As used in this chapter, the following terms shall have the
meanings indicated:
BOARD
The Branford Board of Ethics.
BUSINESS
Any entity through which business for profit or not for profit
is conducted, including, but not limited to a corporation, partnership,
proprietorship, firm, enterprise, franchise, association, organization,
limited liability company, limited partnership, or self-employed individuals.
BUSINESS WITH WHICH HE/SHE IS ASSOCIATED
A business of which the person or a member of his/her immediate
family is a director, officer, owner, employee, member, compensated
agent, or holder of stock which constitutes 5% or more of the total
outstanding stock of any class. In determining said 5%, the interest
of the person shall be aggregated with that of his immediate family.
COMPLAINANT
A person who files a complaint alleging a violation of the
Code of Ethics.
CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION
Information, whether transmitted orally, in writing or by
any other means, that is obtained by reason of the public position
or office held and is of such nature that it is not, at the time of
transmission, a matter of public record or public knowledge.
FINANCIAL INTEREST
Any interest with a monetary value to the public employee,
public official or his/her immediate family, and which is not common
to the interests of the other citizens of the Town, of $100 or more,
or which generates a financial gain or loss of or confers any benefit
with a value of $100 or more in a calendar year.
GIFT
Anything of value, including but not limited to entertainment,
food, beverage, travel, and lodging given or paid to a public official
or public employee to the extent that consideration of equal or greater
value is not received. A gift does not include:
A.
A political contribution otherwise reported as required by law, or a donation or payment as described in Subdivision (9) or (11) of Subsection
(b) of Section 9-601a of the Connecticut General Statutes;
B.
Services provided by persons volunteering their time;
C.
A commercially reasonable loan made on terms not more favorable
than loans made at arm's length in the ordinary course of business;
D.
A gift received from:
(1)
An immediate family member;
(2)
The parent, brother or sister of such immediate family member;
or
(3)
The child of such immediate family member or the spouse of such
child;
E.
Goods or services that are provided to the Town and facilitate
governmental action or functions;
F.
A certificate, plaque or other ceremonial award costing less
than $100;
G.
A rebate or discount on the price of anything of value made
at arm's length in the ordinary course of business without regard
to that person's status;
H.
Printed or recorded informational material germane to governmental
action or functions;
I.
Items of nominal value, not to exceed $10, containing or displaying
promotional material;
J.
An honorary degree bestowed upon a public official or public
employee by a public or private university or college, or other school
of learning;
K.
A meal provided in the home of an individual; or a meal provided
at an event and/or the registration or entrance fee to attend such
an event, in which the public official or public employee participates
in his/her official capacity; gifts in-kind of nominal value, specifically
excluding gifts of cash, not to exceed $50, tendered on gift-giving
occasions generally recognized by the public, including Christmas,
Hannukah, birthdays, the birth or adoption of a child, weddings, confirmations
or bar/bat mitzvahs, provided the total value of such gifts received
from any one source, person or entity in any calendar year does not
exceed $250.
IMMEDIATE FAMILY
Spouse, civil union partner, child, parent, sibling or their
spouses/civil union partners.
OFFICIAL RESPONSIBILITY
The direct administrative or operating authority, whether
intermediate or final and whether exercisable personally or through
subordinates, to approve, disapprove, or otherwise direct governmental
action.
PERSON
An individual, sole proprietorship, trust, corporation, union,
association, firm, partnership, committee, club or other organization
or group of persons.
PERSONAL INTEREST
An interest in any action taken by the Town in which an individual
will derive a nonfinancial benefit or detriment but which will result
in the expenditure of municipal funds.
PUBLIC EMPLOYEE
A person employed, whether part-time or full-time, by the
Town of Branford, or any of its boards, commissions, agencies, or
other entities.
PUBLIC OFFICIAL
An elected or appointed official, whether paid or unpaid
or full- or part-time, of the Town of Branford, or any of its boards,
commissions, agencies, or other entities, including candidates for
office.
RESPONDENT
A person who is alleged, in a complaint filed with the Board
of Ethics, to have committed a violation of the Code of Ethics.
TOWN
The Town of Branford.
The complainant is hereby advised and provided notice that if
he or she intentionally makes a false statement, he/she may be subject
to fines of up to $1,000 and penalties of up to one year of imprisonment
under the provisions of Section 53a-157b of the Connecticut General
Statutes, as amended, a Class A misdemeanor.
Violation of any provision of the code may be punished by public
censure and reprimand. The Board of Ethics may recommend to the Board
of Selectmen and/or the Representative Town Meeting or other appropriate
body (in the case of a public employee) dismissal or suspension from
employment, restitution of any pecuniary benefits received, or other
appropriate recommendations based on the violation committed.
The Town Clerk shall cause a copy of this Code of Ethics to
be available to every public employee and public official within 60
days after enactment of this code. Each public employee and public
official shall read a copy before entering upon the duties of his/her
office or employment. A signed statement certifying that he/she has
done so shall be returned to the Town clerk and retained on file.
The code will be available on the Branford web site, or by hard copy
if requested.