Rules of conduct recognize that under a democratic
form of government, public officials and employees who serve in government
cannot and should not be expected to be without any personal interest
in the decisions and policies of government. Government officials
and employees have a right to private interests of a personal, financial
and economic nature. However, standards of conduct should define those
conflicts of interest that are substantial and material or that bring
the township into disrepute from those that do not.
Government officials and employees should not:
A. Have any interest, financial or otherwise, direct
or indirect, or engage in any business or transaction or professional
activity that is in substantial conflict with the proper discharge
of their duties in the public interest.
B. Use or attempt to use an official position to secure
unwarranted privileges or advantages for themselves or others.
C. Act in an official capacity in any matter wherein
they have a direct or indirect personal financial interest that might
reasonably be expected to impair their objectivity of independence
of judgment.
D. Undertake any employment or service, whether compensated
or not, that might reasonably be expected to impair objectivity and
independence of judgment in the exercise of official duties.
E. Accept any gift, favor, service or other thing of
value under circumstances from which it might be reasonably inferred
that such gift, service or other thing of value was given or offered
for the purpose of influencing the discharge of official duties.
F. Knowingly act in any way that might reasonably be
expected to create an impression or suspicion among the public having
knowledge of those acts that they may be engaged in conduct in violation
of their trust as an official or an employee.
G. Use or allow the use of government property of any
kind for other than officially approved activities.
H. Use or allow the use of official information gained
through employment, which has not been made available to the general
public, for furthering a private interest.
[Added 12-16-2008 by Ord. No. 2008-19]
A. Township vehicles may only be provided to employees
through an approved contract or annual resolution. Justification is
to be clearly detailed in any resolution passed by the Township Committee.
B. No Township vehicle is to be used for any personal
use, with the exception of an emergency situation.
C. Unless exempted by state law, all taxes due to fringe
benefit recognition shall be the responsibility of the employee.
D. Any personal use of a Township vehicle shall be punishable
by one or more of the following as determined by Township Committee:
(1) Termination of employment.
(2) Permanent or temporary reduction in rank.
(4) A fine not to exceed $50 per occurrence or the mileage
reimbursement as specified by the United States Internal Revenue Service.
(5) Permanent or temporary ban on using Township vehicles.