(a) 
Title.
This article, and all additional ordinances passed in the future and specifically made a part hereof, shall be collectively known and cited as the code of ethics.
(b) 
Authority.
This code of ethics (the “code”) is enacted pursuant to the authority of sections 2.01, 7.01 and 11.05 of the city’s home rule charter.
(c) 
Applicability.
This code applies to the mayor, city councilmembers, commissioners, employees, municipal officers, vendors, applicants, and volunteers.
(Ordinance 2019-05-15-01 adopted 5/20/19)
It is hereby declared to be the policy of the city that the proper operation of democratic municipal government requires that public officials be independent and impartial; that the governmental decisions and policy be made in the proper channels of the governmental structure; that no official should have any interest in, or conflict with the proper discharge of public duties; and that public office should not be used for personal gain. To implement such a policy, the city council deems it advisable to adhere to a code of ethics to serve not only as a guide for official conduct of the city’s officials, vendors, and applicants, but also as a basis for discipline for those who do not comply with its terms.
(Ordinance 2019-05-15-01 adopted 5/20/19)
The provisions contained in this code are separate from and in addition to any regulations enacted in the city’s personnel policies and state or federal law. Nothing herein shall preclude the city from pursuing enforcement of any applicable state and federal laws.
(Ordinance 2019-05-15-01 adopted 5/20/19)
In this code, unless the context otherwise requires, these terms are defined as follows:
Applicant.
Any person seeking approval of a permit, variance, or other form of approval or municipal authorization from the city.
Commission.
A city-created citizen advisory board, standing committee, or commission.
Commissioner.
An appointed member of a commission.
Councilmember.
The mayor or members of the city council, whether elected or appointed.
Employee.
Any person employed by the city as evidenced by the city’s payroll records, including municipal officers. For the purposes of the enforcement and interpretation of this code only, the term “employee” also includes independent contractors or seasonal (temporary) employees.
Final determination.
A determination by the board on any advisory opinion, complaint, ethical determination, waiver, or dismissal.
Financial interest.
An economic interest in the form of ownership of stock, ownership of real property, employment relationship, independent contractor relationship, party status in a judicial proceeding, or party status in an administrative law proceeding. This interest is shared among relatives within the 1st degree by consanguinity (blood or adoption) and affinity (marriage).
Municipal officer.
A city employee or appointee who holds a position identified in article IV of the city charter.
Official.
A commissioner, councilmember, employee, municipal officer, or volunteer.
Party.
A named plaintiff, defendant, petitioner or respondent in a legal matter, or related to a plaintiff, defendant, petitioner or respondent within the 1st degree by consanguinity (blood or adoption) and affinity (marriage).
Person.
Any natural person, agency, association, company, corporation or partnership.
Preliminary report.
A written assessment regarding the application of this code to a particular situation or behavior as alleged in a complaint or a request for an advisory opinion or waiver, including findings and recommendations, which is submitted by a subcommittee for the board’s consideration.
Reprimand.
A public and formal censure or severe reproof administered to a person in fault by the board of ethics for a violation of this code.
Reputable charitable organization.
A nonprofit entity that has tax-exempt status under the Internal Revenue Code section 501(c)(3) (26 U.S.C. section 501(c)(3)) and that has filed any reports with the city that are required by this chapter.
Subject.
A person alleged in a complaint to have committed a violation of this code.
Vendor.
Any person having, or seeking the approval or extension of, an agreement, contract, or work order with the city. this definition does not apply to citizens with contracts to receive city services.
Volunteer.
A person providing services to the city or acting on behalf of the city who is appointed by the mayor and confirmed by the city council.
(Ordinance 2019-05-15-01 adopted 5/20/19; Ordinance 2022-11-07-01 adopted 11/7/2022)