ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS City Council
August 11, 2026
TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM: Jeff Boynton, City Manager
ORIGINATED BY: Anne Haraksin, Assistant City Manager
SUBJECT: RESOLUTION NO. 26-22 AMENDING ADMINISTRATIVE POLICY NO. 0-02 PERTAINING TO THE CODE OF ETHICAL CONDUCT
BACKGROUND
On August 13, 2002, the City Council adopted Administrative Policy No. 0-02 pertaining to the Code of Ethical Conduct. Providing ethical governance is among the City's highest values and the Code of Ethical Conduct was adopted to assure public confidence in the integrity of local government and its effective operation.
The Code of Ethical Conduct establishes standards of conduct for members of the City Council, the City's commissions, councils and committees, employees, volunteers and all elected and appointed public officials. The Code articulates that these members, employees and volunteers are expected to approach their position with the highest ideals of honor and integrity to avoid undue influence in decision-making. Members of the City Council, the City's commissions and other advisory bodies, employees, and volunteers are required to sign the Code of Ethical Conduct prior to commencing their duties with the City.
FINDINGS
The Code of Ethical Conduct is reviewed annually by the City Council to consider any updates. At the City Council's Retreat meeting on April 17, the City Council discussed revisions to the Code of Ethical Conduct. The Code of Ethical Conduct that was presented included a change to the placement of the "Your Mission" provision. This item is now listed first rather than last, as was suggested at last year's Retreat meeting.
During this year's Retreat meeting, the City Council expressed support for combining Sections 1 and 2 related to the Mission and Conduct of Members and for adding a new section to address Public Communication and the Use of Social Media. At the Study Session meeting on July 14, the City Council reviewed and discussed a draft version of the Code of Ethical Conduct incorporating these modifications. During the Study Session meeting, members of the City Council expressed support for combining Sections 1 and 2 related to the Mission and Conduct of Members. However, it was requested that the AGENDA NO. 9.1
Code of Ethical Conduct
City Council Meeting of August 11, 2026
proposed Section 18 related to Public Communication and the Use of Social Media be revised as follows:
18. Public Communication and Use of Social Media
Members are expected to follow the same standards of conduct online as they would in person. Members shall avoid statements that misrepresent the community and shall communicate in a respectful and professional manner. Members shall maintain a professional tone in all communications and avoid engaging in heated discussions or personal attacks online.
Members shall comply with the Ralph M. Brown Act as it applies to social media, including Government Code Section 54952.2. A "majority of the members" shall not use an internet-based social media platform to discuss among themselves business within the subject matter jurisdiction of the body. A member shall not respond directly to, react to (including a "like" or similar digital icon), or repost any communication regarding a matter within the body's jurisdiction that is made, posted, or shared by any other member of the same body. Nothing in this section restricts a member from using social media to answer questions, provide information to, or solicit information from the public regarding matters within the body's jurisdiction.
The proposed resolution would amend Administrative Policy No. 0-02 pertaining to the Code of Ethical Conduct with the revisions discussed at the Study Session meeting on July 14.
RECOMMENDED ACTION
It is recommended the City Council adopt Resolution No. 26-22 amending Administrative Policy No. 0-02 pertaining to the Code of Ethical Conduct. 2 RESOLUTION NO. 26-22
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA MIRADA AMENDING ADMINISTRATIVE POLICY NO. 0-02 PERTAINING TO THE
CODE OF ETHICAL CONDUCT
Recitals.
(i). On August 13, 2002, the City Council adopted Administrative Policy No. 0-02 ertaining to the Code of Ethical Conduct. The Code ot Ethical Conduct wa dopted to assure public confidence in the intearity of local government an its effective and fair operation.
(ii). The Code of Ethical Conduct establishes standards of conduct for members of the City Council, the City's commissions, councils and committees, employees, volunteers and all elected and appointed public officials. The Code of Ethical Conduct articulates that these members, employees and volunteers are expected to approach their position with the highest ideals of honor and integrity to avoid undue influence in decision-making. (iii). Section 19 of the Code of Ethical Conduct provides that the document shall be annually reviewed by the City Council to consider any updates. In 2008 and 2015, the Code of Ethical Conduct was amended to revise the format and language of the Code.
