AGENDA
ITEM
10 AGENDA
CALEXICO California ITEM
WHERE CALIFORNIA AND MEXICO MEET
10 CITY COUNCIL
AGENDA STAFF REPORT
DATE: July 1, 2026
City Council
APPROVED BY: Benjamin Martinez, City Manager Bra
PREPARED BY: Laura Estrada, City Attorney LE
SUBJECT: Adoption of Code of Ethics and Conduct
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Recommendation:
It is recommended that the City Council review, discuss, and adopt the Code of Ethics and Conduct for Elected Officials and Members of Appointed Boards, Commissions and Committees.
Background:
Elected and appointed officials are entrusted with making decisions that affect the health, safety, welfare, and quality of life of the community. Maintaining ethical standards is essential to ensuring transparent, accountable, and effective local government. The proposed Code of Ethics and Conduct establish principles and standards intended to guide the actions and behavior of elected and appointed officials while serving the public.
Discussion and Analysis:
A Code of Ethics and Conduct establishes ethical standards for officials, emphasizing principles like integrity, honesty, accountability and fairness to ensure public trust and governance.
Adoption of the Code will provide elected and appointed officials with a clear statement of the City's expectations regarding ethical conduct and public service.
If adopted, the Code of Ethics and Conduct shall become effective immediately upon approval by the City Council and shall apply to all elected officials and members of appointed boards, commissions, and committees.
Fiscal Impact:
None at this time.
Coordinated With:
City Attorney's Office
Attachment(s):
1. Code of Ethics and Conduct Policy
ATTACHMENT NO. 1
CITY OF CALEXICO
CODE OF ETHICS AND CONDUCT FOR ELECTED AND APPOINTED OFFICIALS SECTION 1. PURPOSE
The purpose of this Code of Ethics and Conduct ("Code") is to promote public confidence in the integrity, fairness, transparency, and professionalism of the City of Calexico's government
This Code establishes standards of ethical conduct for elected officials and appointed officials. The City recognizes that public service is a public trust and that officials are expected to carry out their duties in compliance with federal law, California law, and City policies.
For purposes of this Code:
"Elected Officials" means members of the City Council.
• "Appointed Officials" means members of City boards, commissions, and committees.
• "Officials" means members of the City Council, and Commissioners. • "City" means the City of Calexico.
SECTION 2. GENERAL ETHICAL PRINCIPLES
Officials shall:
1. Act in the public interest and promote the common good of the City of Calexico.
2. Treat members of the public, fellow officials, and City employees with dignity, professionalism, and respect.
3. Exercise independent judgment and make decisions based on the merits of the matter before them.
4. Comply with all applicable laws governing ethics, conflicts of interest, open meetings, and use of public resources.
5. Conduct themselves in a manner that promotes public confidence in local government.
SECTION 3. COMPLIANCE WITH LAW
Officials shall comply with all applicable provisions of:
• The United States Constitution;
• The Constitution and laws of the State of California; • The California Political Reform Act;
• The Ralph M. Brown Act;
• The California Public Records Act;
1 • Applicable conflict-of-interest laws and regulations; • City ordinances, resolutions, and policies.
SECTION 4. PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT
Officials shall perform their duties in a professional and respectful manner.
Officials shall not engage in conduct during official meetings or City business that materially disrupts proceedings or constitutes unlawful harassment, discrimination, retaliation, or abusive conduct prohibited by law.
Officials may disagree on policy matters but should refrain from personal attacks, intimidation, or conduct intended to undermine the orderly administration of City business.
Officials are expected to work together in the best interest of the City.
Officials shall attend and actively participate in all regular and special meetings of the City Council, commissions, committees and other bodies to which they are appointed or elected.
SECTION 5. DECISION-MAKING AND FAIR PROCESS
Officials shall base decisions on the merits of the issues presented and applicable law.
When acting in a quasi-judicial capacity, officials shall:
1. Maintain an open mind until all evidence and public testimony have been received; and
2. Base decisions on the administrative record and applicable law.
SECTION 6. CONFLICTS OF INTEREST
Officials shall avoid conflicts of interest and comply with all disclosure and disqualification requirements imposed by California law.
