Ethics shall be reviewed annually to determine if modifications are appropriate. SECTION 2. DEFINITIONS OF TERMS Public Official Any person that has been elected to office, appointed to a City board or commission, or hired by the City to serve as a department head or assistant department head. Public Officials include the following: A. Members of the City Council and Mayor; B. The department head and assistant department head of each City department; C. Any person that has been appointed by the Roseville City Council. This would include City commission, board, and task force members; and D. The City Manager. Anything of Value Money, real or personal property, a permit or license, a favor, a service, forgiveness of a loan or promise of future employment. The term “Anything of Value” shall not be deemed to include: 1. Services to assist an official in the performance of official duties, including but not limited to providing advice, consultation, information, and communication in connection with legislation, and services to constituents; 2. Services of insignificant monetary value; 3. A plaque or similar memento recognizing individual services in a field of specialty or to a charitable cause; 4. A trinket or memento costing $5 or less; 5. Informational material of unexceptional value; 6. Food or a beverage given at a reception, meal, or meeting away from the recipient’s place of work by an organization before whom the recipient appears to make a speech or answer questions as part of a program; or 7. A contribution as defined in Minn. Stat. § 211A.01, subd. 5.