The proper operation of democratic government requires that City Councilors and their appointees be fair, impartial and responsive to the needs of the people and each other in the performance of their respective functions and duties; that decisions and policy be made in proper channels of the City's governmental structure; that public office not be used for personal gain; and that City employees, City Councilors and City appointees maintain a standard of conduct that will inspire public confidence in the integrity of the City's government. In recognition of these goals, a Code of Ethics is hereby established for all City employees, City Councilors and members and associate members of all the City boards and commissions now existing or hereafter created.
[Added 10-23-2017 by Ord. No. 17-362]
To meet the purpose of this Code, the nonpartisanship of City Councilors and their appointees is important for the public confidence in their conduct in fulfilling their duties. In fulfilling their duties and obligations to the citizens of the City of Bangor, City Councilors and their appointees are expected to maintain the nonpartisan structure and intent of Bangor's form of local governance. To this end, City Councilors and their appointees shall conduct themselves in a nonpartisan manner, favoring no political party, and shall refrain from active participation in the election campaign of any particular candidate, whenever they are identified with, or closely associated with, their roles as Bangor public officials or appointees. In such circumstances, public officials and appointees should take care to identify themselves as private individuals, explicitly separating their statements and actions from their office or appointment.
As used in this code, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated:
BOARD
All statutory and nonstatutory boards now existing or hereafter created under the City Charter or by virtue of any ordinance, order or resolve adopted by the Bangor City Council, including, without limitation, the following:
[Amended 1-13-1997 by Ord. No. 97-59]
A. 
Banair Corporation Board of Directors.
B. 
Bangor Recreation District Board of Directors.
C. 
Board of Appeals.
D. 
Board of Assessment Review.
E. 
Board of Ethics.
F. 
Hersey Fund Board of Trustees.
G. 
Planning Board.
H. 
Sophia Kirstein Loan Fund Board of Trustees.
I. 
Superintending School Committee.
J. 
Tree Board.
[Added 10-25-2004 by Ord. No. 04-249]
BOARD MEMBER
Any person elected to membership or associate membership on a City board or appointed to such a board by or under the authority of the Bangor City Council.
BUSINESS
Any corporation, partnership, individual, sole proprietorship, joint venture or any other legally recognized entity organized for the purposes of making a profit.
CITY COUNCIL
For purposes of this code, references to the City Council shall be construed to mean the City Council of the City of Bangor and any of the committees or subcommittees thereof.
CITY COUNCILOR
A member of the Bangor City Council.
CITY EMPLOYEE
Any individual working for, on a permanent or temporary basis, and drawing an hourly wage or salary from the City of Bangor. The term "City employee" shall not include outside consultants or professional personnel providing services to the City as independent contractors under a written professional services contract or other similar engagement.
COMMISSION
All committees, commissions or other public bodies now existing or hereafter created by virtue of any ordinance, order or resolve adopted by the Bangor City Council, including, without limitation, the following:
[Amended 2-13-2012 by Ord. No. 12-068; 2-13-2012 by Ord. No. 12-069]
A. 
Bangor Housing Authority Commission.
B. 
Economic Development Advisory Commission.
C. 
Firearms Discharge Committee.
D. 
Historic Preservation Commission.
E. 
Nursing Facility Advisory Committee.
F. 
Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee.
COMMISSION MEMBER
Any person appointed to membership or associate membership on a City commission or committee by or under the authority of the Bangor City Council.
FINANCIAL INTEREST
A direct or indirect interest having monetary or pecuniary value, including but not limited to the ownership of shares of stock. A City employee, City Councilor, board member or commission member or any member of that person's immediate family who holds a financial interest in a disclosed blind trust shall not be deemed to have a conflict of interest with regard to matters pertaining to assets held by the trust.
IMMEDIATE FAMILY
Spouse, children, parents. siblings, including step, half, and in-law relations, and domestic partner of a City employee, City Councilor, board member or commission member.
[Amended 6-11-2007 by Ord. No. 07-174]
PERSONAL INTEREST
Any interest of a City employee acting in their private capacity as a resident, landowner, taxpayer, citizen, or member of the general public.
[Added 10-25-2004 by Ord. No. 04-249]
SPECIAL INTEREST
A direct or indirect interest having value peculiar to a certain individual or group, whether economic or otherwise, which value may accrue to such individual or group as a result of the passage or denial of any order, ordinance or resolution or the approval or disapproval thereof by the City Council, board or commission and which interest is not shared by the general public.
Violations of this code shall be punishable by civil fine as provided in Chapter 9, City Council, Article III, Ordinances, § 9-26 of the Code of the City of Bangor. In addition to any other penalties or remedies as may be provided by law, violation of this code shall constitute cause for censure, after notice and hearing conducted by the City Council. A majority of the Bangor City Council shall conduct such proceedings. A violation of this code by a City employee shall also constitute proper grounds for dismissal or other disciplinary action as provided in the City's published Personnel Rules and Regulations.