1 Donna FinchAssistant to the City Manager
May 18, 2022
Code of Ethics and Conduct
Presentation Overview
What is a Code of Conduct?
Why have one?
Current Code of Ethics
Code of Conduct Policy
Recommendation
2 The Ask…
That the City Council review and approve the proposed Code of Ethics and Conduct for Elected and Appointed Officials. 3 What is a Code of Conduct?
Rules and expectations established by City leadership for how they conduct themselves while carrying out their duties.
Why Have a Code of Conduct?
Enhance public trust
1 Lead by example
2 Promote a culture of civility and respect
3 Avoid misunderstandings
4 Improve accountability
5 Why Have a Code of Conduct?
6 PREVENTION
We don’t want to be the
next headline!
Current Code of EthicsCMC Chapter 2.09
7 Establishes guidelines for ethical standards and conduct for city officials.
Applies to elected and appointed officials:
City Council Members
City Treasurer
Individuals appointed to city boards, commissions and committees Includes brief section on Proper Conduct and Professionalism.
Last updated May 18, 2011
Recommended Changes to Code of Ethics
Based on local government best practices.
Replace Proper Conduct and Professionalism section with expanded Code of Conduct Administrative Policy outlining:
Conduct with each other
Conduct with city staff
Conduct with the public
Conduct with other public agencies
City Council conduct with Boards and Commissions
Conduct with the media
Clarify responsibilities and enforcement of the Code.
8 Code of Conduct Policy
Conduct Among Officials
In Public Meetings:
Use formal titles
Practice civility and decorum
Respect the role of the Presiding Officer
Prepare for public meetings
In Private Encounters:
Continue respectful behavior
Handle written and verbal communication with care
Conduct with
City Staff
Be professional in interactions
Direct questions to the City Manager
Do not disrupt staff from their jobs
Never publicly criticize an individual staff member
Do not get involved in administrative functions
Inquire before corresponding on operational issues
Limit requests for staff support
Do not solicit political support
Conduct with
the Public
In Public Meetings:
Be welcoming; actively listen
Be fair in allocating public comment time
Maintain an open mind
Avoid debate/arguments
No personal attacks
In Unofficial Settings (including Social Media):
Make no promises on behalf of the City
No personal comments about other officials
Be professional and civil
Code of Conduct Policy
Be clear about representing the City or personal interests Correspondece should be equally clear about representation Be professional and respectful when interacting with other officials Only personal opinions should be reflected if attending board/commission meetings (do not represent the Council) Limit contact to questions of clarification
Remember board members and commissioners serve the community, not individual Council Members Be respectful of diverse opinions
Keep political support away from public forums
Conduct with other Public Agencies
Mayor and City Manger are the designated spokespeople for high profile media inquiries Coordinate repsonses with staff for consistency and accuracy Conduct with Boards/Commissions
Conduct with the Press/Media
Responsibilities & Enforcement
All city officials responsible for understanding and following the Code.
Mayor and Council have additional responsibility to act on violations:
Mayor is responsible for initiating action
Violations may be raised by any official with the full Council in a public meeting Officials who violate the Code are subject to:
Public reprimand or censure
Loss of regional board/committee assignments
Removal of Board Members/Commissioners by the City Council Loss of appointment/removal from Vice Mayor or Mayor position 11 Ethics and Conduct Training
12 All city officials will receive Ethics and Conduct training during orientation.
Code of Conduct Quick Reference guide will be provided.
Recommendation
That the City Council review and approve the proposed Code of Ethics and Conduct for Elected and Appointed Officials. 13 Questions?
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www.CoronaCA.gov