(iv). The City Council now desires to amend the Code of Ethical Conduct by combining the existing Sections 1 and 2 related to the Mission and Conduct of Members and adding a new Section 18 to address Public Communication and the Use of Social Media.
(V). The amended Administrative Policy No. 0-02 pertaining to the Code of Ethical Conduct is attached hereto as "Attachment A".
(vi). All legal prerequisites to the adoption of this Resolution have occurred.
B. Resolution.
NOW, THEREFORE, be it found, determined and resolved as follows:
(i). In all respects as set forth in the Recitals, Part A, of this Resolution are true and correct.
(ii). The Administrative Policy No. 0-02 pertaining to the Code of Ethical Conduct attached hereto as "Attachment A" is hereby adopted and approved, in its entirety.
(ili). The City Clerk shall certify to the adoption of this Resolution.
Resolution No. 26-22
August 11, 2026
APPROVED AND ADOPTED this 11th day of August 2026.
Anthony A. Otero, Mayor
ATTEST:
1, Leticia Revilla, City Clerk of the City of La Mirada do hereby certify that the foregoing Resolution No. 26-22 was adopted at a regular meeting of the City Council of the City of _a Mirada held on the 11t day of August, 2026, by the following roll call vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
Leticia Revilla, City Clerk
2 ATTACHMENT A
CITY OF LA MIRADA
ADMINISTRATIVE POLICY
Policy 0-02 CODE OF ETHICAL CONDUCT
PREAMBLE
The citizens and businesses of La Mirada are entitled to have fair, ethical and accountable local government, which has earned the public's full confidence for integrity. In keeping with the City of La Mirada's commitment to excellence, the effective functioning of government requires that:
• Public officials, both elected and appointed, comply with both the letter and spirit of all laws, regulations and policies;
• Public officials be independent, impartial and fair in their judgment and actions; • Public office be used for the public good, not for personal gain; • Public deliberations and processes be conducted openly, unless legally confidential, in an atmosphere of respect and civility.
To this end, the La Mirada City Council has adopted a Code of Ethical Conduct for members of the City Council, the City's commissions, councils and committees, employees, volunteers and all elected and appointed public officials to assure public confidence in the integrity of local government and its effective and fair operation.
1. Conduct of Members
Ethical leadership begins with you. Trustworthy leaders have strong commitments to their organizations, their team, and the collective goals of that team. As a member of the La Mirada team, you are held to the highest ethical standards of conduct.
Members shall be dedicated to the highest ideals of honor and integrity in all public and personal relationships so as to merit the respect, confidence, and trust of the public. Honesty, integrity and professionalism shall be demonstrated in the performance of their duties. The professional and personal conduct of members must be above reproach and avoid even the appearance of impropriety. Members shall approach organizational and operational duties with a positive attitude and constructively support open communication, creativity, dedication, and compassion.
Members shall never report for duty while under the influence of alcohol or intoxicating drugs.
City Council Adoption: Jeff Boynton City Manager
CITY OF LA MIRADA
ADMINISTRATIVE POLICY
Conflict of Interest
In order to assure their independence and impartiality on behalf of the common good, members shall not use their official positions to influence government decisions in which they have a material financial interest or where they have an organizational responsibility or personal relationship, which may give the appearance of a conflict of interest.
In accordance with the law, members shall disclose investments, interests in real property, sources of income, and gifts. They shall abstain from participating in deliberations and decision-making where conflicts may exist.
Confidential Information
Members shall take care not to disclose to others, or use to further personal interests, confidential information acquired in the course of official duties.
Representation of Private Interests
Members shall not represent themselves as a City official to any outside interest, before any agency, whether public or private, except with the authorization of or at the direction of the City. In addition, members shall not authorize the use of or use for the benefit or advantage of any person, the name, emblem, endorsement, or property of the City.
Gifts and Favors
Members shall not take any special advantage of services or opportunities for personal gain by virtue of their public office that is not available to the public in general at mishal man in their pie and its revers or promise of erne appearance of being compromised.
