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ADDENDUM #1 ACCEPTING "ANYTHING OF VALUE" A public official should conduct his/her official and personal affairs in such a manner as to give a clear impression that he/she cannot be improperly influenced in the performance of his/her official duties. A public official should not directly or indirectly solicit any gift, or accept or receive any gift, whether in the form of money, services, loans, travel, entertainment, hospitality, promise, or any other form, under circumstances in which it could reasonably be inferred that the gift was intended to influence him/her, or could reasonably be expected to influence him/her in the performance of his/her official duties, or was intended as a reward for any official action on his/her part. This general rule is modified by the following exceptions: 1. The value of a gift or advantage, and the relation of the giver to public business should be considered in determining acceptability. Small gifts that come in the form of business lunches, calendars or office bric-a-brac are often, but not always acceptable. In cases of doubt, refuse. In cases of marginal doubt, refuse. 2. The circumstances of the gift must involve a situation of collegiality of a working or social relationship. If the circumstances are related or can reasonably be inferred to be related to the gaining of improper influence, the offer is not acceptable. Note: Minority Addendum -attendance at ballgames, golf outings, and/or bauquets paid for by firms under contract by the city, without an agreement or practice of reciprocation by the public empl yees, is not proper and is deemed an unacceptable gift. 3. A second type of acceptable circumstance is when the gift is in connection with a widely attended gathering, such as a grand opening, where other dignitaries have been invited, and where the public employee is invited in his/her official capacity, and where, if he/she did -at attend, it would appear as an insult to the sponsor of the activity or would reflect negatively upon the city. 4. It is important that the prohibition of unsolicited gifts be limited to circumstances related to improper influence. In such de minimus situations as cigars, meal checks, etc., some modest maximum dollar value should be determined by the member for his/her guidance. The Guideline is not intended to isolate public officials from normal, social practices where gifts among friends, associates and relatives are appropriate for certain occasions.