The following definitions shall be applicable in this chapter:
ANYTHING OF VALUE
Any money or property in excess of $15 in value, favor, service,
payment, advance, forbearance, loan, or promise of future employment,
but does not include compensation or expense reimbursement paid by
the City, honorariums, fees and expenses under the standards and reporting
requirements set forth in § 19.56, Wis. Stats., or hospitality
extended for a purpose unrelated to City business by a person other
than a firm, corporation, partnership, or joint venture.
[Amended 4-14-2015 by Ord. No. 233]
BUSINESS
Any corporation, partnership, proprietorship, firm, enterprise,
franchise, association, organization, self-employed individual or
any other legal entity which engages in profit-making activities.
FINANCIAL INTEREST
Any interest which shall yield, directly or indirectly, a
monetary or other material benefit to the officer or employee or to
any person employing or retaining the services of the officer or employee.
PERSONAL INTEREST
Any interest arising from blood or marriage relationships
or from close business or political associations, whether or not any
financial interest is involved.
PUBLIC EMPLOYEE
Any person excluded from the definition of a public official
who is employed by the City.
PUBLIC OFFICIAL
Any person serving in statutory elected or appointed offices
provided for in Ch. 62, Wis. Stats., and all members appointed to
boards, committees and commissions established or appointed by the
Mayor and/or Common Council pursuant to this Code, whether paid or
unpaid.
SIGNIFICANT INTEREST
Owning or controlling, directly or indirectly, at least 10%
or $5,000 of the outstanding stock or at least 10% or $5,000 of any
business.
There are certain provisions of the Wisconsin Statutes which
should, while not set forth herein, be considered an integral part
of any code of ethics. Accordingly, the provisions of the following
sections of the Wisconsin Statutes, as from time to time amended,
are made a part of this code of ethics and shall apply to public officials
and employees whenever applicable:
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§ 946.10, Bribery of Public Officers and Employees
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§ 946.11, Special Privileges from Public Utilities
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§ 946.12, Misconduct in Public Office
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§ 946.13, Private Interest in Public Contract Prohibited
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Public officials and employees are agents of public purpose
and hold office for the benefit of the public. They are bound to uphold
the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the
State and carry out impartially the laws of the nation, state and
City, to observe in their official acts the highest standards of morality
and to discharge faithfully the duties of their office regardless
of personal considerations, recognizing that the public interest shall
be their prime concern.
When an official or employee has doubt as to the applicability
of a provision of this chapter, such official or employee may apply
to the City Attorney for an advisory opinion. The official or employee
shall have the opportunity to present his interpretation of the facts
at issue and of the applicability of provision of this chapter before
such advisory decision is made. This chapter shall be operative in
all instances covered by its provisions, except when superseded by
an applicable statutory provision and statutory action is mandatory,
or when the application of a statutory provision is discretionary,
but determined to be more appropriate or desirable.
A determination that an employee's actions constitute improper
conduct under the provisions of this chapter shall constitute a cause
of suspension, removal from office or employment or other disciplinary
action. Sanctions, including any disciplinary action, that may affect
employees covered under a labor agreement will be consistent with
the terms and conditions set forth in the applicable labor agreement.
[Added 4-14-2015 by Ord.
No. 233]
For each violation of this chapter, the minimum forfeiture is
$30, and the maximum forfeiture is $1,000, for each offense.