No official shall participate in, attempt to influence, or use their official position to affect a governmental decision in which the official has a disqualifying financial interest under the California Political Reform Act or other applicable law.
Officials shall timely file all required Statements of Economic Interests (Form 700) and other legally required disclosures.
Officials are responsible for complying with applicable law.
SECTION 7. GIFTS, FAVORS, AND IMPROPER INFLUENCE
2 Officials shall not solicit or accept gifts, favors, loans, or other benefits that could reasonably be expected to influence the performance of official duties or create a prohibited conflict of interest under California law.
Officials shall comply with all gift reporting, limitations, and disqualification requirements established by state law and regulations of the California Fair Political Practices Commission.
Officials shall not use their official position to secure special privileges or advantages unavailable to the general public.
SECTION 8. CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION
Elected Officials shall protect confidential information obtained through their official positions to the extent required by law.
Elected Officials shall not disclose or misuse confidential, privileged, or closed-session information for personal benefit or for the benefit of another person or entity unless disclosure is authorized or required by law.
SECTION 9. USE OF PUBLIC RESOURCES
Officials shall not use City personnel, equipment, supplies, facilities, or other public resources for personal purposes, political campaign activity, or private gain except as permitted by law.
Use of public resources shall comply with California Government Code section 8314 and related laws.
SECTION 10. ADVOCACY AND REPRESENTATION
Officials shall clearly distinguish between personal opinions and official City positions.
SECTION 11. RESPECTFUL COMMUNICATIONS
Officials are encouraged to foster an environment of professionalism, civility, and constructive public engagement.
Officials should:
• Listen courteously to public concerns;
• Respect differing viewpoints;
• Encourage open and transparent government processes; and • Promote public confidence in the integrity of City government. 3 SECTION 12. TRAINING
Officials shall complete ethics training required by California law, including AB 1234 ethics training, and any additional training required by the City.
SECTION 13. ELECTED OFFICIALS RELATION WITH CITY STAFF
Elected Officials must respect the Council-Manager form of government. The City Manager implements Council's vision, policies, and goals through the City staff and is responsible for directing the day-to-day operations of the City. This policy is intended to. establish boundaries and expectations based upon the role of the City Manager.
When communicating and working with City staff, Elected Officials should follow the guidelines below:
1. Elected Officials must be professional in all situations and circumstances.
2. Elected Officials should not set up meetings with department staff directly but work through the City Manager.
3. Elected Officials should not direct program administrative functions and implementation.
4. Elected Officials should attempt to communicate questions, corrections, and/or clarifications about reports requiring official action to the City Manager before the council meeting.
5. Elected Officials should not direct the City Manager or Staff to initiate any action, change a course of action, or prepare any report without the approval of the council.
6. Elected Officials should not attend department staff meetings unless requested by the City Manager.
7. Elected Officials should direct any concerns related to the behavior or work of a city employee to the City Manager.
SECTION 14. ADMINISTRATION OF THE CODE
This Code is intended primarily as a guide for ethical conduct and professional expectations.
SECTION 15. REVIEW AND UPDATES
This code of ethics may be amended by the Elected Officials at a noticed public meeting in open session.
4 CITY OF CALEXICO VALUES STATEMENT
The following values are aspirational principles intended to guide public service within the City of Calexico.
Officials should strive to be:
Ethical
Acting with integrity, honesty, fairness, and accountability.
Professional
Demonstrating competence, preparedness, reliability, and respect in all official duties.
Service-Oriented
Providing responsive, courteous, and equitable service to the public.
Organized and Effective
Making informed decisions based on facts, research, and established procedures.
Communicative
Encouraging respectful dialogue, transparency, and open communication.
Collaborative
Working cooperatively with colleagues, staff, residents, and partner agencies.
Progressive and Innovative
Promoting thoughtful innovation and continuous improvement in City services and governance.
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