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Source: Minneapolis Code of Ordinances <br />CHAPTER15. ETHICS IN GOVERNMENT" <br />15.10. Code of ethics; preamble. Minneapolis governmentexists to serve the people of <br />Minneapolis. In order to do so effectively, the people must have confidence and trust in the <br />integrity of their city government. They deserve elected and appointed officials, city employees <br />and volunteerswho maintain the highest ethical principies and avoid misconduct and conflicts of <br />interest, apparent or real. Effective democracy depends on a government that is fair, ethical and <br />accountable to the people it serves. <br />This comprehensive code of ethics provides an ethical guide and specific rules that <br />reflect the ethical values of our city. It is both inspirational and a basis for disciplinary action. The <br />ethical aspirations that begin each section represent the inspirational objectives toward which <br />each local official and employee should strive. Except for the ethical aspirations set forth in 15.20, <br />15.130, 15.180, the code of ethics defies levels of conduct below which no local official or <br />employee can fall without being subject to disciplinary action. <br />The code of ethics is designed to promote high ethical standards and conduct, and to <br />foster a healthy ethical culture throughout city government. It is a touchstone for all who work with <br />and for the city to assist them in fulfilling their responsibilities to the people of Minneapolis. (2003- <br />Or-034, � 1, 3-2�-�3� <br />ARTICLE I. TRUST <br />15.20. Ethical aspiration. We put the pubfic interest ahead of our own personal advancement <br />and financial interests. We disclose conflicts of interest and refrain from participatingin decisions <br />where we have a financial interest. We avoid actions that miaht impair indeper�dence of iudament <br />or give the appearance of impropriety or a conflict of inter�st, �� do not �s� our pc��iii�n� k� gain <br />privileges or special treatment and do not use public property or personnel for private or personal <br />purposes. (2003-Or-034,� 1.3-21-03) <br />15.30. Fiduciary duty. In the performance of their official duties, (aGal officials and employees <br />shall act for the benefit of the city. (2003-Or-034. � 1, 3-21-03) <br />15.40. Conflicts of interest. (a) Definition of conflicts of interest. A local official or employee. <br />whether paid or unpaid, shalt avoid any situation that might give rise to a conflict of interest. A <br />conflict of interest is presentwhen, in the discharge of official duties, a loGal official or employee <br />participates in a governmental decision, action or transaction in which he or she has a financial <br />interest, except when that financial interest is no greater than that of another member of his or her <br />business classification, profession or occupation. A financial interestis any interest, including <br />loans, which shall yield, directly or indirectly, a monetary or other material benefit to the local <br />official or employee (other than monetary or material benefits authorized by the city). A financial <br />interest of a local official's or employee's employer (other than the City of Minneapolis), his or her <br />associated business, or his or her spouse, domestic partner, or dependent, and their employers <br />or associated businesses shall also be considered a financial interest of the local official or <br />employee. The following assets shall not be considered a financial interest for purposes of this <br />section: <br />�� � Ownership of shares in a diversified mutual fund. <br />�2� Membership in a pension plan or employee benefit plan. <br />�3� Ownership of bonds or publicly traded securities with a market value of less than <br />