[HISTORY: Adopted by the City Council of the City of Geneva 5-5-1999 by L.L. No. 2-1999; amended in its entirety 1-7-2015 by Ord. No. 2-2015. Subsequent amendments noted where applicable.]
GENERAL REFERENCES
Officers and employees — See Ch. 38.
Personnel policies — See Ch. 43.
Purchasing and public works contracts — See Ch. 50.
This chapter shall be known as the "Code of Ethics of the City of Geneva."
Pursuant to the provisions of § 806 of the General Municipal Law, the City Council of the City of Geneva recognizes that there are rules of ethical conduct for public officers and employees which must be observed if a high degree of moral conduct is to be obtained and a public confidence is to be maintained in our unit of local government. It is the purpose of this chapter to promulgate these rules of ethical conduct for the officers and employees of the City of Geneva. These rules shall serve as a guide for the official conduct of the officers and employees of the City of Geneva. The rules of ethical conduct of this chapter as adopted shall not conflict with, but shall be in addition to, any prohibition of Article 18 of the General Municipal Law or any other general or special law relating to ethical conduct and interest in contracts of municipal officers and employees.
By separate resolution, the City Council of the City of Geneva shall enact a Code of Ethics of the City of Geneva pursuant to the authority and provisions of § 806 of the General Municipal Law. This chapter shall provide additional provisions as to implementation and adherence to the Code of Ethics, and shall provide the necessary force of law for the Code of Ethics resolution. All prior local laws, ordinances or resolutions or parts of local laws, ordinances or resolutions of the City of Geneva inconsistent with the provisions of this chapter are hereby repealed; provided, however, that such repeal shall be only to the extent of such inconsistency, and in all respects this chapter shall be in addition to other legislation regulating and governing the subject matter covered by this chapter.
Upon election, each City Councilor, including the Mayor, must file a statement of economic interest, in a format approved by City Council. These statements will remain on file in the City Clerk's Office, and shall be updated annually prior to April 15 of each year of office.
[Amended 9-5-2018 by Ord. No. 2-2018]
City Council shall appoint a five-member Board of Ethical Review to participate in the complaint procedures outlined in § 26-6.
A. 
Qualifications. In order to serve on the Board of Ethical Review, candidates must live in the City of Geneva, and demonstrate knowledge and/or experience in ethical or legal concepts, mediation, or related experience.
B. 
Term. Board of Ethical Review members shall serve for a period of four years, except that an initial appointee shall serve a term of two years. Following the initial appointment, all Board Members shall serve a four-year term.
C. 
Meetings. Meetings shall be called at the direction of City Council, in accordance with the complaint procedure outlined in § 26-6.
A. 
A. Any officer or employee of the City of Geneva who would like to file a complaint must file copies of said complaint with the City Attorney and Board of Ethical Review. In the case of a complaint against the City Attorney, the complaint may be filed with a member of the City Council or Board of Ethical Review. A member of the public wishing to make a complaint may file said complaint with the City Clerk, a City Council member, or member of the Board of Ethical Review.
[Amended 8-5-2015 by Ord. No. 9-2015]
B. 
Complaints against an employee of the City, other than the City Manager, City Clerk, or City Attorney shall be forwarded by the receiver to the City Manager. The City Manager, in conjunction with the Personnel Officer will review the complaint and conduct any investigation necessary to determine a basis in fact for the complaint. If the complaint is substantiated, the City Manager shall execute any disciplinary action that he feels is necessary and appropriate; and that is permitted by applicable state, federal, and local laws, rules, and regulations. All substantiated complaints shall be reported to City Council at the first regular City Council meeting following substantiation.
C. 
In cases where complaints are made against a sitting Councilor or any Council appointee, the Council, by open vote, may call a meeting of the Board of Ethical Review. Once called, the complaint will be carried by the Council liaison to the Board. The Board will conduct any investigation necessary to determine a basis in fact for the complaint. Once the investigation is complete, the Board will make a report to the Council. All substantiated complaints shall be reported at the first regular City Council meeting following substantiation. Following the report, a majority of Council may execute disciplinary action as they feel is necessary and appropriate; and that is permitted by applicable state, federal, and local laws, rules, and regulations.
[Amended 8-5-2015 by Ord. No. 9-2015]
This chapter shall be reviewed by each subsequent Council for the purpose of ensuring familiarity with its terms and for amendment as deemed appropriate.