Personal Favors
Members shall seek no favor; personal profit secured by confidential information or by misuse of public time is dishonest.
Use of Public Resources
Members shall not use public resources not available to the public in general, such as City staff time, equipment, supplies or facilities for private gain or personal purposes.
Advocacy
Members shall use discretion when endorsing candidates for public office and shall not use any City affiliation in taking action on issues against the official position of the City or in violation of the Code of Ethical Conduct 2 CITY OF LA MIRADA
ADMINISTRATIVE POLICY
Respect for Others
Members shall refrain from abusive conduct, personal charges or verbal attacks upon the character or motives of members of the City Council, advisory bodies, staff or public.
10. Professionalism
Members shall always strive for personal professional excellence and encourage the professional development of team members.
11. Improper Influence
Members shall not advocate the hiring of a relative for employment with the City.
12. Comply with the Law
Members shall never falsify any City report or record, or any report or record required to be filed
13. Respect for Process
Members shall perform their duties in accordance with the processes and rules of order established by the City Council governing the deliberation of public policy issues and encourage meaningful involvement of the public.
14. Policy Role of Members
Members shall respect and adhere to the council-manager structure of La Mirada City government. In this structure, the City Council determines the policies of the City with the advice, information and analysis provided by the public, advisory bodies and City staff. Members shall not interfere with the administrative functions of the City or the professional duties of City staff, nor shall they impair the ability of staff to implement Council policy decisions.
15. Conduct at Public Meetings
Members shall prepare themselves for public issues, listen courteously and attentively to all public discussions before the body and focus on the business at hand. They shall refrain from interrupting other speakers, making personal comments not germane to the business of the body or otherwise interfering with the orderly conduct of meetings. Members shall base their decisions on the merits and substance of the matter at hand, rather than on unrelated considerations.
16. Open Communication
Members shall publicly share substantive information that is relevant to a matter under consideration by the City Council, commissions, councils and committees that they may have received from sources outside of the public decision-making process.
3 CITY OF LA MIRADA
ADMINISTRATIVE POLICY
17. Positive Work Environment
Members shall support the maintenance of a positive and constructive workplace environment for City employees and for citizens and businesses dealing with the City. Members shall recognize their special role in dealings with City employees and in no way create the perception of inappropriate direction to staff.
18. Public Communication and Use of Social Media
Members are expected to follow the same standards of conduct online as they vould in person. Members shall avoid statements that misrepresent the communit and shall communicate in a respectful and professional manner. Members shal maintain a professional tone in all communications and avoid engaging in heated discussions or personal attacks online.
Members shall comply with the Ralph M. Brown Act as it applies to social media, including Government Code Section 54952.2. A "majority of the members" shall not use an internet-based social media platform to discuss among themselves business within the subject matter jurisdiction of the body. A member shall not respond directly to, react to (including a "like" or similar digital icon), or repost any communication regarding a matter within the body's jurisdiction that is made, posted, or shared by any other member of the same body. Nothing in this section restricts a member from using social media to answer questions, provide information to, or solicit information from the public regarding matters within the body's jurisdiction.
19. Compliance and Enforcement
As an expression of the standards of conduct for members expected by the City, the La Mirada Code of Ethical Conduct is intended to be self-enforcing. It therefore becomes most effective when members are thoroughly familiar with it and embrace its provisions.
For this reason, ethical standards shall be included in the regular orientations for candidates for City Council, applicants to commissions and other advisory bodies, and newly elected and appointed officials. Members entering office shall sign a statement affirming they read and understood the City of La Mirada Code of Ethical Conduct, included as Attachment "A." In addition, the Code of Ethical Conduct shall be annually reviewed and the City Council shall consider recommendations and update it as necessary.
4 CITY OF LA MIRADA
ADMINISTRATIVE POLICY
Attachment "A"
ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF CODE OF ETHICAL CONDUCT POLICY 0-02
I acknowledge that I have received a copy of the City of La Mirada Code of Ethical Print Name Position
Signature Date